Wittenberg University’s David B. and Georgiana S. Albright Tennis Complex has undergone a transformation that gives Tigers who love racquet sports their most welcoming and high-tech facility yet.

Located at the intersection of Bill Edwards Dr. and Lowry Ave., the Albright Tennis Complex has served campus well over the course of nearly three decades. With the latest restoration, the six-court facility features an acrylic hard surface, similar to the surface utilized by the United States Tennis Association at its Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, host of the U.S. Open.

“The courts will have great bounce and grab for the ball, and since they are so new, they will play slightly slower than a normal pace of hard court,” said Tyler Johnston, Wittenberg’s head coach for men’s and women’s tennis. “Over time they will speed up because of normal natural wear and play.”

Wittenberg worked with Heiberger Paving, Inc., to complete the project. The same company worked with The Ohio State University to prepare the playing surface for the Ty Tucker Tennis Center in Columbus.

Johnston is thrilled to have his team playing and practicing at such an outstanding on-campus facility. He worked closely with members of Wittenberg’s Office of University Advancement over 18 months to secure funding for the project.

The completion of the project is satisfying to Vice President for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement Rebecca Kocher as well. She recognizes the value of the facility to all University constituencies, from prospective students to current students, faculty, and staff, to alumni.

“These renovations are a tribute to our tennis program and the student-athletes who invest so much time and energy into representing their University,” Kocher said. “In addition, our alumni are going to enjoy returning to the courts to watch matches or participate in events, and prospective students will be able to see the University’s commitment to the program and Coach Johnston’s vision for the future.”

The branding is perhaps the most significant alteration for visitors familiar with the facility’s past appearance. Everything in and around the Albright Tennis Complex makes it clear that this is the home of the Tigers, while also hopefully serving as a springboard to future racquet sport opportunities for members of the local community.

“We have a vision to utilize this facility beyond the intercollegiate tennis program,” Johnston said. “We would like to invite members of the Wittenberg community and greater Springfield community to use the courts for club tennis, recreational play, adult and junior programming, group lessons, private lessons, and summer camps. More information on these opportunities will be provided at the end of our fall season.”