Cumberland Names Tim Dunford Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Tennis

Photo / Cumberland Athletics

LEBANON, TN — Cumberland University Vice President for Athletics Ron Pavan has announced the hiring of Tim Dunford as the new head coach for the Phoenix men’s and women’s tennis programs.

Dunford, a veteran collegiate coach with more than 15 years of head coaching experience, joins Cumberland after successful tenures across NCAA Division II and Division III programs. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for turning around teams, developing student-athletes, and establishing winning team cultures.

“I am very excited to hire Tim Dunford as our new head men's and women's tennis coach,” Pavan said. “Tim brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Cumberland University. He is a proven winner on and off the tennis court.”

Strong Impact at Bluefield State

Most recently, Dunford served as Director of Tennis and head coach of both the men’s and women’s tennis programs at Bluefield State University. During his first season, he led the women’s team to a 10–4 record, including an undefeated mark in CIAA play and the program’s first NCAA Regional appearance. His leadership also coincided with major individual honors, including coaching the CIAA Player of the Year (Female) and earning CIAA Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year recognition.

On the men’s side, Dunford worked to revitalize the program, guiding the team to a strong start in his second season before injuries slowed momentum.

Coaching Stops Across Multiple Programs

Before his time at Bluefield State, Dunford led programs at Tusculum, Ashland, West Virginia Wesleyan, Brewton-Parker, King, Albion, the College of Wooster, and Thiel College. His track record includes inheriting teams in transition and raising their performance through recruiting, player development, and a student-athlete centered coaching philosophy.

His résumé also includes building two programs from the ground up, producing conference award winners, and developing nationally ranked players and doubles teams, along with multiple ITA Academic Team recognitions.

“Sleeping Giants” Mindset

Dunford expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity and what he believes is ahead for both teams.

“I would like to thank Mr. Pavan for this incredible opportunity,” Dunford said. “I am both humbled and excited to now be a part of two programs that have such a rich history. I truly believe that these teams are sleeping giants, not just within the region, but nationally as well. I look forward to leading these storied programs to the prominence that they deserve!”

Academic and Championship Tradition

Cumberland’s new coach also comes with a strong record of academic achievement. His teams have regularly earned ITA All-Academic Team recognition, with multiple players receiving Scholar-Athlete honors.

Cumberland’s Recent Results

The Cumberland women’s tennis program earned an at-large berth to the NAIA National Championship last season, finishing 11–10. The women won their first match at the NAIA National Championship for the first time since 2008.

The men’s team went 8–13 last season. However, the program previously made four consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances before last year.

Next Step for Dunford

Dunford will be the latest head coach to lead two programs with long-standing tradition at Cumberland, and he is expected to begin working later in July.