Pride Steps Down as Cumberland Tennis Coach After One Season; Nicholls State Opportunity Beckons

Photo / Cumberland University

LEBANON, TN — Cumberland University Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach Dell Pride has resigned from his position after leading the Phoenix programs for one season, the university announced. Pride will move on to pursue an NCAA Division I coaching opportunity at Nicholls State.

While his time at Cumberland was brief, Pride’s impact was immediate—bringing both teams into the national conversation and positioning the Phoenix for postseason momentum.

Women’s Tennis Surges to National Spotlight

Under Pride’s direction, the women’s tennis team finished the season 11–10 overall and secured an at-large berth to the NAIA National Championship. At the national tournament, Cumberland delivered its biggest statement in years, earning its first national tournament victory since 2008.

The Phoenix toppled No. 15-seeded Morningside in a thrilling 4–3 upset, propelling Cumberland into the tournament’s second round. The team also reached as high as No. 18 in the national rankings during the season, marking a major rise for the program.

Men’s Program Battled a Tough Road and Earned Recognition

On the men’s side, Cumberland posted an 8–13 record, competing against one of the most challenging schedules in the NAIA landscape. Even with the grind of high-level opposition, the Phoenix made their mark—climbing as high as No. 19 nationally during the year.

Two standout performers, Arthur Fernandes and Mohamed Bouhlel, both earned Second Team All-Mid-South Conference honors, finishing the season with the kind of consistency Pride’s coaching staff had hoped to build.

Cumberland Athletics Thanks Pride

Cumberland Athletics expressed gratitude to Pride for his contributions to both programs and acknowledged the foundation he helped create during his tenure.

“Cumberland Athletics thanks Coach Pride for his contributions to the Phoenix tennis programs and wishes him continued success in his future endeavors,” the university said.

Pride’s departure leaves Cumberland preparing for the next chapter of its men’s and women’s tennis programs and a search for the next coach to lead the Phoenix.