TEMPE, AZ (July 13) – It is with great pleasure that the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (“ITA”) announces Joe Gentry’s addition to the organization as the Managing Director of Communications and External Engagement. Gentry brings a comprehensive background in college tennis and athletic administration to this newly-created position.
In addition to his duties as Director of Marketing & Corporate Partnership, Director of Sales, Manager of TV/Radio, and radio play-by-play announcer, Gentry has also been a sport administrator for both the Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs at Butler University.
“The ITA and college tennis find ourselves at a critical moment amidst the fast-paced ever-changing landscape of college athletics,” said ITA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Timothy Russell. “As we work to share our messages both internally with coaches within our Association and externally throughout the tennis and intercollegiate athletic arenas, we are delighted to add a versatile and experienced communicator in Joe Gentry to our senior leadership team. We are also delighted to have found someone with a strong background in serving corporate partners as well as a seasoned veteran of the broadcast space as the ITA continues our quest to feature college tennis both on linear TV as well as through streaming media.”
Currently in his 34th year within intercollegiate athletics, Gentry brings a wealth of knowledge as both a collegiate tennis player and coach, NCAA Division II Committee chair, and collegiate administrator. Gentry has served time as an Assistant Tennis Coach at Butler and the University of Indianapolis, prior to becoming head coach at UIndy from 1990-1999.
“I have prepared throughout my career for an opportunity like this, and I am grateful to Tim and Chief Operating Officer Dave Mullins for entrusting me with it,” said Gentry.
As the Managing Director of Communications and External Engagement, Gentry will directly oversee the Marketing and Communications department at the ITA, while working hand-in-hand with senior management members to cultivate new and exciting marketing strategies, partnership, broadcast, and communication efforts.
ITA CEO Russell added, “The ITA is very grateful to Tom Jacobs and his team at SP Athletics which led the search for this position.”
Gentry will begin his new role on August 1.
About The ITA
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is the governing body of college tennis and is committed to serving college tennis and returning the leaders of tomorrow while promoting both the athletic and academic achievements of the collegiate tennis community. The ITA, founded in 1956, is comprised of nearly 1,700 men’s and women’s varsity tennis teams representing over 1,250 institutions, administers numerous regional and national championships, and the ITA College Tennis Rankings for nearly 20,000 college varsity student-athletes at NCAA Division I, II, and III; NAIA; and Junior College levels. The ITA also has a comprehensive awards program for players and coaches to honor excellence in academics, leadership, and sportsmanship. For more information on the ITA, visit WeAreCollegeTennis.com and follow the ITA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About SP Athletics
SP Athletics is a specialized Sports Consulting and Recruiting, Executive Search and Leadership Development firm founded in 2001. We work with college athletic departments, clubs and golf courses on consulting projects and to recruit coaching, director and other sports jobs. Our portfolio of clients includes institutions and domestic and international organizations of all sizes representing a wide range of vertical markets. The SP Athletics team includes dedicated, uniquely experienced Partners. These professionals have held positions as top-level intercollegiate athletic administrators, head coaches and student athletes. Our efforts are supported by thought-leading Allied Partners who help to extend our consulting services and networking reach.
