The City of Murfreesboro has hired John D. Kreis as the first tennis professional for the Adams Indoor Tennis Complex. Kreis joins the team from Norfolk, Virginia, where he has served as the Director of Tennis at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club since 2006.
"John Kreis has an impressive tennis history that includes successful coaching at the NCAA Division I level," said Parks & Recreation Director Lanny Goodwin. "We could not be more excited about the breadth of experience and professionalism John will deliver to tennis in the City of Murfreesboro."
As the new Head Tennis Professional, Kreis will be responsible for overseeing individual and group tennis lessons, tennis leagues, tournaments, and establishing a youth tennis academy. Kreis will also manage staff responsible for assisting with tennis activities.
"I am delighted to be the Head Tennis Professional for the City of Murfreesboro and a part of a great team at the Adams Tennis Complex," said John Kreis. "We have an incredible facility and we look forward to providing outstanding instruction, programming, and events for all the citizens of Murfreesboro."
In addition to 17 years as a Tennis Director in both the club and resort environment, Kreis spent 13 years head coaching in the Southeastern Conference for Tennessee, Mississippi State and Alabama. In the early 1990s he led Alabama to three appearances in the NCAA Team Championships, including the quarterfinal in 1993. Kreis's coaching produced 8 All-Americans, 22 All-SEC and 11 Academic All-SEC awards.
Under his leadership at the University of Tennessee from 1994-1997, Kreis guided the Volunteers to the most wins ever (19) by a first year coach, finishing number 16 in the nation. In 1996, Kreis' top Vol duo of Chris Mahony and Pablo Montana were doubles champions at the National Indoor Championships. At Mississippi State from 1984-1988, the Bulldogs returned to a top-20 national ranking after a 20-year absence. Kreis was Head Coach for both the men's and women's teams at Mississippi State.
"The hiring of John Kreis continues to fulfill the vision the City and MTSU had when we first endeavored to build a permanent home for Blue Raider Tennis and superb recreational opportunities for the Murfreesboro community," added Lanny Goodwin.
Prior to serving as Director of Tennis at the Norfolk Club, Kreis was Tennis Director at Olde Providence Racquet Club in Charlotte and at The Cloister in Sea Island, Georgia (St. Simmons Island Club). Kreis's 30 years of professional experience includes teaching tennis at all levels from beginners to world-ranked touring professionals. As Tennis Director in Norfolk, he had management and oversight responsibilities of all tennis staff, coaching and adult league formation as well as supervising and maintenance of tennis facilities.
Kreis's accomplishments include the development of an after-school tennis program with over 100 participants at Olde Providence Racquet Club in Charlotte. The Club's advanced player development component produced several Division I tennis scholarship recipients. At Olde Providence, he also helped create a Charlotte Pro Tennis League by securing sponsorship monies.
In mid-1990s, Kreis served as chairman of the NCAA Division I Men's Tennis Committee, directing the largest amateur tennis event in the world during the 1996 Championship at the University of Georgia and 1997 Championship in Los Angeles. During a five-year stint on the Committee, he helped guide the NCAA Tennis Championships from a 20-team event to a 64-team event with 8 regional qualifiers.
City of Murfreesboro and MTSU officials unveiled the new Adams Indoor Tennis Complex in July 2015. The $5.8 million, 70,000 square feet facility at 925 Golf Lane is a partnership between the City, MTSU and the nonprofit Christy-Houston Foundation. Amenities include
eight state-of-the-art courts and support facilities, two electronic scoreboards, locker rooms, lounge area and pro shop with tennis equipment and apparel. The facility is home to both the men's and women's MTSU tennis teams.
The Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department operates the complex, including outdoor court usage and reservations. Adams Tennis Complex members enjoy special rates for court usage, clinics and other benefits. Fees for community usage are available at
http://www.murfreesborotn.gov/tennisfees. The complex also connects to Old Fort Park's 24 outdoor courts, 16 of which are lighted.
The new Adams Tennis Complex hours of operation are Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m-10 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For more information about the Adams Indoor Tennis Complex, visit http://www.murfreesborotn.gov/adamstenniscomplex.
