In his first year at Methodist, Jordan Theron made a big impact. Playing at No. 1 singles all season, Theron posted a 12-4 record. His one loss to a Division III player came in the NCAA tournament to the No. 2 seed. Theron's play earned him a year-end singles ranking of No. 7 nationally and No. 2 in the Atlantic South Region. Theron was also named an ITA Singles All-American -- he was the only Monarch to receive the honor this season.

A Note from Methodist Men's Tennis Head Coach, Kemper Baker

Dear Jordan:

I would like to offer my congratulations on your most recent award - the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie of the Year for NCAA Division III Men’s Tennis. You are certainly a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. You, your family, and your teammates should all be very proud of this monumental achievement.

As I reflect on your first year at Methodist, I recall our first telephone call when you were a recruit. It was October 11, 2019. We had a lengthy conversation about your interests and goals and how Methodist University could help you achieve those goals. I was impressed with your passion, enthusiasm, maturity, and excitement about being a part of a team. I knew at that time that you would go on to accomplish great things whether at Methodist or another institution. I felt as though Methodist offered you a great opportunity and environment to reach your potential, but I had serious doubts about our chances to have you enroll and join our team. Fortunately, after months of conversations and deliberation, you made the decision to matriculate at Methodist and capitalized on every possible opportunity once you arrived. This decision, followed by your actions and willingness to work, resulted in perhaps the most impressive freshman campaign that I have ever witnessed. Your improvement and ability to integrate into your new team and surroundings were nothing short of remarkable. For these efforts you should always feel a strong sense of pride and accomplishment.

As you receive the ITA Rookie of the Year award and enjoy the fruits of your labor, I would encourage you to remember and appreciate the obstacles that you had to overcome to arrive at this point and the relationships that were built in the process. While COVID-19 almost prevented you from getting to school and threatened to cancel and shorten the season, you and your teammates prevailed. Rather than focusing on the obstacles with which you were presented, you focused on opportunities and the process of improving every day. You built strong relationships in the process. Please use this season as a lifelong reminder of what is possible, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Once again, congratulations on this award. We are all very proud of you. Go Monarchs!!!!!