The men's tennis team is among the most successful sports programs in the history of Knox. Prairie Fire players are regularly ranked in the Midwest Region of the Illinois Tennis Association and consistently battle at the top of the conference standings.

The Prairie Fire tennis team has advanced to the Midwest Conference (MWC) Championships four times since 2000, and has consistently seen players and doubles teams finish in the top three in their division. With the MWC champion earning an automatic bid to the NCAA National Tournament, Knox will look to earn that honor this spring.

Knox also boasts a larger team than most schools its size, which offers more opportunities for competition. The team size also helps foster strong chemistry and a positive team environment, something many members recall years after graduation.

Men's tennis at Knox emphasizes total player development. You will work on stroke and strategy, but there's a crucial third element you will work on: sustaining "mental toughness"—the ability to maintain your focus and concentration for the whole tennis match.

Every spring break, the men's tennis team takes a trip south to kick off their season. Recent destinations have included Florida, Louisiana, and Hilton Head Island.

The Prairie Fire play on the Merdian Tennis Courts, which were completely resurfaced in 2005. The quality of courts, combined with the on campus location, make it one of the finest tennis facilities in the Midwest Conference. In addition indoor courts at the T. Fleming Fieldhouse allow players to practice during the winter and inclement weather.

Prairie Fire tennis players have gone on to a wide variety of successful careers. James King '95 is a research editor at Encyclopedia Britannica. Richard Broadwell '67 (Biology) is the head tennis professional at Penbrook Swim and Tennis Club in Rockville, Maryland. Donald Bonet '78 (History) is a history teacher and girls tennis coach at Naperville Central High School near Chicago. Richard Lindstrom III '95 is an otolaryngologist at MCW Affiliated Hospitals in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Edward Lanphier is the President and CEO of Sangamo Bio Sciences in Ross, California.

For more information, submit the Recruit Me form or e-mail tennis@knox.edu.