Bolivar, Mo. – SBU Director of Athletics, Clark Sheehy, announces Bryson Crowell as the new men's and women's head tennis coach. Crowell earned his Bachelor's degree at SBU while being a four-year letter winner with the Bearcats while learning under the guidance of SBU Hall of Famer John Bryant.
 
"It's an incredible honor that I am truly blessed to be given this opportunity to take over a historic program in terms of National tennis recognition" – Crowell said.
 
The Bearcat tennis program is quite historic combining for 21 Division II conference Championships in the last 35 years. In most recent history, both men's and women's team have a combined eight NCAA Division II Regional appearances including three Sweet 16 matchups. Crowell has been a member of two NCAA Regional appearances in 2021 & 2023.
 
Growing up just down the road, Crowell was one of the best tennis players in Lebanon history. The 3x All-District and All-Conference member is the only male district champion in program history. Crowell made it to sectionals all three years, only missing out his senior year due to COVID ending the season short.
 
Winning and coaching is in his blood growing up around his dad, Ron Crowell. Coaching for 30+ years in both tennis and basketball Ron Crowell won multiple state titles in Ohio before coaching at Lebanon for the last 22 years. Bryson got to spend his childhood assisting his dad in coaching, leading to this opportunity.
 
"Following in my Father's footsteps has always been the plan" Bryson said, "so getting to do it now at the collegiate level where neither of us expected it, is taking that to a whole other level that he and I could not be happier for."
 
"We are so excited to add coach Crowell as the leader of our tennis program." -Sheehy said. "Bryson bleeds purple and white, and coming from a coaching family, we know he is going to be a great addition to our athletic department. It's a great day to be a Bearcat!"
 
Over the past four seasons as a Bearcat, Crowell has gotten to experience coaching assisting the team in clinics over the summer. He has also taught private tennis lessons at both SBU and Lebanon.