Greene County News

CEDARVILLE — Cedarville University women’s tennis head coach Dr. Dee Morris is a charter member of the Geneva College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Morris was recognized as one of the inaugural 12 honorees during ceremonies Nov. 12 in Beaver Falls, Pa.

“It is certainly a great honor — one of which I don’t think I deserve, but is greatly appreciated,” said Morris.

“I’m glad that they recognized women who were competing in athletics at that time. To be in the first hall of fame class is an honor and it’s a memorable day that I’ll always treasure.”

The 1959 graduate competed in rifle, basketball, and tennis at Geneva during a time when females didn’t have much opportunity in the athletic realm.

An accomplished marksman, who later coached the rifle team at Geneva for three years, Morris was just two points shy of making the 1968 U.S. Olympic team and then eventually earned a spot on the Pan-American Games team.

“Geneva played an influential part in my life as a student,” recalled Morris. “The school and people were a life-changer for me. It was a significant time of spiritual growth.”

Morris has been associated with the Yellow Jacket women’s tennis program since 1977. She served as an assistant coach for 30 years prior to assuming the role of head coach in 2007.

For 40 seasons, Cedarville has won more than 65 percent of its tennis matches while piling up 11 conference championships, 11 NAIA district and region titles, and multiple national tournament appearances.

More importantly, the Jackets have been accorded numerous awards for character, ministry, and academics.

Morris is a member of the Cedarville University Athletic Hall of Fame and the NCCAA Hall of Fame.

She is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Allied Health at the university. Additionally, she is the NCCAA national tennis chair for both men and women.