UNC Asheville men’s tennis unveils 2026 spring schedule, marquee matches

UNC Asheville men's tennis announced its 2026 spring schedule on Jan. 9, launching the program's first season under head coach Dustin Hale. The Bulldogs will open competition Jan. 31 with a slate that includes Young Harris and Lenoir-Rhyne, and the release lists the full slate, home dates and returning opponents that shape a compact, competitive campaign.

Among the early-season highlights is a home match hosting King (Tenn.) and a road test against nationally ranked North Carolina on Feb. 11, a matchup that promises to challenge the young roster and spotlight the program within the region. The team will spend spring break in Orlando with a trip to the USTA National Training Complex for multi-team competition in March, giving players exposure to high-level training facilities and a concentrated block of matches that can accelerate development.

For Buncombe County, the schedule means home dates where local fans, students and families can see rising Bulldog talent in person. Those matches bring modest but tangible benefits to the local economy: student-driven attendance, postgame dining and on-campus activity all contribute to downtown and neighborhood vitality. The season also offers pathways for local youth to connect with collegiate athletes as role models, strengthening community ties to campus sports.

Beyond wins and losses, the schedule raises public-health and equity considerations that touch Buncombe residents. Regular collegiate competition places demands on student-athlete mental and physical health, from travel stresses to academic balance. As the program settles under a new coach, equitable access to support services — academic advising, mental health counseling and physical-care resources — will shape whether student-athletes can thrive on and off the court. Community stakeholders and campus leaders should watch how resources are allocated to ensure athletes from all backgrounds receive consistent care.

The slate's mix of regional opponents and marquee matches also matters for recruitment and opportunity: competitive road dates and national-level competition at the USTA complex can help UNC Asheville sustain a program that opens doors for area youth, including those from underrepresented communities who often face barriers to higher-level sports participation.

The takeaway? Come out to the home dates, cheer on the Bulldogs and consider how local support can translate into broader opportunity. Supporting the team isn't just about the scoreboard — it's about investing in student health, fair access and community connection. Our two cents? Bring a friend, make it a campus outing and look for ways to back youth tennis programs so the next generation from Buncombe County can swing at these same chances.