KENNESAW, Ga. – The Kennesaw State University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and head men’s tennis coach T.J. Greggs has announced that former professional tennis player, Scoville Jenkins, will join the staff as assistant men’s coach.

A native of Atlanta, Ga., Jenkins will officially assume his role as assistant coach on Aug. 12, announced Greggs in an introduction this afternoon at the KSU Convocation Center.

“I am very excited to be joining the coaching staff at Kennesaw State,” said Jenkins. “Coach Greggs and the entire staff has been very welcoming and I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Jenkins was the first African-American to ever win the Boys' 18 USTA National Hard Court title in singles in the tournament's 89-year history when he captured the crown in 2004 in Kalamazoo, Mich. The six-year professional joins the Owls staff after a career that included appearances at the French Open and U.S. Open.

“There are only so many ways which I can say how excited we are to have someone with Scoville’s international experience and demeanor joining our program.” said Greggs. “This is going to help us become a much more competitive team in the Atlantic Sun Conference.”

During his career, Jenkins has played against the top names in tennis including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Jarkko Nieminen and Jonas Bjorkman. In 2005, Jenkins defeated Swiss veteran George Bastl in the first round of the U.S. Open before falling to Nadal in the second round.

“I want to bring my experience as a former player to the Owls,” added Jenkins. “I will stress hard work, both on the court and in the classroom, and show them that with dedication and hard work, results will follow.”

Over his career, Jenkins has defeated several ranked opponents including No. 12-ranked Dominik Hrbaty, No. 13-ranked Nieminen and No. 18-ranked Vince Spadea. He also has wins over Donald Young and Alexander Peya in the 2009 BNP Paribas Open.

“Because I would like to be a head coach at the collegiate level someday, I am looking forward to gaining experience with the Owls and helping the program reach the highest level possible,” concluded Jenkins.

Jenkins will conclude his professional playing career this summer, playing World Team Tennis for the New York Buzz. On Aug. 6, Jenkins will play an exhibition match at the Rx Optical/Greenleaf Trust & Greenleaf Hospitality Exhibition at Stowe Tennis Stadium on the campus of Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Mich.