ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ

news-category: Athletics

Mike Griffith Reaches 200 Big South Wins, Cementing a Legacy at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb

mens tennis retouched

Longtime Head Coach Reflects on Championships, Growth, and the Student-Athletes who Shaped the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ Success

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb men’s tennis coach Mike Griffith reached a significant milestone in his tenure with the Runnin’ Bulldogs, recording his 200th career victory while being a member of the Big South Conference. The historic win came over Converse College on Feb. 28.

Griffith, who is retiring after 23 seasons at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb, is recognized as the third winningest coach in the history of the Big South Conference. Having built one of the league’s most consistent and respected programs, he is a four-time Coach of the Year. As the program approaches its final season of competition, his impact will remain a lasting part of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb athletics history.

mike griffith mens tennis coach

Griffith became the head men’s tennis coach in 2003 during ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb’s first Division I season. The program competed in the A-Sun Conference until 2008, recording some wins before joining the Big South Conference in 2009.

“I will always remember the day I interviewed for the position with former AD Chuck Burch,� Griffith reflected. “So much activity was happening that day with so many athletic teams practicing. I knew right then I wanted to be at GWU and this was the perfect job for me. I was meant to be a coach.�

In 2019, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb claimed its first regular-season conference championship, finishing 7-1 in league play. “The conference had the finest No. 1 players ever, with UNCA having an eventual Grand Slam winner at Wimbledon and the Australian Open,â€� Griffith observed. “Our No. 1 player, Maximilian Scholl, then went 20-1, and his only defeat was to the defending national champion from Wake Forest.â€�

Griffith also led the Runnin’ Bulldogs to back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in program history, compiling a 29-6 conference record over the past six seasons. The program captured its first-ever Big South Tournament Championship in 2025, earning an NCAA Tournament berth and capping a historic campaign.

The men's tennis team poses after winning the Big South Conference.

“I remember some of the wins, but what motivated me was the losses,� Griffith shared. “It drove me to get better and work harder. One of the hardest defeats we’ve ever had was losing in the finals in 2024. The team and I worked hard to make sure that never would happen again, and thankfully we won it all in 2025.�

Under Griffith’s leadership, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb has consistently competed among the conference’s top teams, earning multiple postseason appearances and producing numerous All-Conference selections. His teams have been known for their depth, discipline, strong doubles play, and ability to close out matches on the singles courts.

mens tennis

This year’s team currently sits atop the Big South standings. “We are 12-3 and need one more conference win to clinch the regular-season championship,� Griffith said. “This is a team and a group who will go their separate ways after this season. Their character and willpower motivate me, and my goal is to send them out as champions.�

A former standout at Winthrop, Griffith played in 1987 for Cid Carvalho, the second winningest coach in Big South Conference history.

Beyond wins and accolades, Griffith’s influence has extended far beyond the court. His players have consistently excelled academically while representing ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb with pride throughout their collegiate careers.

Sources: gwusports.com and Big South Conference

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at .

Previous News Article

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University Recognizes Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April

Next News Article

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University Celebrates Philanthropy Week April 13–16

Related News

  • News Article

    ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb to Host 47th Annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19 for Middle and High School Singers

    Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University will welcome student singers from across North and South Carolina for its 47th annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19. The daylong event will culminate in a free public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Dover […]

    choral clinic
  • News Article

    ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University Chorales Selected to Perform at Biltmore During Christmas Season

    Students Gain Memorable Musical Experience While Sharing Their Talents on Nov. 13; Community Members Encouraged to Purchase Biltmore Tickets Early to Attend BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—For many visitors, Christmas at Biltmore in Asheville, N.C., is a treasured holiday tradition filled with sparkling lights, towering trees and seasonal music. This November, a group of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University students […]

    The University Chorales sing in Dover Chapel.
  • News Article

    ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb to Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Events Focused on Remembrance, Support and Education

    Office of Campus Unity and Connection Encourages Compassion, Hope and Engagement BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—From messages of encouragement to educational programming, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓÆµ-Webb University’s Office of Campus Unity and Connection will offer several opportunities for the campus community to engage in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Activities will invite participants to honor survivors, remember loved ones and learn […]

    Breast Cancer Awareness