Delan and Lynn Stevens Tennis Complex dedicated at CCU
The Delan and Lynn Stevens Tennis Complex at Coastal Carolina University was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 12. The Stevenses made a donation to the University in support of the facility, which serves as home of the Chanticleers’ men’s and women’s tennis programs.
“This is a very special day for two former Coastal Carolina University student-athletes, Delan and Lynn, as they etch their names in Coastal Carolina history,” said CCU President David A. DeCenzo. “I can’t thank them enough, not only for their generosity but for the time and talent that they both have given to this University.”
Delan and Lynn graduated from Coastal in 1979 and 1981, respectively. He has been a member of the University’s board of trustees since 2015. In 2010, he was named CCU’s Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. She served on the CCU Student Housing Foundation board from 2003 to 2015.
“Coastal has meant an awful lot to Delan and me,” said Lynn Stevens. “Not only in the education we received but in the friendships we formed while we were both in school that have carried throughout our lifetimes.”
Delan Stevens added, “It’s a privilege for us to be able to do this. Coastal afforded us a lot more than just an opportunity to play tennis. If it hadn’t been for the education we received from Coastal and the support from staff at the time, we probably wouldn’t have been able to do things like this. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve.”
The complex first opened on Jan. 31, 2015. It consists of 12 U.S. Open-style courts and is surrounded by bleachers and rocking chairs. The facility also includes lighting, two LED scoreboards, a state-of-the-art speaker system, a press box, equipment storage areas, concessions, restrooms and a 3,000-square-foot clubhouse with offices, locker rooms and a lounge.
“Delan and Lynn, you have meant so much to Coastal Carolina University through the years in so many ways,” said Matt Hogue, CCU’s director of athletics. “Today, we have the opportunity to recognize your generous gratitude and all that you have poured into the sport of tennis. On behalf of all of the former coaches and the student-athletes who have been such exemplary players for us through the years, we thank you for this incredible gift. You have created an environment for young people to succeed and to enjoy and hone their craft.”
CCU alumnus Tim Hardee, president of the South Carolina Technical College System, was a friend and neighbor of Delan’s when they were growing up in Conway. At Coastal, they were tennis teammates under then-head coach Marshall Parker. Addressing the men’s and women’s tennis teams in attendance at the ceremony, Hardee commended the example set by the Stevenses as citizens and benefactors.
“First, they are people of faith with a strong moral compass, and they show it in their everyday lives,” said Hardee. “Second, they are people of generosity. This is not only shown by the money that they have given for this facility, but they are also generous with their talents and with their time. Third, they are people of integrity. And that is an important trait to take with you from Coastal Carolina University.”
The ceremony also included remarks from Mark Roach, vice president for philanthropy; head women’s tennis coach Catherine Hewitt; head men’s tennis coach Chris Powers; and student-athletes Brooke Campbell (women’s team) and Francesco Migliano (men’s team).
