LUBBOCK, Texas (July 31, 2026) – Lubbock Christian University Director of Athletics Andrew Sorrells announced the hiring of Mitch Hallum as the university's new Director of Tennis and Head Coach of the Chaparrals and Lady Chaparrals tennis programs.
 
Hallum becomes just the third head coach in the history of LCU's NCAA-era tennis programs and succeeds Hutton Jones, who resigned earlier this summer after serving parts of two seasons as the leader of both programs.
 
He arrives in Lubbock following a year as associate head coach at Highland Park High School, where he helped oversee one of Texas' premier Class 5A tennis programs. Prior to that, he served as assistant director of tennis and head men's tennis coach at NCAA Division I Oral Roberts during the 2023-24 season. His coaching résumé also includes stops as an assistant coach for the men's and women's tennis programs at NCAA Division I UT Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), assistant director at the nationally recognized MAC 360 Tennis Academy and more than 15 years of involvement with the Texas A&M Tennis Camp, where he currently serves as a summer camp director.
 
"Mitch Hallum is exactly the type of leader we were looking for," Sorrells said. "He has the character, work ethic, and vision to build on the success of our tennis programs, and we're excited to see what the future holds under his leadership."
 
Hallum inherits a pair of programs coming off historic seasons.
 
The Chaparrals completed one of the finest campaigns in program history in 2025-26, finishing 23-6 with a No. 6 national ranking after advancing to the NCAA Division II National Quarterfinals. LCU posted a perfect 8-0 Lone Star Conference record and compiled a 13-4 mark against nationally ranked opponents. The Chaparrals' only losses came against two NCAA Division I opponents and four nationally ranked Division II programs, including three ranked inside the nation's top 10.
 
The Lady Chaparrals also continued their rise on the national stage, earning their second consecutive NCAA Division II postseason appearance while finishing 15-7 and ranked No. 48 nationally. LCU's seven defeats included two against NCAA Division I competition and four against nationally ranked Division II opponents.
 
"I am honored and humbled to be given an opportunity to continue to help grow the legacy of the Lubbock Christian tennis program," stated Hallum. "I will work tirelessly to add to prestige that this program has both on the court and in the community." 
 
Hallum has built a reputation for developing players and fostering championship cultures throughout his coaching career. At Oral Roberts, he directed all aspects of the NCAA Division I men's tennis program, including recruiting, scholarship management, budgeting, scheduling, player development, academic oversight and community engagement.
 
During his two seasons at UT Rio Grande Valley, Hallum assisted with both the men's and women's programs, coordinating recruiting efforts, practice planning, match strategy, travel logistics and NCAA compliance while helping develop student-athletes on and off the court.
 
Away from the collegiate ranks, Hallum spent six years with MAC 360 Tennis Academy in Texas, where he managed day-to-day academy operations while coaching numerous high-performance junior players, including athletes who earned top state rankings and later advanced to NCAA Division I programs. His extensive experience in junior tennis has allowed him to build strong recruiting relationships throughout Texas and beyond.
 
A native of Belton, Texas, Hallum was a three-year letter winner and team captain at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He earned All-American Southwest Conference honorable mention doubles honors before graduating with a bachelor's degree in history and a minor in education.
 
Following his playing career, Hallum spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach with the Crusaders before beginning his full-time coaching career.
 
Hallum and his wife, Rebecca, will relocate to Lubbock ahead of the 2026-27 season.