Wallis Tennis Center Court Dedication For Faye Kirschner Goes Beyond Just Her Name
Georgia Southern alum, tennis supporter honored for her lifelong dedication to the sport and the tennis programs she has been involved in
3/16/2022
STATESBORO - The Wallis Tennis Center on the campus of Georgia Southern University has seen many upgrades over the last few years, but Sunday's dedication of Court 3 in honor of Faye R. Kirschner was the culmination more than 50 years of service for an important alumnus of the school and a stalwart supporter of the sport.
Faye Kirschner graduated from Armstrong Junior College in 1965, then received her bachelor's degree from Georgia Southern University in 1967 in early childhood education. Following a long and distinguished career teaching in the public school system in Savannah, Kirschner joined the faculty at Armstrong State and taught physical education courses, including tennis, up until and through the merger of the school with Georgia Southern.
Her personal attachment to tennis came late in her life as she did not start playing the sport until after she completed graduate school. However, when she did, she became one of the top senior players, earning a No. 1 ranking in the Over-45 and Over-50 age groups in her lifetime.
She also became one of the biggest supporters of Armstrong tennis, becoming close with head coach Andreas Koth - a former Georgia Southern student-athlete and alum himself - as well as head coach Simon Earnshaw and then Sean McCaffrey. When McCaffrey took over the Georgia Southern women's tennis program, Kirschner did not miss a beat in channeling her support to the Eagles.
On Sunday, March 13, prior to the Eagles' Sun Belt Conference-opening match against Coastal Carolina, Georgia Southern unveiled not only a sign marking Court 3 at Wallis Tennis Center as Faye R. Kirschner court, but her signature now marks the surface adjacent to the court as well. A tremendous honor and recognition for someone who has given most of their life to education and tennis.
"What a special day, and a special moment for us at Georgia Southern," Director of Athletics Jared Benko said. "It's very clear that this university, and the Eagle Tennis program, holds a special place in her heart. For us to be able to honor her in this fashion, after she has already given so much of herself in teaching many young men and women in our community, is fantastic. The example she has set as an educator, a supporter and as a fan of the Eagles is inspiring."
"Faye Kirschner is one of the most genuine and caring people that I have ever met," Coach McCaffrey said. "She is passionate about tennis, about both of her alma maters (Georgia Southern and Armstrong), about her friends, and about leading her life with a clear focus of serving others. When I first met Faye, it was on my first day in the office at Armstrong State back in 2014. She offered to help in any way that she could in order for us to continue the success that many before me had blazed the path for.
"After arriving here at Georgia Southern and taking over the program in June of 2017, Faye asked me, 'What can I do next to help you and your program succeed, Sean?' I was happy to have her just come out, visit with the team at our home matches, or attend a team meal. Her infectious sense of positivity is so important for our program and our student-athletes. She has supported us beyond the financial aspect. Faye has proven that one can overcome so many obstacles and still rise above anything thrown at her. We nearly lost her three years ago after a serious health scare. But she found a way to battle through, and she continues to live her life on her own terms."
"Faye is a special woman who has touched the lives of so many, and we are incredibly thankful to her for that. She is truly one who finds ways of leading a life, putting those around her first, while also sharing her immense wisdom and humorous stories to everyone. Faye is the epitome of a servant leader, and having her associated with our program has been a tremendous blessing. We are extremely thankful for her friendship, her unconditional love, her wisdom, and her generosity towards a team and a program she has a great affinity for. We love you Faye!"
