Meridian CC names Torean King Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach

MERIDIAN, Miss. (VDN) — 

Meridian Community College Athletics has announced the hiring of Torean King as the new head coach of the Eagles men’s and women’s tennis programs.

King brings a strong playing background, collegiate coaching experience, and a passion for player development as he takes over two programs that enjoyed significant success during the 2025-26 season.

“We are excited to welcome Torean King to the MCC family,” said Meridian Community College Athletic Director Sander Atkinson. “Our men’s and women’s tennis programs have established themselves as contenders on the national level, and we believe Coach King is the right person to continue that momentum. His passion for developing student-athletes and growing the game made him an outstanding fit for Meridian Community College.”

A native of Mississippi, King began his collegiate playing career at Itawamba Community College, where he competed for two seasons. During his time with the Indians, the team finished ranked No. 21 nationally before the COVID-19 pandemic shortened competition.

King later transferred to Coastal Alabama Community College and competed for two additional seasons, helping lead the program to a No. 16 national ranking in 2023.

Following his playing career, King transitioned into coaching and player development. He spent the past three years as a tennis trainer at Magnolia Tennis Club, working extensively with the club’s junior development program and helping young athletes grow their skills both competitively and recreationally.

King also gained valuable high school coaching experience as an assistant coach at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, helping guide the program to the 2025 MHSAA Class 1A State Championship.

Most recently, King served as assistant coach for the men’s and women’s tennis programs at Mississippi University for Women during the 2025-26 season. Under his guidance, both programs finished as runners-up in the UMAC South Conference.

In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, King currently serves as the Junior Team Coordinator for the Golden Triangle area, where he organizes leagues, recruits volunteer coaches, and coordinates tournaments aimed at growing the sport throughout the region.

King has also worked as a tennis trainer at Deerwood Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida, further expanding his experience in player instruction and development.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead the tennis programs at Meridian Community College,” King said. “MCC has established a strong tradition of success, and I’m excited to work with our student-athletes as we continue striving for excellence both academically and athletically. I look forward to building relationships with our players and helping them reach their full potential.”

King inherits programs coming off impressive national performances during the 2025-26 campaign.

The MCC women’s team finished 13th nationally at the NJCAA Division II National Championship, while the men’s team placed 8th nationally. The season was highlighted by sophomore Jared Escobar, who captured the NJCAA Division II Flight 2 Singles National Championship, becoming the first individual national champion in Meridian Community College tennis history. Escobar’s championship performance earned First Team All-American honors and helped elevate the Eagles on the national stage.

With a strong foundation already in place, King is eager to build upon the recent success and continue developing championship-caliber student-athletes at Meridian Community College.