PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. - One of the most decorated coaches in NCAA Division II tennis history is set to receive yet another prestigious honor. Former Lander University men's tennis head coach Joe Cabri has been selected for induction into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2026, as announced this week by the Southern Tennis Foundation.

Cabri will join tennis trailblazer Althea Gibson and longtime USTA leader Bonnie Vandegrift as part of the three-member class. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 24, 2026, in Atlanta during the Lucy Garvin Southern Tennis Hall of Fame Banquet.

Over three decades at the helm of Bearcat tennis, Cabri established Lander as a national powerhouse. His teams captured a record eight consecutive NCAA Division II national championships (1993–2000) and 12 total national titles, spanning both the NAIA and NCAA eras. He was recognized as the NCAA Division II Coach of the Decade in 2000 and earned 10 National Coach of the Year honors across both governing bodies.

Beyond the championships, Cabri's program produced dozens of All-Americans and Academic All-Americans, highlighted by national singles and doubles champions and multiple Arthur Ashe Award winners. Under his leadership, the Bearcats also won 23 consecutive conference/district titles and defeated NCAA Division I powers Clemson and Georgia in memorable upsets.

Cabri's contributions to athletics and education have been celebrated at every level. He has been inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame, ITA Hall of Fame, South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame, and Lander Athletics Hall of Fame. In addition, he received the Order of the Palmetto, the state of South Carolina's highest civilian honor.

Even while leading one of the most dominant programs in collegiate tennis, Cabri served as a full-time mathematics professor at Lander, chairing the faculty senate and playing a key role in shaping the university's governance system.

"Coach Cabri's impact on Lander University and the sport of tennis is unmatched," said Lander Athletics Director Brian Reese. "His teams set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire our student-athletes today. To see him recognized with induction into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame is a tremendous honor for Coach Cabri, his family, and for Lander University."

Beyond the numbers, Cabri is remembered for shaping lives. His former players have gone on to excel as professionals in business, medicine, education, and tennis. Locally, his teams hosted junior clinics and community tournaments that helped establish Greenwood as a vibrant "tennis town."

Now retired, Cabri continues to support Bearcat tennis as Head Tennis Coach Emeritus, volunteering his time and staying active in the Greenwood community with his wife, Charlotte.

With his induction into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, Cabri adds another milestone to a career defined by championships, leadership, and service — both to Lander University and the sport of tennis.