Former Iowa Tennis Doubles Partners Pursue Separate Paths After Program Cut

Oliver Okonkwo and Will Davies, former University of Iowa men's tennis doubles partners, played their final match together in the 2021 NCAA Championships in Orlando, Florida, before the program was cut, leading them to pursue separate paths in professional tennis and coaching.

The two English-born players had traveled to the U.S. to play for Iowa, forming a close bond as teammates and friends. They were the first Iowa doubles pairing to qualify for the NCAA Championships in over three decades. "It was a great experience playing together at Iowa and making it to the NCAA Championships," said Okonkwo. "We had a strong partnership on and off the court."

However, their time together was interrupted when the University of Iowa announced the discontinuation of the men's tennis program in 2021. The decision left Okonkwo and Davies, along with their teammates, searching for new opportunities to continue their tennis careers.

Why this matters: The discontinuation of college sports programs can have a significant impact on the lives and careers of student-athletes. The story of Okonkwo and Davies highlights the challenges faced by athletes when their programs are cut and the resilience required to adapt and pursue new paths in their chosen fields.

After the program's termination, Okonkwo decided to pursue a professional tennis career, while Davies transitioned into coaching, becoming an assistant coach at the University of Denver. Despite their separate paths, the former doubles partners remain grateful for the progress they made and the brotherhood they forged during their time with the Hawkeyes.

"It was tough to see the program end, but we cherish the memories and the bond we created at Iowa," said Davies. "Oliver and I will always be brothers, and we'll continue to support each other in our new endeavors." As they set out on their individual journeys in tennis, Okonkwo and Davies carry with them the lessons learned and the friendships formed during their time as Hawkeyes, forever linked by their shared experience on the court.

Key Takeaways

• Oliver Okonkwo and Will Davies were Iowa men's tennis doubles partners.
• They reached the 2021 NCAA Championships before Iowa cut the program.
• Okonkwo pursued pro tennis, while Davies became an assistant coach at Denver.
• The program's discontinuation disrupted their tennis careers and partnership.
• Despite separate paths, they remain grateful for their Iowa experience and friendship.