Skip to main content
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Jimmy Burleson
Assistant Athletic Director
Dobyns-Bennett High School
T: (423) 378.8400 ext. 8490
KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Dobyns-Bennett High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Rodger Acklin as the new head boys’ and girls’ tennis coach. This announcement comes after Reedy Toney stepped down from the position this past spring.
“We are very excited to name Coach Acklin our new head tennis coach,” said D-B Athletic Director Frankie DeBusk. “Rodger brings a wealth of coaching experience paired with over 20 years of military leadership experience. It is clear he has a passion for developing student-athletes and I am excited to see him get started here at Dobyns-Bennett.”
Coach Acklin earned his Bachelor of Science in History/Political Science from Lees McRae College (‘96), followed by a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Phoenix (‘08) and a Master of Arts in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Command and Staff College (‘13). During his collegiate tennis career at Lees McRae, he was a four-year letterman, 1996 team MVP, and Conference Singles and Doubles Champion, ultimately leading his team to the National Tournament.
In addition to his title as “Head Tennis Coach,” Coach Acklin is a decorated military veteran whose distinguished career includes serving as Commander of the 24th TRS at the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School (2015–2017), where he led a 54-person staff responsible for commissioning 1,000 officers annually. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the MAJCOM Sijan Award. His extensive military and academic leadership background translates seamlessly into his coaching philosophy, which emphasizes a “teacher-coach” approach focused on uplifting instruction, academic focus, and character development.
Coach Acklin’s coaching resume is highlighted by success at both the high school and collegiate levels. He transformed the tennis program at LAMP High School in Montgomery, Alabama, securing the school’s first-ever conference championship followed by back-to-back titles. He later served as the Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Lees McRae College (2017–2020) and King University (2020–2025), returning both programs to a competitive level while also guiding his team to achieve the highest overall GPA among school athletics. Throughout his tennis career, Coach Acklin has served as a tennis clinician and instructor training top-tier junior players.
"I am very excited to join the Tribe Tennis program,” said Coach Acklin while reflecting on his new position as Head Coach. “I’m already looking forward to seeing all the success we can achieve both on and off the court. I believe mental toughness and extra effort will always win the day. Roll Tribe!”
Any student interested in playing tennis for Dobyns-Bennett this upcoming spring should make plans to attend an informational meeting on September 9th @ 3:30 PM in the STEM lobby at the main entrance of Dobyns-Bennett High School.
###
