THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Thomas University Athletic Director Jessica Sanders announces Cory Wise as the program's Head Pickleball Coach.
Wise, who also currently serves as the University Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life, helped launch the Thomas University Pickleball Club with assistance from Dan Salveter. What began as a recreational and instructional opportunity for students, faculty, and staff quickly developed into a community-centered program focused on wellness, connection, and personal growth.
Wise helped shape the club with an emphasis on character, encouragement, and spiritual development, while Salveter, a professor and leader within the Student Counseling Center, brought a strong focus on mental health and emotional wellness. Together, they created an environment that promotes growth of the mind, body, and spirit through the rapidly growing sport of pickleball.
Building on the club's early success and enthusiasm across campus, Thomas University is now expanding the program to include a competitive club and intercollegiate team.
Wise will serve as Head Coach of this 2nd tier of the program, bringing a strong background in tennis, player development, and competitive pickleball instruction. He also serves as a trainer with the Thomasville Dinkers and is pursuing a Level 2 coaching certification through Pickleball Coaching International (PCI), which is endorsed by USA Pickleball. The certification includes instruction in techniques, tactics, lesson planning, and teaching tools for Pickleball instructors.
Under Wise's leadership, the program is committed to developing student-athletes both on and off the court by fostering teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. The long-term vision for the program is to establish pickleball as a varsity sport at Thomas University within the next several years, while continuing to build a culture of character, excellence, and community.
Wise is married to Nichole (Niki), and they have four grown children and six grandchildren. If you were to ask him what he does to relax, Wise would talk to you about riding motorcycles, pickleball, outdoor activities, and hanging out with family and friends. Whatever he is doing, Wise will tell you that he is living a blessed life.
Prospective athletes interested in joining the pickleball program may contact Coach Wise at cwise@thomasu.edu
Stay connected with Thomas University Athletics all season long! Follow @tunighthawks on Instagram, X and like the Thomas University Athletics Facebook page.
Catch every score, highlight, announcement, and behind‑the‑scenes moment wherever you go. #GDTBANH #TalonUp
