Virginia Wesleyan Athletics Renames Annual Golf Tournament in Honor of Long-Time Athletics Director Joanne Renn

9/10/2025 9:30:00 AM

Virginia Beach, Va. - Virginia Wesleyan University Athletics is proud to announce that its annual golf tournament held each year on the Friday of Homecoming will now be known as the Joanne Renn Annual Golf Outing, honoring the legacy of longtime Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Joanne Renn.

Renn, who retired in 2018 after 25 years with the Marlins, served as athletics director for 11 years and left an indelible mark on Virginia Wesleyan's athletics program. She was the first female athletic director at a co-educational institution in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and guided the department through a period of unprecedented growth and success.

During her tenure, Renn oversaw the expansion and improvement of athletics facilities, including Birdsong Field, the Tassos Paphites Soccer Complex, the Betty S. Rogers Track and Field Center, Kenneth R. Perry Field, and the development of TowneBank Park and Broyles Field. She was instrumental in the addition of new sports programs, and under her leadership, Marlin teams achieved historic milestones, including NCAA Division III National Championships in men's basketball (2006), men's golf (2016) and softball (2017).

Beyond championships and facilities, Renn's impact was felt across the campus and region. She served on numerous NCAA and community boards, chaired the ODAC, and brought national visibility to Virginia Wesleyan by helping secure NCAA tournament bids.

"Joanne Renn's leadership shaped the trajectory of Virginia Wesleyan Athletics in profound ways," said current Executive Director of Intercollege Athletics, Andrea Hoover-Erbig. "Renaming our annual golf tournament in her honor is a fitting tribute to her vision, dedication, and the countless opportunities she created for our student-athlete alumni."

The Joanne Renn Golf Outing will continue the tournament's tradition of bringing together alumni, friends, and community supporters to benefit Marlin athletics while celebrating Renn's lasting contributions.

This year's tournament will be held at Cypress Point Country Club on Friday, October 3rd. Details can be found here.

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