Bahamian Tennis Coach Larikah Russell to Be Inducted Into Southern Nazarene University Hall of Fame

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – NASSAU, Bahamas — Coach Larikah Russell, a highly decorated tennis professional and national champion, will be inducted into the 2025 Hall of Fame Class of Southern Nazarene University (SNU) Athletics.

She is one of five distinguished individuals selected by the University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma.

A proud native of Grand Bahama, Russell attended SNU from 2002 to 2006, where she dominated the national small college tennis circuit. A four-year starter at No. 1 singles and doubles, she claimed an impressive four Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Small College National Championships — three in singles and one in doubles — and earned three invitations to the NCAA Division I Indoor National Championships.

Coach Phil White, one of SNU’s revered figures, hailed her as “one of the best all-around athletes to ever attend SNU,” noting her leadership during a Final Four run at the NAIA National Championships. He also commended her humility and faith, adding, “She was always looking to build up teammates and demonstrated Christlike character in everything she did.”

Russell was also a sought-after recruit in basketball, softball, and soccer, making her one of the most versatile athletes of her era.

Since graduating, Coach Russell has represented The Bahamas for 12 years on the National and Federation Cup (now Billie Jean King Cup) tennis teams. Her career highlights include capturing a bronze medal in singles and a gold medal in doubles at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Puerto Rico. In 2013, as a playing captain, she led The Bahamas to a historic promotion to Fed Cup Zone I — a first in the nation’s history.

A certified ITF Level 1 Coach, Certified Padel Professional, and Certified Pickleball Instructor, Russell has traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean and South America, coaching junior and senior national teams for The Bahamas.

In addition to her tennis achievements, Russell is a decorated national softball player and championship-winning shortstop, having also served as Assistant Coach for the University of The Bahamas Women’s Softball Team.

Currently, she is a partner and tennis professional at Impact Tennis Academy in Nassau, where she passionately trains and mentors athletes of all ages and skill levels.

The 2025 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is scheduled for October 24, 2025, at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma.