Motlow College began its athletic program at the inception of the college in 1969 with only one sport, men's basketball. Baseball was added one year later, and in 1973, women's basketball joined the ranks of collegiate athletics. Women's softball became a reality in 1993 in an effort to enhance the Bucks program.

It is impossible to reflect on or project the future of Motlow's athletic program without recalling the people who made it happen. A walk down memory lane includes coach Joe Daves, the initial coach at the helm of men's basketball. Coach Daves' eight-year stint established the Bucks as a reputable team throughout the Tennessee Junior Community College Athletic Association (TJCCAA) as well as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

Coach Charlie Codgill followed Daves as head basketball coach during the 1978-79 season. Carr McCalla led the Bucks to two state junior college championships during the 1981-82 and the 1983-84 seasons. Coach McCalla's tenure spanned 1979-85. Joe Gaskins rallied the Bucks to win the title of co-champion in the 1985 season. Coach Gaskins led the Bucks from 1985-90. Frank Cole took the helm of the Bucks from 1990 until 1998, compiling a record of 128 victories against 98 defeats. Lonnie Thompson took the reigns of the Bucks in 1998 and led the team to three consecutive Eastern Division titles before exiting in 2002. Jeff Johnson led the Bucks program through the 2004-05 season. Bobby Steinburg took over the reigns before the 2006-2007 season, staying two seasons and compiling a 40-20 overall record while lead the 2007-2008 team to a 28-5 record, the most wins in school history.

Six former coaches have set the tone for women's basketball in Buck country. The women's program began in 1973 under the leadership of Coach Pat Sarver, who served a three-year stint. Jackie Koss then led the Lady Bucks for a nine-year stint from 1976 to 1984. Coaches Daves, Jackie Reavis, and Johnny Hill served one and two-year terms, respectively, followed by Gary Vanatta's single season which ended in 1989. Mike Holt led the program through the 1996-97 season.

Motlow's current coaching staff includes women's basketball coach Karen Serra, who took the reigns of the women's basketball program in 1997 after a successful stint at Portland, TN high school. Now entering her 13th season at the helm of the Lady Bucks, Serra has developed a consistent, competitive program.

Baseball got underway in 1970 under Coach Joe Johnson. The spring sport continued the next three years under the leadership of Coach John Stanford. Coach Jackie Reavis then took the reign from 1974 to 1982. Buck baseball then experienced turbulence for the next four years, when the baseball program was non-existent. Johnny Hill revitalized the program in 1987 and led the team for two seasons. Don Rhoten took over in 1989 and won 664 games, including multiple state titles and a 2000 trip to the World Series, before leaving following the 2005 season.

Dan McShea took over the program to begin the 2007 season. He has assembled a promising recruiting class for the coming season and fully expects to improve on his 31-63 overall record.

Women's softball is the most recent sport in the athletic lineup at Motlow College. Softball opened its season in 1993 with Coaches Jackie Reavis and Mike Holt leading the new adventure. Angela Tulley guided the program for two highly successful seasons in 1996 and 97.

Motlow alumnus Gary Barfield began his tenure as softball coach prior to the 1998 season and has compiled a sparkling 423-188 record entering his 12th season. Barfield also serves as athletic director.

We attribute much of our success to the long-time supporters of Motlow athletics. We tip our hats to these supporters because the Motlow program could not be what it is without them.

Motlow's student athletes represent themselves and the college well in the classroom, in the community, and in competition. Several of our student athletes have gone on to promising careers as professional athletes, coaches, and leaders. We believe their experiences at Motlow contributed to their success.

Men's Basketball
1979-80 13-13 Carr McCalla's first season

Women's Basketball
1979-80 Jackie Koss record after four seasons 76-31. Koss 77-78 TJCCAA Coach of the Year.