Campbellsville University Athletics

Sonya Kessler, a Green County, Kentucky native, is inducted into the Campbellsville University Hall of Fame for her years of success and dedication to the sport of tennis. 

Kessler graduated from Campbellsville College in 1989, earning Summa Cum Laude honors with her double major in Mathematics and Computer Information Systems. She was selected as the recipient of the Business and Professional Women’s Club Award and Computer Information Systems Award, as well as Miss Campbellsville College during her senior year. 

While a part of the Lady Tiger Tennis team, Kessler was the number one singles player from 1985-1989, earning the most singles wins with 46. Sonya was the first women’s singles player to advance to the NAIA National Tournament in program history. She was also named All-District Scholar-Athlete.

After her time at Campbellsville, Kessler played tennis competitively on USTA 4.5 and 5.0 teams for ten years post-graduation. She obtained a master’s degree from the University of Louisville. Prior to her recent retirement, Kessler worked as a Systems Engineer and Project Manager at Humana, Inc., a Systems Integrator and Applications Database Administrator at Providian/Aegon Corporation, an IT Project Manager for the U.S. Department of Defense and Scientific Applications International Corporation, and a Computer Science teacher at Campbellsville Independent Schools and Central Kentucky Career Academy. Kessler received the DOD Human Resources Command Civilian of the Quarter and Civilian of the Year Award in March of 2012.

Kessler coached the Campbellsville Independent Schools tennis team, sending multiple players to the state tournament.

Sonya’s late father, Weldon Wilcoxson, was her inspiration and encouragement for tennis. Wilcoxson was also a graduate of Campbellsville College, while also participating as a member of the tennis team in the 1960’s.

Kessler is an active member of Campbellsville Christian Church and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and gardening. She is a former board member of the Kentucky Junior Miss Board of Directors, Chair of the Louisville Junior Miss program, and a local volunteer.