Trojan News

Jeff is survived by his wife of 22 years, Julie (Johnson) Boyett. The couple celebrated their 22nd wedding anniversary over the Memorial Day weekend. They have four children: Cameron (16), Katelyn (14), Matthew (11), and Miranda (10).

Jeff played tennis at McGavock High School prior to being recruited to play tennis at Trevecca by Alan Smith. Jeff had an outstanding playing career at Trevecca and developed a close bond with Coach Smith. Following his four years as a player (1985-1989), Boyett served for two years as Smith's assistant coach (1990-92). For the next ten years he served on the NAIA National Tennis Tournament Committee and helped Coach Smith with the national ranking of the NAIA tennis players. He graduated from McGavock in 1985 and Trevecca in 1989.

Jeff was always willing to share that his former coach and good friend Alan Smith led him to the Lord. Smith later attended his Baptism and was a member of his wedding party. Presiding over the wedding ceremony was Dan Boone, then pastor of Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene and now President of Trevecca.

Jeff proudly posted this quote on his Facebook page, "God comes first, then family and friends."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the L. Alan Smith Scholarship Endowment at Trevecca Nazarene University, 333 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN  37210

Visitation will be Friday, June 11th from 4-8 p.m. and the funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 12th at the Murfreesboro Funeral Home.

Murfreesboro Funeral Home
145 Innsbrooke Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN  37128

As a Trojan
More photos of Jeff Boyett (Select Trojan category and 2009-2010, then Jeff Boyett)
Jeff won the 1985-1986 Tennessee Collegiate Athletic Conference (TCAC) #6 Singles title and teamed with Richard Knowlen to win the #3 Doubles title. He also won the TCAC #3 Doubles title in 1987-1988 with Thomas Fuchs and the 1988-1989 #3 Doubles title alongside Juan Garat.

His Trevecca record in singles and doubles play was an impressive 157-60. He was particularly proud of the fact that he was the only Trevecca tennis player to never lose a match against David Lipscomb.

Alan Smith commented on Jeff's drive as a player, "All you had to do was give Jeff a goal or a challenge and he was motivated.  I didn't realize when I recruited Jeff I had a friend for life." Smith continued talking about his long friendship with Jeff, "If I could have adopted Jeff as a son, I would have. He was such a loving husband and a good father to his four children."

He won several big matches for the team over the years. One season the NAIA District 24 Championship came down to Jeff's match against a Carson Newman College player. Jeff won and secured the first district title for the Trojans. At the time Coach Alan Smith was quoted in the Nashville Banner about Jeff's makeup as a player. Coach Smith said, "Jeff is an inspiration and a real fighter."

At the NAIA District 24 level he won the #6 Singles title in the 1987-1988 season and was runner-up in the 1985-1986 and 1988-1989 seasons. He won the 1987-1988 District 24 #3 Doubles title with Fuchs and was runner-up with Knowlen in the 1985-1986 season.

As a freshman in the 1985-1986 season, the team went 21-3 overall and won the TCAC and District 24 titles. The entire team advanced to the NAIA National Tournament and finished 18th.

As a sophomore (1986-1987) the team went undefeated (14-0) in conference play and won the TCAC and District 24 championships. Boyett was all-conference again at #6 singles, helping the team finish 8th at the NAIA National Tournament.

As a junior (1987-1988) the team finished 13th at the NAIA National Tournament after winning the TCAC and District 24 championships. Boyett was all-conference at #6 singles and was all-district in #6 singles and #3 doubles.

In his senior year (1988-1989) he was a member of a team that was undefeated (14-0) in TCAC play and finished 17th at the NAIA National Tournament. The team was again TCAC and District 24 champions. Boyett was all-conference in #3 doubles and all-district in #6 singles.

Jeff Boyett Remembered (To contribute comment, email athletics@trevecca.edu)
Stacie (Nichols) Hurst:  "Although I've not seen Jeff in nearly 17 years, I have very fond memories of him. He was always a great friend - ever ready to uplift and bring out a smile. I enjoyed playing tennis with Jeff; and loved him as a coach. He always encouraged me to stay close to the Lord - for which I am very grateful! I grieve for the loss this is to Julie and the children. I rejoice for Jeff's homecoming reception."

Harold Huggins, Sports Writer, Nashville City Paper (formerly with the Nashville Banner and Tennessean):  "Jeff was a pleasure to cover during his tennis days both at McGavock High and at Trevecca when I was a reporter at the Nashville Banner. He had a very easy-going, friendly personality as well as a determined demeanor with great sportsmanship on the court."

Michael Johnson, Public Liaison, Office of the President and Head Coach, Women's Golf, Trevecca Nazarene University:  I had just come back to work at Trevecca in July of 1985 as assistant director of admissions.  Although I was out on the road a lot recruiting students from all over the southeast, I heard about a fine young man from McGavock HS here in Nashville from my good friend, Alan Smith.  As a fan of all our athletic programs, I watched with interest as Coach Smith's tennis dynasty was taking shape. 
 
At first glance, Jeff Boyett hardly had the physical appearance of a great athlete, but his character and will to win soon became legendary.  His record as an athlete is amazing, but I also remember a ready smile and a warm handshake. 
 
I hadn't seen Jeff in years but, through Coach Smith, I knew he was winning in life.  Jeff's love for his family was obvious and I hope his legacy of faithfulness will be an encouragement, not only to his wife and children, but to those who knew him down through the years.  I also hope we can tell his story to our current crop of athletes at Trevecca.  Jeff truly embodied the balanced life of God first, family second and then friends. It is a notable example we all should follow.

Dwayne Gunter: I got to know Jeff during my years at TNU when I played baseball and he was on the tennis team. I got to know him even more since I had a big crush on his tennis coach's daughter. Over the last 20 years, Jeff and his family have always been a part of the Smith family. Jeff Boyett made a tremendous impact on my father-in-law, Alan Smith. One thing I can remember about Jeff is how he always had a way to make me feel comfortable and relaxed when we talked. Sometimes its easier to question God than to trust him. However, I know that peace comes only by trusting in the Lord. Today, I trust that Jeff is rejoicing with the Lord. I trust that the Lord will help Julie and the kids in the days to come. I trust that one day we will see Jeff again.

Debbie Barsby:  I played tennis at Trevecca when Jeff was the assistant coach. I always remember Jeff to be very encouraging, friendly, and always smiling. He made every tennis practice and match fun. When I picture Jeff, I see a tennis racket in his hand and a huge smile. Thanks for always smiling, Jeff! I can only imagine him smiling away in heaven right now. He will be missed.

Dee Howell Kaney:  My biggest memory of Jeff is how optimistic he was. He always smiled and joked and had a good time. He could easily lift your mood if you were filling down. As a coach, he always had a positive attitude and was very convincing when he encouraged us to go out and try to win. He always seemed to be smiling. In recent years, when we occasionally saw each other, he always talked about his love for God, his family, and Coach Smith. I am very saddened and am praying for Julie and his family.

Rich Wonders (Attended McGavock and Trevecca with Jeff):  My first recollection of Jeff dates back to seeing this short, little blonde-haired guy bouncing around the halls at McGavock High School. I was a year older than Jeff, but I was struck by the fact that this guy that really didn't look much like an athlete was a becoming a pretty good tennis player. I quickly learned that Jeff's heart was big, even if he wasn't.

When I arrived at Trevecca, I was suite mates with virtually the entire men's tennis team during my freshman year. As a result, I became pretty close to the team, and followed them intently. The next year, who shows up on campus but Jeff. He really blossomed as a tennis player under the leadership of Alan Smith. Little did the rest of us realize at the time, but he was also blossoming as a man of God with the help of Coach Smith.

I have lost contact with Jeff over the years, but was so delighted to hear how his growth as a tennis player was surpassed by his growth as a man, during his post-TNU years.

As someone that has dealt with the an unexplainable and sudden death of a loved one, I can't begin to comprehend God's plan. And as a father and a husband, my heart breaks for Julie and their children. But as a Christian, I'm confident in Jeff's salvation and his place with God.

My thoughts and prayers will be with Julie, Cameron, Katelyn, Matthew, and Miranda.

Urban Hammarstedt:  It is with great sadness that I am returning this mail. Jeff was a fantastic friend and teammate.He touched lots of people through his great sense of humor. There was never a dull moment around Jeff. I'll always remember Jeff as the "King of Practical Jokes".

Jennifer Houchin:  I played for Coach Smith and Jeff Boyett my Freshman year at Trevecca. So sad to hear this news. My heart and prayers go out to his family.