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1995 Hall of Fame Inductions
People Who Changed The Game
In 1995, we inducted 8 incredible women and 1 impactful gentleman into the Hall of Fame. Each of their legacies has created a lasting impact on the sport of tennis and will for the rest of time.
Inductees
Althea Gibson
An exceptional athlete with a formidable serve, Althea Gibson (b.1927) won 56 titles in her career. A courageous champion, Gibson became the first black player in international tennis.
Gibson grew up in Harlem where she first attracted attention playing paddle tennis. Switching to tennis at age 13, Gibson went on to win 10 successive national championships sponsored by the all-black American Tennis Association. Two ATA officials, Dr. Hubert Eaton and Dr. Robert Johnson, nurtured Gibson’s career and enabled her to attend Florida A&M University. Through her mentors’ efforts, aided by an impassioned statement from Alice Marble, Gibson played at the U.S. Championships in 1950 and then at Wimbledon in 1951.
After earning her B.S. in 1953 and briefly retiring from tennis, Gibson came roaring back in 1956, winning the French Open women’s singles and doubles titles and Wimbledon doubles title – the first black player to win a Grand Slam event. In both 1957 and 1958, Gibson took the U.S. Open and Wimbledon singles crowns, becoming the No. 1 player in the world.
Gibson turned professional in 1959 and later pursued a variety of interests including a 10-year term as New Jersey State Athletic Commissioner. Awarded numerous honors, Gibson became the first woman recipient of the NCAA’s Theodore Roosevelt Award in 1991.
Gibson grew up in Harlem where she first attracted attention playing paddle tennis. Switching to tennis at age 13, Gibson went on to win 10 successive national championships sponsored by the all-black American Tennis Association. Two ATA officials, Dr. Hubert Eaton and Dr. Robert Johnson, nurtured Gibson’s career and enabled her to attend Florida A&M University. Through her mentors’ efforts, aided by an impassioned statement from Alice Marble, Gibson played at the U.S. Championships in 1950 and then at Wimbledon in 1951.
After earning her B.S. in 1953 and briefly retiring from tennis, Gibson came roaring back in 1956, winning the French Open women’s singles and doubles titles and Wimbledon doubles title – the first black player to win a Grand Slam event. In both 1957 and 1958, Gibson took the U.S. Open and Wimbledon singles crowns, becoming the No. 1 player in the world.
Gibson turned professional in 1959 and later pursued a variety of interests including a 10-year term as New Jersey State Athletic Commissioner. Awarded numerous honors, Gibson became the first woman recipient of the NCAA’s Theodore Roosevelt Award in 1991.
Betsy Nagelsen McCormack
Mark H. and Betsy Nagelsen McCormack formed a husband and wife team whose vision, dedication and generosity have created countless new opportunities in women’s tennis. With their gift of the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center at the College of William & Mary, they have provided an ideal home for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Women’s Hall of Fame and an inspiring site for future champions.
Betsy Nagelsen McCormack has made her mark on women’s tennis as an internationally ranked player, setting a standard of sportsmanship for younger champions to emulate. The world’s top junior player in 1973 and winner of the prestigious USTA Girls’ Sportsmanship Award, Nagelsen became known for her powerful serve-and-volley game, scoring singles victories over Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, among others, along with winning more than 30 major singles and doubles titles. She was a four-time member of the U.S. Wightman Cup Team in 1974, 1985, 1988 and 1989.
Playing in her 20th consecutive main draw at Wimbledon in 1993, Nagelsen won the over-35 women’s doubles championship, and went on to win back-to-back titles in the U.S. Open Senior women’s doubles in 1993 and 1994. At the same time, she continued to contribute her expertise as a regular tennis commentator for American television networks ABC and ESPN, and for Australia’s Channel Nine.
In 1975, as Women’s World Doubles Champion, she received the largest prize money (with partner Wendy Turnbull) in the history of women’s tennis.
Betsy Nagelsen McCormack has made her mark on women’s tennis as an internationally ranked player, setting a standard of sportsmanship for younger champions to emulate. The world’s top junior player in 1973 and winner of the prestigious USTA Girls’ Sportsmanship Award, Nagelsen became known for her powerful serve-and-volley game, scoring singles victories over Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, among others, along with winning more than 30 major singles and doubles titles. She was a four-time member of the U.S. Wightman Cup Team in 1974, 1985, 1988 and 1989.
Playing in her 20th consecutive main draw at Wimbledon in 1993, Nagelsen won the over-35 women’s doubles championship, and went on to win back-to-back titles in the U.S. Open Senior women’s doubles in 1993 and 1994. At the same time, she continued to contribute her expertise as a regular tennis commentator for American television networks ABC and ESPN, and for Australia’s Channel Nine.
In 1975, as Women’s World Doubles Champion, she received the largest prize money (with partner Wendy Turnbull) in the history of women’s tennis.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean Moffitt King (b.1943), winner of 39 Grand Slam titles, is one of the world’s great sports heroes. By demanding equal treatment for women and equal treatment for all players King, transformed the game of tennis.
King started playing tennis at age 11 on California’s public courts. Six years later she and partner, Karen Hantze, became the youngest women’s doubles champions at Wimbledon. The following year at Wimbledon, King secured her place as a world-class player by defeating first-seeded Margaret Court. In 1964, as a junior at Los Angeles State College, King made the decision to commit to tennis full-time, launching a legendary sports career. Ranked No. 1 in the world for five years, King used her aggressive serve-and-volley game to win all four Grand Slam singles events, 13 U.S. Open titles, and a record 20 Wimbledon titles. Frustrated by “shamateur” tennis, King was a leader in the movement that opened competition to professionals in 1968. She campaigned for financial parity in women’s tennis by spearheading the professional circuit for women beginning with the Virginia Slims tour in 1971. In 1973, King trounced Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized “Battle of the Sexes,” a triumph for all women.
King retired from competition in 1984 but remained an indomitable force in tennis. Among her many activities, she founded the World Team Tennis professional league, worked as a coach and television commentator, and championed college tennis scholarships for women. In 1990, Life Magazine listed King among the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century.”
King started playing tennis at age 11 on California’s public courts. Six years later she and partner, Karen Hantze, became the youngest women’s doubles champions at Wimbledon. The following year at Wimbledon, King secured her place as a world-class player by defeating first-seeded Margaret Court. In 1964, as a junior at Los Angeles State College, King made the decision to commit to tennis full-time, launching a legendary sports career. Ranked No. 1 in the world for five years, King used her aggressive serve-and-volley game to win all four Grand Slam singles events, 13 U.S. Open titles, and a record 20 Wimbledon titles. Frustrated by “shamateur” tennis, King was a leader in the movement that opened competition to professionals in 1968. She campaigned for financial parity in women’s tennis by spearheading the professional circuit for women beginning with the Virginia Slims tour in 1971. In 1973, King trounced Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized “Battle of the Sexes,” a triumph for all women.
King retired from competition in 1984 but remained an indomitable force in tennis. Among her many activities, she founded the World Team Tennis professional league, worked as a coach and television commentator, and championed college tennis scholarships for women. In 1990, Life Magazine listed King among the “100 Most Important Americans of the 20th Century.”
Doris Hart
Doris Hart (b.1925), a prolific champion with 325 major titles, was the second woman after Maureen Connolly to win all four Grand Slam singles events. Remarkably, Hart achieved her record despite an impaired leg resulting from a childhood illness.
Stricken with osteomyelitis at 15 months, Hart recovered with the support of her parents and her brother, who taught her tennis. By age 16, Hart was ranked in the Top 10 where she stayed through 1955. In 1947, while a University of Miami undergraduate, she won her first Grand Slam title, the women’s doubles at Wimbledon.
With her superb racket control Hart developed a greater variety of shots than any other player of her day. A legendary doubles player, Hart teamed with Shirley Fry to win 11 major championships. She was among the first women to take the Wimbledon triple crown in 1951 and the French in 1952. In 1954, she earned the No. 1 ranking with a triple crown at the U.S. Nationals, retaining her ranking in 1955. She won the USTA Service Bowl Award that same year.
Hart retired from play after 1955 and became a teaching professional. A member of the U.S. Wightman Cup Team from 1946 to 1955, Hart served as Captain of the winning 1970 U.S. Team.
Stricken with osteomyelitis at 15 months, Hart recovered with the support of her parents and her brother, who taught her tennis. By age 16, Hart was ranked in the Top 10 where she stayed through 1955. In 1947, while a University of Miami undergraduate, she won her first Grand Slam title, the women’s doubles at Wimbledon.
With her superb racket control Hart developed a greater variety of shots than any other player of her day. A legendary doubles player, Hart teamed with Shirley Fry to win 11 major championships. She was among the first women to take the Wimbledon triple crown in 1951 and the French in 1952. In 1954, she earned the No. 1 ranking with a triple crown at the U.S. Nationals, retaining her ranking in 1955. She won the USTA Service Bowl Award that same year.
Hart retired from play after 1955 and became a teaching professional. A member of the U.S. Wightman Cup Team from 1946 to 1955, Hart served as Captain of the winning 1970 U.S. Team.
Dr. Anne Pittman
Devoted to tennis since she was ‘net high,’ Dr. Anne Pittman championed intercollegiate women’s competition as a player, coach, educator, and national leader. In recognition of Pittman’s work, the International Tennis Hall of Fame honored her with its Special Educational Merit Award.
Pittman’s pathbreaking work began in her undergraduate days at the University of Texas at Austin when she and her coach successfully sued to play intercollegiate mixed doubles. After receiving a B.S. degree in 1940 and an M.A. in 1945, Pittman went on to a distinguished teaching and coaching career. She earned an Ed.D. from Stanford University in 1972.
In 1954 when Pittman began her 30-year tenure as coach at Arizona State University, intercollegiate competition for her team was virtually nonexistent. Undaunted, she tirelessly created, promoted and directed tournament play and led ASU to national championships in 1971, 1972 and 1974. In 1973, she coached the U.S. Women’s Tennis Team at the World University Games in Moscow.
An inspiration for colleagues as well as students, Pittman founded the Women’s Collegiate Tennis Coaches Association in 1973. Among her many awards she was named NCAA Division I Women’s Coach of the Year in 1984 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association. At her retirement from ASU in 1986 as professor emeritus, Pittman had compiled a 446-114 lifetime coaching record.
Dr. Pittman died from a stroke at her home on November 25, 2008. She had just spent 10 days in Hilton Head playing golf, and had also just celebrated her 90th birthday with friends at Arizona State.
Pittman’s pathbreaking work began in her undergraduate days at the University of Texas at Austin when she and her coach successfully sued to play intercollegiate mixed doubles. After receiving a B.S. degree in 1940 and an M.A. in 1945, Pittman went on to a distinguished teaching and coaching career. She earned an Ed.D. from Stanford University in 1972.
In 1954 when Pittman began her 30-year tenure as coach at Arizona State University, intercollegiate competition for her team was virtually nonexistent. Undaunted, she tirelessly created, promoted and directed tournament play and led ASU to national championships in 1971, 1972 and 1974. In 1973, she coached the U.S. Women’s Tennis Team at the World University Games in Moscow.
An inspiration for colleagues as well as students, Pittman founded the Women’s Collegiate Tennis Coaches Association in 1973. Among her many awards she was named NCAA Division I Women’s Coach of the Year in 1984 by the Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association. At her retirement from ASU in 1986 as professor emeritus, Pittman had compiled a 446-114 lifetime coaching record.
Dr. Pittman died from a stroke at her home on November 25, 2008. She had just spent 10 days in Hilton Head playing golf, and had also just celebrated her 90th birthday with friends at Arizona State.
Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman
Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman (1886 - 1974) was among the most influential figures in tennis, as well as the most beloved. “Mrs. Wightie’ is celebrated for her lifelong work promoting women’s tennis, embodied in the the ladies International Tennis Challenge – better known as the Wightman Cup.
Born in the early days of American tennis, Wightman learned to play at the nearby courts of the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated in 1911. Her rivalry with fellow Californian, May Sutton, shaped a new women’s game, with Wightman attacking the net to counter Sutton’s dominating forehand. In her 60-year playing career, Wightman earned 44 national titles and an unparalleled reputation for sportsmanship.
Wightman’s battle for international competition in women’s tennis resulted in the Wightman Cup challenge between the U.S. and Great Britain, first played in 1923. Wightman served five years as a team member and 13 years as captain. The mother of five children, she also devoted herself to teaching other young people, opening her home near Boston’s Longwood Cricket Club to aspiring champions.
In recognition of Wightman’s contributions to tennis, the USTA Service Bowl was donated in her honor. In 1973, Queen Elizabeth II named Wightman an honorary Commander of the British Empire.
Born in the early days of American tennis, Wightman learned to play at the nearby courts of the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated in 1911. Her rivalry with fellow Californian, May Sutton, shaped a new women’s game, with Wightman attacking the net to counter Sutton’s dominating forehand. In her 60-year playing career, Wightman earned 44 national titles and an unparalleled reputation for sportsmanship.
Wightman’s battle for international competition in women’s tennis resulted in the Wightman Cup challenge between the U.S. and Great Britain, first played in 1923. Wightman served five years as a team member and 13 years as captain. The mother of five children, she also devoted herself to teaching other young people, opening her home near Boston’s Longwood Cricket Club to aspiring champions.
In recognition of Wightman’s contributions to tennis, the USTA Service Bowl was donated in her honor. In 1973, Queen Elizabeth II named Wightman an honorary Commander of the British Empire.
Helen J Lewis
In 1954, when women’s intercollegiate competition was still actively discouraged, Helen Lewis defied convention by staging a national invitational tennis tournament for college women at her alma mater, Washington University in St. Louis. A trailblazing event, that first tournament was the foundation for the national championships played today.
Lewis, a former St. Louis City Champion, believed that college competition was a vital ‘bridge over’ from junior to women’s tennis. By 1958, with the support of USTA president Victor Denny and treasurer Harold Lebair, she succeeded in transforming her invitational tournament into the USTA-sanctioned national championship. That same year Lewis founded the USTA’s Women’s Collegiate Committee which created standards for women’s competition.
Together with her husband, Monroe, longtime president of the Missouri Valley Tennis Association, Helen Lewis made a lifetime commitment to the development of young tennis players. For their many contributions to tennis, the Lewises were awarded the USTA’s Samuel Hardy Award in 1967.
As a tribute to her founding role in women’s collegiate tennis, Lewis served as honnorary chair of the 16th annual national championships in 1973. In 1975 she received the USTA’s Educational Merit Award. Active well into her 80’s, Lewis died in 1984 at the age of 88.
Lewis, a former St. Louis City Champion, believed that college competition was a vital ‘bridge over’ from junior to women’s tennis. By 1958, with the support of USTA president Victor Denny and treasurer Harold Lebair, she succeeded in transforming her invitational tournament into the USTA-sanctioned national championship. That same year Lewis founded the USTA’s Women’s Collegiate Committee which created standards for women’s competition.
Together with her husband, Monroe, longtime president of the Missouri Valley Tennis Association, Helen Lewis made a lifetime commitment to the development of young tennis players. For their many contributions to tennis, the Lewises were awarded the USTA’s Samuel Hardy Award in 1967.
As a tribute to her founding role in women’s collegiate tennis, Lewis served as honnorary chair of the 16th annual national championships in 1973. In 1975 she received the USTA’s Educational Merit Award. Active well into her 80’s, Lewis died in 1984 at the age of 88.
Mark H. McCormack
Mark H. and Betsy Nagelsen McCormack formed a husband and wife team whose vision, dedication and generosity have created countless new opportunities in women’s tennis. With their gift of the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center at the College of William & Mary, they have provided an ideal home for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Women’s Hall of Fame and an inspiring site for future champions.
Mark McCormack revolutionized the world of sports as founder of the sports marketing industry. Beginning in the early 1960’s, he built his company, International Management Group, into the world’s largest athlete representation and sports marketing firm. A highly creative and dynamic entrepreneur, McCormack diversified IMG’s interests to encompass corporate consulting, licensing, television programming and distribution, artist representation and marketing of events such as Wimbledon and various Olympic games. McCormack also became a best-selling author whose books include What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School.
Often called “the most powerful man in sports” and recognized as the most powerful man in tennis, McCormack has helped to change the face of women’s tennis. On the professional level, his advocacy on behalf of players and his promotion of tournaments worldwide has brought tremendous new support and interest for the game. On the intercollegiate level, McCormack provided the first women’s tennis scholarships at his alma mater, William & Mary, enhancing the team’s competitiveness in NCAA Division I play.
On May 16, 2003, the Women’s Hall of Fame lost our founder and devoted friend when Mark McCormack died.
Mark McCormack revolutionized the world of sports as founder of the sports marketing industry. Beginning in the early 1960’s, he built his company, International Management Group, into the world’s largest athlete representation and sports marketing firm. A highly creative and dynamic entrepreneur, McCormack diversified IMG’s interests to encompass corporate consulting, licensing, television programming and distribution, artist representation and marketing of events such as Wimbledon and various Olympic games. McCormack also became a best-selling author whose books include What They Don’t Teach You at Harvard Business School.
Often called “the most powerful man in sports” and recognized as the most powerful man in tennis, McCormack has helped to change the face of women’s tennis. On the professional level, his advocacy on behalf of players and his promotion of tournaments worldwide has brought tremendous new support and interest for the game. On the intercollegiate level, McCormack provided the first women’s tennis scholarships at his alma mater, William & Mary, enhancing the team’s competitiveness in NCAA Division I play.
On May 16, 2003, the Women’s Hall of Fame lost our founder and devoted friend when Mark McCormack died.
Pauline Betz Addie
Pauline Betz Addie (b.1919), four-time U.S. singles champion in the 1940’s, was renowned for her peerless backhand and ‘killer instinct’. When international play resumed after World War II, Betz became one of a handful of champions to win on her first try at Wimbledon in 1946.
Raised in Los Angeles, Betz learned tennis on public courts. She was offered a scholarship by Rollins College where she played No. 4 on the men’s team and graduated as the top economics student in 1943. Letz later earned an M.A. in economics from Columbia University.
As an undergraduate in 1942, Betz won her first U.S. Open singles title. She repeated her victory in 1943 and 1944 and triumphed at both Wimbledon and Forest Hills in 1946. That year, she also played a key role on the U.S. Wightman Cup team, dubbed the ‘Betz Club.’
Betz turned professional in 1947, enjoying a 13-year undefeated career on tour with such notables as Don Budge and Bobby Riggs. In 1949, she married Washington Post sportswriter Bob Addie. After retiring as a player, she remained an active teaching professional while raising her five children. In 1990, she received the USTA’s Sarah Palfrey Danzig Award for her contributions to tennis.
Raised in Los Angeles, Betz learned tennis on public courts. She was offered a scholarship by Rollins College where she played No. 4 on the men’s team and graduated as the top economics student in 1943. Letz later earned an M.A. in economics from Columbia University.
As an undergraduate in 1942, Betz won her first U.S. Open singles title. She repeated her victory in 1943 and 1944 and triumphed at both Wimbledon and Forest Hills in 1946. That year, she also played a key role on the U.S. Wightman Cup team, dubbed the ‘Betz Club.’
Betz turned professional in 1947, enjoying a 13-year undefeated career on tour with such notables as Don Budge and Bobby Riggs. In 1949, she married Washington Post sportswriter Bob Addie. After retiring as a player, she remained an active teaching professional while raising her five children. In 1990, she received the USTA’s Sarah Palfrey Danzig Award for her contributions to tennis.
Shirley Fry Irvin
Known as the fastest player of her day, Shirley Fry Irvin (b.1927) was ranked in the Top 10 from 1944 to 1956, reaching No. 1 in 1956. She was the third woman to win all four Grand Slam singles events, achieving that distinction shortly after her friend, Doris Hart.
A native of Akron, Ohio, Fry excelled at tennis under her father’s guidance, becoming the youngest player at the U.S. Nationals in 1941. A 1949 graduate of Rollins College, she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals and French finals in her junior year.
With grit and tremendous concentration, Fry was a strong competitor against the great Maureen Connolly. Fry also joined Doris Hart in an unstoppable doubles team, taking 11 major titles in the early 1950’s. Following a brief retirement, Fry was invited to compete on the 1956 Wightman Cup Team and in an amazing comeback, went on to win Wimbledon, U.S. Open, and Australian singles titles.
While in Australia, Fry met and married Karl Irvin, a U.S. advertising executive and tennis umpire, with whom she had four children. She taught and continued to play competitively for the next three decades. In 1987, Fry was honored with the USTA’s Service Bowl Award.
A native of Akron, Ohio, Fry excelled at tennis under her father’s guidance, becoming the youngest player at the U.S. Nationals in 1941. A 1949 graduate of Rollins College, she reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals and French finals in her junior year.
With grit and tremendous concentration, Fry was a strong competitor against the great Maureen Connolly. Fry also joined Doris Hart in an unstoppable doubles team, taking 11 major titles in the early 1950’s. Following a brief retirement, Fry was invited to compete on the 1956 Wightman Cup Team and in an amazing comeback, went on to win Wimbledon, U.S. Open, and Australian singles titles.
While in Australia, Fry met and married Karl Irvin, a U.S. advertising executive and tennis umpire, with whom she had four children. She taught and continued to play competitively for the next three decades. In 1987, Fry was honored with the USTA’s Service Bowl Award.
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