Southern Tennis Patrons Foundation

Southern Tennis Patrons Foundation

Frank Willett, Georgia, 1986

Frank Willett, Georgia, inducted in 1986Frank Willett

  • Won 1940 National Indoor Boys title.
  • Received USTA’s Jacobs Bowl and Touchstone Sportsmanship Awards.
  • Played on Earl Bortell’s Georgia Tech teams of the mid 1940s.
  • Went undefeated in regular season dual matches for four years at Georgia Tech.
  • Reached the NCAA Singles Semi-finals in 1945.
  • President of the Chattanooga Tennis Patrons Foundation and president of the Southern Tennis Association from 1961-62.
  • Member of six Halls of Fames.

Gilbert T. Stacy, Georgia, 1983

Gilbert T. Stacy, Georgia, inducted in 1983Gil Stacy

  • One of southern tennis’ most tireless and widely known contributors.
  • President of the Southern Lawn Tennis Association from 1966-67.
  • Established the first Southern Section Office in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Founded the Southern Tennis Patrons Foundation.
  • Researcher, amassing a history on the Southern Tennis Lawn Association.
  • Author who published a book, “The History of Southern Tennis,” in 1976.
  • He remained active in the Patrons Foundation until his death in 1988.

Crawford Henry, Georgia, 1983

Crawford Henry, Georgia, inducted in 1983Crawford Henry074

  • Four time Georgia High School Singles Champion.
  • Undefeated in High School Competition.
  • Three time All American at Tulane University.
  • Won the NCAA Doubles Championships in 1957 and 1959
  • Ranked in the top ten in United States singles and four in doubles.
  • Head Men’s Tennis Coach at North Carolina State University for 16 years.
  • Member of the ITA Collegiate Hall of Fame.

Ruth Lay, Georgia, 1982

Ruth Lay, Georgia, inducted in 1982Ruth Lay

  • Began tennis career early on her high school clay courts in Vienna, Georgia and went on to play at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.
  • Instrumental in starting ALTA League play in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Received the USTA Service Bowl, Southern Tennis Association Touchstone Trophy, and Jacobs Bowl.
  • Member of the Georgia Tennis Association and USPTA Southern Division Halls of Fame.
  • Began her coaching career at the Cumberland Indoor Tennis Center.
  • Over 50 of the athletes she helped mentor and coach over the years received college scholarships, with several receiving All-American honors
  • Ruth passed away peacefully in her sleep in 2013 at the age of 87.

Natalie Cohen, Georgia, 1982

Natalie Cohen, Georgia, inducted 1982Natalie Cohen

  • Lifelong resident of Atlanta, Georgia who began playing tennis at age eight.
  • Served as Executive Secretary of the Southern Tennis Association for 13 years.
  • Won 13 Georgia State Women’s Open Doubles Championships.
  • Certified USTA Umpire for over 50 years.
  • Served as the first female umpire for the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championships.
  • Received the Marlborough Award from World Tennis Magazine, Jacobs Bowl from the Southern Tennis Association, and the Georgia Tennis Association’s Service Award.
  • Awarded the Presidential Sports Award from President Gerald Ford.