LAKE NONA, Fla. – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the Tim Heckler USPTA Hall of Fame Award to John Wilkerson of Houston, TX (Texas Division).
As a kid, John didn’t want to play tennis; he was a baseball player. But his brothers played tennis, and they encouraged him to participate. And so, the first time he competed, he beat his brothers. Then, John went out for the high school tennis team and was victorious against each one of his teammates and even the coach. He won district and state titles in his first year. John was hooked from then on.
After earning a tennis scholarship to college and serving in the U.S. Army, John became director of tennis at MacGregor Park in Houston, TX. John’s biggest joy in life is to teach kids tennis and watch them develop. He coached tennis pros Zina Garrison (world No. 4) and Lori McNeil (world No. 9) when they were children. More than a tennis coach, John is a life coach that inspires his students to succeed both on and off the court.
About the USPTA: Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development. With more than 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions nationwide, the Association’s mission is to raise the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and to promote a greater awareness of the sport.
Media Contacts:
James P. Burke
Director of Marketing and Communications
james.burke@uspta.org
407-634-3071 ext. 142
Mike Calendrillo
Public Relations Coordinator
mike.calendrillo@uspta.org
407-634-3050 ext. 114