Bill Tym

Described as one of the most influential and respected people in the game of tennis, Bill Tym’s tennis career spans more than 50 years. Tym attended the University of Florida where he was a two-time SEC singles champion and a 1963 All-American. After college, Tym competed on the professional international tour winning ten titles before his retirement. Turning to a teaching career, Tym became head pro at Manker Patten Tennis Club in Chattanooga gaining a reputation as a top coach and teaching professional. In 1970, Tym became head coach for the fledgling UTC men’s tennis team ushering in a championship era and in 1979, became head coach for the successful women’s team. From 1987-1996 he served as the head coach of the Vanderbilt tennis program. Some of his coaching accomplishments include winning the National Interscholastic Championship, the Southern Conference title, the National AIAW Small College Women’s Championship and making numerous NCAA Championship appearances. Active in the administration of tennis programs, Tym served as President and Executive Director of the United States Professional Tennis Association. He received the International Tennis Hall of Fame Tennis Educational Merit Award in 1981 and was named the USPTA Professional of the Year in 1982. Tym earned the College Coach of the Year award in 1989, Touring Coach of the Year in 1997 and 2002, and in 2001, was honored with the George Bacso USPTA Lifetime Achievement Award. He is in the Hall of Fame for USPTA, USPTA Southern, USTA Southern, University of Florida Atlantic, and University TN Chattanooga.