Induction Year: 2005

 

Paul Christian (1941-2022) made his mark as a player, coach, USPTA tester, teaching professional and volunteer. He was the 1959 Texas boys’ doubles champion, playing for Wichita Falls High School. He was captain and #1 player for the TCU Men’s team (1959-63). He won the Men’s Singles and Doubles Texas Open titles in 1971 and was ranked #1 in Men’s Open Doubles in Texas four years with partner and fellow inductee Tim Heckler. Christian won the National Grass Courts Men’s 45 Doubles. Since 1968 he has won 17 Texas titles.

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As a coach, his team from CC Miller High School won the AAAA state title. He directed the Texas Junior Davis Cup Camp and was coach at the University of Houston (1968-74), winning the University’s first-ever Southwest Conference Team Championship and earning five NCAA top-ten rankings in 6 years.

 

Christian served on the USPTA Texas Division board from 1991-1999 (President 1997-98), the Houston Tennis Association board, Club Corporation National Tennis Committee, the USPTA Testing Committee, the Texas Section Marketing Committee, Nominating Committee, Awards Committee and Chairman of the Discipline & Grievance Committee. He was tournament director for the 1971 Virginia Slims, Glen Campbell and Lloyd Bridges Pro-Celebrity Tournament and Chuck Norris’ Charity Tournament. Christian spent 14 years with the Chuck Norris Kick Drugs Out of America charity. He was the USPTA Texas Division Pro of the Year in 1995 and was selected Club Corp Pro of the Year twice.

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