Induction Year: 1984

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John Edward Hoff (1906-1966) was an influential figure in Texas tennis whose dedication to the sport as a player and coach helped shape the tennis landscape in the state. Born in 1906 in Comanche, Texas, Hoff discovered his love for tennis and began competing in local tournaments.

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Hoff earned an Associate of Science in Civil Engineering from John Tarleton Agricultural College in 1924, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1927 and a Master of Science in 1929, both from the University of Texas. He went on to have a career in civil engineering was both diverse and impactful.

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In 1941, Hoff joined the University of Houston's faculty, becoming a professor of civil engineering in 1949 and serving as department chairman from 1950 to 1964. During that time, he volunteered as the varsity tennis coach from 1946 to 1966, leading the team to eight team titles, eight singles championships, and eight doubles championships.

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Hoff served as mayor of Comanche, Texas, from 1935 to 1939, during which time he was the youngest mayor in the United States. His enduring legacy is evident in the John E. Hoff Tennis Center in Houston, Texas, at the University of Houston.