The Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame is thrilled to announce the induction of Sheryl Behne, Kevin Foster, Bobby Hagerman, and Perry Widener into the Class of 2024. These remarkable Texas tennis legends will be celebrated at the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Annual Banquet, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco, Texas.
This year’s banquet theme, "Game Changers: The Heroes of Texas Tennis," serves as a tribute to the extraordinary individuals who have profoundly influenced and continue to elevate the sport of tennis in Texas. The evening will center around the recognition of our distinguished Hall of Fame members, whose remarkable achievements have left an indelible mark on tennis. These individuals have not only excelled on the court but have also inspired generations of players, coaches, and fans. Their contributions have significantly shaped the growth and development of tennis in Texas, and their legacies continue to resonate within the tennis community.
Beyond celebrating these legendary figures, the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame will also honor the countless volunteers whose tireless efforts form the backbone of our tennis community. These unsung heroes, driven by passion, dedication, and unwavering support, ensure that tennis thrives in schools, parks, and communities throughout our great state. Without their invaluable contributions, the vibrant and inclusive tennis culture we cherish today would not be possible.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.texastennismuseum.org/2024-banquet.
Each year, the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame honors individuals, past and present, who have distinguished themselves as players, coaches, or contributors to the sport. Through their achievements and the exemplary standards they uphold, they have made significant contributions to the growth, development, and administration of tennis. The inductees for the Class of 2024 include:
Sheryl Behne
Sheryl Behne, a standout at the University of Texas, went on to shape Austin’s tennis community as Director of Tennis at South Austin Tennis Center. She co-founded the Capital Area Tennis Association, pioneering junior team tennis in Central Texas. Behne's influence spans teaching, mentoring, and managing clubs, earning her multiple accolades, including USPTA Pro of the Year and Texas Player of the Year.
Kevin Foster
Kevin Foster’s 40-year career in tennis is defined by leadership, coaching, and dedication to advancing the sport. He has improved officiating standards as USTA Texas Chair of Officials and a National Committee Member. His work in adaptive tennis and grassroots development, along with his tenure as Head Men’s Coach at Baylor University, showcases his broad influence. Foster’s numerous awards include USTA Texas Family of the Year Award (2024), USTA Texas Ray Delcastillo Official of the Year Award (2024), and multiple USTA Texas Official of the Year Awards.
Bobby Hagerman
For nearly 50 years, Bobby Hagerman has shaped Texas tennis, beginning as Director of Tennis at Seay Tennis Center in Dallas. His programs nurtured over 10,000 junior players. In Wichita Falls and Corpus Christi, Hagerman continued to enhance tennis through tournament management and player development. A top-ranked player himself, Hagerman’s legacy includes the creation of the Texoma Junior Circuit and significant contributions to tournament organization.
Perry Widener (Posthumous)
Perry Widener's influence and generosity profoundly shaped the lives of countless players as he championed the growth of tennis in Laredo. As president of the Laredo Tennis Association, Widener played a pivotal role in integrating tennis into the Laredo Border Olympics and creating opportunities for underprivileged children. Widener is revered as the “Father of Tennis” in Laredo, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates not only within the local community but also across the state and into Mexico.
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