Middle States Hall of Fame: A History

While USTA Middle States enjoys the growth of tennis within and beyond its boundaries, the organization recognizes that honoring the sport’s past is as important as building its future. For that purpose, celebrating the illustrious tennis history within the Section – the Middle States Hall of Fame was born in 1994.

In that year, President Philip Caplan and Executive Director Laura Canfield spearheaded an effort to make the Hall of Fame a reality by establishing a section committee to work under the auspice of the Middle States Tennis Patrons’ Foundation, established in 1973. This non-profit fundraising arm of USTA Middle States is dedicated to developing and supporting tennis programs, particularly for young players.

The event was visualized as a nostalgic gathering that would not only honor those individuals who contributed to the game within Middle States, it would also raise funds to continue the development of junior programs and players.

Sculptor Myra Weisgold was commissioned to design and craft a statue that is given to each Hall of Fame inductee.

The inaugural class was stellar: William J. Clothier, Harry R. Hoffmann, Sr., Eve Kraft, Vic Seixas, Bill Tilden and Bunny Vosters. This impressive “Class of 1994” led the way for the remarkable individuals who would follow in the ensuing years.

These tennis luminaries have played a part in generating thousands of dollars to help fun junior players and tennis programs within Middle States which comprises the geographical areas of Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey (exclusive of a 35-mile radius around New York City), and northwestern West Virginia.

Each year the Hall of Fame event rotates among the six districts: Allegheny Mountain, Central Pennsylvania, Delaware, Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Philadelphia Area. Hall of Fame committee members and Middle States staff combine efforts with local community tennis organizations to produce a successful fundraiser that honors outstanding tennis people within that district.

To view our Middle States Hall of Fame class of 2022, CLICK HERE.