Mid-Atlantic

Gordon Macgill: A Journey from the Corporate World to the Heart of the Tennis Court

The Mid-Atlantic tennis community is filled with inspiring individuals and organizations making a profound impact on the sport. Each year, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation celebrates these tennis champions through our Annual Awards program, recognizing those who go above and beyond to grow and enhance the game in the region.

In 2024, we continue to honor individuals and community providers who embody our core values of Community, Character, and Well-being as part of the “USTA Mid-Atlantic Creates” theme. Their dedication is shaping the future of tennis, and their contributions to the sport have touched countless lives across the region.

This year, many nominations were submitted, each showcasing remarkable stories of leadership, passion, and commitment. After a thorough selection process, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation proudly introduces the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Creates Award winners, individuals and organizations whose positive influence extends far beyond the court.

On a crisp fall afternoon in Richmond, Virginia, the red clay court hums with the sounds of tennis balls and laughter. Among the cheers of parents and volunteers, one coach stands at the center, rallying the players with his characteristic energy and warmth. Gordon Macgill, who once spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, now spends his days doing what he loves most—teaching tennis and transforming lives. This year, Gordon will be one of the recipients of the Tennis Creates Award for Coach of the Year.

Love at First Swing: A Lifelong Tennis Journey

Gordon’s relationship with tennis began unconventionally. Growing up in a small town in Southwest Virginia, he and his brothers would grab racquetball rackets and hit whatever ball they could find. Fortunately, a tennis court sat just down the street, where he began private lessons. "It was almost like having a court in my backyard," Gordon recalls. “My first real racket was a Head Arthur Ashe Composition, and I still remember wearing my Lacoste polo shirt, trying to emulate my heroes."

When Gordon’s family relocated to Richmond, tennis became more than a pastime—it became part of his identity. He played through middle and high school, winning a state title with Douglas Freeman High School. At Hampden-Sydney College, Gordon captained his team for two years, and after graduation, he continued competing in USTA leagues, even earning a spot at Nationals in Tucson, Arizona.

But despite a lifetime immersed in the game, tennis was a passion Gordon didn’t fully realize would define his life until later. For over 25 years, Gordon pursued a career in the corporate world, working at Capital One. Yet, a voice inside him kept whispering—what if he dedicated his life to tennis and the communities he cared about?

A Leap of Faith: From Corporate Life to Coaching

In 2019, that whisper became a calling. Gordon, with the unwavering support of his wife, Andrea, boldly decided to leave behind a stable corporate career to follow his dream of teaching tennis. “It was a leap of faith,” Gordon admits. "But I knew I needed to reinvent myself—and tennis was the way to do it."

During this transition, Gordon found a new passion—working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. His path crossed with Love Serving Autism (LSA), a non-profit that combines therapeutic racquet sports instruction with social and emotional development. Gordon saw an opportunity to blend his love of tennis with his desire to serve others, and in 2021, he launched the Richmond chapter of LSA, holding clinics on a private red clay court.

What started as a small, grassroots effort quickly blossomed into something remarkable. Word spread throughout the community and players and volunteers flocked to Gordon’s clinics, eager to be part of something special. "The first time I ran an LSA clinic on that red clay court, it felt like magic," Gordon recalls. “Parents stayed to cheer their kids on, which became this incredible family atmosphere.”

More Than a Coach: Changing Lives On and Off the Court

Gordon’s coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: tennis should be fun and inclusive. Whether working with beginners or competitive players, Gordon builds relationships and fosters personal growth. “It’s not just about tennis,” he explains. “It’s about creating a positive environment where every player feels valued, no matter their level.”

His impact is evident in the lives he’s touched. One of his players, who started tennis through Gordon’s clinic, recently won a medal in the Special Olympics—a moment Gordon treasures. “To see how far they’ve come, both on the court and in life, is why I do this,” he says.

Gordon’s coaching goes far beyond the clinics. He sends personal videos to students, attends their school matches, and checks in with parents. One former baseball player, inspired by Gordon’s guidance, transitioned to tennis, played for his university’s team, and eventually became a coach. "It’s moments like these that remind me I’m right where I need to be,” Gordon reflects.

His work with LSA has also created ripples throughout the community. Volunteers—former players and local tennis enthusiasts—have become part of his mission, helping at clinics and building friendships with participants. "It’s a village we’ve created, and it’s something extraordinary," Gordon says.

A Champion of Inclusion and Growth

At the core of everything Gordon does is the belief that tennis is for everyone. "One of the biggest challenges in the autism community is finding social activities that get kids off the sofa and into the world," Gordon explains. His adaptive clinics teach tennis skills and promote character development and emotional well-being. “We talk about our emotions, and at the end of every session, we have a big group cheer. It’s not just about tennis—it’s about connection.”

In addition to his work with LSA, Gordon was is an assistant coach for the Douglas Freeman Girls Tennis Team, helping guide them to back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023. His ability to coach players of all levels—from kids just starting to competitive high school athletes—reflects his versatility and dedication.

"He brings out the best in everyone," one parent shares. "He coached my daughter, who struggled with anxiety, and through his patience and kindness, she not only improved her game but also found her confidence."

The Heart of a Servant, the Spirit of a Coach

For Gordon, coaching tennis is more than a career—it’s a calling. "My serve has always been my greatest weapon on the court," Gordon says with a smile, "but now, serving others is my greatest passion."

Gordon’s journey from the corporate world to the tennis court is a testament to the power of following your heart. His ability to inspire, teach, and build community is why he is a deserving recipient of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year Award.

Through every lesson, clinic, and conversation, Gordon Macgill proves that tennis is more than a game—it’s a way to connect, grow, and uplift others. As he reflects on his journey, Gordon shares a final thought: "Tennis forces you to constantly problem-solve and self-motivate—skills everyone can benefit from, on or off the court. And at the end of the day, it’s not about winning matches—it’s about spreading joy through the game I love."

With Gordon at the helm, the future of tennis in Richmond—and beyond—is brighter, more inclusive, and filled with possibility. His commitment and leap of faith are why he’s not just a coach—he’s a changemaker, a mentor, and a beacon of hope. And that is why he truly deserves to be named Coach of the Year.

Congratulations to all the 2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic award winners! Gordon will be awarded, along with the other honorees, at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 2nd Annual Tennis Creates Gala, presented by OneLife Fitness, on December 7, 2024. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions to the tennis community. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out! Tickets can be purchased here.

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

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