Wilmington’s Scott receives Pro of the Year Award
Mike Scott grew up on a farm near Winston-Salem, N.C., and worked in the tobacco fields and other crops from daybreak until night.
Then Scott grew up to be an outstanding tennis coach.
This month, at the age of 73, Scott walked away from the J. Randloph Gregson USTA Southern Tennis Banquet in Atlanta with an award and recognition as the Southern Tennis Professional of the Year.
“It was a pretty monumental event,” Scott said about the Southern awards program in Atlanta. “Everything was perfect. I enjoyed everything. It was a good time in my life.”
His friends and co-workers at the Althea Gibson Tennis Complex (AGTC) in Wilmington, N.C., have nothing but praise for their longtime tennis friend and resident teaching pro.
Mike Scott teaching tennis to Ann Murray. Photo: Althea Gibson Tennis Complex.
“Mike Scott’s life has been devoted to teaching tennis at Empie Park to all ages, levels and abilities since the 1980s,” pointed out Wilmington Director of Parks and Recreation Tari Ann Toro, Scott’s long-time boss at the complex.
“He is one of the most sought after and beloved tennis coaches in Wilmington and has a very loyal following. In many ways, Mike does not just help his students get better in tennis but has also helped countless students overcome addictions, personal troubles and mentored them to be the best they can be.”
That message echoes the sentiments of fellow AGTC teaching pro Milton Vann.
“I have known Mike for over 35 years. He has always had unwavering dedication to the sport of tennis. Teaching has been his life passion,” Vann said.
Mike Scott (left) and Brandon McKeown. Photo: Kim Byrd
“Teaching 10-12 hours a day during winter and summer months without any complaining. He has struggled with many health issues over the years, but his love for teaching has always given him the motivation to get better and be available for his students.” Vann added.
Scott has dealt with a long line of injuries and surgeries: prostate cancer, neck cancer, two knee replacements and a hip surgery while in his 60s.
“I lost 45 pounds,” Scott said about the cancer. “They had a fundraiser for me at the AG courts.”
“When I left the courts last night (Jan. 16), it was 35 degrees, but all 24 courts were being played on,” he said. “Tennis is so big here. It’s a big deal now.”
It wasn’t quite that way when Scott first arrived at the courts more than 35 years ago when he took over as the teaching pro at the complex, working for Wilmington’s Parks and Recreation Department.
He attended Mount Olive College for a year and demonstrated enough athletic ability to be offered a baseball scholarship. But that didn’t work out.
So, eventually, tennis won the game, and he started improving his tennis game. The game just got better in his 30s when he lived in Oklahoma. Tennis drew him back to Wilmington.
Vann also expressed his great admiration. “He continues to be a great teacher and fixture in the Wilmington community. From beginners to national champions, Mike can say he has taught them all.”
--
James Beck was the 2003 winner of the USTA National Media Award for print media. A 1995 MBA graduate of The Citadel, he can be reached at Jamesbecktennis@gmail.com.
Related Articles
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
