/
.
Men's Tennis Coach Named
Story Links
Aug. 25, 1998
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — University of Virginia Senior Associate Director of Athletics Craig Littlepage announced Tuesday that Dick Stockton has been named men’s tennis coach at UVa effective immediately. Stockton replaces Thomas Johnston, who resigned July 8.
“Dick Stockton is one of the real gentlemen in U.S. tennis,” said Littlepage in announcing the appointment. “His appointment as head coach is something that will capture the attention of many in the tennis community. We are very pleased to have Dick in our progriam.”
Stockton, 47, brings a wealth of playing and teaching experience to the head coach’s position at UVa. He is currently a teaching professional and Director of Special Events at the T Bar M Racquet Club of Dallas in Dallas, Texas. In that position, he was responsible for producing an annual professional charity tennis event, coordinating corporate outings, tournaments and marketing, and providing group and private tennis lessons to adults and children. He has worked in the junior tennis program for many years and has coached several players who have gone on to play collegiately.
Stockton graduated from Tr/inity University in Texas in 1972 with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. He was a member of an NCAA championship team in 1972 and was the NCAA singles champion that year.
Following his graduation he embarked on a professional tennis career. Stockton was a Wimbledon semifinalist in 1974 and reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open in 1976 and 1977. He was the U.S. Open mixed doubles champion in 1975 and the world mixed doubles champion in 1975-76-77. In addition, he was on the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1973-75-76-77-79. Stockton won eight singles and 16 doubles titles in his career. He was ranked eighth in the world in 1977 and in the U.S. Top 10 six times.
Stockton has played Senior Tour Events (35-and-over, 45-and-over) since 1985. He was the U.S. Open 35-and-over doubles champion in 1987, 1989 and 1990. Two years ago he won the U.S. Open 45-and-over doubles championship. In 1997 he captured the Wimbledon 45-and-over doubles championship.
“I went through four years of college and know firsthand how special those four years of college are,” said Stockton. “I was fortunate to be part of a national championship –team, so I know what it takes to get to that elite position. Ever since I graduated from college in 1972, I have had the desire to get into collegiate coaching. Now I am able to fulfill this dream at one of the country’s prestigious institutions–the University of Virginia. Over the years I have been offered several coaching positions, but for a variety of reasons, passed on them. This opportunity is perfect for me and I am very excited to take this position at UVa.”
Stockton was inducted into the Collegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 1990 and to the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame in 1996.
He is married to the former Elizabeth de Carvalho of Yonkers, N.Y. They have four children–Sarah, Cole, J.R. Edwards and Spencer.