Chuck Waldron

Clinton, S. C.

Inducted 2023

Chuck Waldron, known to his tennis family as “Coach,” has made tennis a huge part of his life as a player, teacher, mentor and volunteer.  He began playing tennis at age 6 and raised enough money on his paper route and selling empty soda bottles to pay for his first lesson when he was 10.  After a slow start, he went on to have an outstanding career at Clinton High School and Presbyterian College and has over 50 years of coaching experience, primarily with junior players in small towns in South Carolina.  Coach always stressed the importance of good sportsmanship, hard work and determination.

Playing Career:

• Although not a starter, he was a member of four state championship teams at Clinton High School.  He played number one singles and doubles his senior year, was team captain and team MVP and Peach Blossom Conference MVP when the team finished third in the state.
• Received a tennis scholarship to play at Presbyterian College.  PC was top five in the country in NAIA each year and he received the William Miller Holman Robert’s Memorial Award given to the player that represents the attitude and true spirit of PC.
• Played professionally for three years and continued to play pro-am tournaments until he was 50.
• Won eight adult doubles titles at the South Carolina State Championships.

Teaching Career:

• Started teaching tennis at age 15 when George Amaya gave him five kids from his program, which was the beginning of the Clinton Junior Tennis Program.
• Coached the Clinton High School girls to top five standings in the state in 1981 and 1982.
• Assistant coach at PC in 1981 and Clemson University in 1982.  Both the Clemson men’s and women’s teams won the ACC Championship and the men finished in the top five in the country. 
• Director of Tennis for the Belton Tennis Association for four years.  He revitalized the Belton junior program in the late 1980’s establishing “Belton’s Best” with his players winning over 250 titles.
• Coached the Thornwell tennis team to 11 region championships in 12 years.
• Coached South Carolina Zonal, Southern Cup and Junior Davis Cup teams and Allstar Camps.
• Served as a teaching professional at the Tiger Tennis Camp, Carolina Country Club, Greenwood Country Club, Salt Lake Swim & Tennis Club, The Reserve and High Hampton.
• Coached 50 kids who won titles at the Palmetto Championships in Belton and the State Closed Championships, another 19 girls won Hall of Fame Classic titles, and 113 players have received scholarships to play college tennis.  His players have also received over 200 sportsmanship awards.
• Coached his three children to top high school and junior ranking, and two played college tennis.

Contributions to USTA South Carolina and Awards:

• An original USTA Player Development Coach, founding board member of the South Carolina Professional Tennis Association, founding member of the Palmetto Junior Novice Circuit and the Maynard Cup.
• Founded the Rufus Sadler Tennis Foundation, which provides financial support to players and the Lakelands Player Development Program with Gary Agardy
• Served on numerous USTA South Carolina volunteer committees including Challenger Circuit (chairman), Junior Competition, Player Development, All-Start Camp and Awards.  Also served on the USTA Southern Collegiate Committee.
• 1988 USTA South Carolina Pro of the Year and he and his family were the 2022 Family of the Year.