The University of North Carolina men’s tennis coach, Don Skakle, will be posthumously inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on Friday, May 10. During his 22 years at UNC, Skakle led the men’s tennis teams to an impressive record of 418-55 and a league play record of 132-14. His teams dominated the ACC in the early 1970s, winning multiple singles and doubles titles.
Skakle was also a standout player at UNC, boasting an individual record of 60-1. Despite his untimely death in his sleep on the eve of the 1980 ACC Tennis Championships in Winston-Salem, Skakle’s impact on the sport was significant and led to his induction into the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
Joining Skakle in the Class of 2024 are eleven other inductees, including notable names like Randolph Childress, Jim Nantz, and Steve Smith Sr. The induction ceremony will take place during the 60th annual Induction Celebration on May 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. This year’s class represents the diverse and dynamic sports heritage of North Carolina, showcasing individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
Skakle’s teams had an impressive overall record of 418-55 and a league play record of 132-14 during his tenure as head coach at UNC from 1968 to 1990. Under Skakle’s leadership, UNC won a total of 16 ACC championships outright and tied for two others. Skakle was also known for his expertise in recruiting top talent to UNC’s tennis program.
Skakle’s legacy as a coach extends beyond just his successes on the court. He was known for his unwavering commitment to developing young athletes both physically and mentally. Many former players have spoken about how Skakle’s guidance helped them navigate their college years and beyond.
The Class of 2024 includes many other talented athletes who have left their mark on North Carolina sports history. Randolph Childress is best known for leading North Carolina State basketball team to win two NCAA championships in the late ’70s. Jim Nantz is one of sports most iconic broadcasters while Steve Smith Sr is considered one of NFL greatest receivers.
The induction ceremony will celebrate these athletes’ achievements and contributions to North Carolina sports history while also highlighting their enduring impact off the field.
In conclusion, Don Skakle’s induction into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is well deserved recognition for one of UNC’s greatest coaches in history. He led UNC men’s tennis teams to numerous victories throughout his tenure while also leaving a lasting impression on many former players who went on to achieve great things themselves both inside and outside
