Induction Speech, Rutgers University, September 28, 2013
The Jim Lopez Tennis Academy:
A junior, Jim played multi-sports. Baseball was #1. After a tour in the U.S. Navy, Jim picked up tennis. Within 3 years was recruited to Rutgers University, named captain, #1 player, undefeated, and playing collegiate nationals 2x.
Following college, Jim took his career to South Florida, the #1 tennis hub in the world, where he began playing on the professional tour. At the same time, found coaching to be enticing. Like his game, he quickly rose through the coaching ranks. His first teaching assignment was at a prestigious tennis academy in one of the great tennis hubs in the world, Southeast Florida. The academy featured top ranked national junior players & world class touring pros. Gaining experience, he took his first coaching job at Cardinal Gibbons HS, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The USA News Today ranked his men & women’s teams #1 in the nation several times. Having access to this talent, Jim formed the Jim Lopez Tennis Academy.
Jim is a Certified Level 1 USPTA Professional since 1992
He has BA & MR degrees in Education & Training; written 3 novels – a 4th, currently in writing.
For his hard work and dedication, among other awards, Jim has been named Coach-of-the-Year 12x. In 2013 he was inducted into the Rutgers University Sports Hall of Fame.
Jim Lopez Tennis Academy 