Frank Willett

The late Frank Willett learned to play tennis at the feet of his father (Buzz) and grandfather (Frank). As a junior player, the Alabama native won the 1940 National Indoors Boys' title and became a two-time Alabama prep state champ. In his college playing career, Willett was an All-American at Georgia Tech playing in the NCAA singles semifinals in 1945. He went undefeated in regular season all four years at Georgia Tech. In 1957, Willet won the Southern Men’s Championships and the Men’s 35s Championships in 1967. Overall, Willet won 34 state titles in singles and doubles, won the Chattanooga City singles five times and the doubles twelve. Of his many awards, Willett earned the William P. Jacobs Sportsmanship Award in 1956 and the Noland Touchstone Sportsmanship Award in 1968. Willet served as the President of the Southern Tennis Association in 1961-62, and as the President of the Chattanooga Tennis Patrons for more than 30 years. Willett Stadium at the University of the South Tennis Center is named in honor of the tennis-playing Willett family.