Dennis Van der Meer, the founder and president of Van der Meer Tennis University and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) has passed away.

Known worldwide for his unique, systematic way of teaching tennis, he received numerous awards including being named “Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year” in 1997.

Dennis became one of the first registered coaches of both the ATP and WTA, and has coached hundreds of nationally and internationally ranked professional and junior players throughout his career, including World champions in singles and doubles. He served as coach for both Billie Jean King and Margaret Court for the landmark “Battle of the Sexes” in the 70’s. A believer in the concept of tennis for everyone, he developed courses and manuals for teaching wheelchair tennis and adaptive techniques, according to the Van der Meer Tennis website.

Internationally, heads of state in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Finland, and Spain lauded his contributions to tennis education following his visits to their countries. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Greenwich, England.

Van der Meer made a major commitment to South Carolina in 1980 when he moved his headquarters and tennis university to Hilton Head Island. He immediately became involved with South Carolina Tennis Association activities, hosting free clinics and S.C. Coaches conferences at his center.

A treasured and respected member of the United States Tennis Association of South Carolina, Dennis was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Patrons Foundation in 1987