Pat Van der Meer was a cornerstone of tennis development, particularly through her leadership at the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy and facilities on Hilton Head Island. Alongside her late husband, Dennis Van der Meer, a globally renowned tennis educator and founder of the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Pat helped shape the future of the sport. Pat was instrumental in maintaining and evolving tennis programs at their facilities, which have been significant training grounds for players and coaches worldwide. Under her guidance, the facilities have seen numerous upgrades, ensuring their continued impact on the tennis community .
Pat’s dedication to tennis extended beyond facility management. She was named South Carolina Pro of the Year in 1991 and received prestigious honors, including the PTR Coach Jim Verdieck Award and the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis and Education Merit Award. In 2024, she received the USTA South Carolina Special Recognition Award. Her commitment to growing the sport and providing opportunities for young players and coaches alike continues to resonate, exemplifying her deep passion for tennis.
Pat will be remembered for her enduring contributions and visionary leadership, for her generosity, perseverance, innovation, and love for the game of tennis.
