TEMPE, Ariz. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the governing body of college tennis, is pleased to announce the launch of the ITA Video History Library, a comprehensive collection of recorded interviews with the sport’s most distinguished individuals, set to release on Wednesday, December 10.
On-camera conversations with some of the sport’s most influential and decorated figures, plus never-before-seen digitized footage from past ITA events, in addition to the 2024 video documentary on the ITA and college tennis, will be permanently housed on the ITA’s website and YouTube pages, demonstrating the ITA’s continued commitment to celebrating the sport’s history.
A wide variety of individuals who helped shape modern collegiate tennis – Peter Smith, Todd Martin, Sheila McInerney, Leif Shiras, Ann Lebedeff, Billy Martin, Claire Pollard, Trevor Kronemann and Erica Perkins Jasper – are among the 40-plus interviews that will be posted next week. Video interviews highlighting their varied backgrounds, experiences and the lasting legacy of their dedication to the growth of the game of tennis.
The ITA Video Library will continue to grow in the coming years, with interviews and conversations providing a lasting overview of the key figures in the world of college tennis.
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE ITA VIDEO HISTORY LIBRARY
DAVE MULLINS, ITA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
“The ITA Video History Library represents a milestone in preserving and celebrating the incredible legacy of college tennis. Through these interviews and archival footage, we honor the coaches, players and leaders whose passion and dedication have shaped our sport – and ensure their stories will inspire future generations for years to come.”
DAVID A BENJAMIN, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF ITA
“The ITA Video History Library will serve as college tennis’s equivalent of the Library of Congress, a unique video link that captures the story of the extraordinary group of talented and diverse individuals who have helped grow the wonderful world of college tennis over the past five decades.”
TIMOTHY RUSSELL, CEO EMERITUS of ITA
“College tennis has an amazing history. One of the ITA’s many and important roles is to preserve and share that history. In maintaining and developing both the ITA Halls of Fame and this new college tennis history library, the ITA continues to demonstrate leadership in the intersecting worlds of higher education and intercollegiate athletics. I applaud the ITA Board of Directors for their commitment to these vital efforts and congratulate the talented ITA staff for their continued dedication to the sport’s spectacular history to bring to life we love.”
ZACH POHLMANN, ITA’S SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING AND ADVANCED MEDIA
“We are thrilled to celebrate some of the cornerstones of the college tennis community. College tennis has evolved tremendously over the past decades and many of the individuals in this project have played a key role in shaping the future of our sport. We look forward to the public experiencing conversations with these individuals through this ITA video history library.”
JON VEGOSEN, FORMER ITA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (2015-2025), FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND PRESIDENT OF THE USTA (2011-2012), AND MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2012)
“The ITA Video History Library preserves the voices and visions of the remarkable leaders, coaches and student-athletes who, over decades, built college tennis into what it is today. By honoring these individuals, we not only celebrate their impact, but also provide future generations with a deeper understanding of the values, stories, traditions and innovations that define our sport. This library will remain a living legacy – a reminder that the past continues to guide and inspire the future of college tennis.”
ANN LEBEDEFF, FORMER 40-YEAR HEAD COACH AND MEMBER OF ITA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME (2019)
“Our history of intercollegiate tennis is and continues to be written by the players, coaches and contributors. I am pleased to be a small part of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Video History Library. Special thanks to Dr. David Benjamin, Dr. Timothy Russell and the ITA staff for making the History of Collegiate Tennis available to all.”
ERICA PERKINS JASPER, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AT CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS AND MEMBER OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME (2015)
“College tennis has given me so much: lifelong friendships, cherished memories and opportunities that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. Being part of the ITA Video History Library has allowed me to reflect on these incredible experiences and honor the game and people who have had such a lasting impact. I hope this project inspires others to embrace the transformative power of college tennis.”
TODD MARTIN, FORMER WORLD NO. 4 ON ATP TOUR AND MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2007)
“The ITA oral history project is an important undertaking, especially given the continued disruption of collegiate sports. College tennis has been an integral part of the development of so many athletes. Northwestern has provided a foundation on which I have built a life and career, and I was honored to share a piece of my story.”
BRIAN VAHALY, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND CHAIRMAN OF USTA
“College tennis was one of the most formative and enjoyable chapters of my life. It gave me an incredible education, taught me how to navigate life off the court, and prepared me for the challenges of the ATP Tour. The friendships and lessons from that time still define who I am today, and I will always be grateful for the experience.”
LEIF SHIRAS, FORMER WORLD NO. 31 ON ATP TOUR, MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2010) AND CURRENT COMMENTATOR FOR TENNIS CHANNEL
“The ITA Video History Library is a remarkable compilation of the history of college tennis, providing a rich and revealing look at the best players in our sport. As Hall of Famers, we are proud to be part of this exclusive community and equally honored to share our college tennis experience in our own words – how tennis and college were the launching pad for our lives, the lessons we learned, the challenges overcome, and the inspiring relationships that will last a lifetime. This library will create a tennis legacy that will last a lifetime. we hope it will enhance the ongoing story of college tennis.”
TOM JACOBS, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE HALL OF FAME AND MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2008)
“I salute the ITA for undertaking this important project to highlight and preserve the history of college tennis. From David Benjamin to Tim Russell and now to Dave Mullins, the ITA has been the custodian of all things college tennis. College tennis has had such a meaningful and important history – players, teams, coaches, officials, administrators, sponsors, media, contributors – all who have shaped the great sport of college tennis that we all love. It has a platform provided for young men and women to compete at the highest levels of their sport as they prepare for the next 40-50 years of their lives and careers – whatever career path they choose. Thank you, ITA, for your leadership role all these years and for preserving the history of college tennis and the legacies of those involved.
About the ITA –
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is the governing body and coaches association of college tennis, both an advocate and authority for the sport and its members. The ITA consists of 1,260 colleges and universities, 20,000 student-athletes, 1,700 varsity programs, 3,000 coaches and 1,350 college tennis officials. The ITA empowers college tennis coaches at all levels to deliver vibrant tennis programs that are vital to their college communities and transformative for their student-athletes. Follow the college tennis season on the ITA website and ITA social channels Tweet, Instagram, LinkedIn, FacebookAnd YouTube.
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