Post-collegiate Tennis

Stockton and several other players on the team would be graduating and a new class of netters would be coming in to defend the title. Stockton, Gerken, and McKinley went out and recruited four freshmen to help maintain the program’s elite status (Trinitonian). Brian Gottfried was set to lead next year’s team and be the veteran of the squad. On September 1, 1972, in an interview with the Trinitonian, coach Clarence Mabry said: "He (Gottfried) has a lot to think about but he has given me every indication that he will return to Trinity.” The school was optimistic that their young star would be back for his senior season to claim a national championship for himself. Later that year, Stockton reported to the Trinitonian that Brian Gottfried would be leaving Trinity (Trinitonian). The school found out about Gottfried’s departure after he did not file for housing the following year (Trinitonian). This internal communication between the players showed that this was their program and it was led by the players themselves. Brian decided to forgo his senior season and join the pro tour with Stockton.

Stockton had accomplished what he set out for four years earlier as a freshman at Trinity and turned pro after earning his degree. He joined the Davis Cup starting in 1973 and later joined the ATP professional circuit eventually retiring in 1986 with notable finishes including the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals of both the US Open and Wimbledon. Dick Stockton was able to be doubles partners with former Tiger teammate  Brian Gottfried during his pro career as well as Roscoe Tanner, his opponent in the semifinals of the 1972 NCAA Tournament.