Tiger Tennis Standouts

Butch Newman not only played for Trinity and earned All-American honors, but he was a coach during the transition of Division I to Division III. He still gives back to the program today as the Director of tennis for Trinity.

Bob McKinley played from 1969-1972, a few years after his brother, Chuck, where they finished the season 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, and as National Champions his senior year. He later turned pro before coaching the men's team from 1975-1984. He now helps coach the men's team at Texas A&M.

Erick Iskersky was an All-American in 1977, 1978, and 1979 as well as an NCAA Doubles Champion in 1979.

Larry Gottfried was part of the historic match against Stanford where he pulled out a win against John McEnroe, who later went on to win many Grand Slam titles. Larry Gottfried was also an All-American.

Won back to back USTA Intercollegiate titles in both singles and doubles as well as earning All-American honors.

Anne Smith, one of Trinity's great players, earned All-American honors in 1978.

JoAnne Russell won the USTA Intercollegiate Doubles Championship with Donna Stockton in 1975. She was also part of the 1975 USTA National Women's Collegiate Championship team in 1975.

In 1983 Gretchen Rush won the NCAA Division I Women's Doubles Championship with Louise Allen. She played on the pro tour and is now the Head Women's Tennis Coach at Trinity.

            Since the 1960’s, Trinity tennis has built a program to be remembered. Some of the notable players include Butch Newman, Chuck and Bob McKinley, Brian and Larry Gottfried, Dick Stockton, and Bill Scanlon. On the women’s side, Gretchen Rush, Anne Smith, Karen Hantze Susman, and JoAnne Russell were the major contributors to the success of the program (Personal interview with James Hill, 2016). However, a team cannot alone be successful without the leadership of a great coach. Clarence Mabry, Butch Newman, and Bob McKinley have been just a few of Trinity’s many successful coaches.

            The year 1968 marked the first year Trinity began its dynasty in Division I tennis history. During this year, the women’s team won the USTA National Women’s Collegiate Championship (“National Champions,” 2016). The women’s team did it again the following year. Trinity also took the individual Singles and Doubles Championships that year as well. Emilie Burrer won the Singles championship in both 1968 and 1969 and she and Becky Vest won the Doubles titles in 1968 and 1969. The men took charge of their program in 1972 when they won their first NCAA Division I Men’s Tennis Championship after being the runner up in 1970 (“National Champions,” 2016 & “Trinity Tigers,” 2016). In total, the Tiger tennis teams won six Team Championships and 10 individual Championships together, including both singles and doubles as a Division I program (“National Champions,” 2016).