Pioneering the Game: UNC Men’s Tennis Coach Skakle Inducted into North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame

The University of North Carolina men’s tennis coach, Don Skakle, will be posthumously inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on May 10. During his 22-year tenure at UNC, Skakle led the men’s tennis teams to an impressive overall record of 418-55 and a league play record of 132-14. His teams also won multiple singles and doubles titles in the early 1970s, dominating the ACC.

Skakle was not only an accomplished coach but also a standout player at UNC, boasting an individual record of 60-1. Despite his untimely death in his sleep on the eve of the 1980 ACC Tennis Championships in Winston-Salem, Skakle’s impact on the sport was significant and led to his induction into both the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame.

Joining Skakle in this year’s class are eleven other inductees, including notable names like Randolph Childress, Jim Nantz, and Steve Smith Sr. This year’s class represents the diverse and dynamic sports heritage of North Carolina, showcasing individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities and beyond. The induction ceremony will take place during the 60th annual Induction Celebration on May 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center.