USTA Arkansas is thrilled to announce the induction of Paul Pautsch into the Hall of Fame for 2024. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport and a legacy that has left an indelible mark on the tennis community, Pautsch's inclusion in this prestigious list is a testament to his passion, dedication, and remarkable achievements in the world of tennis.
Paul began playing tennis at age 7 by taking group lessons with the Milwaukee Recreation Department. The sport was deeply ingrained in the Pautsch family, as his father had secured Wisconsin High School titles in 1939 and 1940.
The family had a tradition of playing tennis at the local park after Sunday church. Excelling as a high school doubles player, Paul reached the conference finals all four years in high school. Despite his success on the tennis court, Paul identified himself as a superior baseball player, participating in the semi-pro baseball Midwest League.
Paul discovered his passion for coaching tennis while helping coach his younger sister’s high school team. He earned certification as a teaching professional from the PTR and the USPTA in the early 1980s. From 1983-1986, Paul served as a Teaching Professional in Fond du Lac, WI, and as the Head Women’s Team Coach at Saint Mary Springs.
In 1987, Paul began a remarkable 32-year tenure with the Bella Vista POA as the Director of Tennis and Head Professional. He also served as an assistant to his mentor, Coach Robert Cox, at the University of Arkansas for six years. As a volunteer coach for 22 years at Bentonville High School, he led them to multiple Boy’s and Girl’s Arkansas State Championships. Paul also coached the Men’s and Women’s Varsity teams at John Brown University for seven years, turning it into a viable NAIA tennis program.
Paul’s family has continued the tennis legacy with three children and a granddaughter playing at collegiate levels. Beyond the court, he has helped organize the Phillips Celebrity Classic, now the Cancer Challenge, to raise money for cancer research and prevention in Arkansas. Paul currently serves on the USPTA State Board and collaborates with the USPTA National Mentoring Committee. Grateful for the rewards of tennis, he emphasizes, “Life is about the rewards, not the awards.”