USTA Arkansas will celebrate one of its finest as Bob Willett is inducted into the 2025 Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame. The ceremony will occur on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Delta Marriott in Little Rock.
Bob’s tennis journey began in Danville, Illinois, where he developed his passion and skills after moving near public courts. By his second year in the 18-and-Under division, he was ranked 28th nationally and 3rd in his section.
At Murray State University, Bob played #1 Singles and Doubles for three years, qualified for the NCAA Tournament, and reached the Round of 16. After graduating, he transitioned to coaching, starting as head coach at Austin Peay University and later holding head pro roles at clubs including Hinsdale Racquet Club, Lake Charles Racquet Club, Galesburg Tennis Club (where he met his wife, Anita), Grand Rapids Racquet Club, and Little Rock Racquet Club (LRRC). As a player, Bob earned #1 rankings in multiple divisions and states, including the Western and Southern sections. He won Southern Men’s 35 Indoor and Hardcourt titles and a national championship with a Southern sectional team at the National 45 Intersectionals.
At LRRC, Bob's passion for junior tennis development flourished. Under his leadership, over 200 juniors participated in clinics, private lessons, tournament trips, social events, interclub team matches, and season-ending banquets celebrating effort, improvement, and sportsmanship. Bob was a trailblazer in Arkansas, organizing workshops to prepare juniors for sectional tournaments, a concept recognized by the Arkansas Tennis Association, which honored him as Professional of the Year. Bob was also among the first to accompany large groups of players to state and regional tournaments, providing on-site coaching and support. During his 16 years at LRRC, hundreds of players earned state, sectional, and national rankings. At times, juniors from LRRC made up over half of the Arkansas contingent at Southern sectional tournaments, a testament to Bob’s exceptional coaching.
Bob’s dedication to tennis as a player and coach left a lasting impact on countless players, many of whom achieved remarkable success under his mentorship.
