North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame will posthumously induct Don Skakle, the former University of North Carolina men’s tennis coach, on Friday, May 10. Skakle led UNC men’s tennis teams for 22 years and during this time his teams won 16 ACC championships outright and tied for two others. The record of his teams was impressive with an overall record of 418-55 and a league play record of 132-14.
Skakle was not only an excellent coach but also a standout player at UNC, boasting an individual record of 60-1. Unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on the eve of the 1980 ACC Tennis Championships in Winston-Salem. Despite his untimely death, Skakle’s impact on the sport was significant, leading to his induction into the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
Joining Skakle in the Class of 2024 are eleven other inductees including Randolph Childress, Jim Nantz, and Steve Smith Sr. The induction ceremony will take place during the 60th annual Induction Celebration on May 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. 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.