TEMPE, Ariz. – The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the governing body of college tennis, is excited to announce the launching of the ITA Video History Library, a wide-ranging collection of recorded interviews with the sport’s most distinguished individuals, set for release on Wednesday, December 10.
On-camera conversations with some of the sport’s most influential and decorated figures, plus never-before-seen digitized footage from past ITA events in addition to the 2024 video documentary of the ITA and college tennis, will be permanently housed on the ITA’s website and YouTube pages, showcasing the ITA’s ongoing commitment to celebrating the sport’s history.
A wide variety of individuals who have helped shape modern collegiate tennis – Peter Smith, Todd Martin, Sheila McInerney, Leif Shiras, Ann Lebedeff, Billy Martin, Claire Pollard, Trevor Kronemann and Erica Perkins Jasper – are among the 40-plus interviews that will be posted next week, video interviews highlighting their varied backgrounds, experiences and the lasting legacy of their dedication to growing the game of tennis.
The ITA Video Library will continue to grow over the years ahead, with interviews and conversations that will create an enduring record of the key figures in the world of college tennis.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT THE ITA VIDEO HISTORY LIBRARY
DAVE MULLINS, ITA’s CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
“The ITA Video History Library represents a landmark step in preserving and celebrating the incredible legacy of college tennis. Through these interviews and archival materials, we’re honoring the coaches, players, and leaders whose passion and dedication have shaped our sport — and ensuring that their stories inspire future generations for years to come.”
DAVID A BENJAMIN, CHAIRMAN EMERITUS OF ITA
“The ITA Video History Library will serve as the college tennis equivalent of the Library of Congress, a unique video nexus that captures the story of the extraordinary group of talented and diverse individuals who have contributed over the past five decades to growing the wonderful world of college tennis.”
TIMOTHY RUSSELL, ITA CEO EMERITUS
“College tennis has an amazing history. One of the many and important roles of the ITA is to preserve and share that history. In maintaining and developing both the ITA Halls of Fame and this new college tennis history library, the ITA continues to demonstrate leadership in the intersecting worlds of higher education and intercollegiate athletics. I applaud the ITA Board of Directors for their commitment to these critical endeavors and congratulate the talented ITA staff for their ongoing dedication to bringing to life the spectacular history of the sport we love.”
ZACH POHLMANN, ITA’S SENIOR DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING & ADVANCED MEDIA
“We are very happy to celebrate some of the cornerstones of the college tennis community. College tennis has evolved greatly over the past few decades and many of the individuals featured in this project had a key role in shaping the future of our sport. We look forward to audiences getting to experience conversations with these individuals through this ITA video history library.”
JON VEGOSEN, FORMER ITA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD (2015-2025), FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND PRESIDENT OF THE USTA (2011-2012), AND MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2012)
“The ITA Video History Library preserves the voices and visions of the remarkable leaders, coaches, and student-athletes who, over the course of decades, built college tennis into what it is today. By honoring these individuals, we not only celebrate their impact but also provide future generations with a deeper understanding of the values, stories, traditions, and innovations that define our sport. This library will stand as a living legacy — a reminder that the past continues to guide and inspire the future of college tennis.”
ANN LEBEDEFF, FORMER 40-YEAR HEAD COACH AND MEMBER OF ITA WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME (2019)
“Our history of intercollegiate tennis has and is being written by its players, coaches and contributors. I am excited to be a small part of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s Video History Library. Thanks especially to Dr. David Benjamin, Dr. Timothy Russell, and the ITA staff for making the History of Collegiate Tennis available to everyone.”
ERICA PERKINS JASPER, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AT CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS AND MEMBER OF WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME (2015)
“College tennis has given me so much—lifelong friendships, cherished memories, and opportunities that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. Being part of the ITA Video History Library allowed me to reflect on these incredible experiences and honor the game and people who have made such a lasting impact. I hope this project inspires others to embrace the transformative power of college tennis.”
TODD MARTIN, FORMER WORLD NO. 4 ON ATP TOUR AND MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2007)
“The ITA’s oral history project is an important endeavor, especially considering the ongoing disruption of collegiate sports. College tennis has been integral to so many athletes’ development. Northwestern laid a foundation I’ve built a life and career upon, and I was honored to share a bit of my story.”
BRIAN VAHALY, USTA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND PRESIDENT
“College tennis was one of the most formative and fun chapters of my life. It gave me an incredible education, taught me how to navigate life beyond the court, and prepared me for the challenges of the ATP Tour. The friendships and lessons from that time still shape who I am today, and I’ll always be grateful for the experience.”
LEIF SHIRAS, FORMER WORLD NO. 31 ON ATP TOUR, MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2010) AND CURRENT COMMENTATOR FOR TENNIS CHANNEL
“The ITA Video History Library is a remarkable compilation of college tennis history and offers up a rich and revealing look at the greatest players in our sport. As Hall of Famers, we are proud to be a part of this exclusive community and equally honored to share our college tennis experience in our own words – how tennis and college was the launchpad for our lives, the lessons we learned, the challenges conquered and the inspirational relationships that are lifelong. This library will create a tennis legacy that we hope will enhance the ongoing story that is college tennis.”
TOM JACOBS, CEO AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE BASEBALL FOUNDATION AND HALL OF FAME AND MEMBER OF ITA MEN’S HALL OF FAME (2008)
“I salute the ITA for undertaking this important project to highlight and preserve the history of college tennis. From David Benjamin to Tim Russell and now to Dave Mullins, the ITA has been the caretaker of all things related to college tennis. College tennis has had such a meaningful and important history – players, teams, coaches, officials, administrators, sponsors, media, contributors – all who have shaped the great sport of college tennis that we all love. It has provided a platform for young men and women to participate at the highest level of their sport while setting themselves up for the next 40-50 years of their lives and careers – whatever their chosen career path might be. Thank you, ITA, for your leadership role all these years and for preserving the history of college tennis and the legacies of those involved.”
About the ITA –
The Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) is the governing body and coaches association of college tennis, both an advocate and an authority for the sport and its members. Comprised of 1,260 colleges and universities, 20,000 student-athletes, 1,700 varsity programs, 3,000 coaches, and 1,350 college tennis officials, the ITA empowers college tennis coaches at all levels to deliver vibrant tennis programs that are vital to their college communities and transformational to their student-athletes. Follow the college tennis season on the ITA website and ITA social channels on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
