ITA Women's Hall of Fame
McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center
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| Wendy White Prausa stands in front of her panel at the ITA Women's Hall of Fame at the College of W&M, during the 2008 induction ceremonies |
Joining the professional circuit in 1980 after capturing the national collegiate singles crown, Wendy White (b. 1960) remains the only woman to turn pro, continue to attend college and graduate on time. Introduced to tennis at summer camp as an 8-year-old, White became a dominant junior player in her native Georgia and on the sectional and national levels. Between 1977–78, she won or was a finalist in more than 30 national junior and amateur championships. In 1978, White received a full scholarship to Rollins College and in 1980 was named Collegiate Player of the Year by Tennis Magazine. A versatile all-court player, White ranked as high as No. 22 in singles and No. 18 in doubles as a pro, competing in all four Grand Slams and scoring victories over some of the game’s legends, including two wins against Billie Jean King. Continuing to play and coach after retiring in 1992, White has been active for many years in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The U.S. Professional Tennis Registry recognized her as the Player of the Decade in 2000, and the following year she was inducted into the USTA Southern Hall of Fame. |
2008 Inductee into the ITA Women's Tennis Hall of Fame |
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| Playing No. 1 on the Rollins College team, White compiled a remarkable 35-1 record in her sophomore year leading up to her national collegiate title. (Her coach, ITA Hall of Famer Ginny Mack, stands at far right.) |
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| White with the USTA Girls’ 18 Sportsmanship Trophy in 1978. “She was self-motivated and self-reliant,” said her juniors coach, the renowned Ruth Lay. “That was the key to her success.” |
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| White playing doubles at Wimbledon in 1981 with Mary Lou Piatek. She played Wimbledon singles 12 years straight without having to qualify. |
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| The Prausas (clockwise from bottom): Matthew, Wendy, Cassie, Courtney, Kelsey, Scott. “Now it’s my season to have my family,” Wendy told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. |
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| “I always want to win,” White has said. “But winning is not my ultimate goal. My goal is to reach my fullest potential.” |
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