USPTA mourns the passing of Vic Braden
Vic impacted tennis as a player, teaching professional and broadcaster. In 2013, he was inducted into the USPTA Tennis Hall of Fame. In addition, he was recognized throughout the industry, notably winning the USTA’s award for Contributing Most to Tennis in America, the ATP Children’s Tennis Award, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame Education Merit Award. Vic was named USPTA Professional of the Year and was inducted into the USTA’s Midwest Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1986, and his alma mater recognized his achievements in 2008 with an honorary degree.
It is with extreme sadness that we inform you that tennis legend Vic Braden passed away this morning. He was a long-time supporter and advocate for the USPTA, and a giant in the tennis industry.
Our deepest condolences to his wife Melody, his children, extended family and his many friends. The tennis world has lost a great friend.
Funeral arrangements are pending and we will provide more information when it becomes available. There is a space below to leave comments. We will forward this page to Vic’s family.
Notes from Dennis:
I last saw Vic at our USPTA Convention in Monterey, California 2012. We talked about our good friend Don Renz & how passionate he was in educating himself to be the best he could be for his students. In 1989 I attended a Vic Braden Teacher’s Training with 13 other aspiring Pro’s. In 2013, I went to his last Tennis College @ Coto de Caza. Vic had only one good eye & he used it for filming everyone who was participating. We’d go inside & he’d share what we needed to work on, individually. He was the pioneer in using high-speed photography. He often said, “Show me you photo’s/film to prove to me what’s really occurring”.
His legacy: Don’t be afraid of your willingness to pass on truthfully to another soul what you feel will help them become a more passionate being, and do it with humor, kindness, and sincerity.
P.S. My Dad’s first name was Vic, and my middle name is Vic (short for Victor)! –
Dennis Victor Stojewa, October 8, 2014
