The Founding Fathers of USTA Florida

USTA Florida, originally known as the Florida Lawn Tennis Association, owes its existence to four founding fathers, Eddie Herr, Gardnar Mulloy, Edward Turville, and Clarence Varner, who had an idea and turned it into reality.  

The vision of these four individuals to secede from the Southern Lawn Tennis Association, in 1949, to form the Florida Lawn Tennis Association started as a way to better meet the needs for the Florida population of tennis competitors. This move to become an independent Section has played a pivotal role in helping create what would become one of the most influential tennis organizations in the entire country. 

Eddie Herr, a prominent figure in Florida tennis, was instrumental in the establishment of USTA Florida. As a passionate advocate for the sport, especially in the junior tennis space, Herr recognized the need for an organization that could promote tennis at all levels across the state. His vision and tireless efforts laid the groundwork for the formation of what would become USTA Florida, setting the stage for the organization’s future growth and success. 

Another Founding Father, Gardnar Mulloy, who was a legendary tennis player, reaching the top-ten ranking the world, and a great coach, brought valuable experience and expertise to the table. With his career spanning several decades, Mulloy understood all aspects of the game and the challenges facing tennis enthusiasts in Florida. His insights and leadership played a crucial role in shaping the mission and objectives of USTA Florida, ensuring that the organization remained focused on its goal of promoting tennis excellence with a competitive ground. 

Edward Turville, a respected tennis administrator, was another key figure in the founding of FLTA. Turville’s background in sports management and governance provided the organization with the necessary structure to thrive. His commitment to excellence and dedication to the sport helped establish USTA Florida as a premier tennis organization. He was named the first president of the FLTA. 

Finally, Clarence Varner, a passionate tennis and community leader, rounded out the group of founding fathers. Varner’s support and advocacy for tennis at the grassroots level were instrumental in the early success of the FLTA. His efforts to promote the sport among communities helped make Florida one of the world’s hotspots for junior and adult tennis. 

Together, these four shared a common goal, which was to elevate the sport of tennis in Florida, especially on the competitive side. Without the bold decisions that Herr, Mulloy, Turville, and Varner made, Florida Tennis would not have the reputation it is proud to claim today. 

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Written by: Jaret Kappelman, Marketing & Communications Coordinator for USTA Florida. Be sure to check out USTA Florida, the governing body of amateur tennis in Florida, offering tennis programs for all ages and ability levels. Photos courtesy of USTA Florida.