1982

Robert Piatt, Kentucky, 1982

Robert Piatt, Kentucky, inducted in 1982

Good player but most of his contributions to the game of tennis were made as an administrator.
President of the Southern Lawn Tennis Association in 1952-1953.
President of the Kentucky Tennis Association in 1952.
President of the Kentucky Tennis Patrons Foundation in 1952.
Instrumental in bringing two Davis Cup ties to Kentucky-the United States vs. Japan in 1951 and Australia vs. Brazil in 1955.
He also brought the Southern Tennis Championships to the Louisville Boat Club in 1946 and 1950.
Piatt passed away as any player and fan of the game would like, while playing tennis at the Louisville Boat Club.

Ruth Lay, Georgia, inducted in 1982

Began tennis career early on her high school clay courts in Vienna, Georgia and went on to play at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia.
Instrumental in starting ALTA League play in Atlanta, Georgia.
Received the USTA Service Bowl, Southern Tennis Association Touchstone Trophy, and Jacobs Bowl.
Member of the Georgia Tennis Association and USPTA Southern Division Halls of Fame.
Began her coaching career at the Cumberland Indoor Tennis Center.
Over 50 of the athletes she helped mentor and coach over the years received college scholarships, with several receiving All-American honors
Ruth passed away peacefully in her sleep in 2013 at the age of 87.

Natalie Cohen, Georgia, inducted 1982

Lifelong resident of Atlanta, Georgia who began playing tennis at age eight.
Served as Executive Secretary of the Southern Tennis Association for 13 years.
Won 13 Georgia State Women’s Open Doubles Championships.
Certified USTA Umpire for over 50 years.
Served as the first female umpire for the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championships.
Received the Marlborough Award from World Tennis Magazine, Jacobs Bowl from the Southern Tennis Association, and the Georgia Tennis Association’s Service Award.
Awarded the Presidential Sports Award from President Gerald Ford.