Don Skakle, a former coach at the University of North Carolina’s men’s tennis team, will be inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame on May 10. Skakle led his team for 22 years and had an impressive record of 418-55, with a league play record of 132-14. During his tenure, his teams won 16 ACC championships outright and tied for two others, dominating the ACC in the early 1970s by winning multiple singles and doubles titles.
Skakle was also an exceptional player at UNC himself, boasting an individual record of 60-1. Tragically, he passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on the eve of the 1980 ACC Tennis Championships in Winston-Salem. Despite this unfortunate event, Skakle’s impact on the sport was significant enough to earn him induction into both the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame.
Joining Skakle in the Class of 2024 are eleven other notable inductees, including Randolph Childress, Jim Nantz, and Steve Smith Sr. The induction ceremony will take place during the 60th annual Induction Celebration on May 10 at the Charlotte Convention Center. This year’s class represents a diverse and dynamic sports heritage in North Carolina, highlighting individuals who have made a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.