Hilton Head Island, October 8, 2025
News Summary
Pat Van der Meer, a renowned tennis professional and owner of Van Der Meer Tennis University, has passed away, leaving a significant legacy in the tennis community. Her contributions included upholding the teachings of her late husband, Dennis Van der Meer, a pioneer in tennis education. The couple played a crucial role in promoting tennis on Hilton Head Island, with Pat recognized as South Carolina Pro of the Year and receiving honors for her contributions to tennis education. The community remembers both Pat and Dennis for their impact on countless players and coaches.
Hilton Head Island is mourning the loss of Pat Van der Meer, a tennis icon and owner of Van Der Meer Tennis University, who passed away recently. The tennis organization communicated this news through a post on Facebook, highlighting Van der Meer’s crucial role in promoting and innovating the sport on Hilton Head Island.
Pat was married to Dennis Van der Meer, who established Van Der Meer Tennis University. He was instrumental in elevating Hilton Head Island’s status as a premier tennis destination globally. Dennis Van der Meer, known as the “teacher of teachers,” pioneered standardized teaching methods and courses for tennis, impacting how the sport is taught worldwide.
Dennis’s contributions included the creation of manuals and programs specifically for wheelchair tennis, enhancing opportunities for adults with disabilities to engage in sports. The couple’s shared love for tennis began when they met in 1980, forming a partnership marked by dedication to the sport.
In 1991, Pat was honored as the South Carolina Pro of the Year. She also received the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis and Education Merit Award in 2002, recognizing her significant contributions to tennis education and her enduring legacy in the sport. After the passing of Dennis Van der Meer in 2019, Pat took on the responsibility of preserving his legacy, continuing to uphold the values they had established together for the past six years.
The announcement described Pat as the epitome of a tennis professional, characterized by her warmth, integrity, and deep care for players and students alike. The tennis organization plans to operate under the guidance of Pat’s brother, Mike Skinner, along with the existing senior leadership team, ensuring the continuity of the mission and values instilled by both Pat and Dennis.
Details regarding a memorial service will be provided at a later date. The tennis community reflects on the remarkable contributions of both Pat and her late husband, Dennis, who also coached tennis legends such as Billie Jean King during the historic “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs in 1973.
Dennis Van der Meer is remembered for developing standardized group-teaching methods and teacher certification programs that have had a profound impact on tennis education on Hilton Head Island. He started his tennis career at the Players Club and later operated Van Der Meer Tennis at Shipyard. His teaching methods have benefited countless individuals through his programs, including the Standard Method of Teaching and the World Class Academy.
His commitment to making tennis accessible led to the emergence of a universal language for teaching the sport. The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), which now boasts over 16,000 members in 125 countries, has its headquarters on Hilton Head Island, further testament to Dennis’s legacy in tennis coaching.
Dennis, born in Namibia in 1933, was introduced to tennis by his mother during their time as missionaries. After moving to South Africa, he excelled in the sport, ultimately emigrating to the United States in 1961, where he coached numerous champions, including Margaret Court.
In recognition of his achievements, Dennis Van der Meer was named “Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year” in 1997 and was the recipient of the inaugural Faculty Emeritus Award from the USTA. His energy and enthusiasm for teaching made a lasting impression on students and fellow instructors alike.
As the Hilton Head tennis community grieves the loss of Pat Van der Meer, both her and her husband Dennis’s lasting impact on the sport and local community will forever be celebrated and remembered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Pat Van der Meer known for?
Pat Van der Meer was a tennis legend and owner of Van Der Meer Tennis University, contributing significantly to the sport and the local tennis community on Hilton Head Island.
Who was Dennis Van der Meer?
Dennis Van der Meer was the founder of Van Der Meer Tennis University, known as the “teacher of teachers,” and contributed greatly to tennis education through standardized teaching methods and programs.
What are some honors received by Pat Van der Meer?
Pat Van der Meer was named South Carolina Pro of the Year in 1991 and received the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis and Education Merit Award in 2002.
How did Dennis Van der Meer impact the tennis community?
Dennis Van der Meer developed standardized group-teaching methods, teacher certification programs, and made tennis accessible through programs for wheelchair tennis, influencing countless coaches and players worldwide.
Key Features Comparison
| Feature | Pat Van der Meer | Dennis Van der Meer |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Owner of Van Der Meer Tennis University | Founder of Van Der Meer Tennis University |
| Awards | South Carolina Pro of the Year (1991), International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis and Education Merit Award (2002) | Olympic Developmental Coach of the Year (1997), Faculty Emeritus Award from USTA |
| Contributions to Tennis | Upheld Dennis’s legacy, known for warmth and integrity | Created standardized teaching methods, wheelchair tennis programs |
| Years of Operation | Since 2019, after Dennis’s passing | Established in the early 1980s until his passing in 2019 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Lowco Sports: Tennis World Mourns Loss of Dennis Van der Meer
- Wikipedia: Dennis Van der Meer
- Island Packet: David Lauderdale Column
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennis
- Legacy: Ann Skinner Obituary
- Google News: Pat Van der Meer
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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