Renovated space honors rich tennis heritage, embraces new recreational traditions
Presbyterian College celebrated the reopening of the historic Callaway Courts on Aug. 26 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that honored the institution’s rich tennis legacy while unveiling a new vision for recreation on campus.
The renovated facility now features tennis and pickleball courts, as well as outdoor basketball courts—all open to students, faculty, and staff. The dedication drew campus leaders, students, and community members, each reflecting on the storied past of Callaway Courts and the opportunities ahead.
A Tennis Legacy Reborn
Callaway Courts first opened in 1938 thanks to a $15,000 gift from businessman Cason Callaway of LaGrange, Ga. At the time, the six clay courts placed Presbyterian College among the premier tennis destinations in the country.
“Back in the day, PC was quite the tennis mecca,” PC President Dr. Anita Gustafson told the crowd. “These courts were not only home to our own student-athletes but drew national and international stars who played right here in Clinton.”
The courts hosted top-ranked players such as Alice Marble and Don Budge, attracting thousands of spectators. By 1940, Presbyterian College was firmly on the map, hosting prestigious U.S. Lawn Tennis Association tournaments and earning the nickname “Tennis Tech.” Students proudly ran a handmade flag with the phrase up the main flagpole to celebrate the school’s reputation.
Leaders, Legends, and Lasting Impact
The legacy of Callaway Courts extended far beyond the clay surfaces.
Among the notable figures in PC’s tennis story was William Plumer Jacobs II, son of the college’s founder. Before serving as president of PC, Jacobs was vice president of the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association and publisher of World Tennis Magazine.
The college also produced standout athletes and coaches who carried the Blue Hose tradition onto national and international stages:
Allen Morris ’56 captained PC’s nationally top-ranked team, played for the U.S. Davis Cup team in 1954, reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in 1956, and was ranked No. 16 in the United States.
Jim Leighton, who coached at PC from 1949 to 1961, later became the winningest tennis coach at Wake Forest University.
In the early 1970s, PC boasted more All-Americans than any other program in the nation, including brothers George and Jaime Amaya and Milan Kofol.
Sam Paul ’83 is now the winningest men’s tennis coach in University of North Carolina history and the winningest active coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He is in his 33rd season leading UNC’s program.
“From the earliest days to the modern era, Callaway Courts have been tied to some of the most remarkable stories in PC athletics,” Gustafson said. “It’s fitting that we rededicate this space not only as a nod to the past but as a gift for generations to come.”
A Space for Wellness and Connection
While the ceremony paid homage to the past, the focus was also on how the renewed Callaway Courts will serve the college today.
Dr. Drew Peterson, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, reminded those gathered that recreation is not a luxury but a cornerstone of community life.
“’Surely, all God’s people…like to play’,” Peterson said, quoting naturalist John Muir. “As I have watched the improvements over the past few months, I don’t just see revitalized playing surfaces or painted lines. More importantly, I see the embodiment of what makes our college special—our commitment to fostering connection, wellness, and joy in everything we do.”
Peterson emphasized that the courts are “an investment in our community’s wellbeing,” where faculty members and students, staff and alumni, can gather for play, exercise, and fellowship.
He credited the Virginia and Charles Brewer Family Foundation for its generosity, along with Scott Respass, executive director of campus services, and Mitchell Plumer, assistant director of student involvement, and his team for stewarding the project.
“The new courts are more than just a recreational outlet. They’re a foundation for creating new traditions and fostering community spirit.”
Natalie Paxton, Class of 2026
Students Take the Lead
The final remarks came from Natalie Paxton, a senior actively involved in Greek Life and president of PC’s American Cancer Society chapter.
On behalf of students, Paxton thanked donors and staff for making the renovations possible and pledged that Callaway Courts would quickly become a center of student life.
“These courts provide us with a wonderful space to hold fundraisers and events that allow us to give back to the philanthropies we are connected with, while also strengthening bonds within our student body,” she said.
She announced plans for the Zeta Callaway Pickleball Challenge, a tournament organized by one of PC’s sororities in partnership with alumni. Scheduled for Homecoming weekend, the event will connect current students and alumni while raising funds for charity.
“The courts are more than just a recreational outlet,” Paxton said. “They’re a foundation for creating new traditions and fostering community spirit.”
A Vision for the Future
As a space that honors the college’s athletic past while providing opportunities for recreation and service today, the courts reflect PC’s mission of preparing students not only for personal success but for meaningful community engagement.
For Gustafson, Peterson, Paxton, and all those gathered, the day marked more than the reopening of a set of courts—it was the start of a new chapter in PC history.
“The Callaway Courts will become an area of fun, community, and lasting memories for students today and for generations to come,” Paxton said. “From all of us, thank you again for making this possible and giving students new opportunities to invest in this wonderful place, while providing an outlet for joy and connection.”
