Renowned Tennis Instructor Vic Braden Passes Away at 85

October 7, 2014 | By Brian Coleman
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Legendary tennis instructor Vic Braden passed away Monday from a heart attack at the age of 85. Braden was famous for his “Laugh and Win” style of teaching which brought a number of people to pick up the game of tennis.

“His great big heart just finally gave out,” said his wife, Melody Braden.

Braden had a brief professional career as a player that lasted about three years. Following that, he put all his energy and dedication to teaching the sport. He brought a unique style to instruction, always on the cutting edge of science and technology, and was one of the first to use video analysis.

“While people are being introduced to a new sport, they should be laughing their guts out while learning,” said Braden on his Web site. “Those that learn this way are usually in sports for a lifetime.”

He emphasized the fact that you learn and improve more while enjoying what you are doing. He taught players of all ages, and started a college and research center in Coto De Coza in 1980 where he instructed the young and old.

He founded the Junior Tennis Ambassador program, which worked with elementary and middle school kids and taught them how to coach.

A number of pillars in the tennis community took to social media to express their condolences for Braden’s passing.

“Vic Braden was a dear friend who helped make a difference in my life. He had a kind and generous heart,” said Billie Jean King on Twitter. “Tennis has lost a treasure … he was always on the cutting edge of science in tennis & is an all-time great in our industry.”

Tracy Austin also expressed her sadness on Twitter: “So sad to hear of the passing of tennis coach Vic Braden, a pioneer, innovator & true legend in our sport! Condolences to Melody.”

Braden was in the middle of working on many projects, still researching and studying the game in order to improve it. His wife Melody said that he was in the process of writing three books.

In addition to his work in the tennis community, Braden was heavily involved with the Arthritis National Research Foundation.

He is surivived by wife Melody, children Kory Braden-Hittelman, Kristen Paul, Troy Davis and Shawn Davis, and granddaughter Kaitlyn Hittleman. 


Brian Coleman

 Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for New York Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com

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