2019 Hall of Fame Inductee
Joseph Murphy
Joe began playing tennis at age 11 at his local public tennis club. He played four years of high school tennis before moving on to intramural play at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. During his twenties, Joe enjoyed tennis with friends and introducing the sport to his young children. At age 32 he began playing USTA league tennis. Joe has played on and/or captained countless Adult, Mixed and Combo league teams.
His teams have won numerous state championships. He has been a player and captain on Mixed Sectional and Mixed National Championship teams. Joe has proudly won state titles with his wife, daughter and son. In 2010, The Murphy family was honored as the Arkansas Tennis Family of the Year.
As a tennis volunteer, Joe has served on numerous ATA committees and boards. He has served on the ATA executive committee for 10 years including three years as ATA president. While he was president, the ATA bylaws were updated, the Tennis License Plate and Tennis Apprentice programs began, 55 & Over Mixed Sectionals came to Burns Park, Arkansas rejoined Senior Cup play, a permanent place for the Hall of Fame was established, the ATA board applications process was put online, and for the first time Arkansas was #1 in STA growth in 2013.
He has served on numerous STA committees including Adult League, Marketing, and Medical. Joe supports tennis as a member of the Arkansas Tennis Patrons Foundation for which he has served on the board since 2009. He has worked tournament desk at many ATA tournaments and charity events. Joe has been a voluntary Arkansas Senior Cup Captain and player since 2011.
Always promoting tennis, he has enjoyed organizing many local club leagues over the years. In 2014, Joe received the Arkansas State Volunteer Award.