Doug Carter, DSA Honouree
On June 5th, it was announced that Doug Carter is among 11 honourees for the 2024 Tennis Canada Distinguished Service Award. The award will be officially presented with an on court ceremony during the National Bank Open in August.
Doug is the gold standard of a statesman for our sport. His lifetime of service to tennis began in Scarborough but relocated to Niagara when he attended Brock University. While earning his honours degree in Physical Education, Doug was awarded Male Athlete of the Year – the only tennis player ever to achieve the honour.
Coaching was his calling. Along with Lezlie Murch, he introduced an academy approach at White Oaks. It quickly outgrew the available space, so the Niagara Academy of Tennis was founded to provide academic studies alongside high performance tennis training. The Vineland facility prospered under their leadership for over 20 years, with at least 100 graduates from countries around the world going on to post-secondary education. Many have become coaches as well.
When Dr Siva Annamalai purchased the Academy in 2018, Doug stayed on to advise and support. The pandemic changed everything in 2020, with residential international schools being impossible during that time. But NAT remains a force in Niagara and beyond, with a full slate of OTA tournaments hosted during the winter and a menu of programs to serve the community. Vineland is part of the Town of Lincoln, one of the fastest growing municipalities in the region. NAT’s ideal location near the intersection of the QEW and Victoria Avenue makes it well-positioned for future generations of tennis.
Doug’s tennis resumé checks every box. He has coached national champions in junior and in wheelchair divisions, traveled with national teams, mentored players and coaches, and handled all aspects of tennis administration. He’s an inspiring example to young teaching professionals, always in attendance at educational opportunities and always ready to say “yes” and “how can we help” to requests for programs and services. Tennis Canada has recognized his contributions and achievements with multiple coaching awards through the years.
In 2022, Doug was the overwhelming choice to present the medals for the Canada Games tennis competition. And in 2023, he was a special guest at the celebrations to honour Team Canada captain, Frank Dancevic, when the Davis Cup traveled to Niagara as part of the victory tour.
Doug’s life beyond the courts is as vibrant as his tennis life. He and Laurie have been married for 26 years and have 24-year-old twins, Laurene and James. Doug is also a very active Rotary Club member. Doug’s mother – Volda Carter – was his earliest tennis influence. She helped build Junior League play in Scarborough from the 1970s through to the 1990s.
Congratulations, Doug, from your appreciative fans and admirers throughout SouthWest Region and beyond!
Read Brock University’s Featured Article on Doug Carter
