Date: 6/2/2021
Lots of folks around Western Massachusetts have heard, met, or worked with John Hughes on and off the tennis court over the past 50 years. However, some folks may only know John for his work as the general manager of the Ludlow Tennis Club. The Ludlow Tennis Club is only one part of John’s amazing story.
Before the Ludlow Tennis Club, John Hughes attended and graduated from Cathedral High School and Holy Cross College in 1966 and 1970 respectively. John only lost one match his whole entire collegiate career, while helping lead the Holy Cross tennis team to their only undefeated season in 1970. John would be inducted in the Holy Cross College Hall of Fame in 1990. After graduating from Holy Cross, John played professional tennis on the New England Circuit, ranking in the “Top 10” for 8 years. John’s success on the professional circuit led him to obtaining #2 ranking on the New England Circuit and also competing nationally while earning the #13 ranking in the country.
After his successful professional tennis career, John continued his tennis profession in Western Massachusetts. John taught tennis at former clubs in Agawam and Wilbraham. However, his experience from those two clubs would help him and others in the creation of a new club, the Ludlow Tennis Club. In 1990, the Ludlow Tennis Club opened after John, Fred Terry, Ron Masnecki, and many former members from previous clubs raised money and formed the non-profit organization. Over the next 30 years (1990 - 2021), John has continued to manage and teach at the Ludlow Tennis Club.
John has been a crucial part of the local tennis community for the past 50 years. You may not know, but John used to write “Tennis Tip of the Week” in the local papers. He has made a positive impact with thousands of people over the years. After 50 years of teaching and 30 years of managing, John will be retiring from his position at the Ludlow Tennis Club at the end of May.
John was a great teacher both on and off the court. John was able to balance being a father of four, a husband, a great tennis instructor, and more than anything a great role model for so many. Let’s celebrate John’s career and wish him a wonderful retirement. Thank you, John Hughes, for all that you are and for all that you do.
The Hughes children:
Caitlin Abrahamson
John Hughes
Andrea Nelson
Meredith Girardi
