Tennessee Mourns the Passing of Mike DePalmer Jr.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Former Tennessee men's tennis player Mike DePalmer Jr. passed away Saturday in Knoxville. He was 59.

His 52 singles victories as a Tennessee sophomore in 1982 still stand as the second-most singles wins in a season in the program's history.

A two-time All-American for the Vols in 1981 and 1982, DePalmer Jr.'s career singles winning percentage of .829 (68-14) remains the sixth-best mark in program history (minimum 70 matches).

Additionally, the left-hander was a 1982 NCAA singles quarterfinalist after reeling off 27 consecutive No. 1 singles victories that spring.

"When I think of Tennessee tennis, it's hard not to list Mike as one of the greatest Vols of all time in both singles and doubles," current Tennessee head coach Chris Woodruff said. "He was an incredibly versatile player. He had superb touch, wonderful volleys and tremendous athleticism.

"I remember watching him play at Vic Tanny's when I was 10 years old. He was a wonderful person with a quick wit and a terrific sense of humor. I traveled three years with him as my coach. I will cherish our friendship forever. My thoughts and prayers go out to Vicky, Michelle, Joey, David and the entire family."

During his professional career on the ATP tour, DePalmer Jr. recorded his third year-end top-100 finish in 1985 and won doubles titles in Vienna and Livingston that same year.

In December of 1986, DePalmer Jr. and Gary Donnelly teamed up as a doubles pair and reached the Masters semifinals in London, falling to the eventual champions Stefan Edberg and Anders Jarryd.

While his best year-end ranking in singles was No. 51 in 1982 (his debut year on the tour), DePalmer Jr. was ranked as the No. 35 singles player in the world from Feb. 21 to March 13 in 1983. He also rose to as high as No. 20 in the world doubles rankings on Nov. 3, 1986.

DePalmer Jr. won six career ATP Tour doubles titles, all between 1985-89.

DePalmer Jr.'s father, Mike DePalmer Sr., served as the head coach of the Tennessee men's tennis program from 1981-94 and stands as the winningest coach in program history (299-119). Woodruff played under DePalmer Sr. at UT and won the NCAA singles national championship in 1993.

University of Tennessee Athletics

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