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Once Stan Smith retired from professional tennis, the former world No. 1 wanted to help younger players try to reach their potential and realize the value tennis could bring to their lives. His vision has become a daily reality at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy.

Founded in 2002 in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy is designed for individual junior tennis player development. Academy director B.J. Stearns has been alongside Smith since the academy opened.

“I think I am most proud of the fact that all the players improved during their time here and 99 percent of them have gone on to college and are in situations where they are playing on a college team or continuing their tennis,” Smith said. “Some of them have even gone on to play pro tennis and tested the pro tours.”

A native of Southern California, Smith captured the 1964 US Boys 18s single championships in Kalamazoo. He played collegiate tennis at the University of Southern California, where he was a three-time All-American and captured the 1968 NCAA Division I singles championship and the doubles titles in 1967 and 1968.

“Having the experience of playing on a team is important,” Smith said. “I was able to play at USC and was able to have that experience. It’s such a great opportunity for any player.”

Smith’s professional tennis career spanned two decades. Smith won more than 90 titles in singles and doubles, including the 1971 US Open and 1972 Wimbledon singles titles, as well as five Grand Slam doubles championships with partner Bob Lutz.

Smith was a Davis Cup legend for the United States, helping the Americans capture seven team championships in 10 years.

Since the academy opened, Smith has been on the court with the players every afternoon he is in town. He still loves being around the sport and watching players gradually progress through hard work.

“I am involved and get a chance to give input to all the players,” he said. “I really enjoy it. That is the reason I am doing it. It’s great to see them grow not only as tennis players but as people.”

Over the last two decades, Smith Stearns Academy has taught more than 300 junior players who have gone on to play college tennis and more than 1,000 who have won titles of some sort. The success of the players, however, isn’t measured by any one factor.

“You have a whole gamut of different levels of kids coming out,” Smith said. “But the key thing is they improve and they hopefully grow up to become productive young adults as they finish college and move on in their lives.”

Stan Smith Instructs a Young Girl at Smith Stearns Academy
© Bill Kallenberg

As a Southern California native who played at USC, Smith had the opportunity to play in The Ojai numerous times throughout his career. Those are memories he still cherishes to this day.

“It was one of my favorite tournaments of all time. I had one of my first big matches there where I lost to a guy who was one of the best players in Southern California in a close match and that was actually a very encouraging moment,” Smith said. “I played on those private courts and it was a big deal. I ended up winning the juniors and won the college side of it and I think I won the Open side too one time.”

Like many, Smith was disappointed to see the Pac-12 Conference break apart, with 10 of the 12 schools fleeing to other conferences once a media rights deal couldn’t be worked out.

“It’s terrible. It was such an established conference and now it’s disintegrated,” Smith said. “It’s very sad to see it no longer exist.”

Although most know Smith for his tennis prowess and success, some in the younger generation may know him only for a shoe. He is the namesake for the adidas Stan Smith sneaker, which remains popular.

“The shoe has been amazing to see how it evolved over the years,” Smith said. “I never thought I’d be identified with that shoe for 50 years. But it continues to be fun.”

Smith said he is teaming with Jessica Pegula, a Smith Stearns Academy product, for a new adidas shoe called Bella Stan. Adidas also just released a cycling shoe - The Velostan Smith - that looks like the classic Stan Smith shoe from the top but has a thicker sole with clips on the bottom.

What does Smith credit for the longevity of his shoe line?

“Simple and very plain,” he said. “You can wear it with a tuxedo or dress or whatever. You can wear it with anything. Hopefully it’s one of those things that represents the common man to a certain degree.”

Smith’s legacy in tennis is secure on many fronts. He’s found success as a player, leader, and businessman. But being Coach Smith at Smith Stearns Academy remains one of his most rewarding titles.

“It’s fun to see when the players come back from college and see where they are in life,” he said. “We’ve even had a couple marry another player from the academy. It’s really great to see them do something impactful after college and still remember their time here fondly.”