Maurice "Mo" Hunter Celebrated in International Tennis Hall of Fame's "Breaking Boundaries in Black Tennis" Exhibit

Tennis Legend 'Mo' Hunter ● Photo Credit: CMG Company

NEWPORT, R.I., February 21, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - The International Tennis Hall of Fame has featured Maurice “Mo” Hunter, a distinguished tennis player known for his pioneering contributions to the sport, in its digital exhibit "Breaking Boundaries in Black Tennis." This exhibit, which honors the achievements of Black athletes who have made significant impacts on tennis globally, includes Hunter among nine new trailblazers added to its living collection, first launched in February 2022 as a part of its Black History Month celebrations.

Photo Credit: CMG Company

“As an amateur and professional player, and even more so as a coach, ‘Mo’ Hunter inspired thousands and thousands of young people,” said Cherisse Goedhart, Hunter’s sister and a principal at CMG Company. The company is committed to promoting Black tennis through various initiatives, including promotion spots, movies, and history-filled books, in honor of Hunter's remarkable life and legacy.

This recognition follows the announcement that Hunter will be posthumously inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame as its 2024 Regional Legend. The International Tennis Hall of Fame's exhibit, "Breaking Boundaries in Black Tennis," now features 94 individuals from 25 nations, highlighting the stories of pioneering Black athletes who challenged racial barriers in the sport, as well as those who continue to benefit from these trailblazers' efforts today.

Hunter's profile in the exhibit emphasizes his significant off-court contributions, particularly in coaching and community service. He dedicated over 18 years to developing community programs in Los Angeles and Detroit, founding F.A.C.T. (Future Athletic Champions of Tennis), a nonprofit organization that has provided tennis instruction to over 1,500 underserved youths over 32 years. Hunter also revitalized the Los Angeles City College tennis program, serving as its head coach after a 20-year absence.

“Hunter’s legacy of public service left a lasting impact not only on his local tennis community but the sport as a whole,” the organization noted. Hunter, who passed away in October 2022, began playing tennis in Detroit and quickly rose to prominence, eventually earning a scholarship to play for Pepperdine University. His professional career saw him achieving a peak world ranking of No. 309, with notable victories that underscored his talent and determination.

“In those days, it really took the heart of a lion to compete,” Goedhart reflects on Hunter's era, highlighting the challenges faced by grassroots-trained competitors in the aftermath of the civil rights movement and amid financial constraints.

For more information on Maurice Hunter's contributions and legacy, visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame's digital exhibit at https://breakingboundaries.tennisfame.com/players/maurice-hunter.

Source: CMG Company via Newswire