Steve Wilkinson was honored with the United States Professional Tennis Association's Presidential Award during the USPTA annual awards breakfast Sept. 22 at the World Conference on Tennis at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla. Wilkinson, who is from St. Paul, Minn., has been a USPTA P-1 for nearly 40 years.

He played tennis for Iowa University before he began his teaching career. He has also been ranked No. 1 nationally in men's 45s, 50s, 55s, and 60s.

Wilkinson's impact and influence as a tennis teacher is tremendous. He has a clear commitment to building strong tennis players and stronger human beings and in the process has touched and changed the lives of thousands of people. As head coach of Gustavus Adolphus College, he has built a dynasty for 40 years with multiple national championships, numerous singles and doubles championships and more than 35 conference titles. He founded the Tennis and Life clinics/camps more than 25 years ago and has dedicated his time and effort to improving the tennis performance of youth and adults.

His involvement with the USPTA includes serving as regional vice president and division president and serving on the tournament committee. Wilkinson has also served as a USTA clinician for high school coaches clinics, Tennis Festival of the North and Tennis and Life clinics.

Wilkinson has done much to promote tennis and sportsmanship, and as a result of all of his efforts and dedication, he has been inducted into the hall of fame of three different USTA sections and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame, and was the recipient of the tennis hall of fame education merit award.