Tennis Legend Honored in Collection Honoring Black Athletes

The renowned tennis player Maurice "Mo" Hunter is featured in the digital exhibition "Breaking Boundaries in Black Tennis" by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This exhibition celebrates athletic excellence and highlights players who have revolutionized the game of tennis. Hunter is one of nine new pioneers featured in this dynamic exhibition, launched in February 2022 as part of the celebration of Black History Month.

Maurice "Mo" Hunter, as both an amateur and professional player and coach, has inspired thousands of youth. His life, highlighted by his sister Cherisse Goedhart, underscores his impact both on the courts and through his community efforts. For over 18 years, Hunter has developed community programs providing over 1,500 underprivileged youth with the opportunity to be influenced by tennis.

Hunter's tennis journey, spanning over fifty dedicated years, culminates in October 2022. Born in 1957, he won his first trophy in 1968 and quickly became a champion in his category in high school. Awarded a scholarship in 1977 to play at Pepperdine University in California, Hunter built a reputation as one of the top black players in the United States, even compared to Arthur Ashe.

His notable victories include the Sullar Invitational in Indiana and the Michigan Open Tennis Championships, where he became the first black player to win the singles title in the history of the tournament. Hunter eventually achieved a world ranking of 309th.