Tom Gorman, '68 Economics
A former world top-10 tennis pro and U.S. Davis Cup captain, Gorman's quiet leadership and coaching legacy made him a pillar of American tennis.
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Seattle's Tennis Trailblazer
Tom Gorman, a Seattle native and standout at Seattle University, carved out a remarkable career in professional tennis. Once ranked as high as No. 8 in the world, Gorman notched victories over legends like Björn Borg and served as a cornerstone of U.S. Davis Cup teams.
After his playing days, he transitioned seamlessly into coaching, guiding elite talents including John McEnroe and Pete Sampras. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic mind, Gorman also served as Davis Cup captain for a record 10 years.
His influence helped shape American tennis through decades of competition and change. Though he flew under the radar compared to flashier contemporaries, Gorman’s quiet excellence, leadership, and lifelong commitment to the sport make him one of Seattle’s— and America’s—great tennis ambassadors.