Head Coach of Men's Tennis Endowment
Celebrated after Columbia Match

Pictures from Endowment Celebration

Larry Leeds '50 has generously endowed the coaching position for the men's team in honor of his son Cary Leeds '79, who was a star player for the Elis in the 70's, as well as a world class player on the professional tour after graduation. On April 21 st immediately follow the Bulldog's 6-1 win over Columbia, a reception was held honoring the endowment, and the position will now be called The Cary Leeds Coach of Men's Tennis.

A booklet featuring the accomplishments of Cary Leeds was on display, as was a beautifully framed picture of Cary commemorating his many achievements while playing tennis at Yale, including a birth in the NCAA championships in his freshman year, along with a team birth for the Elis during his sophomore year. In 1977, he teamed with Matt Doyle to win the ITCA National Doubles Indoor Championships, a feat yet to be repeated by any Yale duo.

Upon graduation, Leeds teamed with Columbia's #1 player and good friend Eric Fromm on the professional tour. Their highest world ranking was #12, and Fromm recounted some great stories of "life on the road" and on the tour with Cary. All tolled, Leeds competed in six US Open Championships and five Wimbledons, where he reached the semifinals in mixed doubles in 1981.

It was an emotional evening in honor of Cary, as many had fond remembrances of the charismatic Yale star, who sadly passed away in 2003. His father Larry recounted that Cary had a "zest for living" and loved traveling and playing tennis. A humble and appreciative Yale Men's team was on hand, along with many parents, coaches, and members of Yale Athletics administration.

The picture of Cary Leeds will be permanently mounted in the office of The Cary Leeds Coach of Men's Tennis Alex Dorato. Coach Dorato commented "every Yale tennis play from now on will know who Cary Leeds was". This was a special and touching evening for Yale Tennis, and we are all very grateful to Larry Leeds and his family for their continued support of Yale Tennis.