MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Longtime Memphis Tigers racquetball coach Larry Liles is being honored as an inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Liles graduated the University of Memphis in 1974, and coached the racquetball team from 1975 to 2003, winning 17 National Men’s Championships and 12 National Women’s Championships. He coached the U.S. Olympic Team for three years and has served as a USRA Collegiate Council member for 25 years.
As a player himself, Liles won the Men’s 40+ World Championship in 1988, the Men’s National Doubles Championship in 1981 and 1991, and won the Tournament of Men’s Championship in 1988.
“Larry Liles had an incredible career as a player, and a decorated coach at the University of Memphis. His work brought championships to the University of Memphis and impacted the lives of countless players,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “We’re happy to induct Coach Larry Liles into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Liles is a member of the Racquetball Hall of Fame and the Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame. After his retirement, the USRA named the National Championship trophy after him.
Millington business owner and philanthropist, the late W.S. “Babe” Howard, ETSU Golf Coaching legend Fred Warren, the late Charlie Bayless, longtime basketball coach at Happy Valley High School, Tennessee tennis star Paul Annacone, TSU Track legend Jean Patton Latimer and Austin Peay basketball coaching legend Dave Loos have also been announced as Class of 2024 inductees. More names will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
