From Berks County Tennis Association
USTA Middle States recently announced the Middle States Hall of Fame Class of 2026, and tickets are now on sale for the event.
The 2026 Middle States Hall of Fame Class includes Colleen Cosgrove (Princeton, NJ), Bill Eydler (Wilkes-Barre), Donald Hutchison (Reading), Patrick Shields (Reading), and Nancy Wilkins (West Deptford, NJ).
Established in 1994, the prestigious Middle States Hall of Fame boasts 120 prior inductees, including tennis legend and women’s rights pioneer Billie Jean King, and former USTA Presidents Jane Brown Grimes, Dave Haggerty, Merv Heller, Judy Levering, and Martin Tressel.
The 27th Middle States Hall of Fame Induction Dinner will take place on the evening of Thursday, Oct. 29, at Reading Country Club in Reading. Click here to learn more and register.
Funds raised during the Hall of Fame celebration benefit the USTA Foundation, which is the national charitable arm of the USTA. Funds raised will be earmarked specifically for use in Middle States, benefiting programs and youth from across the section.
- Colleen Cosgrove – Colleen “Cos” Cosgrove has been an influential figure in tennis for more than 50 years as a player, volunteer, and club owner. After beginning her playing career at Franklin High School in Maryland, she went on to excel at West Chester University. She later earned a master’s degree from James Madison University and served as an assistant tennis coach. Cosgrove joined the USTA’s Princeton office under Eve Kraft and went on to help grow tennis throughout USTA Middle States in numerous leadership roles. She served as director of the Princeton Tennis Program for nine years, has been co-owner of Princeton Racquet Club since 1995, and led the Mercer County Tennis Council, where she helped establish the Mercer County Tennis Hall of Fame.
- Bill Eydler – Bill Eydler is a name synonymous with tennis in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A 1970 graduate of King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, he began his coaching career at Wyoming Seminary before later coaching his alma mater, Wilkes-Barre Meyers. In 1980, Eydler returned to King’s College, serving as director of tennis operations and head coach of both the men’s and women’s tennis teams. Along the way, he has earned numerous honors, including two MAC Freedom Coach of the Year awards, two LTVA Coach of the Year honors, and the 2019 USTA Middle States Coach of the Year Award. Beyond the college game, Eydler has spent more than 43 years as Director of Tennis for the City of Wilkes-Barre while also serving as a respected official and tournament director.
- Donald Hutchison – Donald “Hutch” Hutchison has spent more than five decades growing and advancing tennis throughout USTA Middle States as a player, coach, official, administrator, and volunteer. His coaching career at both the high school and collegiate levels produced division, district, and state champions while positively impacting generations of athletes. As a longtime USTA League player and captain, he earned numerous sectional and national championships and represented Middle States in competition across the country. Beyond competition, Hutchison played a major leadership role as the founding President of the Berks County Tennis Association and through his service on USTA committees. Through five decades of dedication to the game, Hutch has left a lasting legacy and played a significant role in strengthening tennis throughout USTA Middle States.
- Patrick Shields – A former University of Notre Dame tennis player, Pat Shields has been a driving force in the tennis industry for more than 30 years through his business leadership, volunteer service, and philanthropy. As owner of Fromuth Racquet Sports and Midwest Racquet Sports, he has helped grow the game while supporting thousands of players, coaches, and organizations nationwide. His impact extends beyond his businesses through his service on the USTA Middle States Board of Directors, the International Tennis Hall of Fame Board of Governors, and his involvement in numerous initiatives that have strengthened the sport. Shields has also demonstrated a commitment to giving back through charitable support of the City of Reading Tennis Program, the American Red Cross, and other community organizations, making a lasting impact on the Middle States tennis community and beyond.
- Nancy Wilkins – Nancy Wilkins has been a dedicated leader, coach, and volunteer who has shaped the tennis community for more than three decades. She continues to serve as Director of Tennis at Ron Jaworski’s RiverWinds Golf & Tennis Club, where she has positively impacted generations of students. Wilkins has held numerous leadership positions within USTA Middle States, including serving as Board President for the 2023-2024 term. She currently serves as the Middle States Section Delegate and Vice Chair of the Middle States Nominating Committee, while also contributing many years of service to the New Jersey District Board and Council. Her commitment to adaptive tennis is equally remarkable. Since 1988, Wilkins has served as Director of Tennis for Special Olympics New Jersey, creating meaningful opportunities for athletes of all abilities. Her leadership extended to the national level through the creation of the National Adaptive Championships, and she has coached at multiple World Games. She is currently on the USTA National Adaptive Committee and the USTA Coaching Board of Directors.
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