Ruth Ann Gardner

Ruth Ann Gardner is one of the most respected tennis professionals and administrators in Arizona tennis history. Over several decades she has made significant contributions as a collegiate coach, tennis professional, tennis official, and leader in national and regional tennis organizations.

Gardner gained national recognition as the head women’s tennis coach at Grand Canyon University. During her tenure she built a highly competitive program and earned NAIA Coach of the Year honors in 1983 after leading the team to a third-place finish at the NAIA National Championships. 

Across her coaching stints at Grand Canyon University (including 1983 and 1997–2002), her teams compiled a 98–59 record, consistently competing at a national level.  The program maintained national prominence through the 1990s, with the team posting a 174–74 overall record during that decade, reflecting the strong foundation she helped build. 

In addition to coaching, Gardner served in athletic administration at Grand Canyon University as Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women’s Advisor, helping guide the university’s athletics programs and supporting the growth of women’s sports. 

Gardner has also been a major leader in the broader tennis community. She served on the Central Arizona Board of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and was active in developing leagues and competitive opportunities for players of all levels. She worked as the Adult/Senior League Coordinator for the USTA Southwest Section from 1989–1991, helping expand league participation in the region. 

A pioneer in league development, Gardner helped implement some of the first NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) initiatives in public parks, local tournaments, and leagues, and helped introduce a computerized ranking system for USTA Volvo League competition. 

Nationally, Gardner spent five years working for tennis legend Billie Jean King as National Recreational Coordinator, contributing to grassroots tennis development across the United States. 

Her professional leadership in the coaching community has also been substantial. Gardner was only one of three professionals to serve two terms (four years) as President of the Southwest Division of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and spent 14 years on its executive board. In recognition of her impact on the profession, she was named Southwest Pro of the Year in 2001. 

Beyond coaching and administration, Gardner has been deeply involved in community service through tennis. She helped organize and support charity events including American Liver Foundation benefit tournaments and breast cancer awareness tennis events at Grand Canyon University. 

Through her decades of service—as a coach, teacher, administrator, and volunteer—Ruth Ann Gardner played a pivotal role in the growth of tennis in Arizona and the Southwest. Her leadership has influenced generations of players, coaches, and tennis professionals, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.