NASHVILLE, TN – February 28, 2024 – Longtime University of Memphis racquetball coach Larry Liles has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Liles was surprised with the news by former players Andy Roberts and Tori Bevelock on Tuesday. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame pays homage to the state’s rich sports history and their impact within the community. On behalf of sponsor Tennessee Lottery, the Hall offers free admission at their downtown Nashville location Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“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.”
A graduate of the University of Memphis is 1974, Liles coached the University of Memphis Racquetball team from 1975 to 2003, winning 17 National Men’s Championships and 12 National Women’s Championships. 60 of Liles’ players were National Champions in singles or doubles. Liles served as an assistant coach on the USRA National Team and as the US Olympic Festival Coach. Liles coached the U.S. Olympic team for 3 years and served as a USRA Collegiate Council member for 25 years. Liles was named USOC Development Olympic Coach of the Year and the USRA Collegiate Coach of the Year. As a player, 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. 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 the Larry Liles Championship.
Liles joins 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 as the only announced members of the 2024 Class. The full 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released over the coming weeks.
The 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will be held Saturday, July 20nd at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $16.5 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $1.5 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
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