Tennis Leader Dies at Age 78—Durham, NC

Cardoza McCollum, one of the tennis community’s greatest grassroot leaders for junior tennis passed away on August 24, 2002. Cardoza was chairman and advisor for 25 years of the Southeastern Tennis Championships held for the past 82 years at local Durham public tennis courts .

A former student of North Carolina Central University, John McLean recalls the support that Cardoza McCollum provided to African American students who want-ed to play tennis back in the late 70’s. He stated that “you didn’t need any money, all Mr. Cardoza asked was that you be committed to learning tennis”. Cardoza a-long with other tennis leaders, such as Sam Moore, would train juniors to play tennis; and theytraveled around the southern states playing tournaments from the junior level to the professional level.

His tennis efforts were backed by the support of the Blue Ribbon Tennis Club, now the Southeastern Tennis Organization. During the 1970s and 80s, scholarships were made available to students going to college to play tennis.

Cardoza’s memory was honored at the DOCTA Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, October 1. His leadership will be missed.