It would take several pages to list the string of accomplishments that would begin to answer this question. It's like asking who is Satchel Leroy Paige (1906-1982). Paige explained his senior years when he finally pitched in the majors close to the age of seventy by saying: "Don't look back, something may be gaining on you."
Bob Ryland is to Tennis what Satchel Paige was to Baseball.
Back in the 1950's, Bob Ryland was the American Tennis Association's champion and their finest player. The American Tennis Association was the Black version of the USLTA. In 1955, Bob was the first Black to play at Forest Hills on the grass courts. His great skill was an inspiration for Arthur Ashe, who at the age of twelve, had the dream and ambition that some day he could beat Bob.
As a lifetime member of the United States Professional Tennis Association, he coached many superstars including Harold Soloman and Leslie Allen.
The list of personalities that have received instruction from Bob reads like the list of who's who in American film and political circles (Bill Cosby, Dustin Hoffman, Barbra Streisand, Eartha Kitt, Mary McFadden, Tony Bennett and Robert McNamara).
Bob's great work continues in developing young talented players through the Pyramid foundation. He hopes his efforts at coaching will assist students to enter college through a Tennis scholarship fund he is establishing.
Bob Ryland was recently inducted into the USTA/Eastern Hall of Fame, for his many years of community service and his contribution to growing the game of tennis.
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