Ben Press

Ben Press (May 21, 1924 – September 9, 2016) was an American tennis player, coach, and writer, known for his involvement in World TeamTennis, his connection with the Hotel del Coronado, and as teacher of tennis standouts such as Maureen Connolly and Karen Hantze Susman.

Early life Press was raised in the University Heights and North Park neighborhoods of San Diego, California. Interested from an early age in tennis, his early tennis teachers included longtime San Diego tennis coach Wilbur Folsom. and Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly, who would count Press as a lifelong friend, competitor, and coach. Press was considered a top junior player, and won the Bob Carrothers Sportsmanship Award. He played varsity tennis at UCLA.

Playing career Press's playing career included wins at the La Jolla Championship Summer Tournament in 1949 and 1951. Press played against such contemporaries as Jack Kramer, Bill Tilden, Bobby Riggs, Pancho Gonzales, Whitney Reed, and Tony Trabert. and represented the United States against Canada four times for the Gordon Trophy.

Over the course of more than six decades, Press was head pro at several prominent San Diego-area tennis facilities, including 17 years at the Kona Kai Club Press subsequently became head pro at the Hilton Beach and Tennis Club.

Ben served two terms as president of both the San Diego District Tennis Association and the San Diego division of the USPTA. Press was awarded the National Community Service Award from both the USTA and the USPTA.

In 2011, Press was given the United States Professional Tennis Association's Presidential Award.

Press was the inventor of the Scepter Racquet, which was the first commercial graphite tennis racquet.