George Hansen III

It’s not far-fetched to say that George Hansen changed my life. I met him at a time when I was struggling with health issues during the pandemic, and simply keeping myself afloat felt like a full-time job. Tennis had always been a passion of mine, but I hadn’t picked up a racquet in nearly 14 years. One especially tough day, I decided to head over to Huguenot Park for the weekly round robin.

A few matches in, I found myself across the net from George. My partner and I lost that match, but afterward, George came up to me with his trademark warmth and asked if I’d like to join the mixed doubles USTA team he coached. That simple act of kindness changed the course of my daily life. Playing on his team brought me back into tennis, restored my health, and connected me with a circle of incredible people I never would have met otherwise.

There is no single person who influenced the trajectory of my life at that time more than George did, simply by welcoming me in. His generosity of spirit and ability to make others feel included was extraordinary. I’ll always be grateful for him, and for Patrice, who matched his kindness every step of the way.

When I eventually left Jacksonville, George and Patrice even hosted a going away party for me at Huguenot. It was so far beyond anything I expected, and it remains one of the kindest gestures I’ve ever experienced—something I’ll remember forever.

George, I know you’re still hitting those overhead slams up there. You’ll be in my thoughts often.