All-American Monday - John Hammill

John Hammill (1963)

Coral Gables, Fla. – Coming from a tennis family, where his parents were both nationally ranked and his two sisters and brother also played, John Hammill, a native of Johannesburg, South Africa, rose to the No. 1 status in South African Juniors. At age 17, with the No. 10 ranking in South Africa men’s division, Hammill left for the United States. As an amateur, Hammill participated in both the 1959 and 1960 Wimbledon.

As a Hurricane, his collegiate career spanned the 1961-1964 seasons. During his sophomore season, Hammill posted a perfect record of 31-0 (19-0 in singles and 12-0 in doubles). His outstanding play led to a fourth place finish at the NCAA championships.

Hammill followed up with outstanding sophomore season with a similar performance during his junior year. Posting a 26-5 overall, 12-4 in singles and 14-1 in doubles play, Hammill led the Canes to a second consecutive fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships. In singles play he reached the round of 16 and reached the semi-finals in doubles play while teamed with fellow South African, Rod Mandlestam. His outstanding play earned him All-American recognition.

Playing primarily in the No. 1 through No. 3 positions, Hammill helped the Hurricanes establish the longest winning streak in history of men’s intercollegiate tennis at 137. The streak currently sits in second place only behind the University of Indiana’s 144 in swimming.

Sixteen years after graduating from the University, Hammill returned as the coach. In his 16 seasons at the helm, Hammill had compiled an overall record of 265-132. His 265 wins place him second, only behind his former coach Dale Lewis, on the University of Miami’s all-time wins list in tennis. In consecutive seasons, 1982 and 1983, Hammilll was named the ITCA Southeastern Coach of the Year. In 2000, Hammill was inducted in the University of Miami’s Hall of Fame.