Don Carlson
A Selfless Mentor, Coach, and Champion for Local Tennis
A life of service defined who Don Carlson was. Raised in Boardman, Ohio, Don was recruited to play football at the U.S. Naval Academy. After his plebe year, he stepped off the field to focus on his academics, graduating and going on to serve 20 years on active duty with the United States Navy. Following his military retirement in 1994, Don returned to the Academy as a civilian employee, dedicating his career to guiding midshipmen toward graduation while serving as the Tennis Team Officer Representative and Women’s Tennis Club coach.
Don brought that same devotion to the local tennis community. He taught players of all ages at Severn Valley Tennis and Fitness Club until its closing, after which he continued giving lessons on public courts at reduced rates so anyone could play. He also served as a substitute teacher and volunteer tennis coach at Arundel High School.
To the players he coached, Don passed down a signature mantra: Confidence, Enthusiasm, and Concentration (C.E.C.), often scribbling the acronym directly onto the sweatbands of his players’ hats. His deep love for the game clearly ran in the family as well. His son, Andrew, played number-one singles for Ohio State, his daughter Lindsay played for the University of Pittsburgh, and his daughter Rebecca (Becky) played for Eastern Illinois University.
Don is remembered as a selfless mentor, coach, and leader. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Evelyn, and their three children, Andrew, Lindsay, and Rebecca.
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