Rick Martin is new director of Tennis and Pickleball programs

The City of Camden has named Rick Martin, PTR , USPTA,  director of all tennis and pickleball programs at the city’s regional Tennis and Pickleball facility located at 823 Campbell Street. According to city director of tennis facilities operations Paola Maoli, Martin’s unique combination of skill, experience, and his broad reach into tennis and Pickleball communities throughout the southeast make him ideal to grow Camden’s programs. 

“We are very pleased to tap Rick for this role. His energy and commitment to making the programs at Camden’s publically-owned facility attractive and accessible to everyone is unique. And, his expertise and reach into national, regional and statewide tennis organizations is a great asset to attracting major tournaments and players to this great facility and city.” 

Martin joined city staff at the center as head tennis professional last spring.   He has worked as a Director of Tennis for more than 25 years at a variety of clubs throughout North Carolina. Immediately prior to joining Camden, he served as Director of Tennis and Fitness at DeBordieu Club in Georgetown, SC since 2011. Martin is a certified PTR Professional and an Elite Professional with USPTA. He has worked with all levels of players from beginners to sectionals and nationally ranked juniors; and coached on the World Tennis Association (WTA tour).

A native of Fort Bragg, NC, Martin grew up playing junior tennis, and graduated the Van Der Meer Tennis Academy.  A certified PTR National Tester to qualify players as Tennis Professionals©, he has mentored several tennis pros that moved on to become successful Directors of Tennis in various clubs across the nation. “I am very excited to share my passion, expertise and years of experience here in Camden,” said Martin. “In this new role I plan to grow tennis and Pickleball participation through tournaments and instructional programs and other playing opportunities. I also want to grow junior tennis in the community by utilizing the USTA’s Net Generations pathways."

Martin and his wife of 25 years have two daughters; one lives in Seattle, WA and the younger is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina.

Located at 823 Campbell Street, Tennis Center of Camden is situated in Downtown Camden, and features 16 lighted tennis courts, 12 lighted Pickleball courts, shade canopies, front porch areas, a pro-shop, 3,500 feet of lighted walking trail, and more than 150 parking spaces. Weather permitting, hours of operations are as follows: Monday - Thursday: 9am to 9pm; Friday - 9am to 8pm; Saturday - 9am to 4pm; and Sunday - 1pm to 6pm.

To play or for additional information stop by the center or call 803-432-0252, or email rmartin@camdensc.org or tennispickleball@camdensc.org.