The Southern Tennis Foundation is proud to announce that legendary coach Joe Cabri of Greenwood, S.C., has been selected for induction into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Cabri, who spent more than three decades shaping champions at Lander University, will be formally honored at the Lucy Garvin Southern Tennis Hall of Fame Banquet on January 24, 2026 in Atlanta.
Cabri’s coaching career is nothing short of historic. He guided the Lander University men’s tennis team to an unprecedented eight straight NCAA Division II national championships, a record that stillstands. Over the course of his tenure, he led Lander to 12 national titles overall and 23 consecutive district and conference championships, achievements that cemented the program’s place in collegiate tennis history. His success was widely recognized as he was named NCAA Division II Coach of the Decade in 2000, earned 10 national Coach of the Year awards and received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. He has also been inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame, the NAIA Tennis Hall of Fame, the ITA Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame.
While his win-loss record is extraordinary, Cabri’s influence extends beyond championships. He was a mentor to countless student-athletes, many of whom went on to successful careers in business, medicine, education and tennis. He also helped grow the sport locally by directing junior tournaments, hosting community clinics and turning Greenwood into a true “tennis town.”
Cabri remained deeply engaged with academics, serving as a full-time faculty member at Lander University, where he earned respect as both a teacher and a leader in faculty governance. His balance of excellence in athletics and education exemplifies the values of the Southern Tennis Foundation.
Peers and colleagues across the tennis community have praised Cabri’s accomplishments. Former Clemson coach Chuck Kriese described him as “a great example of what consistent excellence is all about,” while longtime South Carolina coach Kent DeMars called him “one of the most successful coaches of all time in the collegiate ranks.” Former Lander Athletics Director Jeff May added that Cabri’s unmatched run of championships “may never be equaled in college sports.”
Today, Cabri remains active as Head Tennis Coach Emeritus at Lander, volunteering his time and continuing to support the program he built. He and his wife, Charlotte, have called Greenwood home for more than five decades, raising their family in the community where his tennis legacy continues to shine.
The Southern Tennis Foundation congratulates Joe Cabri on his well-deserved upcoming induction into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame, honoring a career defined by leadership, excellence and dedication to the sport.
