‘Relentless,’ ‘remarkable,’ ‘inspiring’: Peg Schlacks, 73, spreads love of tennis to family and friends alike

Chance Joost, former William Woods tennis coach, said: “Peg is a constant and hungry learner whose love for the game has propelled her to being a nominee for this award. Peg is also always trying to give back and show her love for the game by caring for other players from all over the world.”

Peg’s son, Willy, shared: “Peg’s dedication to tennis is something truly special. Every single day of the week she’s out there sharing her passion—whether it’s with local high school students, her own family or anyone she meets who wants to improve their game. Peg’s tireless commitment to helping others grow as players shows her love for the sport in action.

“She’s not just teaching tennis skills. She’s building confidence, fostering a sense of community and making tennis accessible to all. Her genuine care for the people she works with and her relentless drive to promote tennis make her an invaluable ambassador for the game.”

Peg spends a lot of time helping her family. She has taught her children and their spouses to play tennis and is now teaching her grandchildren and many of their friends. She hosts a weekly Family Tennis night at the public courts in Columbia, Mo., and then invites all who attend (often 20 or more children and adults) to enjoy a large dinner she prepared in advance.

Her grandson, Will, said: “She loves tennis and is out on a court as much as possible. And we always do this fun thing she calls Family Tennis. Whether it’s family or friends, she is always trying to find ways to get everyone together. She is in her 70s, and it is incredible how much she loves tennis. Thanks to her, she helps keep a family bond very strong.”

Peg has won multiple events at the Missouri Show-Me State Games where, in addition to playing singles, she takes the opportunity to play doubles with her grandchildren. She also takes her grandkids to junior tournaments, constantly emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship and appropriate court behavior.

She sets a remarkable example, as you can often hear Peg laughing on the court, and she always compliments her opponents when they make a good shot or outwit her. Peg’s favorite word to describe a shot is “beautiful.”

Her granddaughter, Carolyn, laughed as she recalled a memory: “I thank my grandma for showing me how much fun tennis is and never giving up on me even when the ball would go soaring over the fence. I still hear her voice in my head saying, ‘Carolyn, beautiful, just beautiful,’ as it went flying off to a different country basically!”

Peg’s daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn, shared a similar sentiment: “Peg has this magical way of making even the most uncoordinated players (like me!) feel like tennis pros. Every lesson with her is a mix of laughter, terrible backhands (on my part) and pure fun. My absolute favorite part is when I somehow manage a good hit, and she screams ‘beautiful!’ like I’ve just won Wimbledon.”

Peg is truly one of the most remarkable players in the history of the USTA Missouri District. Her influence spans generations and will likely continue long after Peg. Her son, Jabbok, wrote this touching tribute to his mom:

I have had the distinct honor of witnessing Peg’s incredible impact on the tennis community. An extraordinary woman with a heart as vast as her knowledge of the sport, Peg has dedicated her life to nurturing talent and igniting a love for tennis in people of all ages.

Her unmatched passion for tennis is evident the moment you step onto the court with her. Peg doesn’t just teach tennis; she breathes it. Her enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring both novices and seasoned players to reach new heights. She has an uncanny ability to tailor her coaching to each individual’s needs, making everyone feel seen, supported and motivated.

What truly sets Peg apart is her unwavering commitment to her students’ personal growth. She goes beyond teaching techniques and strategies; she instills confidence, discipline and a sense of sportsmanship. Her guidance has shaped not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals who carry the values learned on the court into their daily lives.

Peg’s care and dedication are nothing short of amazing. Rain or shine, she is there—encouraging, instructing and celebrating every milestone her students achieve. Her patience and kindness create a nurturing environment where players feel safe to push their limits and embrace challenges.

In a world where genuine mentors are rare, Peg shines brightly. She is not just a coach. She is a lifelong supporter and friend to those fortunate enough to learn from her. The tennis community is incredibly lucky to have someone like Peg, whose legacy of passion and dedication will undoubtedly influence generations to come.

If you’re looking to improve your tennis game or simply want to experience the sport in its most inspiring form, I wholeheartedly recommend connecting with Peg. Her love for tennis is unparalleled, and her commitment to her students is truly exceptional.

Additional statements about Peg from her family and friends:

“Whether she’s on or off the courts, she has always been an inspiration to her family and others. Ever since I was little she has pushed and encouraged my skills in tennis, and I will be forever grateful to her for being not only my grandmother, but my teacher as well. Her positive and loving personality continues to bring our family closer even through whatever struggles come our way, and her love for tennis has only spread as we’ve become closer.”

—Zoe, Peg’s granddaughter

“Peg has a big family, but there is always room for more. Whether it is a granddaughter’s friend or someone she just met, Peg loves to bring people together and make everyone feel like part of her family. At Family Tennis Peg shares her love of the game with everyone she can to build community through shared activity. She has taught and encouraged many new players and is an excellent ambassador for the game.”

—John G., family friend

“I absolutely thought I would be horrible at tennis, but my grandma never gave up on teaching me. She pours out her love and passion for tennis every time she’s on or off the court. It makes you want to get better—maybe become a pro one day lol. … I love that her passion for tennis brings our family and friends together to play our hearts out with each other. Love you, grandma. I’m so proud of you and everything that you have accomplished in tennis.”

—Carolyn, Peg’s granddaughter

“What’s even more inspiring is her physical ability—she’s out there running around the court with more energy and skill than people half her age. My kids adore playing with her, and she’s constantly using the sport to bring us together, whether it’s a lesson, a family game or just hitting the courts for fun. Peg’s love for tennis is infectious, and she’s the heart of our family’s tennis memories.”

—Kaityln, Peg’s daughter-in-law

“Peg is one of the most dedicated individuals I know. Her love for her family and tennis are some of the most remarkable things about her. Every week Peg organizes a tennis get-together. These get-togethers include her children, grandchildren, family friends and even her grandchildren’s friends. Peg instills a love of tennis into anyone she meets. She has taught not only her kids and grandkids a love for tennis, but her grandkids’ friends even, spending extra time each week with any new individual who shows up to the court, showing them the basics of the game, coming early and leaving late, investing time in them and encouraging them as they learn. She will bring snacks and a bubbly, playful, inspiring attitude with her each week. Though she is a tennis expert, she is far from putting herself on a pedestal and is constantly willing to humble herself to teach the beginners in a way that learning tennis is an absolute joy. Peg is truly an individual unlike any other, and she more than deserves the recognition for her promotion of and love for the game of tennis.”

—Grace, family friend

Check out a USTA Missouri Valley video of Peg Schlacks discussing the health benefits of playing tennis by clicking here. To read more about the health benefits of the sport, click here.