Eric Perkins (on right), with daughter Alexandra, and  fellow RTA volunteer Tracy Jones at the Davenport City Tournament.

Eric's wife, Chrissie, understands and supports Eric's devotion to the sport.  "Tennis has been a major passion of my life since I was 8 years old.  I love being associated with it -- both on the court and off," said Eric. "Chrissie and I are both extremely busy, so mutual encouragement, support, cooperation and understanding is a must in our house."

Eric met his wife, Chrissie, when he gave her her first tennis lesson when she was twelve.  Chrissie and Eric both grew up in Bluefield, WV, a small town about 4 1/2 hours southwest of Richmond.  Chrissie played junior and college tennis and currently is an active 3.5 level player at The Westwood Club.

Early in his term as RTA President, Eric and Chrissie had their first child. Alexandra, now  2 1/2 years old, is "eager to make her debut on the tennis court," according to her proud dad.

Eric credits his employers for allowing him the flexibility to devote what usually averages 2 full weeks per year to his volunteer efforts. 

"I have been fortunate to work for two outstanding companies since graduating law school --Hirschler Fleischer, a Richmond-based law firm, and my current employer, Investment Properties of America-- that recognize the value of getting involved with organizations like the USTA and RTA.

"My involvement has allowed me to meet and work with an incredibly talented and diverse group of people.

"And mostly, I volunteer quite a bit of time each year because it is fun."

Eric receives an award from Lou Einwick for his service to the RTA at the SMARTBOX VA State Hardcourt Championships

Not one to flaunt his achievements, Eric did list several positives resulting from his tenure as RTA President. "The board recognized the importance of continuing to provide an opportunity for the area's best juniors to train together and receive instruction from top teaching pros.  We worked to resurrect the national junior training program to provide that.

"We also tried some innovative things to increase participation in, and otherwise improve upon, the Davenport and Company City Tennis Championships.  And, we increased public awareness of the RTA through marketing brochures and one of the best websites in the nation."

Lou Einwick, Executive Director of the RTA since 1998, says he cannot give Eric enough credit for the great job he has done as President.  "He's been one of the best Presidents the RTA has had to date," said Einwick.  "We appreciate everything he has done and we are very sorry to see him leave.

"Eric is a good man."

Stuart Horsley will assume the position as RTA President upon Perkins' departure.  "Eric tried to improve our major events while never losing sight of the RTA's mission. That is, promoting Richmond tennis," said Horsley.  

The incoming President hopes to build upon the momentum Eric has spearheaded.  Ideas are plentiful, but the RTA could always use a few more 'workers' willing to help.

"Our volunteer board stays fairly active throughout the year, and I'm not sure we could have squeezed in much more than we did," Eric laughed.  "But I do see a lot of possibilities for future projects and programs for the RTA to consider."

Of course, Eric will be on to new adventures and so he won't be in charge of any of those future projects.  But he hopes the organization will continue to grow and prosper.

"I look for the RTA to have continued success with existing programs and introducing more people to the sport of tennis, increased membership and participation, and development of new events and initiatives.

"Despite its long history of success, the RTA still has a lot of untapped potential and opportunity."

Eric may not be 'in charge' but he plans to keep on volunteering at the national level with the USTA down to the local level with the RTA --"for years to come," he said.

"Or until it stops being fun."

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