Growing up in Shelby, North Carolina, home to tennis greats like Tim Wilkinson and Buck Archer, William Noblitt was bound to get into the game. It all started with hanging around the courts with his older sister, who played in local tournaments. Then, little by little, he found his way into the sport. His dad, his main coach growing up, spent countless hours feeding him buckets of balls at the Cleveland Country Club. Eventually, that court time led to William finding true love for the sport and playing competitively.
After High School, William found his way to NC State University, where he was named two-time first team all ACC. After becoming team captain in his junior and senior years, he helped lead NC State to its first-ever Elite 8 appearance in an NCAA tournament. Also, during his senior year, he became the winningest singles and doubles player in NC State history. After finishing college, he continued his tennis career, winning a gold ball at the Men's 30 and over National Hardcourts. He was most recently named USPTA 2019 NC Pro of the Year and USPTA 2020 Southern Pro of the Year.
Now, as the Director of Tennis Operations at Seven Oaks Swim & Racquet Club, 2016 USTA North Carolina Member Organization of the Year, William is in charge of tennis operations and day-to-day management of the Seven Oaks facility and leads a team of tennis pros and support staff. In that role, he and his team oversee the family-friendly club with 20 tennis courts -12 clay courts and 8 hard courts. Seven Oaks also has three pools! Various tennis programs, such as cardio tennis, Try Tennis, junior programs, ladders, tournaments, socials, leagues, and USTA leagues are offered.
As a result of his past accomplishments and present work, he sees RTA as a big part of the culture at Seven Oaks. "Our members are very involved in league play and the friendly competition it fosters," says William. "I know RTA will continue to play a big role in the continued growth of our players."
After years of perfecting his own game and helping to develop others, Noblitt's tennis philosophy is about working hard, being consistent and dedicated, but not forgetting to have fun. He believes the same things apply to life. With that in mind, William likes to quote the late, great Jimmy V, "Don't give up. Don't ever give up!" We couldn't agree with you more, William. Thank you for all you do for tennis in Raleigh!
Pictured is William and Kathryn Noblitt with their four children