Hall of Fame
In addition to being the father of Head Tennis Coach Lynn Pigliacampi, (and Lynn’s tennis coach,) the late Jules Pigliacampi was an active tennis player for more than 40 years. His storied athletic career began at his High School in Wappinger’s Falls, New York. His amazing athletic accomplishments led to him also being inducted into his High School’s Hall of Fame for; soccer, basketball, and baseball. Pigliacampi went on to play varsity basketball for Clarkson University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.
At 26 years old, Jules was drafted by the United States Army during the tumultuous Vietnam War. Since he already had his degree, he was able to go to officer school, and serve his country inside of a laboratory. He was part of a team that developed a way to airdrop fuel to soldiers in need without it leaking or exploding. He never took any “credit” for being a veteran or took any benefits associated with being a veteran. He felt those on the front lines were more deserving. This was just the kind of person Jules was. During his time in the military, he competed in volleyball and basketball, as well. After returning home, and starting a family with his wife Elisabeth Pigliacampi, Jules completed a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Lehigh University.
Jules’s tennis history is just as impressive. He began playing as an adult and immediately rose to a high level of play. He participated in competitive local and club leagues and had extensive USTA playing experience. His USTA accomplishments include numerous successful appearances in Sectional tournaments and National Team doubles championships.
His love for tennis was infectious, resulting in the entire family playing. He was the first coach to both of his daughters, who both went on to play NCAA Division I Collegiate Tennis, and his wife Betty still plays to this day. He was the assistant tennis coach at Cedar Crest College for 14 years, and he brought tremendous knowledge and match-play experience to the position, and over the years, instilled that knowledge inspiring so many players to be the best they could be with his humor, honesty, and genuine affection for every player he coached.
His community benefited from his involvement as a volunteer coach for youth sports, a member of the Kiwanis Club, and his heavy involvement with his church. Jules was an integral part of the College Hill Presbyterian Church Family and Administration often volunteering to serve as Treasurer, Elder, Deacon. Jules’s spirit, humor, and kindness touched so many; he was truly an amazing human being.
