Phillip “Phil” Rieckert grew up teaching himself the game of tennis on a neighborhood court on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. With no formal tennis training, lessons or instruction, Phil was truly a natural. He was a very proud Woodberry Forest Tiger as a member of the school’s prestigious tennis team. He continued on to play and serve as captain for two years on the Division I University of Richmond Spider Men’s tennis team. After college, Phil stayed in the tennis world through teaching and managing various tennis facilities in both the North- and Southeast, along with becoming a true “tennis parent” and accompanying his children to regional and national tennis tourney events. Phil always understood and appreciated the commitment and drive of a high-school student-athlete, as life often presents unexpected challenges and surprises (regardless of the sport).
To honor Phil’s memory, we announce the annual Phillip Rieckert “Backhand Dropshot” Memorial Award. The first recipients will be chosen in the Spring of 2022. This award will grant a scholarship to assist with college costs to two college-bound student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills through their sport or community. As a seventeen year-old young man, Phil selected the following quote by Mark Twain to encapsulate his growth and time at the Woodberry Forest School: “A round man cannot be expected to fill a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape.” In the spirit of this idea, we ask applicants to submit a brief essay identifying a quote that speaks to their own experience with growth and change. We want to hear how and why this quote defines or inspires you. The essay should be double spaced with Times New Roman 12-pt font. Two letters of recommendations are also required to accompany the essay submission. These recommendations may be from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer. Family members are not permitted to submit.
The application portal will open March 15, 2022 and all applications and letters of recommendation are due April 15, 2022 by 12:00 midnight -EST, no exceptions. Winners will be announced mid-May, Augusta, GA.
For more details/information: please contact Tracy.Rieckert@the philliprieckertaward.com.
Phillip Michael Rieckert was born in Cambridge, Maryland July 3, 1962 and passed away February 17, 2022 in Columbia County, GA. Two of Phil’s greatest passions were golf and tennis, and he enjoyed teaching many talented tennis juniors over the years. Phil faced numerous challenges in his life, both on and off the tennis court. Some matches he won, and others, he did not. However, his genuine kindness and true willingness to give to others never went unnoticed. He lives on, through his family, his children and now, through you. Thank you for your interest and support of the Phillip Rieckert “Backhand Dropshot” Memorial Award.
Best wishes,
Tracy Mary Rieckert and Family
To honor Phil’s memory, we announce the annual Phillip Rieckert “Backhand Dropshot” Memorial Award. The first recipients will be chosen in the Spring of 2022. This award will grant a scholarship to assist with college costs to two college-bound student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary leadership skills through their sport or community. As a seventeen year-old young man, Phil selected the following quote by Mark Twain to encapsulate his growth and time at the Woodberry Forest School: “A round man cannot be expected to fill a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape.” In the spirit of this idea, we ask applicants to submit a brief essay identifying a quote that speaks to their own experience with growth and change. We want to hear how and why this quote defines or inspires you. The essay should be double spaced with Times New Roman 12-pt font. Two letters of recommendations are also required to accompany the essay submission. These recommendations may be from a teacher, counselor, coach or employer. Family members are not permitted to submit.
The application portal will open March 15, 2022 and all applications and letters of recommendation are due April 15, 2022 by 12:00 midnight -EST, no exceptions. Winners will be announced mid-May, Augusta, GA.
For more details/information: please contact Tracy.Rieckert@the philliprieckertaward.com.
Phillip Michael Rieckert was born in Cambridge, Maryland July 3, 1962 and passed away February 17, 2022 in Columbia County, GA. Two of Phil’s greatest passions were golf and tennis, and he enjoyed teaching many talented tennis juniors over the years. Phil faced numerous challenges in his life, both on and off the tennis court. Some matches he won, and others, he did not. However, his genuine kindness and true willingness to give to others never went unnoticed. He lives on, through his family, his children and now, through you. Thank you for your interest and support of the Phillip Rieckert “Backhand Dropshot” Memorial Award.
Best wishes,
Tracy Mary Rieckert and Family
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