WILKES-BARRE, PA (October 6, 2026) -- Longtime King's College head men's and women's tennis coach Bill Eydler will be inducted into the Middle States Tennis Association (MSTA) Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 29, recognizing a lifetime of contributions to the sport as a player, coach, teacher, administrator, organizer and advocate for tennis throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
 
One of the most accomplished and respected figures in regional tennis, Eydler enters the Hall of Fame following a career spanning more than six decades. From introducing new players to the game through youth clinics and community programs to building championship-caliber collegiate teams, Eydler's impact has been felt on courts throughout the region and beyond.
 
Entering his 48th season as head coach of the King's men's tennis program and 31st season as head coach of the women's program, Eydler has established himself as one of the most successful coaches in conference history. His men's teams have compiled a 519-421 career record while capturing six conference championships and 10 conference runner-up finishes. He has coached six conference Players of the Year, two conference Rookies of the Year, 11 conference singles champions, five conference doubles championship teams and 70 all-conference selections, while also guiding King's student-athletes to NCAA Division III National Championship appearances in both singles and doubles competition.
 
While Eydler's accomplishments are reflected in wins, championships and awards, former student-athletes point to his influence as a mentor as his greatest legacy.
"Coach Eydler was far more than just an outstanding tennis coach," said former King's student-athlete Rob Viglione '87. "He was a true motivator, an exceptional instructor, a respected leader, and a mentor both on and off the court."
 
Eydler's journey in tennis began in 1965 as a senior at Meyers High School, where he first started playing with friends through a club activity. He continued his career at King's College, playing at No. 1 singles during his senior season while serving as team captain.
 
Following graduation, Eydler immersed himself in every aspect of the game. Through clinics and lessons with the Wilkes-Barre Recreation Department, he developed as both a player and instructor before taking on a leadership role with tennis programming at Kirby Park. As a competitor, he became a highly regarded doubles player, reaching a USTA ranking of No. 10 in Men's 35 Doubles.
 
As his involvement in the sport continued to grow, so did his influence on tennis throughout the Wyoming Valley. Eydler organized annual USTA Tennis Carnivals for youth and adults, chaired numerous local tournaments including the Wyoming Valley $10,000 Open, and created a team tennis league that featured more than 100 participants. He also established a local Grand Prix Circuit connecting several tournaments and culminating in a season-ending championship event.
 
His contributions extended beyond organizing events and competition. Eydler authored the weekly Tennis Topics column in the Sunday Independent, operated a tennis shop for four years, served as a Middle States verifier conducting player rating sessions throughout the area, and has been a professional racquet stringer for more than 50 years as a member of the United States Racquet Stringers Association. He also founded a tennis court repair and resurfacing company responsible for projects throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Jersey Shore.
 
For six decades, Eydler has also connected local tennis enthusiasts with one of the sport's premier events, organizing annual trips to the U.S. Open beginning in 1966 during the tournament's years at Forest Hills and continuing through its move to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
 
His commitment to growing the game has made him one of the most recognizable figures in local tennis circles.
"Simply put, he is the mayor of Wilkes-Barre tennis," said former King's student-athlete Bill Barnett '87.
 
Eydler's success at King's has been matched by the respect he has earned throughout collegiate athletics. He was named USTA Middle States Coach of the Year in 2019, MAC Freedom Coach of the Year in 2000 and 2011, and Lehigh Valley Tennis Association Outstanding Coach of the Year in 1983 and 1990. In recognition of his contributions to athletics and the community, he received an Honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in 2004 and was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
 
Throughout his career, Eydler has emphasized character, discipline, sportsmanship and personal growth alongside competitive success.
"For all of Coach's success on the court, his most impactful achievement has always been off the court," Barnett said. "He has always fostered the notion of team first and created a family-like culture, prioritizing mentorship, relationships and growth over just winning."
 
The relationships Eydler built with generations of student-athletes remain one of the defining characteristics of his coaching career.
"Former players consistently speak of the profound influence he had on their lives long after graduation, a testament to the lasting relationships and mentorship he provided throughout his career," said former King's student-athlete Paul MacDonald '89.
 
Former Monarch George Gross '87 believes Eydler's impact extends far beyond the trophies and accolades accumulated during his distinguished career.
"His legacy is measured not only in titles and accolades, but in the countless lives he has positively influenced over the years," Gross said.
 
Eydler's induction into the Middle States Tennis Association Hall of Fame recognizes not only his success as a collegiate coach, but also a lifetime dedicated to growing tennis throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Through his leadership, service and commitment to generations of players, coaches and student-athletes, he has left an enduring mark on both King's College and the sport he has spent more than 60 years championing.
 
Eydler will be formally inducted into the Middle States Tennis Association Hall of Fame during the organization's 27th Hall of Fame Induction Dinner on Thursday, October 29, at the Reading Country Club in Reading, Pennsylvania. Tickets to the event are available by clicking this link.