Steve Wilkinson (tennis)

Steve Wilkinson (born 1942) is an American college tennis coach and author. He is best known for his highly successful tenure as the head coach of the Gustavus Adolphus College men's tennis team in St. Peter, Minnesota, from 1970 to 2009.

During his 39 seasons at Gustavus, Wilkinson led the Golden Gusties to 34 consecutive Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) titles and two NCAA Division III national championships (1982 and 1985). He also coached 120 All-Americans and was named the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year on multiple occasions. His emphasis extended beyond athletic achievement, focusing on character development and spiritual growth among his players. He integrated a "tennis and life camp" philosophy into his coaching style, emphasizing values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal responsibility.

Wilkinson is the author of the book "A Season for Miracles," which chronicles his coaching philosophy and life lessons learned through tennis. He is a highly sought-after speaker and clinician, addressing topics related to leadership, character development, and faith. After retiring from coaching, he continued to be involved in tennis through clinics and speaking engagements. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to college tennis and his positive impact on the lives of his players.