Induction Year: 2007

John Kniffen was born on October 1, 1936 in Clyde, Texas. He graduated from Clyde High School where he won the State Championship and went to Texas Tech University on a full scholarship for tennis. He received his Master’s Degree from West Texas A & M and began teaching high school history and coaching tennis at many of the area’s local schools.

Kniffen has coached state and national champions, as well as earning many state championships and he was ranked in Texas tennis in doubles for men's, mixed and father and son. He is a Hall of Fame Inductee for the Texas Tennis Coaches Association and a lifetime member of the Texas State Teachers Association.

Kniffen has helped promote and organize tournaments and currently volunteers teaching tennis to local children, adults, and at tennis camps. He has committed his career to tennis and he continues to encourage players on a local and state level.