Emmett Par

J. Emmett Paré (January 24, 1907 – October 1973) was a prominent American tennis player and coach in the early 20th century. He played college tennis at Georgetown University, where he captained the team and reached the NCAA doubles final in 1928 before graduating in 1929. Paré had significant success at the Cincinnati Open, compiling a 19-3 singles record, winning the 1928 title, and finishing runner-up in 1930. He also won the Western Tennis Championships in 1928, the Western Indoor Championships and Michigan State titles in 1927, and the U.S. National Clay Court Championship in 1929.

Paré turned professional in 1931, touring with Bill Tilden, and by 1933 became the head pro at the New Orleans Tennis Club and coach at Tulane University. During his 40-year coaching tenure (1934–1973), Tulane’s team won 20 SEC titles and claimed nine consecutive championships from 1951 to 1959. His players also achieved significant individual success, with eight NCAA singles champions and two doubles champions emerging under his guidance.

Paré was enshrined in the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Tulane and Georgetown universities, as well as the Sugar Bowl Hall of Fame. He died on October 8, 1973, after a lengthy illness and was buried in Evanston, Illinois. Paré remained a lifelong bachelor.