Navy Women’s Tennis Coach Keith Puryear to Enter Anne Arundel County Tennis Hall of Fame

By Brian Hradsky
Maryland Sports Blog | November 10, 2026

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Navy women’s tennis head coach Keith Puryear will receive another prestigious honor when the Anne Arundel County Tennis Hall of Fame inducts him Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. The longtime collegiate coach, former U.S. Marine and architect of the Naval Academy’s women’s tennis program joins the Hall of Fame’s second induction class after building an extraordinary coaching career spanning nearly four decades. His accomplishments include 781 career victories, 13 conference championships and 12 conference Coach of the Year awards.

Puryear will be recognized during the annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Fundraiser at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. The ceremony will take place inside the Admiral Lawrence Banquet Room from 6 to 9 p.m. Six other individuals will join Puryear in the Class of 2026, recognizing decades of contributions to tennis throughout Anne Arundel County.

Building Navy Women’s Tennis From the Ground Up

When Puryear arrived at the Naval Academy in 2008, he faced a challenge that few collegiate coaches encounter: establishing an entirely new varsity tennis program. Rather than inheriting an established roster or decades of institutional success, Puryear became the founding head coach responsible for building Navy women’s tennis into a competitive Division I program. His leadership helped establish a winning culture centered on player development, consistency and championship expectations.

Across 18 varsity seasons, Puryear has compiled a 338-119 record at Navy, establishing the Midshipmen as a respected program within the Patriot League. His teams captured conference championships in 2024 and 2026, earning NCAA Tournament appearances and raising the program’s national profile. Navy also recorded its first NCAA Tournament singles and doubles victories during his tenure.

The 2026 Patriot League championship provided another milestone in Puryear’s coaching career. Navy returned to the top of the conference just two seasons after claiming its first league championship in 2024. Puryear earned Patriot League Coach of the Year honors in both championship seasons, adding to his previous conference recognition in 2011.

A Championship Legacy at UMBC

Long before establishing Navy’s women’s tennis program, Puryear developed his coaching reputation at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He spent 19 seasons at UMBC, directing the men’s and women’s tennis programs and transforming both into successful regional competitors. His teams combined to capture 11 conference championships and make 10 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Puryear’s achievements at UMBC eventually earned him induction into the university’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. His success demonstrated an ability to develop championship programs across different institutions and competitive environments. The experience also prepared him for the challenge of creating a varsity program at the Naval Academy.

Military Service Helped Shape His Coaching Philosophy

Puryear’s background includes service in the United States Marine Corps from 1983 through 1988, before completing his education at UMBC. His military experience helped shape the discipline, leadership and accountability that have characterized his coaching career. Those qualities have particular significance at the Naval Academy, where student-athletes balance Division I competition with demanding academic and military responsibilities.

His career extends beyond victories and conference championships. Puryear has helped develop student-athletes preparing for leadership roles in the Navy and Marine Corps while maintaining a competitive tennis program. His work combines athletic development with the broader educational mission of the Naval Academy.

One of College Tennis’ Most Accomplished Active Coaches

Puryear’s combined collegiate coaching record includes 781 victories and 13 conference championships. His 553 career Division I women’s tennis victories place him among the nation’s top 10 active coaches, according to the Naval Academy’s November announcement. His 12 conference Coach of the Year honors further demonstrate the longevity of his success.

His influence also extends into the Maryland tennis community. Puryear has served on the United States Tennis Association’s Maryland Board of Directors and previously competed as a highly ranked player in the Mid-Atlantic region. These contributions reflect a career involving collegiate coaching, competitive tennis and community leadership.

Seven Members Make Up the Class of 2026

Puryear will join six other inductees recognized for their contributions to local tennis:

• Don Carlson: Naval Academy leader and longtime Annapolis-area tennis mentor.
• Doug Lamartin: Annapolis Area Tennis School president and former Capital Gazette tennis columnist.
• Steve Newcomer: Championship-winning player, Air Force veteran and longtime USTA team captain.
• Bev Schwink: Certified tennis coach, grassroots advocate and three-time USTA national competitor.
• Tom Schneider: Marine veteran and captain of teams that captured four USTA sectional championships.
• Tom Walsh: Retired educator and longtime tennis captain who guided 11 teams to USTA national championship competition.

The Hall of Fame was established in 2025 by the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County. Its mission is to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to tennis while supporting the continued growth of the sport throughout the county.

Hall of Fame Ceremony Will Support Local Tennis Programs

The November 13 induction ceremony will also serve as a fundraiser for the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County. The nonprofit organization supports youth tennis opportunities, community participation, equipment distribution and adaptive programs for athletes with disabilities. Organizers hope the annual celebration will strengthen local tennis participation while honoring individuals who helped build the sport.

Tickets are listed at $165 per person, including dinner and an open bar. The event will feature a cocktail hour, silent auction and induction ceremony, with veteran local sportscaster Wiley Baker serving as master of ceremonies. Additional information is available through the Anne Arundel County Tennis Hall of Fame website.

MSB Take: Puryear’s Recognition Is Well Deserved

Keith Puryear’s induction represents more than recognition for an impressive coaching record. Building a collegiate program from its beginning requires recruiting, patience, leadership and a long-term commitment to creating a successful culture. Puryear accomplished that at Navy while competing in an environment where student-athletes face responsibilities that extend far beyond athletics.

His two Patriot League championships in three seasons demonstrate how far the Midshipmen have progressed under his leadership. The 2026 title also showed that Navy’s breakthrough in 2024 was not an isolated achievement. With a championship-winning roster returning for the 2026-27 season, Puryear has positioned the program to continue competing for conference honors.

For Maryland tennis, the Hall of Fame induction celebrates a coach whose influence stretches from UMBC to Annapolis and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Puryear’s career illustrates how sustained leadership can transform collegiate programs and create opportunities for generations of student-athletes. His place in the Anne Arundel County Tennis Hall of Fame recognizes both his accomplishments on the court and his lasting contributions to the community.