Former USC Hall Of Fame Tennis Coach DeMars Passes Away

Former University of South Carolina men’s tennis coach Kent DeMars, one of the most accomplished coaches in collegiate tennis history, passed away Thursday morning at the age of 82.

A coaching legend whose impact stretched across nearly four decades, DeMars was inducted into the University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Hall of Fame in 2010, the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 1996, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Hall of Fame in 2006 and the St. Louis Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024.

During his 26 seasons as head coach of the Gamecock men’s tennis program (1984-2010), DeMars built South Carolina into a national contender. He guided the Gamecocks to a program-best 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 13 consecutive berths from 1994-2006. His 390 victories remain the most in program history.

Under his leadership, South Carolina advanced to the NCAA Round of 16 six times and reached the national semifinals in 1989. That season, DeMars was named the ITA Wilson National Coach of the Year. He also earned Region II Coach of the Year honors five times.

DeMars made an immediate impact upon arriving in Columbia, leading the Gamecocks to six Metro Conference championships in his first seven seasons. He coached seven student-athletes who combined for nine All-America honors and had at least one player earn all-conference recognition in 18 of his 26 seasons.

The Courts at the Carolina Indoor Tennis Center are named in honor of DeMars.

Prior to South Carolina, DeMars established the men’s tennis program at SIU Edwardsville and built it into a Division II powerhouse. From 1978-84, the Cougars captured seven consecutive NCAA Division II National Championships. During that remarkable run, his players earned 56 All-America honors, while three singles players and four doubles teams claimed national titles.

Over 37 seasons as a collegiate head coach, DeMars amassed more than 400 career victories and a winning percentage of nearly 67 percent.

While his teams excelled on the court, DeMars was equally committed to academic achievement. His programs consistently maintained cumulative grade-point averages above 3.0. Between 1992-94, South Carolina produced 14 scholar-athletes, the highest total among SEC schools during that period.

His contributions to the sport extended far beyond coaching. In 1986, DeMars received the ITA Meritorious Service Award for his dedication to collegiate tennis. He annually served as Tournament Director for the USTA Boys’ 18 Intersections, directed the USTA Women’s Pro Circuit event in Columbia, and oversaw the 1994 NCAA Region II Championships. He also served on various USTA and ITA committees, including both the USTA Player Development Committee and the USTA College Committee.

A native of East St. Louis, Ill., DeMars played collegiate tennis at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, earning his B.S. degree in biology.  During his collegiate career, DeMars was a four-year starter at No. 1 singles and doubles for St. Mary’s.

Following graduation from St. Mary’s, he coached at Peacock Military Academy (1966-68) in San Antonio, and then returned to his high school alma mater, Assumption High School in East St. Louis, Illinois, where he coached from 1969-73 before moving into the collegiate ranks at SIU Edwardsville.

He also completed his master’s degree in zoology from Miami (Ohio) University.

DeMars was preceded in death by his wife, Susan, who passed away in 2006. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen and Kristen, and grandchildren, Carolyn, Emmy, Lauren, Margot, and Molly.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a casual time of remembrance on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Armory Room at Savage Craft Ale Works, 430 Center Street, West Columbia, SC 29169.

A memorial service celebrating Kent’s life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at USC’s Rutledge Chapel, 902 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Still Hopes Chaplain Discretionary Fund, for the benefit of the employees and caregivers – https://tinyurl.com/KentDeMars  or checks can be made out to “Chaplain’s Discretionary Fund” and mailed to PO Box 2959 West Columbia, SC 29179.

The family warmly invites you to share photographs and treasured memories by uploading them here: https://tinyurl.com/KentDeMarsPhotos.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

The University of South Carolina extends its deepest condolences to the DeMars family, his former student-athletes, colleagues, and friends.