CHARLOTTE, N.C. – It is with heavy hearts that we announce that former Queens University of Charlotte Head Tennis Coach Charles Gordon has passed away at the age of 87.
 
Coach Gordon, a beloved mentor, leader, and cherished member of our community, touched the lives of countless students and athletes during his years of service, inspiring excellence both on and off the court. Even in his retirement years, he remained active in the Queens tennis programs both as a volunteer coach and generous donor.
 
"His dedication, passion, and unwavering support shaped the lives of student-athletes over two decades, leaving a lasting legacy that will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know him," said Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout. "We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire alumni community during this difficult time."
 
Gordon was the first-ever men's tennis coach hired when the men's tennis program was added in 1988 as one of the first two men's sports at Queens. The Royals played their inaugural collegiate season that same year and the following year (1989-90) they posted a winning record of 10-9. Queens followed the first year with two additional successful seasons posting a record of 14-7 during the 1990-91 season and a record of 13-8 during the 1991-92 season.
 
After joining the CVAC in 1995, Gordon led the Royals to their first appearance at the NCAA Championships during the 1998-99 season. In 2020, Gordon was inducted into the Royals Athletic Hall of Fame.
 
Please join us in keeping Coach Gordon's family in your thoughts and prayers. We encourage those who are able to attend his memorial service, which will be held Thursday, October 24th, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John's Baptist Church, 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC. The family welcomes alumni to speak about their memories of Coach Gordon during the service. If you would like to share a story, please send an email to alumni@queens.edu.
 
The family is requesting that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. John's Baptist Church or the Queens University of Charlotte Tennis program. If you would like to make a gift in Coach Gordon's memory, please visit www.queens.edu/give and choose other to specify the tennis program. Please note in the comment box that the gift is in memory of Coach Charles Gordon.
 
View Coach Gordon's obituary.