Western Springs Tennis Pro Leaves Village

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Dave Evans, the longtime tennis pro for Western Springs' tennis program, is no longer with the village government. It is unclear why. A petition is circulating online to bring him back.

According to the village's website, the tennis program has been under the guidance of Evans since 1983. A person answering the phone at the village's recreation department confirmed Evans was no longer working for the village as of this week.

Recreation Director Aleks Briedis declined to comment on why Evans was no longer with the village, saying, "Unfortunately, these matters are considered confidential. We are not at liberty to discuss that." Evans couldn't be reached.

Western Springs Patch has submitted a public records request for more information.

Abby Tymick, a tennis coach with the Western Springs tennis program, said in a statement that Evans "poured his soul" into the tennis program.

"He brought in kids from all over the suburbs and even players from the city," Tymick said. "The Western Springs program is flourishing and has been solely because of Dave Evans."

She is encouraging people to contact village officials to let them know what Evans has meant to them. She said he is known for his "eccentric" personality.

"As an 18-year-old headed off to college in the fall, I can confidently say that Dave Evans has shaped me into the person I am," Tymick said. "I was one of the pee-wee students who showed up on his court without even knowing which way to hold my racquet. Dave taught me how to play tennis, but he also taught me how to make tennis fun and sociable."

Tymick has posted a change.org petition to bring Evans back. As of Thursday morning, more than 500 had signed.

One woman was among many that praised Evans' service: "Dave is the one of the hardest working people I know. He is all heart, loves tennis so much, and has gone above and beyond for every person he meets. He IS Western Springs tennis."