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Steve Zalinski Retires From Dunlop

GREENVILLE, SC — Dunlop Sports Group Americas wishes long-time Director of Sales, Steve Zalinski, the very best upon the announcement of his retirement after more than 15 years with the racquet manufacturer. Steve has been both a leader and an integral part of Dunlop’s renewed growth during his tenure and has long been recognized as a standout in the industry.

Steve will continue to work with Dunlop at tennis events and shows throughout the country as well as being involved with testing new products in development.

A native of Chicago, Steve attended DePaul University where he excelled at tennis and is a member of the DePaul Athletics Hall of Fame. After earning an MBA, he managed the Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago – the world’s largest indoor tennis facility. Later, as a sales representative, he and his partner ran a 7 person group that marketed racquets and sporting goods throughout the Midwest.

In 1992, Steve moved to South Carolina and joined Dunlop. While here, he served as a long-time board member of the Tennis Industry Association, was named the “1999 Nicest Male in the Tennis Industry” by Tennis Week Magazine, was the honorary chair of the South Carolina Junior National Qualifying Tournament in 2002, and was presented with the “Digging Deeper Award” in 2004 by the Dunlop Chairman of the Board, among other honors.

“I truly wish Dunlop the best as it continues to bring out new technology that advances the sport,” Steve said. “Today, I enjoy the intensity and commitment of Dunlop players like James Blake, Tommy Robredo and the others on the Tour Team. They continue Dunlop’s history of bringing so much to the game. Looking back, being with Dunlop has been a great experience.”

“Steve gave me and many others our start in the industry,” said Kai Nitsche, Dunlop’s General Manager of Racquet Sports. “Those of us who have had the privilege of working with Steve have learned a tremendous amount from him and have a deep respect for him personally. I will truly miss working with him on a daily basis.”

All three of Steve’s daughters – Kelly, Courtney and Shannon – played tennis while in college, and in 1997 his family was named Tennis Family of the Year by the South Carolina Tennis Association. Steve Zalinski plans on staying in South Carolina with Kathy, his wife of 33 years.

Posted on September 10, 2007
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