Des Evans

Des was born in Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) in 1951 and was educated at Prince Edward School, the Teacher’s College in Bulawayo and then the University of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe.) He qualified as a Primary (Middle) School teacher in 1972.

Apart from being the Rhodesian Under 18 Triple (Singles, Doubles and Mixed) tennis champion in 1968, Des played cricket for Rhodesia and field hockey for Rhodesia and Zimbabwe.

In 1974 he joined the British South Africa Police and was involved in the Rhodesian Bush War (Counter Insurgency Operation) until the country became Zimbabwe in 1980. He continued his service in the Zimbabwe Republic Police until 1985 leaving with the rank of Detective Inspector.

Des has 3 children – Nicola, Gareth and Stacey. Des’ Dad, Bob Evans and his step-mother Sheila Evans (Dowdeswell) emigrated to the United States in 1980 and settled in Indianapolis. Sheila (who was a Wimbledon player and legendary professional coach) coached tennis at the Indianapolis Racquet Club for 26 years.

Des emigrated to the United States in February 2000 and he has been a certified tennis professional at the Indianapolis Racquet Club since then. He became a US citizen in 2013. 

He was Assistance Girls Varsity Coach at Carmel High School from 2003 to 2006. Whilst still coaching at the Indianapolis Racquet Club Des was Head Coach at Carmel Middle School from 2018 to 2023 after spending 4 years as Head Coach of New Palestine High School (The Dragons) Boys and Girls Tennis Teams. He was Hancock County Conference Coach of the Year in 2017, after taking Dragons to Regional Finals 3 years in a row.

Nicola, Gareth and Stacey subsequently graduated from university at either Purdue or IUPUI in Indiana. Nicola played 4 years college tennis for the IUPUI Jaguars (Division 1) and all three children won Indiana State tennis titles with Carmel High School and are all married with children and are working in the States.