Tennis Involvement:
1971 – Present
Certifications and Roles:
USTA, ITA, ITF, NCAA Referee (1989 – Present)
Certified USTA Referee – 37 years
Certified Pickleball Official – 6 years
NCAA National Referee – 1999
Worked events from Boston to Washington, D.C., to Chicago Roles include Rover, Line Umpire, Chair Umpire, and Referee
Introduction
Marvin Hill. Mr. Hill. Ref. Ump. “Big Guy.” “Hey You.”
These are just some of the names I have been called over the past 38 years of officiating tennis. Each reflects a different moment on court, but all point to a lifelong commitment to the sport.
Past Circumstances Shaping Current Goals
My interest in officiating began, like many tennis stories, with a disputed call during a match I was playing. After my opponent hit a high overhead lob and called out “Get back!” to his partner while I struck the ball, I began asking questions about the rules.
Three weeks later, at the 1989 US Open, I stopped at the USTA bookstore and asked if a tennis rulebook existed. I was told, “We can do better than that.” Nick Powell was signing Friend at Court that afternoon.
When I posed my question, Nick remarked on how thoughtfully it was framed. Before signing my book, he wrote “The Code” inside and said, “You should become a tennis official. Much success.”
One year later, after intense study and training, I worked the 1990 US Open. The rest, as they say, is history.
Personal Qualities
My wife, Dr. Zalphia Wilson-Hill, and my daughters Nichole Michelle (passed 2025), Devon Elisabeth, and Taylor Rebeca often thought I was crazy for the time and effort I devoted to this “avocation.”
Learning to rove, chair, work lines, referee, and teach tennis is a huge commitment. But tennis, like a piano with 88 keys, produces endless variations. The game evolves, and so must its students.
I continue because there is always something new to learn.
Education and Experience
• Began playing tennis in college (1972)
• Attended USTA Umpire School
• Worked sectional, regional, national, international, and professional events
• Section 3.5 Champion – 1990
• Officiated wheelchair tennis, Special Olympics, INSA, scholastic, collegiate, junior, adult, international,
and professional events
• US Open Official (1990–1995)
• Featured in Rising Star article by Louis Huggins, Middle States Magazine (1990)
Tennis Education and Mentorship
Studied under and learned from:
• Matt Finkelson
• Ellen Foot
• Bill Steward
• David Benjamin (ITA Executive Director)
• Mike Prone (draw development, Haddonwood Tennis)
Refereed first tournament: SRE B16s, 1990 (Gulp Mills)
Five years as National Referee for International Boys & Girls 18 Hard Courts
Refereed NCAA Championships (Coach Udisous, Trenton State)
State and National Referee for Special Olympics (Nancy Wilkins)
Presented college recruitment workshops to inner-city junior high student-athletes
Continues learning from professionals including Mark Vecchiolla, Nancy Wilkins, Sean McCory, and many others.
Service and Community Impact
• Weekly public-park tennis program since 1998
• Teaching tennis and multiple sports to at-risk youth
• Advocacy for Black women in sports
• Support of wheelchair tennis and inclusive participation
• Commitment to tennis as a vehicle for human values and character development
Interests and Lifelong Learning
• Museums and cultural learning
• Sports education
• Language, discourse, and communication
• Observing how competition reveals character
Conclusion
For nearly four decades, I have looked, listened, learned, and served.
I endeavor to preserve the integrity of tennis while helping it grow for future generations.
Tennis Involvement (Check All That Apply) – The reply does not save when converted to pdf and renamed so I have attached it here.
✔ Volunteer – Tennis Related
Community and local grassroots youth programs at schools, playgrounds, and RiverWinds Tennis Center
Organized and scheduled 30 players weekly at Bethel Mill Park (South Jersey) since 1998
✔ League Player
Volvo Tennis League (1990–1995), 3.5 level
Advanced to Sectionals and Nationals
✔ Tournament Player
✔ Tennis Official
Continues officiating events including:
Lil Mo Nationals, National Grass Court events, ITF tournaments, and USTA/ITF dual-sanctioned events18s and over, 64-draw singles and 32-draw doubles (Boys and Girls)
✔ Tennis Professional
Worked with USTA and ITA top-30 collegiate men’s and women’s teams
US Open Official (1990–1995)
✔ Tennis Teacher / Coach (New Jersey)
Continues teaching tennis and pickleball
Teaches at-risk youth and inner-city students
✔ Director of Tennis-Related Organization
CTA WIN3BREAK3 Group
✔ Other
Conducts special tennis workshops for businesses and private organizations
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