The death of tennis player Simon Piacente stunned many people. On January 3, the Western Springs Recreation Department confirmed his death on their Facebook page. Simon handled the Village of Western Springs Recreation Department’s tennis program. He joined Western Springs in 2009 and was appointed director in 2020.
Piacente was a well-liked community member who appealed to individuals of all ages. His tennis sessions, dubbed “Coach Simon’s Adult Tennis Drills,” were popular in the neighborhood. It is unknown what Simon did as a professional tennis player before becoming a tennis teacher. Simon finished 28th in the USTA Men’s Open Singles in Chicago, according to one website.
He was ranked 81st in the Midwest in 2011. After graduating from the University of Northern Colorado, Piacente obtained a USPTA Teaching certification as well as an AEC Fitness certification. According to the website of the Western Springs Recreation Department, the tennis instructor helped build new tennis courts at Spring Rock Park. He wanted the tennis players to have the best experience possible while participating in their sport.
