When Henry “Hawk” Harris entered Copiah-Lincoln Community College in 1970, the then teenager would not have believed tennis would be a major part of his future.

Now, the soon-to-be 66 year old has 40 years as a tennis instructor under his belt in the National Junior Tennis League and even more as a personal instructor.

A three-sport star at Sadie V. Thompson High School, Harris went on to become one of Co-Lin’s first black athletes in baseball, football and track. His eventual calling, though turned out to be completely different.

“My love was football,” Harris said. “But God didn’t give me the body for football during those days.”

Harris got started in tennis after some back and forth banter from a pair of friends at Co-Lin.

“They were trying to get me to play, and I said, ‘No, that’s a sissy sport,’” Harris said.

After a little more ribbing, Harris stepped up to the challenge.

“I told them to give me one of those badminton rackets, and I’ll show you what I can do,” he said.

Not only did Harris impress his friends, but he also caught the eye of a Co-Lin tennis coach who was watching nearby. The coach invited Harris to come try out to the team, and his tennis career took off.

Since his initiation into the teaching profession, Harris has made stops in Jackson and Dallas, Texas, but said Natchez has always been his home. He’s taught in the city for approximately 35 years. He has instructed a wide range of athletes, from the beginner level all the way through the high school ranks. Perhaps what’s most important to Harris is his instruction of special-needs athletes.

“The special athletes are dear to me,” Harris said. “I had an uncle and an aunt, and they were very special. I grew up around them, so it’s normal to me.”

One of Harris’ former students, Sharon Davis, described her old instructor as a dedicated but strict teacher, and one who is willing to help whoever is in need of assistance.

“His ability to collaborate and form a relationship with students is impactful, and that’s important,” Davis said. “He always made sure his students had the proper equipment, and he really knows the game.”

Davis said Harris began giving her lessons at the age of 11 and continued into her college days,

“He’s still the same person today,” Davis said. “He’s been a quiet, constant force and an educator. None of my coaches in other sports gave me books to read, but he did. He’s just been doing it for so long, and he’s very serious about it. He’s quiet in his approach but strict.

“It had to be his calling.”

While Harris’ teachings have perhaps made a lasting impression on the community, the grizzled coach said he has been equally impacted.

“The part I get out of it the most is helping young kids become adults,” he said. “Tennis teaches kids at an early age the discipline part of living, and that’s the part I like about it.”