Nick Bollettieri is the stuff that legends are made of.  In 1978, he founded the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy (NBTA) in Bradenton, Florida. The NBTA was the first full-time tennis boarding school to combine intense training on the court with a custom-designed academic curriculum.  The Bollettieri approach not only builds athletes on the court, but more importantly, Nick’s high expectations of each of his students prepare them for a successful life off the court as well.  It was this proven method that Nick used to coach nine #1 players in the world – Agassi, Becker, Courier, Hingis, Rios, Seles, Sharapova and Venus and Serena Williams. 



In 1987, Nick expanded his vision when he joined forces with IMG, the sports and entertainment conglomerate, to turn the Tennis Academy into a multi-sport training facility, now known as IMG Academies. Located on over 300 acres, the campus at IMG Academies continues to be the best known and most prestigious training ground of champions.



However, Nick has been selected for this prestigious honor not only because of his success as a tennis coach, but also for his spirit of perseverance, which has inspired countless individuals and embodies what is best in America.  In addition to motivating those students who spend time at the Academy, Nick also travels the globe promoting physical fitness and sharing his experiences and insights with young and old.



Ted Meekma, Senior Vice President of IMG and Director at IMG Academies, shares “This is a very well-deserved honor for Nick. I say this because I've never seen anyone pursue his PhD in 'Life' with the determination, the passion and the dedication of Nick Bollettieri.”



What makes this honor even more special is that one of Nick’s former students, and current President of the College, Lisa Pamintuan, will be presenting him with the degree. 



Pamintuan moved from her Indiana home to Bradenton at the age of ten to be one of the first players to train at the now world famous Academy.  There she grew up at her ‘new home’ playing with Agassi and other young players under the grueling Florida sun and watchful eye of Nick.  Pamintuan went on to be the youngest winner of the Irish Open, competed at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, but with numerous injuries she went on to law school instead of pursuing a career in professional tennis. 



After being an entrepreneur Lisa began a career at New York College of Health Professions, a leading College of Holistic Health in the world, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees.  She soon became one of the youngest College Presidents in the United States and led the College to national institutional accreditation.



Under Pamintuan’s leadership, New York College of Health Professions has accumulated a large multimillion dollar surplus at a time when other institutions of its kind are in financial trouble and closing.  A high level representative from the New York State Education Department referred to the institution as “a great Phoenix Rising”.  The College is currently expanding into many new areas and is working on wellness products and centers with some of the largest companies in the world.



On May 18th, Pamintuan will present her coach and mentor with one of the highest awards in the country.  “It is an honor for me to give something back to a person who not only taught me championship on the court, but how to win in the world by always striving for excellence.”