Neal Stapp – Director of Tennis

Neal played junior tennis in Memphis, TN at the prestigious Racquet Club of Memphis achieving Southern and National rankings. Accepting a scholarship to Ole Miss, he played number one singles and doubles most of his four years (1982-1986). After graduation Neal achieved a world ranking while traveling on the ATP's satellite tour for 18 months playing in Europe, Canada, Mexico and the US. A USPTA Level 1 Professional, Neal worked as an assistant Pro at the Dunwoody Country Club in tennis-hotbed Atlanta, GA, then a seven year stint at the Racquet Club of Memphis where he trained numerous nationally ranked juniors. In 1996 he bought the Racquet Club of Murfreesboro and owned and operated it for nine years dramatically growing membership. After selling his Club, he accepted the position of Tennis Director for Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, TN in the fall of 2005. Neal and his wife Anne have two daughters, Kate (born in 2000) and Emerson (born in 2006).

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Tennis Professional Chris Karges, USTA

Chris coached tennis at Purdue University and Northwestern University for 16 years. During those years she was Head Tennis Professional at Lafayette Country Club in the summers for 10 years. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and was three times the Southeastern Conference Champion and an All Conference performer winning the SEC Sportsmanship Award, the SEC Senior Player of the Year and was a 4 time NCAA participant while being ranked second in all-time wins at the University of Kentucky. She played four years professionally and won the National 25 and over doubles championship with Sonia Patrick.

Margie Schroeffel –
Associate Professional

Margie was born in Chicago and has spent 20 years dedicating her life to the game of tennis. As a junior Margie won two state singles titles and was ranked in the top 30 in the country. In 1994 she signed with the University of Tennessee where she played #1 singles and #1 doubles all four years. Margie was ranked in the top 5 nationally in singles and received the prestigious Sportsmanship Award at the National Indoors. Margie remains the only 4-time All-American in the history of the Lady Vol’s tennis program. Before joining the Cherokee Country Club staff she taught at Willow Brook Athletic Club in Chicago, and for the Knoxville Racquet Club.

Cherokee Country Club has several part-time professionals assisting the staff throughout the year. These pros all have college tennis experience, many being past or present players for the University of Tennessee. Cherokee Country Club is always trying to improve our staff to make it one of the best in the South.