THE DONLEY FAMILY Inducted Into Pine Tree Hall of Fame
The Donley Kids from 2006: Erik, Kristin, Meghan & Anne
The Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Hall of Fame Award honors an individual or family that has made an outstanding and long-term contribution to the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic. The Donley Family of Duluth, Minn. - matriarch Liz and her four children Erik, Anne, Meghan and Kristin - has been just that both on and off the court serving as players, volunteers, promoters and fundraisers for more than 20 years.
It was Erik who introduced the family to Pine Tree back in the mid 1990s when he played at the University of Minnesota. Since then, it is believed the four siblings have played in more than 40 tournaments between them, and at least one has played every year since 2000.
During that time, the family has been a part of seven championships. Erik and Meghan, who played at Gustavus Adolphus, won the family’s first Open title in 2006. Erik went on to win three more Open championships with Imke Reimers (2009, 2010, 2013), while Meghan and partner Kevin Werwie won three consecutive Masters titles from 2018-20.
The family has also been a model of sportsmanship over the years as well with Erik winning the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award - voted on by the Player Liaison Committee - in 2012 and Meghan following suit in 2020.
Meghan continues to play and the family remains involved in the tournament as Erik - an avid artist and woodworker - designed and crafted the 2023 player awards and created the 2024 tournament logo. Liz is a constant presence in the stands, every year cheering on her children while maintaining a watchful eye over her 7 grandchildren who were often seen running around and enjoying the many apple treats. Meghan’s twin sister Anne, who played college tennis at University of Denver and participated in 5 or 6 Pine Tree tournaments (she cannot remember), also has vivid memories of the Friday Night Appreciation Party, meeting the patients and their families, and the apple rollovers.
“No one loses at this event,” Anne said. “Meeting some of the patients and their families brings Pine Tree full circle and is a reminder that tennis really is just a game! When we play for something bigger than us, it puts life into perspective. We truly are so blessed to be part of an atmosphere that is so warm and welcoming. We are delighted and very surprised by this honor.”
“Receiving this honor was definitely unexpected, but is truly appreciated by all of us,” Erik said. ”It has sparked conversations about all the Pine Trees of the past. Having the honor to play with, and against, all of my sisters over the years is memorable. In both cases, I think I caused some tense family situations (ha!). I remember Kristin broke my finger one year when playing.”
“Everyone is surprised and very honored to receive this award,” Meghan said. “Collectively we have played so many times over the years, with many different partners. Some tournament champions, some first round departures and a lot in between. It is always incredible to meet in White Bear Lake one weekend a year and feel the good energy and love at these tournaments.”
And that one weekend trip to White Bear Lake does not look to be ending any time soon, as Meghan and Kristin are passing the Pine Tree tradition on to the next generation with many of their children playing in the Junior Pine Tree event this year.
“We as a tennis playing family appreciate having had the opportunity to play a sport we love on a stage that promotes such an important cause,” Erik said. “We are grateful to the Peterson and Jacobson families, all of the sponsors, and volunteers that have been determined to keep the tournament going for so many years. If you think about it, 39 years is incredible, not many entities last that long. That is a testament to the greatness, scientific need and everyone's hard work that goes into making Pine Tree what it is.”
Meghan echoed the same sentiments.
“We humbly and happily accept this honor and share it with all those who love and support the Pine Tree Apple Classic cause. Game, Set, Cure!”
It was Erik who introduced the family to Pine Tree back in the mid 1990s when he played at the University of Minnesota. Since then, it is believed the four siblings have played in more than 40 tournaments between them, and at least one has played every year since 2000.
During that time, the family has been a part of seven championships. Erik and Meghan, who played at Gustavus Adolphus, won the family’s first Open title in 2006. Erik went on to win three more Open championships with Imke Reimers (2009, 2010, 2013), while Meghan and partner Kevin Werwie won three consecutive Masters titles from 2018-20.
The family has also been a model of sportsmanship over the years as well with Erik winning the tournament’s Sportsmanship Award - voted on by the Player Liaison Committee - in 2012 and Meghan following suit in 2020.
Meghan continues to play and the family remains involved in the tournament as Erik - an avid artist and woodworker - designed and crafted the 2023 player awards and created the 2024 tournament logo. Liz is a constant presence in the stands, every year cheering on her children while maintaining a watchful eye over her 7 grandchildren who were often seen running around and enjoying the many apple treats. Meghan’s twin sister Anne, who played college tennis at University of Denver and participated in 5 or 6 Pine Tree tournaments (she cannot remember), also has vivid memories of the Friday Night Appreciation Party, meeting the patients and their families, and the apple rollovers.
“No one loses at this event,” Anne said. “Meeting some of the patients and their families brings Pine Tree full circle and is a reminder that tennis really is just a game! When we play for something bigger than us, it puts life into perspective. We truly are so blessed to be part of an atmosphere that is so warm and welcoming. We are delighted and very surprised by this honor.”
“Receiving this honor was definitely unexpected, but is truly appreciated by all of us,” Erik said. ”It has sparked conversations about all the Pine Trees of the past. Having the honor to play with, and against, all of my sisters over the years is memorable. In both cases, I think I caused some tense family situations (ha!). I remember Kristin broke my finger one year when playing.”
“Everyone is surprised and very honored to receive this award,” Meghan said. “Collectively we have played so many times over the years, with many different partners. Some tournament champions, some first round departures and a lot in between. It is always incredible to meet in White Bear Lake one weekend a year and feel the good energy and love at these tournaments.”
And that one weekend trip to White Bear Lake does not look to be ending any time soon, as Meghan and Kristin are passing the Pine Tree tradition on to the next generation with many of their children playing in the Junior Pine Tree event this year.
“We as a tennis playing family appreciate having had the opportunity to play a sport we love on a stage that promotes such an important cause,” Erik said. “We are grateful to the Peterson and Jacobson families, all of the sponsors, and volunteers that have been determined to keep the tournament going for so many years. If you think about it, 39 years is incredible, not many entities last that long. That is a testament to the greatness, scientific need and everyone's hard work that goes into making Pine Tree what it is.”
Meghan echoed the same sentiments.
“We humbly and happily accept this honor and share it with all those who love and support the Pine Tree Apple Classic cause. Game, Set, Cure!”
Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Hall of Fame
Established in 1989, the Pine Tree Apple Tennis Classic Hall of Fame Award honors an individual or family that has made an outstanding and long-time contribution to the PTATC. Each recipient has shown significant dedication to the PTATC for more than three years. We are humbled by all those who have demonstrated such commitment and extend our sincere gratitude.
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