My Biography

Des emigrated from Zimbabwe to USA October, 1999. He has been a certified teaching professional at the Indianapolis Racquet Club since then.

Certified professional in Junior Development (including 10 and Under), the Junior High Performance Program and the Adult Recreational Program.

Awarded In 2004/2005 Des was the Assistant Coach of the Carmel High School Tennis team. He was awarded the PTR Member of Year for Indiana in 2010 and Coach of the Year in 2017 – All Conference and All District (Hancock County.) Des was the Head Coach of Boys and Girls Tennis teams at New Palestine High School from 2015 to 2018 and was Head tennis coach at Carmel Middle School from October 2019 February 2024.

Step-son of the late Sheila Evans (Dowdeswell) who was a Wimbledon player, and a renowned professional tennis coach. She coached at the Indianapolis Racquet Club for 31 years.

Des was educated at renowned Prince Edward School in Salisbury (now Harare.)
Des’ 3 children – Nicola, Gareth and Stacey Evans all won Indiana State titles playing doubles for Carmel High School from 2003 to 2006.

He was triple Rhodesian 18’s champion in 1968 /69. Des p[ayed his stepbrother Colin Dowdeswell (Wimbledon doubles finalist in 1975 and ATP Touring Professional) in the singles final in ’68! Des played 4 years of college tennis and he graduated from college at the University of Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) as a teacher in 1973.

Nicola His eldest daughter Nicola (Nikki)played four years Division One college tennis for the IUPUI Jaguars. She graduated in May, 2009. Gareth and Stacey have graduated from Purdue and IUPUI respectively.

Des is well known for hosting the popular junior Challenge “pizza” night events at IRC during the past 22 years and the parent/child challenge events on Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day every year.