Jack Thompson has devoted the last 25 years of his life to promoting tennis.

Now the former University of Oregon player will continue in that vein at the Southern Oregon Tennis Club.

Thompson, 47, was recently hired as director of tennis at SOTC, filling a position left vacant when then-director Frank Inn departed two years ago for a similar position at Rogue Valley Swim and Tennis Club.

Thompson will be responsible for organizing tournaments, leagues and social activities at the club and creating interest in tennis throughout the area. He will also work as a teaching professional with SOTC pros Andris Olins and Gail Patton.

"We are absolutely thrilled to have Jack," said SOTC board member Rich Hansen. "We think Jack will help jump-start the tennis program here. He’s a perfect match for us, and he has great experience in being a director of tennis."

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Thompson and his wife, Rosey, come to Medford from Vasalia, Calif., where Thompson was director of tennis for the Visalia Racquet Club.

Thompson, a Portland-area native, is happy to be back in Oregon.

"I think, mainly, the area was a big thing," said Thompson on his return. "The atmosphere here and at the club were big reasons why we thought this job would be a good fit."

Thompson also pointed to his past job experience as a factor for the hire.

"They are wanting to gain membership and retool the program," Thompson said. "I have years of experience doing just that."

Thompson grew up near Portland and played two years of tennis at Oregon. He was then the director of tennis at a club in Vancouver, Wash., for four years before moving to California.

Thompson’s two grown children — son Jeremy and daughter Angela — also played tennis at the junior and high school levels.

"It is kind of a tennis family," said Thompson. "I’ve been involved in promoting tennis ever since I left college."

"I really enjoy teaching and influencing people’s lives," he added. "Teaching is a nice part, mainly because of the interaction with members."

Besides revamping the tennis program at SOTC, Thompson is planning an open house for junior and adult players to promote the program and the facility. The event, he hopes, will take place in July.

He plans to use the open house to acquaint himself with the community and its interested players.

"We’ve met a lot of people and made a lot of friends across the West through the tennis community," said Thompson. "It’ll be nice to continue that here."

Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail kgoff@mailtribune.com.