2005 BYU Hall of Fame

An immediate presence was felt the minute David S. Harkness pulled on a BYU tennis jersey. In 1984, during his first season competing for the Cougars, Harkness was named WAC Freshman of the Year. But that was just the beginning of an amazing career. Harkness was named all-conference as a singles player and as a doubles player during each of his four years at BYU, as well as twice being selected as the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

The honors Harkness received were well deserved. He led his team to two WAC championships, in addition to a second-place finish. Harkness won the WAC doubles championship once and, individually, played his way to two WAC singles titles.

Harkness’ play was noticed on the national scene as well. During his collegiate career, he was twice named First-Team All-American and achieved national rankings as high as No. 9 in singles and No. 3 in doubles.

His play on the courts was impressive, but so was his ability to lead. As a senior in 1989, Harkness was the national recipient of the ITA John Van Nostrand Award for leadership, sportsmanship and performance. The award is given to an outstanding senior men’s tennis player who plans to pursue a professional career after college.

Harkness did just that. After graduating in 1989 with a bachelor of science in international finance, with a concentration in business management, Harkness joined the ATP Tour.

While playing professionally, he earned world rankings in both singles and doubles as well as discovering new opportunities to put his leadership abilities to good use. For example, David acted as a player representative for Satellite and Challenger tournaments around the world; while working with sponsors and officials, he helped to administrate and shape a wide range of issues related to running the tournaments.

Harkness has been married to his college sweetheart, Lisa, for 17 years. The two met at BYU in 1984 and were married at the end of their junior year in 1988. They have five children: Jasmine, Alyssa, Trevor, Olivia and Nathan. 

After graduating from BYU, Harkness served in many capacities in the LDS Church and in the community.

• Was voted WAC Freshman of the Year

• All-WAC in singles and doubles
• Three-time All-Region (VII) All-American
• Three time Rolex Region VII Champion

• Voted All-WAC in singles and doubles
• Three-time All-Region (VII) All-American
• Three time Rolex Region VII Champion
• 1987-88 Player of the Year and WAC champion in both singles and doubles
• Had a 40-11 record in 1987-88

• Ranked 15th in the country (1989)
• A major college player with strong serve and volley skills
• Voted All-WAC in singles and doubles
• Three-time All-Region (VII) All-American
• Three time Rolex Region VII Champion