Former Texas tennis coach Michael Center pursues new career after prison
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 31, 2026, 12:05 PM
Last updated Aug 31, 2026

Michael Center, the former University of Texas men's tennis coach, is rebuilding his life following his involvement in the 2019 "Operation Varsity Blues" college admissions scandal. Center pleaded guilty to fraud and served over six months in federal prison and a halfway house. His departure from coaching occurred shortly before his former team secured a national championship, an event he could only watch from home. Now 62, Center is balancing several new roles, including work as a tennis instructor in Fort Worth and his recent hiring as director of junior development at the Bayard Friedman TCU Tennis Center. He also gives motivational speeches to various organizations and has authored a book titled "Breaking Serve" that details his experience. Center remains active in his community and continues to provide leadership presentations for groups across the country.
- •Michael Center served prison time for his role in the Operation Varsity Blues admissions scandal.
- •He currently works as a tennis instructor and serves as director of junior development at the Bayard Friedman TCU Tennis Center.
- •Center provides leadership and motivational talks to diverse groups and organizations.
- •He recently published a book titled Breaking Serve regarding his career and legal ordeal.
- 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Former Texas tennis coach Michael Center finds purpose after scandal, prison and a lost career
"Michael Center lost his career and spent months in prison. Now the former Texas tennis coach is sharing a story of survival, service and redemption.
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