Coach Eric Gajar Inducted Into Michigan Coaches Hall of Fame

At a ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 14, longtime Greenhills tennis coach Eric Gajar had the honor of being inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA) Hall of Fame. Gajar is one of just 14 coaches across the state to receive the honor in 2025, and the first who spent their career at Greenhills.

“I’m deeply honored to be part of the Hall of Fame, and included among so many coaches I admire and respect,” said Gajar. “Coaching has never been about the awards for me—it’s always been about the relationships, the growth, and the shared journey. But this kind of recognition is incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful to the colleagues, athletes, and families who’ve been part of this ride over the past three decades.”

Coach Gajar’s career spans more than three decades and includes coaching six different sports over 51 seasons, with the past 30 years devoted to building one of the most successful high school boys tennis programs in Michigan history. Since taking the helm of the varsity boys tennis team in 1994, his Greenhills squads have captured 16 MHSAA state championships, seven state runner-up titles, 27 regional championships, and three Catholic High School League (CHSL) titles since joining the CHSL in 2017-18—all while compiling a remarkable 312-93-19 overall record.

Under Gajar’s leadership, Greenhills players have consistently achieved both athletic and academic excellence. His teams have received Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association (MHSTeCA) All-Academic honors every year since 1994, and his players have earned more than 150 MHSAA individual championships, along with over 135 All-State honors. Many have gone on to compete at elite collegiate programs, including the University of Michigan, Cornell University, Case Western Reserve University, Johns Hopkins University, and Swarthmore College.

Even with all the success, Gajar has never lost sight of what matters most: helping his players grow as athletes and as people. The team’s mantra, “high class, low profile,” reflects the way he encourages his players to compete—with humility, integrity, and respect for the game and one another.

“What I’m most proud of is watching these young people grow into themselves—on the court, yes, but more importantly as students, teammates, and leaders,” Gajar said. “Tennis has been the backdrop for helping them become confident, thoughtful, resilient individuals. If I’ve played even a small part in that transformation, that’s the real legacy.”

Gajar’s accolades include being named Coach of the Year by MLive Ann Arbor 10 times, by the Detroit Free Press, and three times each by the CHSL, the MHSTeCA, the Michigan High School Coaches Association (MHSCA), and the National Federation of High Schools. He’s a two-time finalist for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association hall of fame, and in 2023 was inducted into the MHSTeCA Hall of Fame.

Beyond his coaching record, Gajar is deeply involved in growing the sport and supporting student-athletes across the state. He has served in leadership roles with the MHSTeCA, CHSL, MHSAA, and local community tennis organizations, helping shape policies, tournaments, and seeding processes for Michigan tennis.

This latest recognition underscores what the Greenhills community has long known: that Coach Gajar’s commitment to his players, his program, and the sport of tennis is among the very best.