Former ATP Tennis Professional. Coach. Mentor
The PBPRO Philosophy
At PBPRO, we celebrate the PRO journey—because no two paths are the same. The professionals we partner with have excelled at every level of their sport. But we look beyond rankings and titles. We look at mastery. We look at impact. We look at the people who have dedicated their lives to their craft—and shaped others along the way.
Athlete Spotlight
Meet Bret Garnett—former ATP professional, elite singles and doubles player, and lifelong coach whose influence extends far beyond the scoreboard.
From competing in one of tennis’ toughest eras to mentoring the next generation, Bret’s PRO journey is defined by excellence—on court and beyond it.
You Knew the Moment He Stepped on Court
Some players walk on court and you immediately know.
No introduction needed. No résumé required.
We met Bret more than a decade ago when he played Pro-Am exhibition matches at River Run Country Club. From the first few balls, it was obvious—this wasn’t just a good player. This was someone who had lived the game at the highest level.
His tennis was effortless and effective. Clean footwork. Sharp instincts. No wasted motion. The kind of game that looks simple because it’s been mastered. Paired with a quiet, humble confidence, Bret stood out in a way that’s rare—especially in tennis.
Competing When the Game Was Ruthless
At his peak, Bret reached a career-high ATP doubles ranking of World No. 49, competing during one of the most demanding eras in men’s tennis—the late ’80s and early ’90s.
This was the era of Sampras, Agassi, Edberg, Becker, and Chang. During his career, Bret also competed against some of the game’s biggest names, including Patrick Rafter, Michael Chang, Ivan Lendl, and Petr Korda. To survive then, you didn’t fake it. You earned it.
And Bret did.
A Résumé Built at Every Level
Before the pro tour, Bret dominated from the start.
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Junior & High School Tennis
A remarkable 74-match winning streak, three state championships, South Carolina Player of the Year, and induction into the South Carolina High School Tennis Hall of Fame.
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College Tennis
All-American at the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now UL Lafayette), later inducted into the Louisiana Athletics Hall of Fame.
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Professional Tennis
An elite doubles specialist with an ATP doubles title, an Australian Open doubles quarterfinal, and strong singles results—including reaching the third round of the Australian Open twice.
Doubles at that level is fast, physical, and unforgiving. Bret thrived in it.
What made him memorable, though, wasn’t the résumé. It was how he carried himself. Calm. Focused. Respectful. No ego. Just a deep love for the game.
Where Experience Turns Into Impact
When Bret finished his professional playing career, he didn’t step away from tennis—he leaned fully into teaching.
Today, he serves as Director of Tennis at Lake Hickory Country Club, where he has spent years building programs, mentoring players, and reinforcing the fundamentals that last. Under his guidance, numerous players have gone on to compete at Division I collegiate programs.
In recognition of his impact on the sport, Bret was named North Carolina Tennis Professional of the Year in 2007.
Bret is a tennis lifer. A purist. Tennis is tennis—and always will be. But like most real tennis people, he understands that movement matters. Staying active matters. And having fun matters.
Why This Collaboration Works
We asked Bret to test our newest product—Infinity Polarized Sunglasses. No script. No sales pitch. Just time on court.
“I tried the sunglasses and they’re really lightweight, and the fit is perfect for long hours on the court. I’m really happy I can support the brand.”
That’s the moment that matters to us.
We don’t partner with people chasing deals. We work with pros who know the difference—and choose the product because it works. Having someone of Bret’s caliber, with nothing left to prove, genuinely enjoy what we’ve built is everything.
The Man Beyond the Game
Off the court, Bret is a family man. He and his wife Cheryl have children Charlie and Grace, and are proud grandparents to Madison. It’s a full-circle life—competitive, grounded, and balanced.
Welcome to the PBPRO Family
We’re proud to welcome Bret Garnett to the PBPRO family.
To coaches. To pros. To players who live on court.
If that’s you—we invite you to be next.
