Former Tennis Coach Faces Allegations of Sexual Abuse in Greensboro: The Douglas Wade Booth Case
A former tennis coach from California faced allegations of sexually abusing young girls during a tennis tournament in Greensboro in 1980. Douglas Wade Booth, 71, was arrested in California on Dec. 16, 2025, and extradited to Greensboro on Jan. 8. He was charged with six felony counts and initially given a $2 million bond, which was reduced to $1 million in court. Booth was ordered to have no contact with victims, surrender his passport, and avoid minors if released on bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 29.
The investigation into Booth began in June 2025 when the first victim contacted Greensboro police. She reported that the abuse started when she was 12 years old and that Booth, as the head tennis coach, had regular access to children. Prosecutors revealed that Booth traveled with young players to tournaments across the country, including Greensboro, where the abuse occurred. Court records identified at least three victims, with charges being pursued for two victims, and a third victim agreeing to testify.
One victim disclosed that the abuse spanned several years, and investigators obtained a recorded conversation and a letter of apology from Booth as evidence. Booth had worked as the executive director of the Florida Section of the U.S. Tennis Association for nearly three decades before being banned by the organization. Despite having only a traffic violation on his criminal record, Booth was arrested in California and brought back to North Carolina for prosecution.
The Greensboro police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with more details expected to emerge as the case progresses. The authorities are committed to pursuing justice for the victims and holding Booth accountable for his alleged actions.