The APTA Regrets to Announce the Passing of Theodora “Do” Cogswell Deland

December 7, 2018

Theodora “Do” Cogswell Deland (1923-2018)

The APTA family was saddened to learn of the passing of Theodora Cogswell (Do) Deland of Darien, Connecticut. Do died at the Stamford Hospital on November 20, 2018. She was 95 years old.

 She graduated from the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, attended Connecticut College and graduated in 1946 from Sarah Lawrence College.
Some would say her claim to fame was being the daughter of James Cogswell II (HOF 1996) co-founder of platform tennis. The first court was erected on his property in Scarsdale, NY. Because of his hospitality the court became a lively gathering place for enthusiasts. The social aspect has been a hallmark of the game ever since.

 But Do Deland was a fiercely competitive and successful athlete in her own right. She excelled in many sports. She won numerous singles tennis titles and, with her husband, mixed doubles titles at the Tokeneke Club. She also scored a hole-in-one on the Wee Burn County Club golf course. Do was also a sailing enthusiast.

 But her most notable athletic accomplishment came in the game of platform tennis. Five times between 1962 and 1968 Do reached the finals of the APTA Women’s Doubles National Championship winning that championship in 1962 and 1965 with her partner Susan Wasch, daughter of Madge Childress Beck of the Childress paddle dynasty. Do was a finalist in 1964, 1967 and 1968. In 1975 she also won the APTA Women’s 50+ Senior Championship title.

The whole APTA family sends their sincere condolences to all of Do’s family and friends.