Sporting Life // 6 min Read

Behind the Bluff: Martin Aviles at Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club

Written by Palmetto Bluff

racquet sports

Martin’s Journey to the Palmetto Bluff Racquet Club

At Palmetto Bluff, tennis and pickleball enthusiasts are fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate leader guiding the vibrant racquet sports scene. Martin Aviles, Director of Racquet Sports at the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club, brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to fostering community spirit through the club’s programs. We sat down with Martin to learn more about his journey, his role at Palmetto Bluff, and the exciting future of racquet sports at the Bluff.

A Role That Keeps Growing

Martin’s role at Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club is multi-faceted. Overseeing the club’s extensive facilities, including eight tennis courts, nine pickleball courts, and two croquet lawns, Martin ensures that each area thrives. “We aim to have activities for every age and skill level,” Martin explains. Additionally, Martin manages the staffing of tennis and pickleball professionals, maintenance teams, and front desk staff, ensuring seamless operations for members and guests. 

racquet sports

A Sense of Community

For Martin, the best part of his job is creating a sense of belonging among members. “Our members know the staff by name, and the staff knows them as well.” Martin shares with a smile, “We’re not just here to help them play tennis or pickleball—we’re here to create an environment where they feel like they belong.” Whether it’s social events or competitive matches, the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club offers much more than just play—it’s about building relationships and having fun.

The Evolution of the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club

Martin’s journey at Palmetto Bluff started as a full-time tennis pro, teaching lessons before the club became fully member-centric. Since then, the club has evolved significantly. “Today, 80% of our business is member-based,” he explains, though the club continues to serve resort guests and short-term visitors. This evolution has allowed the racquet club to offer even more specialized programs and events tailored to its dedicated membership base.

Learn More: A Guide to Lowcountry Racquet Sports

From Ecuador to Palmetto Bluff: Martin’s Journey

Martin’s love for tennis runs deep in his family. Growing up in Ecuador, his father was a tennis coach, and his grandfather was an avid player. “I have a picture of me in diapers, holding a tennis racquet,” Martin laughs. Moving to the United States at 16, he finished high school and went on to college, though he didn’t have time to play tennis competitively. After gaining experience at tennis academies, community clubs, and the prestigious USTA National Campus in Orlando, Martin found his way to Palmetto Bluff. “I was drawn to the lifestyle here,” he says, though he initially feared it might be too slow-paced. To his delight, he found that the Palmetto Bluff community is incredibly active and passionate about racquet sports.

A Feature in Vogue

One of Martin’s recent highlights was being featured in a Vogue article celebrating South Carolina’s Lowcountry tennis scene. Reflecting on the experience, he recalls feeling hesitant initially but was encouraged by his team. “It was a privilege to spend time with a writer who’s also a tennis player,” Martin shares. “We even got to play on our courts, which made it special.”

Looking Ahead: Growth and Excitement

Martin is energized by the continued growth at the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club. As the club expands, Martin is focused on building a strong team and continuing to develop new programming and social events for members. “We’re in the middle of the Palmetto Club Cup right now,” he notes, referring to a friendly competition that includes both tennis and pickleball, with over 110 players participating. The season will culminate in a championship party this November, bringing the community together to celebrate the love of racquet sports.

racquet sports

A Passion for the Sport and Community

What keeps Martin motivated both on and off the court? For him, it’s the joy of improving the club and pushing his team to reach new heights. “We can always do something better,” he says. Whether enhancing the programming, offering top-tier service, or growing the retail space, Martin is always looking for ways to elevate the member experience.

When he’s not at the club, Martin enjoys spending time with his wife and their golden retriever, with whom they’re training for a good citizenship certificate. And, of course, Martin loves playing tennis with his wife—though off the court, you’ll likely find them enjoying their downtime together on the weekends.

Meet the Man Behind the Racquet Club

Martin Aviles’ passion for racquet sports, combined with his rich family background in tennis and his commitment to fostering community, make him the perfect leader for the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club at Palmetto Bluff. His vision and leadership have already transformed the club into a dynamic space where members can do more than just play tennis or pickleball—they can create lasting memories, build connections, and experience the best of racquet sports.

Stay tuned for more innovative programs and events at the Wilson Lawn & Racquet Club as Martin continues to elevate the club’s offerings. Come and discover what awaits you behind the Bluff.

Contact Us Contact Us

Architecture & Design
Moreland Village: Laid Back Luxury

Palmetto Bluff’s Moreland Village feels a world away from the more traditional architecture of the iconi...

Jun 2025

Culture
2025 Inspiring the Arts Scholarship Recipients

We are thrilled to introduce the inaugural winners of the Inspiring the Arts Scholarship—three extraordinary young women pursuing their artistic dreams through higher education! Katherine Donahue has been named our first official scholarship recipient, with Em...

Jun 2025

Culture
Summer Style in the Bluff: Discover What’s New in Retail

From handmade jewelry to performance wear, the latest arrivals at Palmetto Bluff’s retail spots capture the season in true Lowcountry style. This summer, the Bluff’s shops are full of fresh finds, carefully chosen by our trusted retailers—including FLOW Galler...

Jun 2025

Conservation
Citizen Science

Citizen Science is Thriving at Palmetto BluffDid you know that residents of Palmetto Bluff are playing a vital role in national and global conservation efforts—all from their backyard?Through the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy’s growing Citizen Science programs, c...

Jun 2025

Artist in Residence
Music Mosaic

In October 2024, Grammy Award-winning musician Clay Ross visited Palmetto Bluff as part of The Arts Initiative's Artist in Residence Program. Through storytelling and song, he explores identity, heritage, and the universal language of sound. By Barry Kaufman ...

Jun 2025

Food & Wine
Peach Perfect

Palmetto Bluff Club Executive Chef  Beth Cosgrove and Director of Culinary, Chef Rhy Waddington, Cook Up Four Peachy Recipes for a Summer in the South. Is there anything more iconic than a southern peach? A symbol of summer and Southern heritage, the peach car...

Jun 2025

Culture
Finding Fish

Following the tides and angling for redfish in Lowcountry creeks and estuaries with Captains Brian Vaughn and Will Stephens Story by Sandy Lang It is a sunny morning in October and the water is calm and glassy. The silence is punctuated by a gush of breath f...

Jun 2025
home upkeep checklist

Real Estate
Get Ahead of Spring Cleaning: How to Upkeep Your Luxury Lowcountry Home

7 Ways To Upkeep Your Palmetto Bluff Home As spring arrives in the Lowcountry, the change in season brings more than blooming marshlands and sun-drenched afternoons; it’s also a perfect time to refresh and care for your Palmetto Bluff home. Coastal living mea...

May 2025

Discover the Next Great Chapter in Golf Course Design, Only at Palmetto Bluff

When the land speaks, you listen. And at Palmetto Bluff, it spoke to two of golf’s most legendary course designers—Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. We invite you to watch our newest video, shot this past winter and featuring Bill and Ben, along with South Street P...

May 2025
home renovations 2025

Architecture & Design
Renovations That Will Increase Your Home’s Value in 2025

5 Renovations to Increase the Value of Your Lowcountry Home Whether Palmetto Bluff is your full-time residence or a cherished retreat, deciding to sell is never a quick or casual choice. However, when the time does come, you want your home to be as market-rea...

May 2025

CURIOUS ABOUT LIFE AT THE BLUFF?

Sign up for our newsletter

LIVE
Community Villages
Experience
Palmetto Bluff Club
On The Water
The Arts Initiative
Events
Conserve
About Us