Editor's Note: This is the second profile in a series highlighting Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame inductees. For more information on the February 6 ceremony, visit https://bit.ly/4q5KPV7 or email Noah Henkell at nhenkell@ualr.edu.
Dr. Mel Collazo's induction into the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates a legacy defined not only by competitive excellence, but by leadership, education, and a lifelong commitment to growth. In just two seasons as a Trojan, Collazo left an indelible mark on the men's tennis program - then carried the lessons of his collegiate experience into a distinguished professional and personal life.
"I'm deeply honored to be named for induction into the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame," Collazo said. "It's a privilege to be included among the highest-achieving athletes who helped to shape the history of the UALR athletic program."
A 1978 graduate of UALR, Collazo balanced Division I tennis with an intense pre-med and pre-dental academic path. That foundation launched an extraordinary educational journey. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where he was elected class president all four years, and later completed his specialty certification in Orthodontics and Facial Orthopedics at UCLA, again serving as class president throughout the program.
"My education at UALR, both on and off the tennis court, helped me grow into who I am today," Collazo said. "I was rewarded with an education that was priceless, wonderful friends, and great teammates."
After more than 30 years in private orthodontic practice based in Little Rock, Collazo retired but continues to lecture nationally and internationally, sharing his expertise with future professionals.
On the court, Collazo was a dominant force for Trojan men's tennis. He played No. 1 singles and doubles and quickly rewrote the program's record book, setting a then-school record with 37 combined singles and doubles victories in his first season. He surpassed that mark the following year with 42 wins during the 1975–76 season—a record that still stands.
Former Little Rock doubles partner Paul Kostin, who arrived at Little Rock from Sweden, recalls Collazo's impact immediately.
"I wasn't surprised at all [with Collazo's induction into the Hall of Fame," Kostin said. "He was such a good player. He played No. 1 for two years, and he wasn't just a great player - he was a great person, too."
Kostin credits Collazo not only for his performance, but for his leadership and support during a challenging transition.
"It was an honor playing with him," Kostin said. "When I came in, I was clueless coming over from Sweden. He really took me in and gave me great support. When we played doubles, he had the best serve I had ever seen. He won the big points with those serves. I would get the ball in play, and he would finish it. Those first two years were great."
Collazo's collegiate success translated seamlessly to the professional ranks. He became a world-ranked and nationally ranked tennis professional, competed in the U.S. Open Qualifying Draw, represented the United States in international competition, and earned eight U.S. National Championship titles. He continues to hold the U.S. National No. 1 ranking in his age group, reflecting his enduring passion for the sport.
Yet for those who knew him best, Collazo's Hall of Fame legacy extends beyond the court.
"It's hard to make it in two professions," Kostin said. "He made it in tennis, and he made it in real life as a doctor."
For Collazo, the honor reflects that same balance.
"This honor is more than just about the titles, trophies, and awards," he said. "It's about recognizing the lifelong impact of sports, education, and discipline upon an individual. UALR not only helped me become a professional athlete, but also helped me become a better husband, father, friend, and a better doctor for my patients."
Collazo's connection to UA Little Rock is deeply personal. During his time as a student-athlete, he met his future wife, Sheri Hotvedt-Collazo, whom he credits as the greatest gift of his collegiate experience.
"Most importantly, I met Sheri during my time at UALR," Collazo said. "She quickly became the love of my life and my wife of 42 years."
His achievements have been recognized statewide with induction into the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2023 and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. In 2007, he and his family were honored as Arkansas Tennis Family of the Year, reflecting a legacy rooted in service and support of the sport across the state.
"To be recognized by the very place that helped mold me is incredibly humbling," Collazo said. "UALR didn't just prepare me to compete -it prepared me to lead, grow, and pursue excellence in all areas of life. This honor is not just about what I achieved, but about the people and the university that believed in me from the very beginning."
Collazo remains guided by the lessons learned during his Trojan years.
"My experiences during my college career at UALR continue to encourage me to see that every day is a chance to be a better person and to never give up on the things in life that make me smile," he said. "I truly believe that you are not defined by whatever sport you excelled at or by your results in competition. You are defined by who you become and how you handled the journey."
