He has amassed 13 Grand Slam titles and 7 ESPY Awards for Outstanding Men's Tennis Performer. For six straight years he has been the world's top-ranked male tennis player and is generally considered to be the best the sport has ever seen. Pete Sampras has been a busy man.

Five years ago, in May of 1996, Sampras met an entirely new challenge in the death of his mentor, friend and coach Tim Gullikson, who died of brain cancer at the age of 44. For Sampras, the loss of Gullikson inspired serious soul-searching. In an interview with People magazine, Sampras confided his realization. "Tennis is a great game but ultimately it's going to end and it's not the most important thing in life. It [Gullikson's death] kind of put everything in perspective."

To those closest to him, he was simply Gully. Although many people who met Tim Gullikson initially confused him with twin brother Tom, Gully managed to overcome the confusion and form lasting bonds. Even in the hectic and pressured world of competitive tennis, Gullikson was always generous with his time and energy, getting to know the people he met on tour. It's no surprise from a man who learned the game of tennis in the public parks of Wisconsin rather than at private clubs, like many pros. It's also no surprise coming from a man who always planned on being a tennis coach, an ambition that was not a "second" choice, sought after professional playing skills diminished. He was a born coach, a natural teacher and a strong mentor.

In many ways, Pete Sampras was the perfect student for Tim Gullikson. Still somewhat of a raw talent when they joined in 1992, Sampras blossomed under Gullikson's tutelage, shaping his game, refining his technique, and becoming the game's top player. The following year, Sampras took home tennis' ultimate prize, the Wimbledon trophy. As a tribute to his coach, it was this memento that Sampras brought to Gullikson's funeral.

Sampras' extraordinary success on the court has enabled charity endeavors off the court. Working with Aces for Charity, the massive swing that levels opponents is translated into $100 for every ace served. It's no small contribution from a man who was hitting 7654 aces in 1997. Pete Sampras is one of tennis's quieter personalities, stepping back to let his actions in and out of the game speak for him. A year before his death, Tim Gullikson and brother Tom established the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation to assist brain tumor patients and their families in managing the physical, emotional, and social challenges presented by the illness.

Pete Sampras has stood as a member of the Foundation's board since its inception, honoring his coach by helping those who face the same challenges as the Gulliksons. Sampras' enthusiasm and celebrity have inspired a number of unique and highly successful endeavors to raise funds for the Foundation. His first Grand Slam-winning racquet was auctioned off for $50,000 in the same week that the first annual Pete Sampras Classic, a celebrity golf tournament, raised $90,000 for the cause.

"It's a great feeling to have raised this significant sum for the Foundation. And it seems appropriate to have raised it through a golf event. I have fond memories both of Tim's love of golf and his peaking my interest in it." In addition to these annual events, Sampras and tennis pro Corina Morariu have enabled the award of college scholarships, extending the Foundation's dedication to enhance the quality of life for brain-tumor patients and their families.

The Foundation (1 888 GULLIKSON) donates more than half of annual revenues to fund support and care programs, increasing the accessibility of information as well as physical, emotional and social support and resources. The Foundation has supported the following programs or causes:

• American Brain Tumor Association
• National Brain Tumor Foundation
• The Healing Exchange Brain Trust
• The Brain Tumor Family Support Center At Duke
• Steering Committee for the International Consortium of Brain Tumor Support Programs
• Society for Neuro-Oncology
• Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation College Scholarship
• Wellness Community-West Los Angeles
• Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times