Before turning to the property management and development business in 2015, Michael Hockett of Virginia served as the president of Eagle Automation in Birmingham, Alabama, a leading provider of software for the automobile auction industry. Michael Hockett received his bachelor’s degree from Butler University in Indianapolis, where he set a speed record in high hurdles that stands today. The Virginia resident still enjoys sports and often plays racquetball.

The game of racquetball, initially known as paddle rackets, came into being in 1949. Joseph Sobek, who was dissatisfied with the indoor court sports of the time, set out to invent a game that combined the rules of squash and handball. 

In 1952, the Paddle Rackets Association was formed, which was responsible for developing rules and promoting the game. The popularity of the sport led to the creation of the International Racquetball Federation, which held its first World Championship in 1981. The International Olympic Committee recognized racquetball in 1985, which increased the sport’s popularity globally.