On the outskirts of campus, just behind Greek Village, the sound of tennis balls hitting rackets signals more than just a match in progress. It’s the sound of determination and a growing community.
The TCU Club Tennis team is one of the many club sports on campus, welcoming students of all skill levels. Members range from students who have never lifted a racket before to former varsity athletes.
“We have people from all different levels,” Olivia Tankersley, senior criminal justice major and co-president of Club Tennis, said. “Some have played their whole life, and others are trying tennis for the first time.”
The team practices weekly and plays in several tournaments in the fall to prepare for competitive tournaments in the spring. Its next big event is sectionals in Austin in February, a qualifying step toward nationals, which will be hosted at TCU.
“It’s really exciting to have nationals here at home,” Tankersley said. “We’re hoping to qualify and represent TCU on our own courts.”
Sophie Degrand, a junior biology major and Club Tennis vice president, said she is most proud of the club’s accessibility to all TCU students. Club Tennis has a “no-cut” policy, allowing any student to join, regardless of their experience or background.
“For a lot of people, it’s just a fun way to stay active,” Degrand said. “But if you want to compete, there’s space for that too.”
The club has grown steadily over the years and is now at its largest size in all 15 years of its presence on campus. Members are responsible for covering annual dues, which help cover necessities like travel, tournament fees and equipment if needed.
Members say the experience is more than just about the win, but about a community where friendships are formed through every win, loss and practice.
“I’ve met some of my best friends through this team,” Tankersley said. “It’s a great group of people who love the sport and each other.”
With nationals coming to Fort Worth in April, TCU Club Tennis encourages students to swing by the Bernard J. “TUT” Bartzen practice courts, whether to simply cheer them on or join for an evening of fun and sports.
For more information, visit the TCU Club Tennis Instagram at @clubtennistcu.
