The Tyler Junior College former tennis courts experienced an extreme makeover this semester.
When the Medlock Murphy Tennis Center opened in 2007, the old tennis courts were put to the side and hardly used. With the help of Brad and Ann Brookshire the courts that were once thought to become a parking lot, now have a second life as the Louise Brookshire Community Tennis Complex.
“We are very grateful for the continued support of Ann and Brad Brookshire for our intercollegiate tennis programs and for their generous gift to fund the Louise Brookshire Community Tennis Complex,” said Kim Russell, TJC vice president for Advancement and External Affairs, in a prepared statement released by the college.
The tennis courts have been renamed in the memory of the late Louise Brookshire. Louise Brookshire along with her husband Wood T. Brookshire founded the Brookshire Grocery Co. Her grandson Brad is the chairman for the company and his wife Ann is on the TJC board of trustees.
The Brookshire tennis courts provide the Redshirt tennis team with a place to practice.
“I love the new Brookshire tennis courts. They give us the ability to practice on very respectable courts. Many national championship teams were trained here and now we have a chance to,” said redshirt Tennis Coach Dash Connell.
The Courts are open to the community. Anybody who wishes to come to the courts to play may do so. The complex opens up the opportunity to hold youth camps during the summer, USTA Tournaments and National Tournaments.
“The Brookshire Tennis complex will certainly enhance the sport of tennis in Tyler and the surrounding area,” said Dr. Tim Drain, TJC director of intercollegiate athletics, in a prepared statement released by the college.
The courts give citizens in the city of Tyler a safe and secure place to come practice.
The Brookshire Tennis complex is also home to Tyler Junior College’s Club Tennis team.
“Last year we got to practice at the Joanne Medlock Murphy Tennis Center. The courts were nice, but we always felt like guest playing there. Now with the Brookshire courts, we have remarkable courts that we can call our own,” said Club Tennis President Tyler Price.
With all the praise come a few complaints about the courts. Some players do not like that there are no bleachers to sit on and there is no water source. Only four of the eight courts have lights.
