NC State has been ushering in a new era of Wolfpack athletics recently with major upgrades and the construction of several new sport complexes that rival any in the country. One of these undertakings is the 30,000 square foot J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center, which officially opened in August 2004. The facility, built on West Campus near newly renovated Doak Field, is one of the nicest indoor and outdoor tennis complexes in the nation. The facility was designed exclusively for use by the men's and women's tennis program at NC State and it meets all of the standards set by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

The facility upgrades the outdoor complex by resurfacing the existing courts and adding an additional one to bring the total number of outdoor courts to seven. Renovation of the existing bleachers will open up spectator seating to over 1,000. The indoor lighting system has also been designed with the player's interests and comfort in mind, as diffuse lighting will make the ball easy to follow while minimizing glare.

The main advantage for Wolfpack tennis are the four indoor courts. Having an indoor tennis facility is an instrumental part in any successful tennis program. Opening up on-campus, year-round facilities for practice use is very beneficial to the tennis family at NC State. Championship seating for 200 people will provide spectators a great view in all weather conditions. In addition, the complex provides lockerrooms for men and women, coaches' offices and a luxurious players lounge complete with plush couches and a large flat-screen television.

In September 2004, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) honored the newly opened facility with the organization's 2004 Outstanding Facility award. One of only four collegiate complexes to receive the honor, the home of Wolfpack tennis finds itself among some top rate playing areas, as only 15 of the nation's facilities collect the prestigious honor.

The facility is named in honor of J.W. Isenhour, a former head coach of NC State men's tennis from 1968-81. Isenhour also led the women through three successful seasons. He brought NC State tennis from near obscurity into the limelight. Isenhour's men's teams compiled back-to-back Atlantic Coast Conference Championships in 1978 and 1979 and advanced in the NCAA Championships in 1978.

The state-of-the-art J.W. Isenhour Tennis Center brings an advantage for NC State tennis that the school has never experienced. The indoor facility and redesign of the outdoor facility will help push the tennis programs at NC State into national prominence.