Ever since it first started in 1965 as one of the first athletic programs at USF, the USF men’s tennis team has seen tremendous growth and improvement not only through its successful results as a team, but also in the improvement of the tennis facility. A total of seven head coaches and more than 150 tennis student-athletes have made this improvement possible.
Furthermore, the numerous efforts by USF Athletics/Sun Dome have added to the contributions from donors and supporters have played a key role in assuring the sustainability and long-term success of USF Tennis.
USF Varsity Tennis Courts
The USF Tennis Complex has seen various improvements since its first court was played in 1984. It has undertaken several changes and additions within the last couple of years thank to the efforts of various people. In 1996 six new courts were added, which allowed more convenient practice and match scheduling for the women and men’s tennis teams.
In 1999, former Tampa mayor Bill Poe and Southern Family Insurance donated the scoreboard. During that same year, Jeff Ralph, State Farm Insurance and Amalie Motor Oil donated the bleachers and the canopies, which sit close to 80 people. These two donations alone played a major role in helping the USF Varsity Tennis facility get closer to the level of a competitive Division I tennis program.
The latest improvements to the Tennis facility include the new grass installed by the Sun Dome in spring 2001, which is the same type of grass that was installed in the Alltel stadium in Jacksonville for Super Bowl XXXIX. The latest addition to the tennis facility is the new sound stereo system, allowing warm-up music playing and line-up introductions promoting an exciting tennis atmosphere.
There is still much to do. The mid-term goals are to add locker rooms and lights for the courts. These two additions are key in making the USF Varsity Courts a top tennis facility in Florida.
The USF Coach's Tennis Club
The coaching staff, along with the Bulls Club and some supporters are developing the USF Men’s Tennis Coach’s Club. The club is planning to get more involved in the community through free clinics and join events with its supporters. The club is in the process of contacting all ex-tennis members and bring them back to the USF Tennis family. By contributing to the USF Men’s Tennis Coach’s Club, you will be making a direct and positive impact on tennis student-athletes, contributing to their academic and athletic programs.
USF Tennis is continuously being recognized as a program on the rise. Our student-athletes dedicate themselves to representing our university in a positive light through their performance on the court and in the community.
The men’s tennis team invite you to join the excitement of USF Tennis. Your support will make a difference. For further information in how to make a donation or contribution, please contact Eric Soncrant at 813-974-3481 or e-mail at soncrant@admin.usf.edu.
