How Tennis Venue Services helped develop the new City of Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University
Getting a new tennis facility is a process, not an event. Tina Treviño, one of the individuals who spearheaded the development of the new City of Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), knows that all too well.
In fact, she can give the timeline not just in terms of years—more than 18—but by the personnel she and her late husband, Dr. Alfredo Treviño, encountered on the long road to the facility’s completion.
“I have been through seven different city managers, four university presidents and, honestly, I don’t know how many city council members,” she says. “There was also the time we spent locating the land and then getting the funding.”
“It really was a labor of love that showed the dedication and persistence on the part of the community,” adds Todd Carlson, director of USTA’s Tennis Venue Services program, which provided business services to the project.
Major partners were the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department, TAMIU Athletics Department and Laredo Tennis Association.
“The facility also wouldn’t have happened without important long-term support from the USTA Texas Section,” Carlson adds. “The section invested a lot of time in working with Laredo, and Executive Director Fred Viancos and Director of CTAs and Facilities Katy Rogers really helped bring this project over the goal line.”
The facility, which opened on Jan. 30, includes six outdoor NCAA regulation collegiate courts and 12 outdoor courts for recreational play. The recreational courts also have 36- and 60-foot blended lines. All courts have lighting, fencing and bleachers.
The new courts at the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).
The indoor building doesn’t have courts, but it houses multipurpose areas/meeting rooms, home and visitor locker rooms, concessions, a training room and a second-story observation terrace/gathering space.
“This is the biggest facility in Laredo, and it will really help the university with recruiting efforts,” says Jaime Donjuan, director of facility operations for the complex. And while there is currently no tennis team at TAMIU, Donjuan believes it is just a matter of time. He notes that the student body, including those still learning the sport, have embraced the new courts. The facility purchased 30 recreational racquets to use as loaners—and they are constantly in use.
Laredo, which sits on the U.S./Mexico border, has a large population of children who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Treviño believes strongly that offering opportunities for recreation and fitness, particularly in a university setting, is enormously beneficial for these children.
The new courts at the City of Laredo Tennis Complex at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU).
“All I really cared about has been having the facility that our community deserves,” she notes. “I would like to challenge every part of the tennis industry to find a way to give financial support to build courts for other underserved areas.”
Carlson says the Tennis Venue Services program is an excellent way for communities to improve existing facilities or build new ones. TVS offers complimentary assistance in advocacy support, technical services, business services, facility management support, and digital tools.
The grant application process has been streamlined, Carlson adds, and this year, the budget available for grants has been increased from $1.2 million to $10 million. And he notes that the USTA is more than willing to talk through any questions: “We want to help communities prioritize tennis,” Carlson says.
Anita Stanley, the Assistant Director for Laredo Parks and Recreation, worked with TVS and is thrilled with the recommendations from the USTA.
“I would advise any group looking to build or renovate tennis facilities to reach out to the USTA to get as much information as they can right from the outset,” she says. “TVS was so helpful identifying issues that we didn’t know existed, as well as how to best design and build the courts, providing resources for funding, and even on how to run the facility.” “Some projects are like a quick two-set match, while others, like the Laredo Tennis Complex, may go five tie-break sets,” says Carlson. “Either way, we’re looking to provide the help communities need throughout the process so, in the end, we all can enjoy the win.”
For more on how the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services can help your facility or project, visit usta.com/facilities or email facilities@usta.com.
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