Remember Lee LeClear? He wasn’t just a tennis coach. He was a mentor. Now, imagine him here at the Lee LeClear Tennis Center. This place stands as a testament to his dedication.
The Lee LeClear Tennis Center sits in Braeburn Glen Park. It is located at 9506 S. Gessner Road. It is a vibrant hub for tennis enthusiasts of all ages.
Once known as the Southwest Tennis Center, it was renamed to honor Lee LeClear. This renaming happened shortly after his death in 1995. The tennis community overwhelmingly supported this change.
Lee LeClear’s journey began far from Houston. He taught himself tennis in Chicago. Later, he shared his passion across different cities. He taught private lessons in Corpus Christi. He then became the Assistant Pro at River Oaks Country Club in Houston.
For 30 years, Lee LeClear dedicated himself to the City of Houston Parks & Recreation. He helped open and manage the MacGregor Park Tennis Center. Later, he opened the Southwest Tennis Center as Manager and Head Pro.
Lee LeClear’s greatest joy was sharing his love for tennis. He mentored countless young tennis pros. His fondest memories included the Junior Davis Cup and the Bluebonnet Tennis Tournament. He also cherished coaching University of Houston tennis.
The Lee LeClear Tennis Center is more than just a sports facility. It is a place for tournaments and leagues. Corporate outings and other events are hosted here. You can even schedule lessons with the Center staff. Call 713.272.3697 for more information.
Today, the Lee LeClear Tennis Center is undergoing exciting changes. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Friends of Lee LeClear Tennis Center are working together. They are reimagining the center. It was the largest in the nation when it opened in 1973.
The first two phases are complete. The parking lot and court lights were replaced. Accessible ramps, signage, and LED lighting were added. Entryway and landscaping improvements were made. All 26 courts were resurfaced.
The final phase includes a brand new center. The building will house educational programs. One example is the National Junior Tennis Program. It will also feature a community area for activities. Of course, it will house the staff. The staff runs the Center and its tournaments.
Think of Lee LeClear’s legacy as you watch a match here. The love of tennis continues to grow. It grows within these courts and within this community. The Lee LeClear Tennis Center is not just a place to play. It is a place where passion and dedication live on.