The Future Is Now For Long Beach State Tennis New Tennis Center
New Complex Thanks To Gifts from 49er Tennis Alums
Long Beach State Athletics Department opned the all new Terry L. Rhodes Tennis Center in fall 2008 thanks to the gifts of two past players and the students at Long Beach State. The 12-court complex is located next to the soon to open $70 million CSULB Student Recreation and Wellness Center.
Terry Rhodes, a 1963 graduate, has generously gifted $1.25 million dollars to enhance the new tennis complex and endow multiple women’s tennis scholarships. He was a member of the varsity men’s tennis team at Long Beach State before going on to UCLA Law School and becoming a successful real estate attorney in Orange County. His gift is the largest single-sport gift in University history.
“Long Beach State was an important part of my future life successes and I’m delighted that I can make a contribution that will benefit the entire campus and student population,” said Mr. Rhodes. “I would like to thank the University for maintaining contact with me, for presenting the opportunity and, lastly, to the creator of the idea which permits matching my goals with the university's needs. Of course, we cannot forget "Coach," for, I assume, that without her spectacular performance, the University and its Athletic Department would have found other uses for its funds.”
The new Rhodes Tennis Center complex features a unique design with four feature courts divided by the public concourse area amongst the 12 court design. The six ‘varsity’ courts are lighted. A tennis clubhouse will provide support space for the nationally ranked 49er Women’s Tennis team. In addition to the tennis team, the courts will host Kinesiology/Physical Education classes each semester, the Southern California Special Olympics each June and general students and faculty use.
The 49ers will also play in front of a full sized electronic scoreboard courtesy of a generous gift from the Hendricks’ Family. Dedicated in memory of former 49er Women’s Tennis Coach Gloria Hendricks and her husband Bob, the family also includes former 49er tennis player Cindy (Hendricks) Robbins (72’), her husband Les Robbins (69’) and brother John Hendricks. The state-of-the-art scoreboard will feature match scores on all six competition courts via wireless controls. Plans include the ability to display live scoring on the Long Beach State athletics web site. “Our mother and father spent their entire lives in Long Beach and in the local tennis community; both at Long Beach State and in the parks. We are pleased to be able to make this important addition to tennis at Long Beach State in their memories,” said Cindy Robbins.
“The Rhodes Tennis Center and Hendricks’ Family Scoreboard are outstanding additions to our tennis program. They provide our student-athletes and university with a facility worthy of our tennis successes this decade,” said Jenny Hilt-Costello, Women’s Tennis Head Coach. “Mr. Rhodes gift of the endowed scholarships is rare amongst public university tennis programs and guarantees our program can continue to build for decades to come.”
The Rhodes Tennis Center is located, next to George Allen Field and Lot 11 off of Palo Verde Road. Lot 11 will soon become the new $70 million Student Wellness and Recreation Center now under construction across the walk way from the tennis center. It will offer students the ability to workout, swim, study and hang out on campus when it opens in 2010.
