USTA grant funding supports new tennis complex at Norris High School in Nebraska

Improvements are also on the docket for the adjacent Titan Stadium, which hosts football, soccer and track and field. Construction of a new parking lot is proposed on a May 12 bond election. The softball field is housed at the complex, too.

The USTA got involved in a major way, granting $152,000 in Tennis Venue Services funding: $140,000 from USTA national and $12,000 from USTA Missouri Valley. Norris was the first project in the country to receive an increased Category III grant amount, which came soon after the USTA pledged an additional $10 million — a four-fold increase — to its existing TVS budget.

“The part I’m appreciative of from the USTA is the best-practice piece of we know we have built the courts the right way,” Stine said. “We partnered with a nationally renowned organization in the USTA. And with that strong partnership comes the resources and the expertise to build a sustainable facility that will impact thousands of kids.

“From the positioning of lights to materials to concrete to soil tests, our community and our board of education knows we’re doing it the right way. That sometimes gets lost when you talk about the funding. We’re really appreciative of the fact that the USTA not only provides financial assistance but also assistance in facility development.”

Norris was one of 23 Tennis Venue Services projects completed within the USTA Missouri Valley’s five-state section last year. A total of 102 tennis courts were impacted, with 27 new 78-foot courts constructed and 75 courts resurfaced.

About $1.15 million in TVS funds was granted to facilities in the USTA Missouri Valley in 2025, with plenty more in store for 2026. John Terpkosh, USTA Missouri Valley senior manager of Tennis Venue Services, leads the section-wide charge.

“John was extremely helpful and guided us through the grant process,” Stine said. “It couldn’t have went better from my perspective in working with John and the passion and love he has for tennis. I’m happy that Norris was equally as good a partner for the USTA. We’re just appreciative of the fact that the USTA recognized what we could do here at Norris.”

“The facility allows the varsity and junior varsity players to interact and connect with each other daily, something that has been missing with split practices,” Leehy said. “On-campus courts make us feel truly part of the Norris community. Practicing on campus, hosting matches and getting kids of all grades out on the court positively impacts our program.”

Leehy also noted the major impact the courts have on making tennis more accessible for the greater community. He’s already noticed the K-12 student population as well as parents, siblings and friends of players out on the courts rallying. Young students who haven’t had a chance to watch a tennis match can now make the short walk across campus to do so.

“The courts are open to everyone to use,” Leehy said. “Throughout the school day, any of the schools are open to use the courts. We are working to get equipment appropriate for those ages.”

The tennis courts have been utilized frequently, Stine said, with Norris School District PE classes and youth tennis camps taking place at the facility. The district is exploring adding a high school boys’ tennis program. If and when that happens, the players will have courts to call their own.

“The excitement is high from our kids, coaches and community,” Stine said. “There is excitement any time you see additions and upgrades to the place you love so much and call home.”

Watch a TV report about the USTA’s grant contribution by clicking here. Learn more about the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services program by clicking here.