2026 USTA Texas Men's Senior Spirit of Tennis Award
What does receiving this award mean to you?
“I am honored to receive this award for myself and the San Antonio Tennis Association for which I am the Facilities Chair as well as for the Thousand Oaks YMCA Senior Tennis League which I have been playing in for eight years since I retired from full time employment.”
– Bruce Thompson
About the winner:
They say that tennis is the sport for a lifetime, but Bruce Thompson (74) is proof that the game only gets better with every decade. As a player who never says “no” to a match, Bruce brings an infectious energy that makes everyone around him play a little harder and smile a little more.
Bruce has been a key member of the San Antonio tennis community for years, maintaining a level of fitness and competitive drive that is the envy of players half his age. Whether he is captaining one of his many USTA League teams, playing in his YMCA league, or stepping onto the court for a weekend tournament, his presence is a guarantee of high-quality play and even higher-quality character. He has held various leadership roles over the years, serving as a trusted captain and a reliable mentor for senior players entering the competitive arena for the first time.
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Bruce’s tennis involvement goes beyond the court. As an active San Antonio Tennis Association board member, he leads by example, often being the first person to volunteer for local tournaments or clinics or to help organize community mixers that keep the senior population active and engaged. His resourceful approach—finding a way to keep playing or stay involved despite the heat or occasional injury—demonstrates his resilience and dedication to the game to his peers and younger players alike.
He embodies the very essence of the "Senior Spirit of Tennis" by consistently prioritizing sportsmanship and cooperation over the final score. His enthusiasm for the sport is not just about the win. It’s about the camaraderie found at the net and the friendships forged between points.
Through his unwavering commitment to healthy living and fair play, Bruce ensures that the tennis community remains vibrant, engaged and welcoming for athletes of all ages.
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