Texas Tennis Trailblazer Leslie Stewart Oduwole Exemplifies Leadership During Black History Month
AUSTIN, Texas — Leslie Stewart Oduwole, a proud Texas native, exemplifies the lasting influence of Black excellence in both athletics and community leadership. Through her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to uplifting others, she has made a meaningful mark that extends far beyond the arena of competition. In recognition of her outstanding contributions and enduring legacy, she was honored with induction into the Texas’s Black Sports Hall of Fame—a distinction reserved for individuals whose impact transcends sport and strengthens the broader community.
Oduwole, a former collegiate All-American tennis player and coach, began her journey on the courts of Austin, influenced by her mother and grandmother, both accomplished tennis players. Her mother competed in collegiate tennis and dedicated 41 years to teaching and coaching in Corpus Christi and Austin.
“Often, too, she gave back…. She taught NJTL and would go out into the inner-city communities to coach and teach.”
Introduced to the sport at age 3, Oduwole often traveled with her mother, joining practices and building skills early. By age 8, she had advanced significantly, earning a spot in Texas’s elite “Super Champs” tournament level. As one of the few Black players at many tournaments, she recalls forming lasting bonds with other minority athletes at local and national levels.
Mentorship played a key role in her development. Oduwole trained with prominent Black tennis figures including Lori McNeil, Zina Garrison, Coach John Wilkerson and Katrina Adams. The broader tennis community supported her through sponsorships for camps and ongoing guidance.
At 14, she competed in professional tournaments, including the Virginia Slims event in San Antonio. Her parents made a push for her to continue in the collegiate route. She began attending Tyler Junior College, where she captured several national titles, earned All-American honors and later induction into the school’s Hall of Fame.
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“My parents were very hard on me in making sure that I understood that education was key.” she said
Transferring to the University of Louisville, Oduwole played No. 1 singles and doubles, helping elevate the team to a top-50 national ranking.
After college, Oduwole transitioned to coaching, leading teams and individuals to numerous state and regional victories at various organizations.
Tennis instilled core values that shaped her life beyond the court.
“It fostered self-reliance, independence, emotional control, discipline and resilience,” she said.
Becoming an educator she learned took these values and now is passing them to the next generation.
To Oduwole, Tennis emphasized lifelong learning, adaptability, sportsmanship, integrity and composure under pressure—qualities that strengthened her leadership in educational and administrative roles.
Oduwole remains a vocal advocate for inclusivity in tennis, calling for efforts to dismantle barriers and expand access in underrepresented communities.
She said she would like to see increased investment in public and urban school tennis programs, including quality facilities and coaches. Partnerships with organizations like the American Tennis Association (ATA) could enhance outreach, mentorship and visibility for minority players and coaches.
“Representation matters,” Oduwole said. “Seeing successful Black coaches and players inspires the next generation.”
Her suggested steps include developing inclusive mentorship programs, promoting diverse role models at all levels and prioritizing accessible programs in underserved areas.
As Black History Month 2026 celebrates 100 years of commemorations—highlighting how such observances have transformed perceptions and empowered communities—Oduwole’s story underscores the power of perseverance, mentorship and advocacy in advancing equity in sports and society. Her legacy continues to inspire, proving that barriers broken on the court can pave the way for broader inclusion of it.
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