One Texas. One Tennis: Carrie Liu Currier

One Texas. One Tennis. is a series highlighting the many faces, voices and experiences of Texas Tennis. Everyone is welcome on the tennis court and when we’re open, we’re at our best. On courts across Texas, every player has a story and those stories show the true diversity and strength of our tennis community. Want to share your story: CLICK HERE

Carrie Liu Currier’s tennis journey is rooted in passion, perseverance, and community. Inspired by her mother’s self-taught and fiercely competitive approach to the game, Currier developed a love for tennis at a young age that has carried through every stage of her life. From competing in junior and adult leagues to becoming a leader within her local tennis community, she has embraced the sport not just as competition, but as a way to build relationships and bring people together. Through her experiences, Currier reflects on the lasting impact of mentorship, teamwork, and the unifying power of tennis

USTA Texas: How did you first get involved in tennis, and what kept you coming back to the court?

Carrie Liu Currier: I got involved in tennis when I was a kid. My mother taught herself how to play—she never took lessons—but she competed in tournaments and loved it. I used to watch her play, and that’s what got me interested. She was feisty and competitive, and even without the traditional gear or training, she just loved being out there. I wanted to be like her and win trophies too.

I started playing in middle school, really got into the competition, and improved through high school tournaments. I stepped away during college and graduate school because I was busy, but I still found ways to compete—even making bets with my college roommate to beat guys on our hall. When I moved to Texas, coworkers encouraged me to join a USTA team, which introduced me to adult team tennis. I started as a 3.5 and worked my way up to 5.0. Since rediscovering tennis, I haven’t stopped playing.

USTA Texas: Who in the tennis community has had the biggest impact on your journey? And why?

Currier: The person who had the greatest impact on me was Larry Harllee. He passed away in 2024, but he spent over 30 years organizing tennis at our club. He created a structured and welcoming environment, running multiple weekly sessions with players of all skill levels.

Larry didn’t just organize matches—he built a community. He made sure new players felt included, created a competitive ladder system, and even gave tips by watching matches court by court. I was one of only two women regularly included in his group, which made it even more meaningful.

After he passed, it was devastating for all of us. We weren’t just players—we were a family. I’ve since taken on organizing responsibilities for our group, continuing his legacy. We also raised over $10,000 in his honor to donate to the Dallas Tennis Association. Tennis has shaped my life in so many ways—my husband and I even met playing at the club and got married on the courts surrounded by our tennis community.

USTA Texas: What is one lesson tennis has taught you that you carry with you off the court?

Currier: Tennis has taught me the importance of teamwork. Even though it can be an individual sport, you need others to play—especially in doubles. 

USTA Texas: What is it about the tennis community that helps people from different backgrounds connect?

Currier: You can’t play tennis alone—you have to find others. And when you do, the connection is based on the game, not anything else. When you see people on the court, you’re not thinking about their background—you’re watching how they play.

Through leagues, clubs, and tournaments, you meet so many people. It becomes easy to organize matches and build relationships. At the end of the day, it’s all about the shared love of tennis and competition.

USTA Texas: What is one thing we can all do to make tennis more welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

Currier: I think we need to expand tennis beyond clubs, especially in Texas. There should be more opportunities through parks and recreation programs to reach different communities, particularly underserved areas. Introducing kids to tennis early and creating ways for people to volunteer or support community programs can make a big difference in growing the sport.

USTA Texas : What does “One Texas. One Tennis.” mean to you?

Currier: It’s a powerful idea. Texas is such a large and diverse state, but tennis brings us together.