Women’s History Month: Spring Branch Tennis Leaders Build Opportunity

Before any courts existed, Murray began by working with local schools, launching after-school tennis programming in 2008. The first two courts were completed four years later.

Growth came steadily after that: Two additional courts in 2014, Two more in 2017, A permanent facility building in 2020 and this year, two more courts currently under construction.

“It’s been a slow grind,” Murray said. “But it’s been worth it.”

The addition of the building in 2020 proved to be a turning point. Before that, programming relied on portable restrooms and bottled water. With restrooms, gathering space and basic amenities in place, participation increased dramatically.

“It gave people confidence that we were here to stay,” Murray said.

Female leadership shaping culture

Today, the SBTA’s leadership team — including education coordinator Jennifer Powell — plays a central role in shaping the culture of the program.

Powell joined after moving to the area from Houston during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially as a tennis parent. With a master’s degree in education from Michigan State University, she later stepped into a role focused on developing educational programming for players.

Her work helps ensure that tennis at Spring Branch goes far beyond the court.

“We want our kids to go out and be successful,” Powell said. “Not just in tennis, but in life.”

Each month the program hosts guest speakers and workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, nutrition, and academic preparation. The organization also uses resources from the USTA Foundation and its National Junior Tennis & Learning network to provide educational support.

The goal, Powell said, is to help players develop confidence, leadership skills and real-world knowledge alongside their tennis development.

Creating opportunity for girls in tennis

While the program serves boys and girls equally, Murray and Powell have also created initiatives specifically aimed at supporting female athletes.

One of those programs, “Girls Day,” brings participants together for mentorship, leadership discussions and shared experiences outside of tennis. Activities have included a self-defense class, guest speakers from the local community and visits to professional events like the ATX Open in nearby Austin.

The goal is to help girls see what’s possible for their futures — both on and off the court.

“Our theme this year was ‘strong,” Powell said. “Strong physically, strong mentally and strong in confidence.”

For many of the players, the trip to a professional tournament was their first time seeing elite tennis in person.

“They start realizing that what they’re learning here — the strokes, the strategy — it’s the same game,” Powell said. “They begin to see themselves in that space.”

The impact of the program often shows up in ways that go beyond competition.

Parents frequently share stories about how tennis has helped their children build confidence, manage stress or find a supportive environment.

“We hear it all the time,” Murray said. “This is their happy place.”

Surveys conducted through youth development tool Hello Insight show more than 90% of participants feel safe, heard and supported in the program — a reflection of the culture Murray and her team have worked to create.

“That safe environment is really important to us,” Murray said. “The kids know they can come here, be themselves and be supported.”

Looking ahead

The organization currently serves roughly 50 players in its advanced development pathway, with several alumni already moving on to play college tennis.

But Murray believes the potential impact is even greater.

If funding allows, the long-term vision is to build a second tennis facility in the region to serve more families across the Hill Country.

“We know the demand is there,” Murray said. “The challenge is making sure that if we grow, we preserve the culture we’ve built.”

For Murray, the journey from a single parent’s request to a community-wide program has been a reminder of tennis’ power to change lives.

“It started with my daughter needing a place to play,” she said. “But now it’s helping so many kids. That’s what keeps us going.”