Tennis Facilities
Hurd Tennis Center
As part of the Jim and Julie Turner Riverfront Athletic Complex, the Hurd Tennis Center includes 12 outdoor courts and the Hurd Tennis Building, which houses all of the day-to-day operations of both tennis programs. In addition, the Jim and Nell Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center, featuring six courts, provides a state-of-the-art facility that allows the men's and women's tennis team to practice and play year-round, regardless of adverse weather conditions.
In the fall of 2015, Baylor's tennis facilities were ranked No. 1 in all of college tennis by Tennis Magazine.
At the outdoor complex, most of the game day action takes place on the front six outdoor courts that are featured in a beautiful tree-lined amphitheater setting overlooking the Baylor Marina inlet. However, the complex also boasts another six courts that are located behind the main courts' grandstand and allow for the facility to host two college matches at one time.
The grandstand can hold 1,200 spectators and with tiered grass seating on either side of the main six courts, there is room for over 2,000 people to take in a match. Both sets of six courts are interconnected with an attractive and inviting landscaped walk system providing easy player access from the locker room directly to any of the 12 courts.
The Hurd Tennis Center is located at the end of the Dutch Schroeder Athletic Plaza adjacent to the Betty Lou Mays Soccer Field, Baylor Ballpark (baseball) and Getterman Stadium (softball). Since its opening in 2001, the facility has continually been updated to help it remain one of the nicest tennis facilities in the country.
Prior to hosting the NCAA Tennis Championships in 2015, the facilities courts were resurfaced, while each court received new wall pads.
In 2013, shade canopies were built over the Hulse Grandstand which overlooks the six championship courts. In 2012, a new scoreboard that allows fans to follow the matches on all 12 courts was added. A video streaming system to air Baylor matches via the school's official athletics web site, BaylorBears.com, was also installed in 2013.
In 2009, the team clubhouse, which contains team locker rooms, health training rooms, meeting rooms, coaches' offices, and a pro shop area, was enhanced. In October of 2009, the clubhouse was officially renamed the Hurd Tennis Building, after former BU player and current Oracle CEO Mark Hurd who also served on the company's Board of Directors and the Baylor Board of Regents as Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee. Hurd was instrumental in the updates to the facility done in the summer that included new locker rooms while offices, meeting rooms and the lobby all were renovated.
Each locker room now features a common area complete with a computer, a projector that allows student-athletes to watch match videos on the overhead screen. The actual lockers are situated off of the lounge area in a circular room that features a wood floor and 12 individual wood lockers. A shower area completes the locker room facility.
The lobby features a trophy case for the men and for the women that are filled with the two programs' combined four national championship trophies (one team and three individual), 37 Big 12 Conference titles (20 men and 17 women) and numerous other trophies recognizing the accomplishments of both programs.
Directions
From the north, drive south on I-35, take University Parks Drive exit and turn east (left) onto University Parks Drive. The Turner Athletic Complex is on your left before you reach the Ferrell Center.
From the south, drive north on I-35, take University Parks Drive exit and turn east (right) onto University Parks Drive. The Turner Athletic Complex is on your left before you reach the Ferrell Center.
From the west, drive east on Hwy. 84 to Hwy. 6/Loop 340. Turn east (right) and take Hwy. 6/Loop 340 to I-35. Turn north (left) on I-35, take the University Parks Drive exit and turn east (right) onto University Parks Drive. The Turner Athletic Complex is on your left before you reach the Ferrell Center.
From the east, drive west on Hwy. 84 to I-35. Turn south on I-35 (left), take the University Parks Drive exit and turn east (left) onto University Parks Drive. The Turner Athletic Complex is on your left before you reach the Ferrell Center.
From the northwest, take Hwy. 6 to I-35. Turn north (left), take the University Parks Drive exit and turn east (right) onto University Parks Drive. The Turner Athletic Complex is on your left before you reach the Ferrell Center.
From the southwest, take Hwy. 6 to Bus. 77 exit. Bus 77 becomes LaSalle. Turn west (right) onto University Parks Drive. The Turner Athletic Complex is on your right after you pass the Ferrell Center.
Hawkins Indoor Tennis Facility
Hawkins Indoor Tennis Facility
Baylor University dedicated the stunning Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center on Jan. 25, 2013, with a dedication ceremony honoring the contributions of benefactors Jim and Nell Hawkins of Waco, who generously provided the lead gift to turn the dream of an indoor tennis center into a reality.
The six indoor courts at the building along with the Hurd Tennis Center have provided a state-of-the-art facility that allows the men's and women's tennis team to practice and play year-round, regardless of adverse weather conditions. In the fall of 2015, Baylor's tennis facilities were ranked No. 1 in all of college tennis by Tennis Magazine.
The indoor facility was instrumental in attracting the 2015 NCAA Championships to Waco and was used throughout the event as inclement weather forced the action inside.
Six parallel indoor tennis courts with spectator seating ensure that fans and players can enjoy top tennis action in a comfortable environment.
An estimated crowd of nearly 700 fans celebrated the opening of the long-awaited new indoor home for Baylor Tennis, a 34,000-square-foot, $7 million venue that will elevate Baylor's high-performing tennis program to new heights.
The Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center was dedicated between doubles and singles play during the inaugural match. Baylor University President Ken Starr and Director of Tennis Matt Knoll addressed the crowd and honored longtime Baylor philanthropists Jim and Nell Hawkins.
Mr and Mrs Hawkins delivered ceremonial first serves to Baylor Tennis players Alex Leatu and Marko Krickovic, respectively, to conclude the ceremony. Members of the Baylor men's and women's tennis team also expressed their appreciation to the Hawkins at a private dinner prior to the match.
Notable features of the facility were made possible by the generosity of Baylor donors. The Center's Court Number One was provided by Claude and Becky Lindsey and the lobby was supported by the Lanning family in honor of Stacy Lanning Lessman, Lori Lanning Rogers and Kristi Lanning Blauser.
The Hawkins' love for Baylor and generous support of her students and programs is apparent across campus and particularly evident in their support of Baylor Athletics. Jim (BBA `58) and Nell, a "Baylor Alumna by Choice" (ABC), have faithfully supported scholarships for student-athletes as well as excellence funds for basketball, tennis and baseball, the Baylor Bear Foundation and mission trips by Baylor's Sports Ministry Teams. They generously provided the J-Hawk Limited and Nell Hawkins practice courts for Baylor's Men's and Women's Basketball programs, and their first major gift to Baylor Athletics funded a scoreboard at Floyd Casey Stadium.
The Hawkins' impact has touched the University well beyond Athletics alone. They are members of the Medallion Fellowship at the Judge R.E.B. Baylor Level, and both served on the Bush Library Steering Committee. Jim and Nell also have supported several areas of Baylor's Hankamer School of Business, including endowed scholarships and endowed faculty and staff positions. Jim has served on the Hankamer School of Business Board of Advisors and the Baylor Foundation board. Nell is an Art Angel for Baylor's Martin Museum of Art and is known for co-initiating the Gold Rush Campaign that transformed the spectator experience at Baylor's athletic events. Deeply valuing both Baylor and their local community, the couple has maintained involvement with the Baylor/Waco Foundation.
Directions
From the north, drive south on I-35, take University Parks Drive exit and turn east (left) onto University Parks Drive. Take another left onto LaSalle Ave. and the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center is on you right.
From the south, drive north on I-35, take University Parks Drive exit and turn east (right) onto University Parks Drive. Take a left onto LaSalle Ave. and the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center is on you right.
From the west, drive east on Hwy. 84 to Hwy. 6/Loop 340. Turn east (right) and take Hwy. 6/Loop 340 to I-35. Turn north (left) on I-35, take the University Parks Drive exit and turn east (right) onto University Parks Drive. Take a left onto LaSalle Ave. and the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center is on you right.
From the east, drive west on Hwy. 84 to I-35. Turn south on I-35 (left), take the University Parks Drive exit and turn east (left) onto University Parks Drive. Take a left onto LaSalle Ave. and the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center is on you right.
From the northwest, take Hwy. 6 to I-35. Turn north (left), take the University Parks Drive exit and turn east (right) onto University Parks Drive. Take a left onto LaSalle Ave. and the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center is on you right.
From the southwest, take Hwy. 6 to Bus. 77 exit. Bus 77 becomes LaSalle. Make a u-turn at University Parks Drive and the Hawkins Indoor Tennis Center is on your right.