Best on the Court

After an unprecedented two-year run that included advancing to Nationals for the first time in a decade and winning the club’s first-ever Texas Sectionals title, Baylor Club Tennis was recognized as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Club of the Year.

A top-15 national ranking to close the 2023 season, dominating wins over Texas and Texas A&M and continued focus on community involvement and service earned the award for the Bears.

Julia Landivar, B.A. ’23, has led the club as president throughout this impressive run over the past three years, assisted in multiple officer roles by Rachel Ham, B.S. ’23. Over Landivar’s tenure as president, the club has grown from 30 participants to 120, focusing on teamwork, inclusivity and kindness while developing a culture akin to a tight-knit family.

Beyond their tremendous achievements on the court, the club has served as outstanding representatives of the University outside of competition. Volunteer opportunities include serving alongside Baylor’s NCAA women’s tennis team to put on Baylor Cub Tennis, free clinics for ages 3 to 11 prior to select home matches throughout the season. The club also has volunteered at schools and in the Waco community through Steppin’ Out.

James Stamey, M.B.A. ’97, Ph.D. ’00, professor and chair of statistical science, described a recent interaction at the Nationals tournament in Phoenix when the team met a family whose son was considering Baylor. Stamey’s son, Matthew, B.B.A. ’23, is an officer on the club team.

“The family already had a Baylor campus visit planned with their son the following week,” James Stamey said. “Their son was able to meet two club team members — who happened to also be Baylor tour guides — as well as other team members and he now plans to attend Baylor in the fall. These students have been great ambassadors for Baylor.”

Alongside tennis, Baylor’s robust Club Sports program includes 35 sport offerings that are open for participation through Baylor Student Life’s Campus Recreation.