Today@Sam Article
SHSU Holds Dedication Ceremony for Chuck and Wanda Beckner Tennis Complex
March 3, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
Sam Houston athletics celebrated the completion of the Chuck and Wanda Beckner Tennis Complex with an official dedication ceremony on March 2.
Located at 515 Bowers Blvd., across from Don Sanders Baseball Stadium, the six-court complex is a gift from long-time tennis fans Charles "Chuck" Beckner and his wife Wanda. The new stadium replaced the McAdams Tennis Complex, which had been the home for Bearkat tennis program for 40 years.
"Everyone involved with our tennis program is so excited about our new home," Sam Houston Head Coach Rob Hubbard said. "We have already hosted our annual fall tournament and five dual matches. The reaction of the fans and participants is awesome. Each of the visiting coaches has told us how impressed they are with the facility."
The Beckners have a deep-rooted passion for the sport of tennis. Chuck has competed in several sectional and national championship tournaments in the United State Tennis Association Team Tennis. Wanda is a former co-chair of the National Senior Women's Clay Court Tennis Tournament at the Houston Racquet club and has volunteered there for more than 15 years.
The dedication ceremony preceded the Bearkat women’s tennis dual match against Texas State University, an old rival for the Bearkats. The Sunday morning matchup marked the former Southland Conference rivals’ 35th meeting and resulted in a 2-5 loss for the Bearkats. Sam Houston brought a 4-3 dual match record into the Texas State contest, having defeated Lamar 4-0 on the road in their February 7 outing. Since then, winter weather caused the cancelation of scheduled dual matches with Abilene Christian University, Stephen F. Austin University and Eastern Michigan University.
“We’ve played some tough teams – Rice, Texas A&M and UTSA – and we’ve learned how to fight,” Hubbard said. “The road win over Lamar and the fight they put up against Texas State showed how our young ladies want to compete. It’s been tough not getting to play lately and our team is ready to get back to work.”
Following Sunday's matches, the Bearkats will be on the road as they begin battling with their Conference USA competitors. The team will return to the Beckner Tennis Complex on April 11 to host Middle Tennessee University.
Junior Aliyah Hohmann is the only returning letter winner for the Bearkats. Transfers Christine Jevicky (Angelo State), Jacqueline Schnabel (Texas State), Adithi Venkatakrishnan (Utah Tech), Sara Sadadinovc (James Madison) and Nayuma Subba (Fresno Pacific) are in their opening seasons at Sam Houston.
- END -
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:
Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti
Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White
Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837
Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu