Racquet Rally
The Club At Sonterra Members Enjoy Tennis and Pickleball Leagues, Ladders & Lessons
By Amy Morgan
Have you heard the news? Racquet sports are good for your health! A study recently rated tennis as the top activity to extend longevity – by 10 years! And research suggests pickleball may improve symptoms of Parkinson's. Both tennis and pickleball promote social connections – another boost to mental health and overall wellness.
But where to play? The Club At Sonterra is a hidden racquet sports gem located in the heart of Stone Oak. Rated the only Premiere Private Club in the state of Texas by the United States Tennis Association (USTA), it boasts 21 hard courts, two clay courts and eight outdoor pickleball courts.
Whether a ranked competitor, a social enthusiast or just someone wanting to pick up either sport, The Club At Sonterra offers a place for every member of the family. Tennis starts for littles as young as four, with a thriving and competitive junior program. Players find private and group lessons, clinics, in-house and USTA competitive teams. The Club fields more than 100 USTA teams every year that are 100% member driven – which speaks to the number of people making good use of the courts. Signs proudly listing the names of team champion winners decorate the fences around the racquet sports area.
Jenny Gray has been the Director of Tennis at The Club At Sonterra for the past six years. In 2020, Jenny was recognized as the Alex Gordon Professional of the Year by the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) and, at the time, only the second female to be so honored. She believes her work organizing a Rally for the Ribbon tennis/pickleball tournament, which benefits the Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation, may have tipped the hat in her favor. This year’s tournament on Oct. 23 will be the 22nd she’s organized, inspired by the loss of her mother to the disease.
Jenny commended the longevity of The Club At Sonterra’s pros and staff. Jenny’s predecessor, Michelle Dodier, retired after more than 20 years. Several of the Club’s nine RSPA-certified pros have been teaching for decades.
She also cited the number of intergenerational memberships, noting those who grew up at The Club have returned with their own families. “The program is something the community members built, and that’s something to be proud of,” she said.
The tennis program offers one of the few places non-members are able to experience The Club At Sonterra, as many inter-league tournament competitions are held there. Pro-shop manager Christy Godwin has been told her selection of tennis and pickleball merchandise, including Lululemon and Lucky in Love, is the best on the circuit.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. When she started The Club At Sonterra’s program, Jenny thought it would appeal to tennis players. Instead, she’s seen golfers and their spouses coming over and using a side of the club they weren’t accessing before. “Pickleball isn’t the world’s easiest sport, but you can get the ball over the net and start playing quickly,” Jenny said. “It can include more people and expands the opportunities to play.” The Club At Sonterra hosts an in-house co-ed league, a singles ladder, open play, mixers and events. Many players stay after their match for lunch or happy hour at the Break Point Bar & Grill. There’s everything from healthy Acai bowls, smoothies and protein shakes to handcrafted pizza, as well as refreshing frozen margaritas and Frosé.
Once a player joins The club, Head Tennis Pro Mike Thatcher will determine where they might fit with a group. Newbies will be steered toward a beginner’s class; those who played college tennis will be introduced to players at that high level. “Our job is to get people connected right off the bat, so they feel like they are home,” Jenny said.
Ready to pick up a racquet? Contact Debbie Gonzaba at 210-483-4292 to schedule a personalized tour to see whether membership might be a good fit for your family. There’s a place for you at The Club At Sonterra.
