Woodville High School Tennis: Courts in Need of Upgrade
Growing Interest and Deteriorating Courts Football for New Facilities
WOODVILLE, TX – Woodville ISD Board of Trustees recently heard a presentation from tennis coach Austin Coker, highlighting the urgent need for new tennis courts at Woodville High School.
Overcrowding and Deterioration plague Current Courts
- Coker reports 30 athletes sharing only four courts, leading to long wait times and limited practice opportunities.
- Several cracks, chips, and uneven surfaces have been observed, posing a risk to athletes and community members.
- Repairing the current courts would be akin to a “band-aid” solution, as they were constructed in the 1980s and cannot withstand further use, according to Coker.
New Courts: A Game Changer for Woodville
Coker proposed constructing five to eight new courts, which would allow Woodville to:
- Host large tournaments and district-level events, reducing travel time, costs, and generating revenue.
- Create a home-court advantage for local athletes during district tournaments.
Funding and Support
Coker presented detailed bids from Hellas Construction and Build my Court, with the latter providing a more affordable quote of $424,000 for four courts (without lighting or seating) and $235,691 for two courts. Additionally, Coker mentioned the USTA’s facility assistance grant, which could cover up to $140,000 in construction costs.
Coker also discussed potential fundraising initiatives, such as seeking donations from local businesses, alumni, and community members.
Praise for Coach Coker and the Tennis Program
Coker’s leadership of the district’s tennis program has been exemplary, following in the footsteps of the legendary Sergio Ramos.Jimmy Tucker, Board President
T.H.R.I.V.E. Update: Adult Education Center on Track
Former WISD superintendent Glen Conner provided an update on the Tyler County Hub for Resilience, Innovation, and Vision Empowerment (T.H.R.I.V.E.) program, which plans to use the former Woodville Intermediate campus as an adult education center.
Partnerships and Course Offerings
- Conner is working to secure partnerships with Lamar Port Arthur and Lamar Institute of Technology.
- Projected courses include CDL training, HVAC, IT, and bookkeeping.
Did you know?
The T.H.R.I.V.E. program is expected to launch in the spring of 2026, with classes beginning in the fall of the same year.
What’s Next?
With the board’s support, Woodville ISD can progress towards new tennis courts and a thriving adult education center through the T.H.R.I.V.E. program.
What are your thoughts on these updates? Share your comments below!