Page 178 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2024

SPORTS & OUTDOORS
Women’s Tennis on the Coast
story by Joey Lee photos courtesy of Bayou Bluff Tennis Club
Women’s tennis on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is more than a sport, it’s a thriving community spanning generations and backgrounds. At the heart of this community is Allene
Doty Balgord, a retired speech pathologist whose passion for the sport is infectious.
Balgord’s journey into the tennis scene began on her first visit to the Bayou Bluff Tennis Club in Gulfport. “I was living in Brandon, Mississippi, and heard about Bayou Bluff. I wanted to retire to the Coast, so I drove down and joined that day,” she recalls. Today, Balgord plays in leagues year-round, organizes a Ladies Fun League at Bayou Bluff every Wednesday and Friday morning and competes in various tournaments.
The Coast offers a vibrant and inclusive environment for women’s tennis. “Players range from women in their 20s
to women in their 80s,” Balgord notes. “They come from
all walks of life.” This diversity enriches
the community, fostering
connections that go
beyond the court.
The support for
women’s tennis is
evident throughout
the Coast. Facilities like Gulfport’s Bayou
Bluff, Diamondhead Tennis Club, Treasure Oak Country Club in Ocean Springs, and Singing River Yacht Club in Pascagoula provide excellent venues for their members. Public courts like Halstead in Ocean Springs, A.J. Holloway Sports Complex in Biloxi, and City Courts in Pass Christian offer courts without players being members.
The Coast also offers some notable tournaments, including the Dominoes Jeff Alexander Memorial in March, Mayfields & Associates Memorial Day in May, and the Half Shell Oyster House in November, all hosted by Bayou Bluff. Treasure Oak hosts the Pitger Title Company Tournament in April.
Youth tennis plays a crucial role in ensuring the sport’s future. “Without training by pros at the various venues on the Coast, the future for tennis in the area will be grim,” Balgord emphasizes. Junior tournaments across the state provide young players with opportunities to grow and aspire.
For women new to tennis or looking to get into the sport, Balgord advises, “Contact Johnny Wilkerson, Gulf Coast League Coordinator, or join one of the private clubs. Visit the clubs and talk to players, pros, or business managers.” This proactive approach helps newcomers integrate and find their place within the community.
Local tennis coaches and mentors have also played a pivotal role in the growth of women’s tennis in the area. “Toby Faseth was at Bayou Bluff for 17 years and was instrumental in its growth and success. Steve Pennington is at Treasure Oak and is instrumental for that club,” Balgord shares. These dedicated individuals have fostered a supportive environment that
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GAME, SET,