Longboat Key Tennis Center celebrates 25th anniversary

The Longboat Key Tennis Center hosted its end-of-the-season party on April 5. 

This year, the center celebrated its 25th anniversary, honoring John Mrachek and the late Dick Schlorf who were instrumental in its founding.

“It has been an amazing 25 years,“ said Tennis Director Kay Thayer. “We started as a little hut and now we have a whole pro shop with clothing, league play, and more than we could imagine. It’s amazing that we can offer all this on our little island.“

The event had drinks and a food spread. Supporters of the Tennis Center came to show how much they value the center. Thayer thanked everyone for coming, including league captains, who received gift certificates for their hard work throughout the season. She also thanked the center staff including the tennis pros, office staff and her assistant Grace Hackett. 

“The special thing about the tennis center is that we can always find a place for everyone,” said Thayer in her speech. “We always do round robins and the leagues are always open to welcoming new players.”

Thayer then introduced the players for a special exhibition of a pro men’s doubles game. The pro players were Max Pettingell, Robert Jendelund, Ivan Yatsuk and Dave Pfister.

“This is the jewel of Longboat Key,” said tennis center member Judy Tobias. “Since it invites members of the tennis center and anyone from the public, everyone can find their place. Everyone I know has made their friends here at the center and they are truly lifelong friends.”