STEVE HENRY

CLASS OF 2025
 

 

 

The late Steve Henry leaves behind a powerful legacy of leadership and service.  After retiring from General Motors in 2006, Steve transitioned into a full-time tennis career, first directing the Earlywine Tennis Center and later transforming the Oklahoma City Tennis Center into one of the premier facilities in the USTA Missouri Valley.  Under his leadership, the center hosted national events, drew thousands of players, and expanded its reach with an indoor complex.

Steve revolutionized Oklahoma high school tennis by elevating the OSSAA State Championships into a nationally recognized event, uniting all classifications at a single venue — a rare feat in the U.S.

His impact extended far beyond Oklahoma:

USTA Oklahoma: President, VP of Adults, and Quadrant Representative.
USTA Missouri Valley: Secretary, VP, First VP, and ultimately President in 2023.
 USTA National Committees: Junior Team Tennis, Adult League, Junior Competition.
Longtime volunteer and competitor, playing 34 consecutive years of USTA League
     tennis and mentoring countless players.

Steve passed away on March 21, 2023, at age 62, after a courageous battle with a neurological disease.  His contributions, from transforming facilities to creating inclusive communities, will continue to shape Oklahoma tennis for generations.

“Steve’s loss creates a huge void in our industry,” said David Minihan, Executive Director of USTA Oklahoma.  “He impacted lives as a father, coach, volunteer, leader, and mentor. He will be deeply missed.”