For 25 years, the Tyler tennis community has supported the Tyler Junior College Collegiate Benefit Tennis Tournament & Pro Am. The annual tournament raises funds for the TJC tennis team’s scholarships, travel and uniform expenses, and the current TJC tennis facility upgrades and maintenance. This year’s event, to be held September 11-13 at Hollytree Country Club and TJC, is open to the public and offers doubles and mixed doubles for players of all levels. The tournament also offers pro am divisions for players of all levels, giving them a chance to sign up without a partner and be matched with a current or former TJC player.  Proceeds are raised from entries, sponsors, a silent auction, and raffle sales. 

     Shannon Strickland is chairing the tournament for the third year, and the Friday evening event will kick off with a bingo party and dinner at Hollytree Country Club. “This has become a 25-year tradition among the Tyler tennis community, raising over $250,000 for TJC tennis, and we anticipate 200 players to compete in this year’s event and attend the pre-tournament party. As a graduate of TJC, I enjoy giving back to my alma mater by simply volunteering my time, and using a sport that I love, makes it even more enjoyable,” Mr. Strickland said. 

     Mr. Strickland was a volunteer for the American Cancer Society for ten years. During those years, he chaired the ACS Golf Tournament for two years, he was chairman of the Relay for Life Committee for three years, and he served as president of the local ACS chapter. 

     Born in Tyler and a life-long member of the East Texas community, Mr. Strickland is a graduate of Whitehouse High School. He earned his associate’s degree from Tyler Junior College and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler. Mr. Strickland is a member of Flint Baptist Church. 

     “Growing up in East Texas, I have always enjoyed the sports enthusiasm of our community. I love playing golf, tennis, and basketball, and I support all local high school and college sports. The TJC Collegiate Benefit Tournament & Pro Am allows the community’s love of sports to raise money to support TJC tennis players, many who are graduates of local high schools. The generous nature of the East Texas people never ceases to amaze me,” Mr. Strickland said.