KEN SUMROW
Director
A native of Celeste, Texas, Ken excelled in multiple high school sports, particularly tennis, while also competing in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He played collegiate tennis at Central Texas College before earning a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Physical Education from the University of Texas at Austin.
Ken has dedicated over 47 years to the tennis industry, shaping the sport as both a coach and director. He began his career as a high school coach before becoming the Director of High Point Park Tennis Center. From 1972 to 1977, he coached tennis at Plano Senior High while also teaching tennis through the City of Plano’s Parks and Recreation Department. In 1977, he collaborated with the City of Plano to lead the launch and operation of the newly established High Point Park Tennis Center, a facility that has since become a cornerstone of tennis in Texas. By 2024, annual participation at High Point had grown to over 130,000 sessions of play.
Ken’s leadership and influence extend far beyond the court. Ken is a past president of the USPTA Texas Division and has served on both its Board of Directors and the USPTA National Executive Committee. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including:
- USPTA Texas Division Community Service Award
- USPTA Texas Professional of the Year Award
- USPTA Texas Division Lessons for Life Award
- Joint USTA/USPTA Community Service Award
- USPTA Lessons for Life Award
- USPTA Industry Excellence Award
Under Ken’s leadership, High Point Tennis Center has earned significant recognition, most notably, the 2022 USTA Outstanding Tennis Facility Award and the 2022 USTA Texas Best of Texas Large Facility of the Year.
Ken has been an active volunteer with the Dallas Tennis Association, earning both the Pro Volunteer Award and the prestigious Nancy P. Jeffett Lifetime Achievement Award. His dedication to the USTA Texas Section is equally impressive, having served on the nominating, junior recreation, leagues, and awards committees.
In 1997, Ken and his family – his wife, Pam, and children, Christy, Clint, and Lauren – were honored as the USTA Texas Family of the Year in recognition of their collective contributions to the sport and its community.
In 1991, Ken and Pam Sumrow launched what would become a 30-year philanthropic tradition, using tennis as a platform for meaningful change. Partnering with Children’s Health, the Sumrow family established the Children Helping Children Tennis Tournament, benefiting the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Health.
This initiative was deeply personal. The Sumrows created the tournament to support Children’s Health, where their son, Clint, was successfully treated for cancer at the age of five. By combining their love of tennis with their commitment to community service, they built an event that has raised over $3.5 million to support pediatric research and programs – a legacy that continues to bring hope to countless families.
Ken’s exceptional contributions to tennis in Texas – as a dedicated professional, mentor, and leader – have had an enduring impact on the sport. He remains committed to introducing new players to the game, developing athletes, advancing the sport through leadership, and fostering a strong tennis community.
Fun Fact! Ken participated as a Torchbearer in the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Torch Relay and ran a leg carrying the Olympic Torch as it passed near downtown Ft. Worth!
