Celebrating Black History Month: The Ennett’s Generational Passion

Tennis has been an integral part of Shelley and Larry Ennett’s lives for decades. Their passion for the sport has shaped not only their personal journeys but also the communities they have served. As we celebrate Black History Month, their story highlights the impact of Black leaders in the tennis world and the strides they have made for inclusivity and belonging.  

Larry and Shelley Find Their Shared Passion 

For Larry Ennett, tennis has been a lifelong passion. Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, he learned the sport on the same courts as legends like Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe. His journey took him to North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where he played collegiate tennis, leaving a legacy that is now honored on the Wall of Fame at the school. From there, Larry became a competitive tournament player in the American Tennis Association (ATA) and later transitioned into a leadership role within the USTA. He captained the first All-Black Men’s team of 4.5 and 5.0 players to Nationals from New York in the 1990s and early 2000s and played a crucial role as a USTA Multicultural Volunteer for the Eastern section during that period. He has been playing tennis for more than 75 years of his life. 

Larry’s influence extended beyond competition. As Vice Chairperson of the Multicultural Participation Committee in Eastern, he spearheaded initiatives to introduce tennis to Black, Latino, and Asian communities. He helped secure grants for instructors to teach in schools and community parks, hosted adult tennis parties at the National Tennis Center, and even led a Community Tennis program, bringing the sport into elementary school gym classes in Southeast Queens. 

For Shelley Ennett, tennis became a passion later in life. After graduating from college, she joined her mother and Carol Watson, her sister, in lessons at Liberty Park in Jamaica, Queens. Tennis quickly became a family affair. Carol was the true athlete of the family and pursued a professional career on the WTA Tour, competing alongside Zina Garrison, Lori McNeil, and Katrina Adams. She later became the first Black female USTA National Coach, working with high-performing juniors, including Lindsay Davenport and Chanda Rubin. 

From their early years in Queens to their retirement in Florida, the Ennett’s have consistently worked to make tennis an inclusive sport for all. Shelley and Larry have continued their leadership as USTA Florida Adult League captains, bringing teams from Citrus Hills to Sectionals multiple times. 

Equality for All 

Larry and Shelley have seen firsthand how race has impacted opportunities in tennis. Larry experienced segregation in the sport growing up in the South and later faced challenges at the national level. In 1992, when his All-Black team competed at Nationals, several players were controversially disqualified. The following year, the USTA revised its NTRP disqualification policies, and many credited Larry’s efforts for pushing those changes forward. 

The Ennett’s also witnessed racism beyond competition. At Forest Hills Tennis Club in Queens, a black friend was denied entry into the restaurant despite an invitation from a top-ranked player. Shelley’s sister, Carol, during her professional and coaching career, faced similar discrimination, from being denied housing at WTA events to witnessing exclusionary policies at private clubs during junior tournaments. 

For the Ennett’s, Black History Month is not just about looking back but also about creating opportunities for future generations. They believe in fostering long-term change by promoting tennis in underrepresented communities and ensuring diverse representation at all levels of the sport. Their experiences, from Larry breaking racial barriers at NCCU to Shelley building inclusive team environments, highlight the necessity of celebrating Black excellence in tennis. 

Supporting and celebrating all cultures is vital for the growth of the sport. The Ennett’s emphasize the importance of making everyone feel welcomed, ensuring that tennis is accessible to players of all backgrounds, and using their platform to advocate for change. 

Now in their retirement years, the Ennett’s remain active competitors and mentors. Larry, at 88, still plays competitively, and both continue to captain teams in Florida. They have built a legacy not only through their own achievements but through their unwavering commitment to inclusion and their love of the game. 

As we celebrate Black History Month, the story of Shelley and Larry reminds us of the resilience, contributions, and excellence of Black tennis players and leaders. Their journey is a testament to the progress made and the work still needed to ensure that tennis is a sport for all.