January 31, 2015

Class of 1983 Texas Tennis Hall of Famer Nancy Jeffett has been nominated to be enshrined in the International Tennis Hall of Fame for her instrumental work in advancing professional women’s tennis and in developing opportunities for junior tennis development.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Jeffett moved to Dallas, Texas with her husband in 1956. In Dallas she befriended Mo Connolly, a then recently retired nine-time Grand Slam singles champion.  In 1968, they teamed up to form the the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCBTF) with the goal of providing funds for tennis clinics and to aid juniors who could not afford to compete nationally. 

Jeffett continued to dedicate herself to the organization following her friend’s untimely death from cancer. Under Jeffett's leadership, the organization now sponsors a dozen major tournaments and has contributed more than $4 million for player development – from public parks to the professional level.

Jeffett is currently chairman emeritus of the MCB Foundation after giving day-to-day operations to President Cindy Brinker Simmons, Vice President Brenda Brinker Bottum, Vice President Elizabeth Jeffett and Executive Vice President Carol Weyman.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2015 will be announced early next year. The Class of 2015 Enshrinement Ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, July 18, 2015 during Rolex Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.