2025 Annual Banquet: Serving the Game. Shaping the Future.
- Oct 26
- 2 min read
Despite a rainy start to the evening, spirits were bright as tennis enthusiasts, leaders, and friends of the Museum and Hall of Fame gathered in Waco for the 2025 Annual Banquet. With the theme “Serving the Game. Shaping the Future,” the event honored this year’s distinguished Hall of Fame inductees while celebrating tennis as a legacy of generosity, leadership, and growth.
The weekend opened with a warm check-in reception at the Element Hotel, where overnight guests were welcomed with thoughtfully curated gift bags and museum-branded cookies, a sweet gesture that set the tone for a weekend filled with celebration and community connection.
As evening arrived, guests made their way to the Museum for self-guided tours of refreshed galleries and newly installed exhibits. A highlight of the night was the unveiling of the Museum’s new soft furnishings, beautifully designed lounge spaces dedicated in memory of Lee Hamilton and Molly Hamilton. Lee, a Hall of Fame inductee and passionate champion of tennis in Texas, and Molly, a beloved advocate whose kindness and generosity strengthened the Museum’s mission, are now recognized through these welcoming areas created to encourage comfort, reflection, and conversation among visitors.
The celebration continued with a lively cocktail reception, generously sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, featuring live music and spirited conversation before guests transitioned into a formal seated dinner and ceremony. Throughout the evening, the theme resonated deeply, reminding all in attendance that tennis is a gift to be shared and a powerful connector across generations.
The Museum and Hall of Fame extends sincere appreciation to the event’s banquet sponsors, including the Friends and Family of Charlie and Emadele McCleary and Community Bank & Trust, whose generosity helped make the evening possible and ensured an unforgettable experience for all who attended.
One of the most touching highlights of the program came when longtime banquet emcee Ken McAllister formally passed the baton, both metaphorically and physically, to Mike Carter, who assumed the role for the first time this year. McAllister, a steadfast leader and advocate for Texas tennis, leaves a legacy of wit, warmth, and unmatched dedication that will continue to inspire future celebrations.
Hall of Fame member Beverly Bowes delivered the keynote address, sharing personal stories that brought the theme to life, demonstrating how service to the game not only shapes players but transforms communities and futures.
The evening culminated in the induction of the Class of 2025: David Davis, Kimm Ketelsen, Emily Schaefer, and Ken Sumrow, each recognized for their championship achievements, lasting influence, and devotion to Texas tennis.
Event Recording & Photo Gallery Watch the full program and explore event photos here
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