Induction Year: 1990

Shelby Frizzell Torrance, M.D. (1923-2004) was born in Athens, Texas on October 21, 1923 and was the third child of Jo Ella and John Bunyan Frizzell. Dr. Shelby Torrance served as chairman of the Women's Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department for Del Mar Jr. College beginning in 1950. In addition, she was the varsity coach for the Men's and Women's tennis teams, when Del Mar participated in Jr. College athletics. Always a pioneer, and community leader, she became the coordinator for Health Education at Del Mar College, before completing 34 years and retiring. She was directly responsible for the construction of the Del Mar Aquatics Center, and adjacent tennis courts. Recognizing her dedication to excellence, and her students; a permanent plaque was erected, and the tennis courts were named for her upon her retirement.

After retirement from Del Mar Jr. College in 1984, she became the USPTA Director of the HEB Tennis Center in Victoria, Texas; and later held the same position at Al Kruse Tennis Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Academic training included B.S., the University of Texas at Austin; M.A. Teachers College, Columbia University in New York; and Ed D., the University of Texas in Austin. As a community and educational leader, her enthusiasm, and energy were boundless. She was the first woman to serve as a Chairman of the Officiating Committee for the NCAA National Men's Tennis Championships held in Corpus Christi, 1975 and 1976. Numerous local organizations benefited from her long service on the Board of Directors including, Texas Tennis Association, and the local Tennis Umpires Committee. Other honors included and the Appreciation Award from the Corpus Christi Tennis Association for leadership and the founding of the Corpus Christi Umpires Association (1976).

Throughout her long career, Torrance loved people, promoted education, and believed in tennis and swimming as the most beneficial lifetime sports available. As a tennis competitor, she was a High School Texas 4A Singles champion from Austin High School, Texas Women's Open titles in Singles and Doubles, were achieved while playing No. #1 for the University of Texas in Austin. Shelby continued to win various USTA age divisions, and special categories, including Texas Section Mother/Daughter champion, for four decades.