DAVIS, Calif. - In the first renovations at Marya Welch Tennis Center since the early 2000s, UC Davis tennis can now boast a state of the art scoreboard thanks to the generous donations from the Khourie family.

The new tennis scoreboard, painted in the signature Aggie Blue, is impossible to miss and stands as a testament to the dedication of Aggie donors and Aggie Pride.

Equipped with cutting-edge digital technology, it is capable of showcasing live scores for up to six different courts simultaneously, offering real-time updates and a dynamic viewing experience. Its modern design ensures that fans can easily follow all the action, making it a valuable asset for both the men's and women's tennis programs. 

"It was very exciting to have our beautiful new scoreboard up and running for our Big West matches this past week," shared women's tennis head coach Sara Jackson. "Coaches, players, and fans could all easily keep track of what was happening on every court, which made the matches that much more fun."

"Carolyn and I are delighted to be able to continue to support the Aggie tennis programs with the new tennis scoreboard," said Matt Khourie. "First-class athletic programs need a first-class facility, and a state-of-the-art scoreboard should be a part of the tennis campus."

Matt  is a former student-athlete on the men's tennis team, while his wife Carolyn has been an avid tennis player, having been a passionate supporter of the university for over 10 years. 

In addition to the new scoreboard, the family has also created the Khourie Family Men's and Women's Tennis Scholarships, showcasing their commitment to UC Davis Tennis and their enduring support for the sport and the university.

The installation of the state-of-the-art scoreboard marks a new chapter in UC Davis tennis history. For the athletes, the new scoreboard offers an enhanced experience, mirroring the high standards expected at the Division I collegiate level. 

"Coming to the Marya Welch Tennis Center for practice and matches with the new scoreboard has put a huge smile on my face," said men's senior captain Sam DeVries. "As we are heading into our toughest conference matches of the year, the addition of the new scoreboard is motivating us as a team to continue striving towards our goals."

Upgrades like this show the importance of creating an environment that fosters both individual growth and team success, and the new scoreboard will undoubtedly play a key role in enhancing the game-day atmosphere at the Marya Welch Tennis Center. 

Senior women's captain Clare Galerkin added that, "It brings a new level of excitement for us and our fans, and we can't wait to display our future battles and victories for years to come". 

This gesture of support is not just about a physical upgrade; it reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the UC Davis tennis community. With the new scoreboard, UC Davis men's and women's tennis will continue to build on its legacy of excellence while providing a modern and exciting venue for future generations of players and fans. 

"To have such a good-looking centerpiece at our facility highlights how cool our whole facility is, with 16 good courts, great stands, and a wonderful shade structure, this scoreboard completes the look," said men's tennis head coach Eric Steidlmayer.

The Marya Welch Tennis Center will continue to stand as a symbol of dedication, creating an inspiring environment for athletes to thrive both on and off the court. 

Both the men's and women's tennis programs are immensely grateful to Matt and Carolyn Khourie for making this possible.

This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics' commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of "Competitive Excellence" by highlighting the amazing facilities that student-athletes get to compete in and the dedication that goes into making sure athletes have state-of-the-art resources. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE