One Love Tennis Wilmington

02/24/2024

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lenny Simpson, a true legend in the world of tennis and a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee of the Southern Tennis Foundation. Lenny’s journey began when he was introduced to the game at age 5 on a clay court known locally as the “Black Country Club,” where he crossed paths with world champion Althea Gibson. The first thing Gibson said to him was, “Hello, Champ. What took you so long?” then handed Simpson his first tennis racquet.

From winning numerous championships to being the youngest male player to compete in the US National Championships (now the US Open), Lenny’s achievements on the court were unparalleled. But perhaps his greatest legacy lies in his tireless efforts to give back to the community through the Lenny Simpson Tennis & Education Fund, particularly with the One Love Tennis program, which has impacted the lives of countless at-risk children.

Lenny’s contributions to the sport and his commitment to empowering the next generation of tennis players will forever be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Lenny Simpson. Your legacy will live on.

Respectfully, we invite you to click on the link to view Lenny Simpson’s biography and video.

https://www.southerntennisfoundation.org/hall-of-fame-stf/inductees

02/23/2024

Lendward “Lenny” Simpson, a native Wilmingtonian whose love of tennis led him from Williston High School to boarding school and college, to the US...

02/23/2024

Please join us as we celebration the incredible life of Lenny Simpson
Feb.24th, 11:00 am
Port City Community Church Wilmington, Nc.

At this time we ask for donations to One Love Tennis in lieu of flowers.

One Love Tennis, a program of the Lenny Simpson Tennis and Education Fund, in Wilmington, NC

02/09/2024

It is with a broken heart. We announce the home going of our founder Lenny Simpson Jr. on February 8th. 🕊️
Lenny started One Love 10 years ago with his vision to provide free tennis lessons to the urban youth, and give them the opportunity to learn the game that he loved so much. His One Love kids were his passion. Lenny was a true visionary, an inspiring leader, and a dear friend to so many. We have lost our leader but his legacy will continue as the One Love story doesn’t end here. We will continue his legacy with this next chapter just as he wished.
A celebration of his amazing life will be held at Port City Community Church at a date to be announced. We ask for your prayers as we deal with the loss that is almost too hard to bare.

*How can you help?
Continue the legacy by donating to the One Love Tennis and Education Fund. Link 🔗 posted in the comments. 🙏🏽

05/03/2023

🎾❤️

04/22/2023

Don Felder, Althea Gibson's cousin, presented Coach Lenny with a replica of the street sign that was erected in Harlem, New York. The street where she lived was renamed in her honor. Thank you Don for honoring One Love with this sign. It will be proudly displayed along with all the other memorabilia from Althea's time here at Dr. Eaton's historic home.

03/28/2023

One Love's food drive is happening this Saturday 10am -12pm.

Donations-Please bring your bags of food to 1406 Orange Street for distribution! Help us ease the stress of putting food on the table for many in our community.

Thank you for supporting us as we do our part to help those who are in need.

01/20/2023

📕Available Now on AMAZON!!!

When a curious five-year-old Lenny Simpson finally convinced his mother to let him visit the mysterious tennis court behind his house in Wilmington, N.C., he walked through the gates of Dr. Hubert Eaton’s “black country club,” and his life was transformed. From that first day, when he met the great Althea Gibson and she gave him his first tennis racket, to the years of tournaments and training under the guidance of black tennis giants Dr. Eaton and Dr. R. Walter Johnson, to a meaningful friendship with the legendary Arthur Ashe, Lenny Simpson walked an extraordinary path in the company of greatness. His incredible story is marked by determination, vision, and a commitment to upholding the legacy of those who inspired him along the way.

Link to purchase 📕-https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Tennis-Legends-Lenny-Simpson/dp/B0BRM3NXMR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2L8NY6TS1KSSH&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+tennis+legends&qid=1674172464&sprefix=in+the+shadow+of+tennis+legends+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1

One Love Tennis, a program of the Lenny Simpson Tennis and Education Fund, in Wilmington, NC

12/11/2022

🏆Award of Honor recipient Lendward “Lenny” Simpson Jr. was an up-and-coming tennis player who had already played three times in what is now the U.S. Open when he accepted an academic and athletic scholarship to ETSU in 1968. He won four mixed doubles titles, was a quarter finalist in the NCAA tournament and played number one in singles and doubles throughout college. In addition to being named the Outstanding College Athlete in America in 1972, he was coach of the ETSU team from 1972-73. After graduating in 1973 with a degree in both psychology and physical education, he became director of tennis at a club in Bloomfield, Michigan, and helped run the Michigan Junior Development Program. In 1974, he turned pro and was the first Black player to play world Team Tennis. He went on to teach and administer tennis programs in Knoxville and his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina. In 2014, Simpson was inducted into the Black Tennis Hall of Fame and founded the award-winning non-profit One Love Tennis Foundation.

WATCH LENNY’S VIDEO HERE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59Dl9ZPcOSI

11/25/2022

Grateful and thankful….

As a retired professional tennis player, coach and program administrator, Lendward “Lenny” Simpson’s achievements and struggles have largely gone unnoticed and undocumented. Dedicated and committed…

11/25/2022

Thankful and grateful to be able to make an impact.

As a retired professional tennis player, coach and program administrator, Lendward “Lenny” Simpson’s achievements and struggles have largely gone unnoticed and undocumented. Dedicated and committed…