Susan (Shelby) Torrance passed away a few days ago (Feb 28) of adenocarcinoma according to her go fund me page. Born June 26, 1950, she was 75 years old.
Shelby was a member of the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame (2014). Her full bio is here. She was a stalwart on the USTA National Masters Women’s circuit and in the 35s was ranked one nationally. I remember playing her in my first 35s tournament and I got a lesson from her…I thought I had a high shot tolerance, but not compared to Shelby. In college she played #1 on the University of Texas women’s team. She was competed professionally in the 1970s and 1980s, earning a top 100 ranking and playing qualifying at Wimbledon, Roland Garros and the US Open.
Shelby was passionate about tennis. She served Director of Tennis and Contract Manager at the Al Kruse Municipal Tennis Center in Corpus Christi, taught players of all ages and abilities, and received numerous accolades from the USPTA Texas Section, the City of Corpus Christi, and the National Women’s Tennis Association.