Sbeing active can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when those rainy months roll around. With major indoor sports facilities such as Steamboat Tennis and Athletic Club (STAC) in Olympia, you can easily find fun ways to keep moving, connect and stay fit. STAC is currently in the process of opening a new athletic facility in addition to their long-standing tennis club, so more health and wellness opportunities are just around the corner. Stop by today for a tour and start your health journey for a special registration fee of $49!
The Olympic Tennis and Athletic Club fulfills a lifelong dream
STAC owner and founder Drake Nicholson has been a lifelong tennis player and an avid community member. As a child, Drake was introduced to the wonderful world of tennis at the age of 12. His parents, Larry and Marlene, enjoyed spending time together as a family on the tennis courts and inspired him to pursue tennis competitively.
“I started playing in high school and then continued playing for two years Centralia College”, recalls Drake. “I continued that over the years and joined USTA tournaments and leagues and met so many great people.” He continued his parents’ family’s transition into his own parenting so that his daughters Natalie and Noelle could reap the same benefits from this open and welcoming sport.
Noelle thoroughly enjoyed the connections and challenges of high school tennis, and Natalie continued to pursue tennis in college. “She still plays in USTA leagues, and when she moved to Austin, she immediately had a great network of tennis players and friends,” says Drake.
After raising his family on Steamboat Island, Drake saw a real need to bring recreation to Steamboat and the surrounding communities. “I wanted people to have a place to recreate and connect closer to home,” he says. “I think people need more things to do that are good for the family to enjoy together.”
Coming from and raising a tennis family himself, Drake knew firsthand what an amazing impact a tennis club could have on such a tight-knit and inclusive community like Steamboat Island. It would open up opportunities for families to strengthen their bonds by joining a common activity. He set out with a vision to bring a premier health and wellness experience to the community he loved by building a new tennis and athletic club.
In 2004, Drake secured the property for the facilities and worked hard for many years to open the club. After 11 years of permitting, development and construction, the Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club was finally able to open its tennis club doors. Drake’s father Larry sadly passed away in 2009 before the building was built, but his mother Marlene got a chance to see the interior before she passed away in March 2015.
Today, Drake continues their legacy and inspiration through an annual USTA Memorial Tournament, which will take place January 13-15, 2023. Drake hopes that the start of 2023 will also bring the opening of the new athletic club, which is currently in the final stages of approval. Although his parents never got the chance to see this beautiful addition, he knows they would be proud of the hard work his team put into making this dream a reality.
Stay connected and active with the Steam Tennis and Athletics Club
Although the athletic club is not yet open, STAC’s premier indoor tennis club has plenty to keep you happy and healthy all year round. The spacious tennis clubhouse features four fully enclosed tennis courts, two of which have permanent pick-up lines for the newest craze in the sporting community. Group classes run throughout the week to help new players and seasoned tennis enthusiasts master new skills, all while making friends along the way.
For those looking for more personalized instruction, the professional tennis team are available for private lessons to support children and adults to get into this exciting and engaging sport. STAC also hosts a number of tournaments throughout the year, which is the perfect opportunity for competitive players to take their game to the next level and for spectators to come and show their support from the comfort of the viewing area.
However, STAC is much more than a sports club. While tennis is their game, their main goal is to foster stronger relationships within the community and provide fun activities for the whole family. The bonds we build through our hobbies are ones that can last a lifetime, and Drake has seen that firsthand in his tennis career. The friends and connections he has made over the years have brought great joy to his life, so he wanted to create a space for others to find the same. His vision in opening the new athletic club is to promote good fitness that welcomes community members of all ages so they can find health and wellness right at their back door. With a heated indoor pool, industry-leading fitness equipment, a playful childcare center and a health-conscious café, this new addition will provide everything you need to stay healthy all in one place. .
Join the Steam Tennis and Athletics Club and experience a new way of wellness
At Steamboat Tennis & Athletic Club, you can achieve the healthy lifestyle you want with the support you deserve. Peers and staff are eager to build the community and can’t wait to welcome you too! Tours of both facilities are available, so stop by the tennis club during regular business hours to see this beautiful addition to the Steamboat community.
In preparation for the new gym, STAC is promoting a special $49 registration for all memberships so you can easily jump in on the fun. Call 360.539.7877 today to learn more about membership options and discover what STAC life has to offer or visit Steamboat Tennis and Athletic Club Web page.
Steamboat Tennis and Athletic Club
3505 Steamboat Island Road NW, Olympia
360.539.7877
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