Arlene Clark, affectionately known as “Grandma Tennis,” passed away on July 16, 2023, at the age of 88. Clark was a beloved figure in Vancouver’s tennis community, renowned for her dedication to coaching and mentoring young players. Her legacy includes the Arlene Clark Scholarship Fund, which has provided significant support for emerging tennis talent at the Vancouver Tennis Center (VTC).
Celebrating a Life of Dedication to Tennis
On June 9, 2023, VTC honored Clark by renaming its prominent Court 5 in her name. She attended the dedication ceremony, which celebrated her over 50 years of service as a teacher, coach, and mentor. The Pacific Northwest Tennis Centers commemorated her contributions on social media, stating, “For over 50 years, Arlene served as a teacher, coach, and mentor — shaping generations of players with her passion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the game.”
According to her obituary published on legacy.com, Clark was born on May 14, 1937, in Tacoma, Washington. She married her husband, Calvin Clark, in 1960, and they settled in Vancouver in 1968. Alongside her tennis career, she taught chemistry and microbiology at Clark College while actively coaching and playing at VTC.
Clark’s influence extended beyond the court. She coached at several institutions, including Hudson’s Bay High School and a year at the University of Portland. Her most significant impact began in 2000 when she initiated the scholarship fund aimed at helping young players continue their tennis journey.
A Lasting Legacy Through the Scholarship Fund
In a 2018 interview with The Columbian, Clark reflected on her own experiences with scholarships during a time when societal norms did not support women in sports. She stated, “I kept thinking, ‘someday I want to give back because this has really changed my life.’” From its humble beginnings, the scholarship fund has grown substantially, distributing over $50,000 in scholarships from 2006 to 2018.
The program gained momentum in 2019 after becoming affiliated with the USTA Pacific Northwest section. In 2024, the fund distributed more than $30,000 to 219 youths, allowing them to experience tennis when they might not have had the opportunity otherwise. The USTA Pacific Northwest acknowledged Clark’s enduring impact, stating, “Arlene’s impact lives on in every player she inspired and every opportunity the scholarship provides.”
Kevin Young, who served as Director of Tennis at VTC from 1996 to 2007, described Clark as a “Clark County hero and VTC legend,” emphasizing her immeasurable contributions to the community and the sport of tennis.
Arlene Clark is survived by her husband of 65 years, Calvin, their son Brian, daughter Debbie, and their families. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the USTA-PNW for the Arlene Clark Scholarships for Youth at Vancouver Tennis Center. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. on August 16, 2023, at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver, located at 7801 N.E. Greenwood Drive.
