As many STC members already know, Tennis Center Supervisor Landon Sheat will soon be leaving the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club to relocate to Kansas City, Missouri. His final day with the Club will be March 26, ending four years of dedicated service and leadership.
Landon’s connection with the Club began shortly after he moved to SaddleBrooke from Kansas City while recovering from back surgery. At the time, he could barely walk, making traditional tennis impossible. He joined the Club as a POP Tennis member and quickly found the POP community to be fun, welcoming, and supportive. That early sense of inclusion played an important role in shaping his passion for the Club and its members.
Not long after joining, Landon applied for the position of Tennis Center Coordinator as the long‑time supervisor of 24 years was retiring. He was hired by then Board President Mary Zimmerman and, within six months, was promoted to supervisor. Landon credits the other coordinators, calling them phenomenal and acknowledging their positive influence on him.
During his four years at the SaddleBrooke Tennis Center—three and a half of them as supervisor—Landon handled countless behind‑the‑scenes responsibilities that many members never see. He worked closely with the Board of Directors, supported the daily operations of the tennis office, and helped guide the Club through significant changes. One of the most notable transitions during his tenure was the implementation of the Court Reserve management system, a major step forward in modernizing Club operations.
As Tennis Coordinator, Landon’s primary goal was to make the tennis office a welcoming place while continuing to grow the Club. He has a deep appreciation for what the Tennis Club brings to the SaddleBrooke community. “It’s all about progress,” he has said, emphasizing the importance of honoring long‑standing traditions while also integrating new ideas. He believed strongly that the Club could respect its rules and bylaws while still maintaining a sense of fun and community.
One of Landon’s proudest accomplishments was coordinating the April 2024 tournament that brought together POP and tennis players of every level. The event was widely remembered as a wonderful weekend of connection and camaraderie. A particularly meaningful moment occurred when the widow of one of the Club’s long‑time tennis players presented medals on Sunday, a gesture that underscored the close‑knit spirit of the community. Landon also valued the opportunity to work closely with Mike Dunbar during that tournament, shortly before Mike became President of the Board.
A lifelong tennis player, Landon often described the sport as “beautiful” and credited it with contributing to his health and vitality. He expressed hope that STC will continue to grow and thrive at SaddleBrooke and that the Club will keep building on the strong foundation already in place. He would like to be remembered for his love of the Tennis Club and his genuine desire to see it flourish.
Board President Mike Dunbar reflected on Landon’s impact by describing him as the “heartbeat” of the SaddleBrooke Tennis Center. He noted Landon’s strong work ethic, people skills, and dedication, all of which made him an invaluable asset to the Club.
While leaving SaddleBrooke will not be easy, Landon is looking forward to reconnecting with family, friends, and the LGBTQ community in Kansas City. True to form, he hopes to introduce POP tennis to his new community as well.
Landon’s contributions have left a lasting impression on the SaddleBrooke Tennis Club, and he will be warmly remembered by members and staff alike.
Vacant Tucson stores could transform into new housing
