Southern Methodist University (SMU) – Dallas, TX
4.7 Stars – Based on 217 User Reviews
SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (SMU)
Dallas, TX
Overnight, Full and half day camp options
Enjoy an incredible week of tennis this summer at the Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps at SMU in the heart of Dallas. What has quickly become one of the largest and most popular tennis camps in the US, the SMU camp hosts more than 400 kids a summer. Young players get a chance to train at one of the premier tennis facilities in the world under the direction of SMU Head Men’s Tennis Coach Grant Chen.
The SMU camp is the perfect preparation for young players looking to get more involved with playing tennis. Each camper receives personal attention, advanced teaching techniques, intensive drill work, and game/match play, all in a fun and competitive environment. Campers are broken up into small instructional groups with a tailored program for the needs of each level of player.
Brand New in 2025: Co-ed Residential Camp
Brand New in 2025, SMU will offer a Coed Residential Tennis Camp for young players, ages 12-18, looking to elevate their game and experience a residential collegiate experience. This new camp combines top-notch coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive, inclusive environment.
Designed for players of all skill levels, the program focuses on skill development, match strategy, and personal growth both on and off the court. Campers will enjoy comfortable residential accommodations, engaging group activities, and connecting with peers who share their passion for tennis. With expert instruction from experienced coaches, this camp promises to inspire and empower the next generation of tennis players.
Residential Camp: July 11-13, 2025
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAMP INCLUDE:
- Small instructional groups to ensure individual attention
- Comprehensive instructional program with daily teaching progressions
- Camp T-Shirt and prizes for all campers
- Camp demo program that includes all the latest Wilson rackets
- Safety prioritized on and off court
CAMP DETAILS
CAMP DATES:
Day Camps
- Three-Day Camp: May 27-29, 2025
- Session I: June 2-6, 2025
- Session II: June 9-13, 2025
- Session III: June 16-20, 2025
- Session IV: June 23-27, 2025
- Session V: August 4-August 8, 2025
Residential Camp
- Residential Camp: July 11-13, 2025
TIMES:
Day Camps
- Full Day Option: 9 am – 4 pm daily
- Half Day Option: 9 am – noon daily
Residential Camps
- Friday at Noon to Sunday at Noon
FEES:
3-Day Camp
-
3 Day Camp: Full Day $495
- 3 Day Camp: Half Day $375
Sessions I – V
- 5 Day Camp: Full Day $825
- 5 Day Camp: Half Day $625
Residential Camps
- Residential Camp: $995
AGES:
Day Camps
- Boys and Girls ages 7-18 of all skill levels.
Residential Camps
- Residential Camp for Boys and Girls ages 12-18 of all skill levels.
Camps are open to any and all and only restricted by age/grade and gender.
MORE INFORMATION
Inclement Weather:
- In the case of inclement weather, SMU has 6 indoor courts and we will have full use to these courts. As the camp runs better outdoors, we will shift our daily schedule in anticipation of rain to ensure we maximize our court time outdoors. Camp will proceed rain or shine each day.
Grouping:
- Kids are grouped by skill, age and experience. Often these groups change throught the course of the camp.
Swimming:
- This camp does not offer swimming as an option.
Camp Policies:
- Please make sure you read the camp polices HERE
Safety:
- Camp safety is our number one priority. All efforts are made to ensure that the kids are safe throughout the camp. Safety will be prioritized over tennis and activities when necessary. The camp, Wilson Sporting Goods, Premier Sports camps and its coaches and universities are not responsible for personal items brought to camp.
Camp Notes:
- NA
Pertinent Information
Times:
Day Camps
- Full Day Option: 9 am – 4 pm daily
- Half Day Option: 9 am – noon daily
Residential Camps
- Friday at Noon to Sunday at Noon
Camp Check-In:
Day Camps
- Check-in / Drop off Time: 8:45-9am daily
- Check-in / Drop off Location: Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex
- Check-in / Drop off Address: 5669 N Central Expressway Dallas Texas 75205
Residential Camps
- Check-in / Drop off Time: Noon Friday the 11th
- Check-in / Drop off Location: Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex
- Check-in / Drop off Address: 5669 N Central Expressway Dallas Texas 75205
Camp Check-Out:
Day Camps
- Check-in / Drop off Time: 4:00pm daily for Full Day Campers / 12:00pm daily for half day campers
- Check-in / Drop off Location: Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex
- Check-in / Drop off Address: 5669 N Central Expressway Dallas Texas 75205
Residential Camps
- Check-in / Drop off Time: Noon Sunday the 13th
- Check-in / Drop off Location: Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex
- Check-in / Drop off Address: 5669 N Central Expressway Dallas Texas 75205
Camp Dorm:
- TBA
Roommate Request:
- If you are attending the camp as an overnight camper, you can request a roommate at the time of enrollment. Should you need to change this request, please email the office. We can usually meet your request for one roommate; however, please remember that many parents have conflicting requests. (Player A requests Player B, and Player B requests Player C). We will do our very best to sort out these issues ahead of camp; however, if a mistake or change needs to be made at camp check-in, please let us know, and we will do everything in our power to make that change. Each dorm has a different setup. Some are doubles, triples, quads, and suites.
- If you want to have players in rooms next to each other, we will do our best to accommodate. Should you wish to room with more than one person, we will do everything in our power to arrange for this if the room level (double, triple, etc.…) allows it.
Meals:
- Full-Day Campers: Please pack a lunch each day. Snacks will be provided daily
- Half-Day Campers: No meals provided. Snacks will be provided daily.
Packing List:
Overnight Campers:
- Tennis Racket(s)
- Tennis Shoes
- Water Bottle
- Tennis Clothes
- Hat/Visors
- Casual Clothes
- Bath Towel
- Shower Towel
- Sun Screen
- Bedding (check pert info email for bed size)
- Toiletries
- Fan(s)
- Pillows
- Snack Food
- Spending Money (no $ is needed, but sometimes kids like to order pizza, t-shirts, vending etc.)
-
Signed Medical Form (dowload here – https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/camp-forms/)
- Signed Liabililty Form if you did not complete online during registraion (dowload here –https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/camp-forms/)
Day Campers:
- Tennis Racket(s)
- Tennis Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Hat / Visor
- Water Bottle
-
Signed Medical Form (dowload here – https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/camp-forms/)
- Signed Liabililty Form if you did not complete online during registraion (dowload here –https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/camp-forms/)
Discounts are available for the following:
- Faculty / Staff Discount (must email office from smu.edu email address)
- $50 off all camp options (Overnight, Full, or Half Day). Please email the office from smu.edu email address to receive the coupon code.
- No Discounts available for High School Boys or Girls weeks of camp
- NOTES:
- Campers that use the code and are not eligible will be responsible for the full amount.
- Limit 1 coupon per camper week.
FORMS & ACCOUNTS
Liability Forms:
- Your Liability Waiver was signed during the registration process and is complete as long as you registered online. If you did not sign up with an account online – this form can be downloaded at https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/camp-forms/
Medical Forms:
- Each camper must have a completed and signed medical form brought to check-in on the first day of camp. – Download Form here
A physical exam is not required for campers. If the camper needs medical or disability accommodations, including significant food allergies that require special meals, please email the office. This form can be downloaded at https://www.wilsontenniscamps.com/camp-forms/
My Account / Payments:
- To check if you have a remaining balance, you can access your account here.
MEET YOUR COACHES
Camp Director:
GRANT CHEN
HEAD MEN’S TENNIS COACH
SMU
Grant Chen has been SMU’s Head Men’s Tennis Coach since 2018 and is currently in the middle of his seventh season leading the Mustangs. In January 2023, he added the designation of Assistant A.D./Coach Representative. Chen is recognized as one of the nation’s top camp directors with over 20 years of tennis camp experience, having directed Bassett/Martin Tennis Camp in Big Bear, California, as well as UCLA Summer and Holiday Tennis Camps before starting his highly successful camp at SMU. He also heads the SMU Tennis After School Junior Program.
Under Chen’s leadership, the Mustangs have achieved remarkable success, including back-to-back AAC championships in 2022 and 2023, earning consecutive spots in the NCAA Tournament. Chen was named the AAC Coach of the Year in both seasons, and the 2022-23 campaign featured the AAC Player of the Year, three AAC All-Conference selections, and a NCAA selection to the Individual Championship—the first time since 2006. Chen remained heavily involved in the planning and production of the ATP’s Dallas Open.
Prior to coming to SMU, Chen was at UCLA, where he served Bruin Head Coach Billy Martin for over 15 years in a multitude of roles, ranging from team manager to associate head coach. For the final three seasons at UCLA, Chen served as Associate Head Coach, and, prior to that, he was Assistant Coach for three years. During Chen’s six seasons on Martin’s coaching staff, the Bruins posted a 149-28 record (.842) and reached the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Championships five times. The Bruins also collected four Pac-12 regular-season titles and three tournament trophies during Chen’s tenure.
Chen got his start with the Bruins as a student manager in 2001, playing a pivotal role in the organization and growth of Martin’s annual on-campus summer camp while fulfilling necessary off-court duties. The Bruins captured the NCAA title in 2005, Chen’s penultimate year in the role. His jack-of-all-trades skillset led to his hiring as Director of Operations upon his graduation from UCLA in 2006. He managed logistics, travel, equipment, and all home events, including ITA Kick-Off Weekend, NCAA Regionals, and the Southern California Intercollegiate Championships.
Camp Manager:
Ben Johnson
ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH
SMU
Ben Johnson has been with the SMU men’s tennis team since October 2017 and is entering his second season as the assistant coach. Prior to joining SMU, Johnson spent seven years as the head coach of the Richmond men’s tennis team.
In his first full season on the Hilltop, Johnson worked closely with legendary head coach Carl Neufeld to develop a group of seven newcomers, contributing to the program’s success.
Johnson brings extensive experience working with junior players, including his time at Birmingham’s Elite Tennis Academy (2008, 2009, 2010). In addition, he founded Revolution Tennis Academy in Summer 2007, coaching and developing over 20 juniors who earned Division I scholarships.
CAMP REVIEWS
This camp is Great. My son was a beginner and he learned quite a lot and he ended up liking it a lot. It is very good exercise for the kids, time very well spent. Thank you fir putting together this camp!
Great instruction from the coaches. My son felt like he really learned different techniques to up his game.
My daughter is enjoying the tennis camp so much that she asked me to remove her from her other camp and keep her in tennis for the whole summer.
The coaches create a happy, uplifting, encouraging atmosphere for the kids. Highly recommend.
My daughter enjoys going to the camp. She is exhausted at the end of the day. The coaches are engaging and teach her skills she can use to improve her tennis. The hours of the camp are good for working parents.
This is our daughter’s second summer doing camp at SMU. My daughter has so much fun! She loves tennis so getting to play all day along with the games, making friends and the great coaches and instruction make it very enjoyable! She loves it so much, we signed her up for a second session this summer!
My son had the greatest experience training with the SMU tennis team players. They were so positive and challenged the kids at the same time. It was a great environment and opportunity to give the kids a taste of what college tennis would be like. As an alumni of SMU, I also loved seeing my son training on my college campus. Great camp! Thank you!
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
The following schedules are sample schedules of our camps. These are provided to give a rough idea of how each camp is programmed throughout the day.
| TRADITIONAL WEEKS – DAILY SCHEDULE: | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 am | Registration, Check In, Opening Remarks |
| 9:15 a.m | Warm Up & Dynamic |
| 9:30am | Practice & Drill Session |
| 10:45 am | Snack Break |
| 11:00 am | Patterns, Match Strategy & Point Construction |
| 11:30 am | On Court Fitness Session (Tennis shoes fine) |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm | Team Huddle |
| 1:30 pm | Doubles Match Play |
| 2:15 pm | Singles Match Play |
| 3:45 pm | Cool Down & Closing Remarks |
| 4:00 pm | Departure |
The following schedules are sample schedules of our camps. These are provided to give a rough idea of how each camp is programmed throughout the day.
FACILITY
STYSLINGER/ALTEC TENNIS COMPLEX
To ensure the future success of SMU’s historic tennis program, a new SMU Tennis Complex, Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex opened in 2015. The new complex is a preeminent, top-tier facility located prominently on the south side of Mockingbird Lane at the corner of North Central Expressway, formerly the site of Mrs. Baird’s Bakery.
The new complex provides both indoor and outdoor courts as well as a training center for student athletes and coaches, ensuring that Mustang players can train year-round on campus. In addition, patron accommodations optimize comfort and viewing and include special guest amenities and a club area, providing an enhanced spectator experience.
Match-day parking for the SMU Tennis Complex is available on campus in the Binkley and Moody Parking Centers. We ask that visitors not park in the residential areas surrounding the facility or in Park Cities Plaza.
- Brookshire Family Pavilion including the six Ruth & Ken Altshuler indoor courts
- Turpin Stadium with six outdoor courts
- Permanent spectator seating that can be expanded to accommodate conference, national and professional tournaments
- The Styslinger Family Grand Viewing Terrace with VIP seating overlooking the outdoor courts
- Edwin L. Cox Club Suite with viewing access to the outdoor and indoor courts
- Training facility that includes team locker rooms, training and fitness rooms, meeting rooms and offices for coaches and staff.
