A Legacy of Service: E. L. “Leo” Mountjoy

The USTA Texas Tennis Foundation honors the life and legacy of E. L. “Leo” Mountjoy, who passed away on January 5, and whose years of leadership and service were instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s mission and strengthening tennis opportunities across the state of Texas.

Over many years of dedicated service, Mountjoy played a central role in shaping the Foundation’s direction. He served on its Board of Directors for many years and as President of the Board in 2004. During his tenure, he provided steady guidance and a clear sense of purpose, helping ensure that the Foundation remained focused on expanding access to tennis, supporting scholarships, and investing in programs that positively impact young people and communities throughout Texas.

As Foundation President, Mountjoy emphasized long-term growth and sustainability. He brought on Larry Eichenbaum as Executive Director with a clear focus on strengthening fundraising efforts and organizational capacity. Under his leadership, the Foundation launched several important initiatives, including the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Scholarship, created to expand the Museum and Hall of Fame’s outreach by supporting the education of a Texas tennis player. Mountjoy also introduced the Texas Tennis Foundation Junior Competitive Player Travel Reimbursement Grant, designed to assist competitive junior players with travel expenses. That program remains in existence today and has helped support Texas junior players for more than 20 years.

Mountjoy was widely respected for his integrity and candor. He was not afraid to ask tough questions or challenge assumptions, always with the goal of strengthening the organization and ensuring the Foundation remained true to its mission. His thoughtful leadership sharpened decision-making and reinforced a culture of accountability, care, and purpose.

Beyond the Foundation, Mountjoy’s impact on Texas tennis spanned more than 25 years of volunteer service. He served on the Dallas Tennis Association’s Junior Excellence Board in the early 1980s and later as Vice President and President of the Dallas Tennis Association. At the state level, he held numerous leadership roles within the USTA Texas, including Treasurer, President, and Delegate, and served as a member of the Texas Executive Committee beginning in 1986. He also chaired the Texas Junior Tennis Council for nearly five years, where he played a key role in expanding junior development opportunities.

Mountjoy was a visionary advocate for grassroots tennis. He helped initiate early after-school tennis programs through the Dallas Tennis Association, laying important groundwork for expanding youth access to the sport. He also led the growth of recreational tennis programs across Texas, including tripling participation in Junior Team Tennis during his tenure as Texas Tennis Association President. His service extended nationally as well, including multiple volunteer roles on USTA committees and two elected terms on the USTA Nominating Committee.  

His commitment to volunteerism and leadership was recognized in 1994 when he received the W. T. Caswell Award, one of the highest honors presented by USTA Texas for exemplary service.

Outside of tennis, Mountjoy had a distinguished professional career in rail transportation and served as Executive Director of the North American Rail Shippers Association for more than 20 years.

Those who worked alongside Mountjoy remember him as a principled leader who believed deeply in tennis as a vehicle for opportunity, character, and community. His legacy lives on through the USTA Texas Tennis Foundation’s ongoing work and through the countless lives touched by the programs he helped guide, build, and sustain.