(Sadly, two of her children, Randy and Cliff, passed away in the 1990’s.) Once they retired to Newport Beach in the early 1980’s, her five grandchildren, Brittany, Laura, Lauren, Skye, and Katie became the joyful focus of her life. ![]() Together they raised four children – Randy, Cliff, Tracy and Lisa – in the Hollywood Hills. She was married to architect, Frank Schneider, for 68 years. Schneider, who was born in New York, but grew up in Santa Monica, passed away peacefully from natural causes. She was also a member of the initial SCTA Senior Hall of Fame induction class in 2009. In 2003, she was named the inaugural USTA Barbara Williams Leadership Award recipient. The SCTA presented her with its first Lifetime Achievement Award in 1984. The International Tennis Federation saluted her dedication, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame did the same, honoring her with the prestigious Samuel Hardy Award.ĭuring her time in tennis, she achieved a number of firsts other than the National 45 doubles victory. The USTA presented her with the Service Bowl in 1978 and the Seniors’ Service Award in 1987. In 1990, she received an SCTA Service Award. I also think that ranking couldn’t do without her.” Pat Yeomans, the author of the preeminent book on local tennis history titled “Southern California Tennis Champions Centennial 1887-1987”, pointed out, “Carol could really play, but her knees fell apart. In addition, Schneider captained the Women’s 40 Young Cup team in international competition for 17 years. In 1981, she and Vilma Gordon were the National Women’s 50 Grass Court double winners. She teamed with Catherine Duke to claim the first National Women’s 45 Indoor doubles title in 1974, and with Dodo Cheney for the 1977 National Women’s 50 Grass Court trophy. She won the Open doubles with Evelyn Houseman, as well as the Women’s 40 doubles with Phyllis Adler. Her performance at the 1968 National Public Parks Championships verified her playing skill. ![]() She was ranked as a junior in Southern California and also nationally. Given her administrative background, few realized how good she was on court. In addition, she chaired the Women’s Events – International Committee, and served on the USTA Long Range Planning Committee, Event Representative for Women’s 35 tournaments on the Adult & Senior Competition Committee and was honorary Chairman of the USTA International Senior Competition Committee. These qualities led her to become a member and in time, the Chairman of the USTA Nominating Committee, which is a demanding responsibility. Her philosophy was simple – problems have solutions that can be found. Given her career in the game, she had every right to feel self-important, but then that just wasn’t Carol Schneider.Ī long-serving member of the Southern California Tennis Association Board of Directors, her composure earned praise particularly during the time spent as Vice-President of the organization. Even more noteworthy, her ego never played a role in her work. She analyzed situations and communicated directly. Parents and players would agree with those who served on her ranking committees – she was thorough, practical and precise.įor an individual who spent so much time in the sport, 40 years to be exact, Schneider was a tennis exception. In time, she headed the group, and stressed the importance of evaluating players fairly in a sensible manner. When the USTA discovered she had these unrivaled talents, Schneider was made a member of the national ranking committee. ![]() She was always looking ahead, preparing to deal with the restiveness that was present in the ranking process. She came up with formulas that improved the overall ranking program. The ranking system used in Southern California, before computers took on the task, was a product of Schneider’s painstaking efforts. Though she would never consider her years of involvement in the sport anything more than fulfilling a long-standing commitment, Carol Schneider worked tirelessly, and never sought to be in the limelight, while bringing about change. On Saturday, March 3rd, Southern California tennis and actually the game itself lost a legend. Carol Schneider with Henry Talbert at US Open
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