Fort Worth coach helps stranded Panhandle team get to state tennis tournament
The Canyon Eagles were making the long drive from the Panhandle to the UIL state team tennis tournament in Waco when the team’s bus ran into mechanical issues in Fort Worth.
When things seemed dire, Fort Worth North Side tennis coach Jose Lopez stepped in to lend a hand.
After obtaining permission from Fort Worth ISD, the coach didn’t just lend the team a school bus, he drove the Eagles down to the Waco Regional Tennis Center.
Canyon then cruised past Texarkana Pleasant Grove 10-0 in the Class 4A semifinals Wednesday to advance to the state championship match, where the Eagles lost to Wimberley 10-5 on Thursday at Hurd Tennis Center at Baylor University.
Fort Worth ISD thanked Lopez on Facebook for his generosity.
“In a remarkable act of kindness, Fort Worth ISD North Side High School tennis coach [Lopez] didn’t hesitate to step in,” the post said. “FWISD is honored to have a coach who embodies teamwork, hospitality, and the welcoming spirit of Fort Worth. Way to go, Coach Lopez, for going above and beyond for these students!”
This story was originally published October 23, 2025 at 1:35 PM.
