The Southern California tennis community has lost more than a Hall of Famer; it has lost one of its most enduring spirits. Annette Buck, the longtime former Director of Adult and Senior Tennis for USTA Southern California, passed away on February 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the baseline and into the very heart of the sport she loved. 

Widely regarded as one of the foundational figures in Southern California tennis, Annette’s influence was woven into the very fabric of the region. A resident of Woodland Hills and a proud graduate of USC (after attending USD), she was preceded in death by her husband Jim Buck—a captain of the 1958 USC national championship tennis team and her lifelong partner in both love and tennis—who passed away in November 2022. Together, they formed a partnership defined by a shared commitment to the sport, moving through life with a mission to make tennis more accessible, organized, and deeply rooted in community, embodying the true meaning of a tennis family.

A Lifelong Calling

For Annette and Jim, tennis was never just a career; it was a calling that defined their lives together. A ranked junior herself, Annette’s journey into the heart of the sport deepened when she married Jim, a math teacher and tennis coach at Van Nuys High School. Before joining USTA SoCal, Annette’s leadership skills were honed in a different arena: she owned and operated an elementary school in Woodland Hills. That educator’s heart stayed with her throughout her tennis career.

Together, the Bucks became the architects of the region’s tennis infrastructure. Starting in the mid-1960s, the couple spent eight years running the Valley Junior Tournament, beginning a decades-long mission to bridge the gap between young enthusiasts and the formal world of competitive play.

One of their most meaningful and lasting legacies was the founding of the San Fernando Valley Patrons group. At a time when grassroots support was essential for growing junior and amateur tennis, this group became a driving force behind local programs, tournaments, and player development. Under the Bucks’ leadership, the Patrons forged a connection between enthusiasts, families, and formal tennis organizations, creating a vital support network that elevated the sport across the entire Valley. Beyond the trophies, the group fostered a deep sense of community, producing lifelong friends and future leaders such as former USTA SoCal President Bob Hochstadter, coach Richard Gallien, and collegiate player Rob Hinkle.

Annette possessed a rare “gift for organization” that she carried everywhere, from the courts of Southern California to the Wianno Club on Cape Cod, where the family spent their summers. Whether she was managing the complexity of a tournament draw or the daily operations of a club, she did so with a trademark smile. She was the rare leader who could handle the most intricate logistics while ensuring that every player felt seen and every match felt important. Through her tireless work, she didn’t just organize events; she built a community.

“Annette was always there, always positive,” recalls longtime former USTA SoCal Executive Director Bob Kramer, who hired Buck in the mid-1980s. “We were able to work things out where she would work from back east during the summertime. It was a full-time deal but for nine months. Kind of like a school teacher. And it just worked.” 

Once she became the Director Adult and Senior Tennis, Kramer said, Annette found her true calling. “She was one of the great performers and always got the job done no matter what it took,” he said. “She just made things happen and was always so pleasant, but also so professional. She was a real pro. No complaints, no excuses. She just made things happen.”

The Magic of Ojai: A Labor of Love

Annette’s influence was felt most deeply in the quiet moments of mentorship and her tireless volunteerism, particularly at the historic Ojai Tennis Tournament. For over 20 years, she was a fixture at the event, where she found a kindred spirit in Anne Williamson. More than just colleagues, the two were close friends who shared a deep reverence for the tournament’s traditions. Williamson relied on both Annette’s professional expertise and her steady friendship to run the men’s and women’s open divisions. 

In the days before computers, Annette worked alongside Caroline Thacher to draw the tournament brackets by hand. It was a meticulous “labor of love” that required not just a sharp mind for logistics, but a deep, personal respect for every player entering the draw.

“Annette loved Ojai,” Williamson said. “Even after she retired from the SCTA [USTA SoCal], Annette still enjoyed coming up to Ojai and helping with the Open divisions. I can’t think of anyone else who dedicated their life more to the game of tennis.” 

For Annette, the “magic of Ojai” wasn’t just about the competition; it was about the lifelong bond she shared with Anne and the opportunity to return year after year to offer her wisdom and her heart to the community they both loved.

A Friend Beyond the Baseline

Annette’s life was defined by harmony, both on and off the court. Outside of tennis, she was a woman of vibrant interests; she loved to travel and was a devoted fan of folk and Irish music. She was also an avid birdwatcher. Whether she was on a quiet vacation or in the middle of running a high-stakes tournament, she almost always had her binoculars close by—usually resting right on the tournament desk.

For Linda Milan, USTA SoCal Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Director of the SCTA Foundation, Annette was a steady, transformative presence and a cherished friend of more than 40 years.

“I met Annette at Warner Center Tennis Club shortly after I moved to SoCal,” Linda recalls. “Our tennis styles were different—she liked to play conservatively from the baseline while I liked to serve and volley and hit overheads. Despite that, we became fast friends.”

That friendship eventually turned into a professional partnership. “Annette is the reason I am working at USTA Southern California,” Linda says. “I was happily not working and playing lots of golf when a position became available. Annette suggested I get back in the workforce. Since I had done a little volunteer work and knew tennis, it was natural for me to work at the USTA.”

Championing the Game for All

Upon retiring in 2016, Annette left behind a landscape she had personally transformed. She created the Southern California Intercollegiate Championships, a premier team event for DI schools, and established the Senior Men’s North/South Challenge in Fresno—a fierce but friendly annual tradition where players met every October to compete and share their lives.

She was also a tireless advocate for the National Intersectional Senior Women’s Championships. Colleen Clery Ferrell, who has captained the team since 2015, credits her success to Annette’s mentorship: “Annette was very patient as she guided me through understanding the player selection process and my role,” Ferrell shared. “I looked up to Annette, admired her straightforward approach, and appreciated her giving me a chance to prove myself. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with her and observe all she did.”

A Legacy of Service and Inclusion

Annette’s dedication to tennis was very much a family affair. The Buck name became synonymous with service to the sport, volunteering time, energy, and resources to support players and events at every level. That shared commitment did not go unnoticed. In 1985, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) honored the Bucks as the National Family of the Year, a tribute that recognized more than just their presence on the court; it honored a lifetime of quiet, transformative impact. For Annette and Jim, tennis was never merely a pastime. Their very identity was woven into the fabric of the game, their legacy as permanent and essential to the Southern California tennis scene as the courts themselves.

Her daughter, Cari Buck, is a longtime wheelchair tennis coach and advocate for the sport and currently serves as the Director of Tennis at the Griffin Club in Beverly Hills, while her son, Jim, is an attorney in Massachusetts. 

Within Southern California, a region known for producing top-tier tennis talent, Annette’s vision was one of radical inclusion. She was a pioneer who believed the joy of the game belonged to everyone, regardless of ability. She worked hand-in-hand with Brad Parks to establish the International Wheelchair Tennis Open. Through decades of involvement, she ensured that young players and adaptive athletes alike had the foundation and encouragement they needed to thrive.

In recognition of her lifetime of service, Annette was honored with the Southern California Tennis Association (SCTA) Lifetime Achievement Award and, in 2017, induction into the SCTA Hall of Fame. These honors cemented her legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the region.

As the National Tennis Women’s Organization recently noted, “Annette leaves behind more than just awards; she leaves a community that is stronger, more inclusive, and more connected because of her tireless work ethic and her genuine care for others.” 

Annette Buck didn’t just witness the history of Southern California tennis; she helped write it. She shaped a vibrant culture that will continue to benefit players and fans for generations to come.

Celebration of Life

For details regarding her celebration of life, please contact Cari Buck at cbuck10s@gmail.com.