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Russell Moorhead never imagined that his wife taking a job at Boise Racquet and Swim Club would redirect the next three decades of his life. What started as a casual transition from one court to another in his late 30s evolved into a deep commitment that now spans generations—with hopes that his grandchildren will one day learn the game on the same courts where his children grew up.

“My wife got a job here 30 years ago, and because she had a job here, I started playing,” recalls Moorhead, now President of the Board. “I transitioned from basketball to tennis, and I’ve been here as a member for 30 years.”

His story reflects the unique draw of this community-centered club, where relationships often span decades and recreational pursuits become lifelong passions. For Mike Gaffaney, who joined as General Manager six months ago after relocating from the Pacific Northwest, this atmosphere was immediately apparent.

“What drew me here is the community,” Gaffaney explains. “It has that feel of a second home, family. Everybody knows each other by their first names. You don’t get that a lot in other types of clubs and organizations.”

More Than Recreation

What sets Boise Racquet and Swim Club apart is its intentional approach to serving diverse skill levels and interests. An informal survey revealed that the club maintains an unusual 50-50 split between competitive and social players—a balance that speaks to its welcoming culture.

“We’re intentional about creating programs for those that enjoy the social aspect, but also we’re mindful of making sure we have competitive tournaments and clinics at a high level,” Gaffaney notes. The club’s programming extends from elite junior development to grassroots instruction, ensuring tennis remains accessible regardless of experience.

While tennis remains the foundation, recent strategic expansion has strengthened the overall member experience. The decision to extend pool season from May through September capitalizes on Idaho’s prime outdoor months, while upgraded dining facilities transformed a simple snack bar into a full-service grill.

“That was a game changer because it allows us to have more social interaction beyond tennis,” Moorhead explains.

Building for Generations

The club’s recent capital improvement project, supported by First Federal Bank, exemplifies how local partnerships drive meaningful progress. The project included covering two additional outdoor courts to create year-round indoor play, bringing the total to 14 indoor courts.

“The banking relationship is really important,” Gaffaney emphasizes. “I really like the fact that First Federal is a local organization and local bank. They respond—all those things from a business standpoint that you want from an organization you’re partnering with.”

Moorhead echoes this sentiment: “First Federal helped us greatly in supporting our capital improvement project. They’ve been extremely good at working with us and keeping our daily operations going.”

Both leaders stress that the club’s welcoming atmosphere requires deliberate effort and ongoing attention to member needs. “We’re intentional about engaging with members daily,” Gaffaney explains. “We’re intentional about learning their names and getting to know them.”

This approach extends to programming decisions, where member feedback drives continuous improvement. The emphasis on youth development remains central to long-term sustainability, with programs ranging from beginner instruction to advanced competitive training.

“We want to focus on keeping members involved in what’s going on, not only here but in the community,” Moorhead explains, reflecting on the club’s role in hosting events like the Idaho State High School Tennis Championships.

As Moorhead looks toward the future, his vision remains personal and generational. “I would really love to see my grandchildren grow up playing tennis here. My kids grew up playing tennis and swimming here—I want my grandkids to do the same thing.”

It’s a sentiment that captures the essence of what makes this club special—the understanding that some decisions, like a wife taking a job or a husband picking up a racquet, can reshape not just individual lives but entire family legacies.

For more information about Boise Racquet and Swim Club, visit boisetennis.com