A life built around the game

Ed's Story

Ed chose tennis over law—and spent the next five decades teaching, mentoring and building community through the sport he loved.

A young Ed Brune playing tennis in 1963 Ed Brune celebrating on a tennis court
1964

The moment that changed everything

He chose a life in tennis over a life in law.

After earning a master's degree in political science and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati, Ed was driving to his first day at a Cincinnati law firm when he pulled over and called to say he would not be coming in. He had decided to pursue his passion instead.

“I don't think I'll be coming in today; I've decided to pursue my passion instead.”

A lasting Indiana legacy

Tennis was the vehicle. People were the purpose.

Working with the DeVoe family and other tennis supporters in Indianapolis, Ed helped found the Indianapolis Racquet Club. Through the IRC and organizations including the USTA, CITA, USPTA and NJTL, he shared the game with thousands of children and adults throughout the Midwest.

He believed the sport could teach discipline, confidence, humility, sportsmanship and respect. Those lessons—and the relationships formed around them—became his enduring contribution to Indiana tennis.

The Fund carries that work forward by supporting young people who demonstrate Ed's love of tennis, commitment to continual self-improvement and respect for others.

Early Ed Video

Teaching generations

He taught more than strokes and strategy.

Players remembered Ed for the way he taught the game: patient, encouraging and demanding in the best sense of the word. He believed tennis could shape character as much as skill.

That spirit lives at the center of the Fund. Scholarships are meant to honor not only achievement, but also growth, sportsmanship, enthusiasm and respect for other people.

Ed Brune teaching a young tennis player
On court, Ed was always teaching.
Ed Brune reading to students
Off court, he brought the same care and energy to young people in the community.
Ed Brune accepting an award in 2005
Ed's impact on Indiana tennis was widely recognized.
Ed Brune with young tennis players at the Indianapolis Racquet Club
Friends and students remember his warmth, humor and generosity.

Leadership and community

His influence reached far beyond a single court.

Ed helped shape the tennis culture of Indianapolis and the broader Midwest, but the true measure of his legacy is personal. He made people feel seen, supported and capable of more than they expected from themselves.

That is why the Fund exists today: to carry his values forward in a practical way for the next generation of players.

More than tennis

There was more to Ed than what happened inside the lines.

Ed's personality, curiosity and joy came through in every room he entered. Music was another part of his life, and the piano video below offers a glimpse of the warmth and personality family and friends knew beyond the tennis court.

Ed Brune speaking at a family celebration
Ed speaking at a family celebration.

In Ed's memory, get out and play—or support—tennis.