VC Mourns Loss of Former Tennis Player/Coach Brad McClain

After a nearly three-year battle against cancer, former VC men's tennis conference champion and state champion assistant coach Brad McClain died Nov. 21, 2023, at his home in Ventura. He was 61. | ORIGINAL RELEASE

McClain most recently coached nine seasons assisting Nelson Emery with the Pirates' men's and women's tennis teams from 2008 to 2017. Co-Head Coach would probably be a more appropriate title as McClain was at the center of an ultimately successful time for Pirate tennis. During his tenure with the programs, the Pirates won two 3C2A men's state championships, 2008 and 2010, produced a state singles champion and three state doubles champions with the men, and two WSC singles champions and a 3C2A state singles champions with the women. Additionally, VC finished atop the Western State Conference standings eight times on the men's side and won the 2012 women's conference crown. VC's men's tennis team was also named the CCCAA State Scholar team in 2013 while finishing second at the state finals.

Ventura College was special to McClain. He played for the Pirates in 1981 and 1982, winning the WSC singles championship as a sophomore. McClain used Ventura College to move on to Westmont College in Montecito were he played on two nationally ranked teams, finishing ninth and fifth in the country, respectfully. He received his business degree from Westmont College in 1985.

Bradley Reed McClain was born April 22, 1962 in Oxnard, CA to Jack and Reedean McClain. Shortly after his birth, his family returned to Ventura. He grew up attending local schools and graduated from Ventura High School (VHS) in 1980.

Brad was probably best known for his involvement in tennis. His almost lifelong relationship with a 2-ounce, fuzzy, green ball began the moment his father, Jack, handed his preteen son a racquet. A family membership at the newly opened Pierpont Racquet Club (PRC) gave 15-year-old Brad a venue for growing his game, an experience that had a formative impact on his life.

After college graduation, Brad worked for a few years in Ventura's business community. But tennis beckoned, and he joined the PRC staff as a tennis instructor in the early 1990's, eventually becoming the Junior Tennis Co-Director with longtime area tennis coach/director and friend, Emery. Around 2010 Brad became the club's Tennis Director; and from 2020 onward, he was the Maintenance Director. 

Additionally, Brad had coaching stints at several Ventura schools, including Ventura High School for three years; five seasons at Foothill Technology High School where his daughter, Alyssa, was on the girl's team, and nine years at VC. Brad also coached his son, Brendan, who received a full-ride scholarship to Boise State University and a place on the school's men's tennis team.

PRC General Partner Spencer Garrett said that Brad was also "almost the father of pickleball" at the PRC and was instrumental in establishing the sport at the club in 2018.

In November 2021, Brad notified Garrett that he was retiring for health reasons, saying in email that he had "spent over half my life at the PRC. Very difficult for me to step away but I must."

Brad was also a passionate outdoorsman with a profound love of fishing, especially fly fishing. Crowley Lake, Owens River, Lake Casitas, Pyramid, and the San Joaquin River were his favorite spots. In addition to teaching and coaching tennis, Brad periodically worked as a fishing guide, starting with the Sierra Drifters Guide Service around 2005. Around 2010, he and fellow fishing guide Mickey Barron launched their own enterprise, Crowley Lake Guide Service. Brad and Barron shared duties for a few years, then Brad shifted his full focus back to tennis.

Doug Rodricks, the current owner of Sierra Drifters, said in his Nov. 29th online Eastern Sierra Fishing Report that Brad was "...a positive force when it came to fly fishing and life in general."

Brad was a focused individual, hardworking, and devoted to his family. He had what were arguably some of life's most significant roles: son, brother, husband, father, friend, mentor, athlete. And in facing the disease that claimed his life, he was one tough hombre. His was a life rich in family, friendship, and experience. His was a life well lived.

Brad was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Reedean McClain (Ventura), and nephew Tralee Ariel McClain (Portland, OR).

Brad is survived by his wife Marion Toohey McClain (Ventura); son Brendan McClain (Las Vegas, NV); daughter Alyssa McClain (Ventura); brothers Kelly McClain (Pacific City, OR) and Jerry McClain (Temple, TX); sisters Darice Snider (Ventura) and Julie Snider (Portland, OR); sister-in-law Elizabeth Enoch (Ventura); brother-in-law Brian Toohey (Ventura); several nieces and nephews; and a great many treasured friends.

Brad's family is grateful for the expertise of the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, and offers special thanks to Brad's hospice care team: Jacqui (RN), Amy (SW), and Gonzalo for their kindness and compassionate care.

A memorial service for Brad will be held on Feb. 3, 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Pierpont Racquet Club, 500 San Jon Road, Ventura.