Awards

March 2013

Court Construction and Maintenance: Annual Excellence

The USTA’s Outstanding Facility Awards Program recognizes excellent facilities every year. Each year the USTA honors tennis facilities that meet criteria that includes overall excellence in such areas as site layout, accommodations, aesthetics, amenities and programs that support the... (Click here to read more...)

Court Construction and Maintenance: Annual excellence

The USTA’s Outstanding Facility Awards Program recognizes excellent facilities every year. (Click here to read more...)

January 2013

Person of the Year: Susan Dibiase

It’s tough trying to find out information on Susan DiBiase. The director of marketing for Babolat in the U.S. just doesn’t like talking about herself or her accomplishments. In fact, she’s very adept at deflecting the conversation away from... (Click here to read more...)

Private Facility of the Year: Life Time fitness

Bigger isn’t always better. But Life Time Fitness, this year’s Private Facility of the Year, proves that better can be contained within bigger. America’s largest manager of indoor tennis facilities counts among its current roster 105 fitness clubs —... (Click here to read more...)

Stringer of the Year: John Gugel

About 40 years ago, John Gugel designed a one-piece molded tennis racquet with a foam core. “I wasn’t a tennis player at the time,” he says. “I was working in the plastics molding business. A friend was associated with... (Click here to read more...)

Builder/Contractor of the Year: Baseline sports construction

In 1982, Empire Recreational Surfaces, a small construction company in Knoxville, Tenn., started resurfacing tennis courts. Company personnel quickly recognized the need for quality court construction from the ground up, and began perfecting the art of building and maintaining... (Click here to read more...)

Sales Rep of the Year: Joe Habenschuss

Over the 30 years that Joe Habenschuss has been in sales (13 of those with Head), he’s seen trends come and go. But when it comes to finding what’s most effective for moving product from manufacturer, to retailer, to... (Click here to read more...)

Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year: Tennis Town

Having grown up and played tennis in the Pittsburg area, Kent Johnson was aware that there had never been much of a tennis retail presence. As a teaching pro, during lessons, people would ask him where they could buy... (Click here to read more...)

Tennis Advocate of the Year: Nancy McGinley

Recently, Charleston County (S.C.) Public Schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley was visiting one of the district’s schools and the principal proudly showed her the big, new trophy case. “It had one trophy in it,” McGinley says. “The whole school was... (Click here to read more...)

Junior Tennis Champion of the Year: Todd Dissly

Todd Dissly, who supervises 14 park and recreation tennis programs for three Northern California cities for thousands of kids and adults, has moved from a self-described status as one of “the outcasts with funny tennis balls doing stuff people... (Click here to read more...)

Grassroots Champion of the Year: Danice Brown

Portland After School Tennis & Education is more than a non-profit youth program. PAST&E is a year-round, tuition-free program for at-risk and low-income students in grades K through 12 that, in the words of its executive director, Danice Brown,... (Click here to read more...)

Municipal Facility of the Year: Southlake T.C.

If there is one word to describe the Southlake Tennis Center in Southlake, Texas, it would be “active.” Between league matches, 10 and Under Tennis, lessons, clinics and tournaments, the joint is always jumping. In 2011, STC won a... (Click here to read more...)

Park & Rec Agency of the Year: Reston Assoc.

It’s hard to pick just one word to describe tennis in Reston, Va. “Unique” comes to mind. So does “impressive” and “active.” Tennis in this Washington, D.C., suburb of 62,000 is through the nonprofit Reston Association. “We are an... (Click here to read more...)

Wheelchair Tennis champion of the Year: Curt and Lynn Bender

Tennis is what brought together Lynn and Curt Bender of Grand Rapids, Mich. “About 12 years ago, Curt [who was injured in an auto accident in 1989] was playing in a local tournament and I was a therapist at... (Click here to read more...)

10 & Under Tennis Facility Developer of the Year: Top-A-Court Tennis

Providing opportunities for children to learn tennis can be a game-changer for a contractor, says John Coll, president and owner of Top-A-Court Tennis of Hatfield, Pa. The company, which has been in business since 1988, is one of the... (Click here to read more...)

Public Park of the Year: Kiest Park

In the spring of 2010, the Dallas Tennis Association teamed up with Dallas Parks and Recreation, USTA National and USTA Texas to convert the city’s eight courts in the 70-year-old Kiest Park into a 10 and Under Tennis facility... (Click here to read more...)

Community Tennis Association of the Year: Tri-County CTA

If you’re into tennis in the Jackson, Miss., area, you want to get involved with the Tri-County CTA, which serves Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties. Founded in 2006, Tri-County is dedicated to promoting, developing, growing and supporting tennis, and... (Click here to read more...)

PTR Member of the Year: Roy Barth

Roy Barth’s tennis resume features extensive experience and accomplishments as a player, teacher and administrator. A former top 50 pro and founding member of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Barth is in his 37th year as tennis director... (Click here to read more...)

USPTA Member of the Year: David Porter

“Dave Porter is one of the best educators — if not the best — I’ve ever known,” says USPTA CEO Tim Heckler. “He not only implements his own methods of teaching, but has also spent many hours studying those... (Click here to read more...)

High School coach of the Year: Terry Valdez

“With sports,” says Terry Valdez of Wenatchee, Wash., “it’s about the memories. You remember the fun times.” Valdez has been helping create fun memories for his tennis players for 30 years. The coach of the Eastmont High School boys’... (Click here to read more...)

USTA Section of the Year: USTA Northern California

The USTA Northern California Section boasts a strong commitment to getting the tennis message to youngsters. The section has about 7,500 players in 10 and Under Tennis programming, and it continues to grow. Executive Director Steve Leube praises both... (Click here to read more...)

June 2012

RSI champions of tennis honor roll

Our January 2012 issue marked the 11th year that RSI has named its Champions of Tennis winners. As we start the process for picking this year’s Champions of Tennis, we’d like to recognize all of those winners — people,... (Click here to read more...)

January 2012

2011 Champions of Tennis

Person of the Year: Pat Freebody Sometimes, early jobs are enjoyable, but just not that memorable compared to what happened next. A long time ago, Pat Freebody had a position in Chicago. "It was with a manufacturer," she says... (Click here to read more...)

November 2011

2011 Tennis Industry Hall of Fame: Nick Bollettieri

The newest inductee into the Tennis Industry Hall of Fame created a new segment of the tennis business, and created champions along the way. (Click here to read more...)

June 2011

RSI Champions of Tennis Honor Roll

Our January 2011 issue marked the 10th year that RSI has named its Champions of Tennis winners. As we start the process for picking this year’s Champions of Tennis, we’d like to take a quick look back and recognize... (Click here to read more...)

January 2011

Person of the year: Jon Muir

It’s amid the turmoil and commotion of an event like the US Open — with all the meetings, presentations and overbooked schedules that surround it — that Jon Muir appears to be at his most confident and collected. While... (Click here to read more...)

Private facility of the year: The Polo Club

There are a few tennis facilities in the U.S. that you continually hear great things about. The Polo Club in Boca Raton is one of them. This Florida facility has 29 Har-Tru tennis courts (11 with lights) and a... (Click here to read more...)

Stringer of the Year: Tom Parry

Tom Parry’s career started when he couldn’t find anyone in his small northern Minnesota town to string a Wilson T2000. “There was an older guy nearby who used to string,” says Parry, who was 16 at the time. “He... (Click here to read more...)

Builder/contractor of the year: Pro-Sport Construction

Some tennis court construction companies started out as general contractors or drifted in from other trades. But Pro-Sport Construction Inc. of Devon, Pa., has always been there. That’s because, when other 15-year-old kids were cutting grass or bagging groceries,... (Click here to read more...)

Sales Rep of the Year: Rick Walsh

In many ways, it’s surprising Rick Walsh wasn’t in the tennis industry earlier in his career. The former junior standout and small-college tennis coach — and avid tournament and rec player — spent nearly 20 years in the insurance... (Click here to read more...)

Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year: NYC Racquet Sports

A few years ago, just before the economy went belly up, Woody Schneider decided to open up a fourth tennis retail location in New York City. Everything was in place to sign the papers, then the economy crashed. But... (Click here to read more...)

Tennis Advocate of the Year: Robin Jones

Robin Jones of Cary, N.C., is everyone’s dream volunteer and colleague. Her passion for helping to grow the game is rooted deep at the local level, and it branches out through many areas of the USTA and the industry.... (Click here to read more...)

Junior Tennis champions of the Year: Butch Staples and Leah Friedman

They’re advocates for getting kids into the game. They’re passionate about them having fun. And they just might be QuickStart’s biggest fans. Butch Staples and Leah Friedman are the head tennis pro and junior development director, respectively, at Midtown... (Click here to read more...)

Grassroots Champion of the Year: Robert Pangrazi

When physical education guru Dr. Robert Pangrazi of Tempe, Ariz., was contacted five years ago by the USTA to revise its school tennis curriculum, he made it clear that he wouldn’t be focusing on the athletically gifted players. Instead,... (Click here to read more...)

Municipal facility of the Year: Copeland-Cox T.C.

The words “municipal tennis facility” generally don’t bring to mind complexes with 60 lighted courts, a pro shop, clubhouse and a host of other amenities. Unless, of course, you’re talking about the Copeland-Cox Tennis Center (also known as the... (Click here to read more...)

Wheelchair Tennis Champion of the Year: Harlon Matthews

Tennis discovered Harlon Matthews on Cinco de Mayo 2001. A wheelchair basketball player at the time, Matthews had no interest in tennis. “They told me I’d have to hold the racquet but still keep my chair moving. They told... (Click here to read more...)

Public Park of the Year: Dwight Davis T.C.

Located in St. Louis’s Forest Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the country, Dwight Davis Tennis Center is a beehive of activity — from grassroots to the pros. The 19 courts, including a 1,700-seat stadium, are home... (Click here to read more...)

Community Tennis Association of the Year: Southern Crescent T.A.

Sharon Greiner, president of the Southern Crescent Tennis Association in Georgia, loves surrounding herself with passionate people. “We are fortunate to have a really good board of directors and league coordinators who are all committed to growth and open... (Click here to read more...)

PTR Member of the Year: Rodney Harmon

Over the course of his 30-year career, Rodney Harmon has been recognized as a standout college player, touring pro and coach. For his willingness to share his expertise while remaining committed to lifelong learning, he is RSI’s PTR Member... (Click here to read more...)

USPTA Member of the Year: Ron Woods

Ron Woods has been in the tennis business for 45 years — and a USPTA member for 44 of those years. In that time, he’s held key positions within the USPTA — including president, executive committee member and chairman... (Click here to read more...)

High School Coach of the Year: Bill Wagstaff

Want to find Bill Wagstaff? He’s the guy running down the hall after that kid who didn’t make the school’s baseball team. Or basketball team. Or any team. Wagstaff has news for that kid: He’s wanted on the tennis... (Click here to read more...)

USTA Section of the Year: USTA Southern

The USTA Southern Section is big — with 181,000 members in nine states, it is more than 20 percent of the total USTA membership. And it does things in a big way, such as Southern’s approach to 10-and-under tennis.... (Click here to read more...)

January 2010

2009 Person of the Year: Eric Babolat

What’s the oldest tennis company in the world? For some, the answer may be surprising, since it was only in the last 10 years that the French company Babolat became much more visible in the U.S. when it introduced... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Private facility of the year: Reynolds Plantation

Alongside picturesque Lake Oconee sits Reynolds Plantation, in the town of Greensboro, Ga., 75 miles east of Atlanta. This private community is host to the award-winning Lake Club Tennis Center, with its four hard and four clay courts —... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Stringer of the Year: Ron Rocchi

Ron Rocchi’s first job, in seventh grade, was stringing for a local shop near Chicago. Now, as Wilson’s global tour equipment manager, he’s tasked with designing products, including performance racquets. His drive to offer players the best possible in... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Builder/Contractor of the Year: Derosa Tennis Contractors

The tennis industry puts a lot of emphasis on what’s new. But sometimes, it’s easy to overlook the fact that proven, even “old-school,” ways of doing business may still be the best: delivering quality work, charging reasonable rates and... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Sales Rep of the Year: Tracy Lynch

“Everyone has their own approach to customer service,” says Tracy Lynch, the wholesale accounts manager for Lee Tennis of Charlottesville, Va. “The first thing we do is listen to our customers, then ask questions to find out what they... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year: Tennis Express

Everyone knows it’s a tough retail environment. Still, tennis shops are finding ways to do business. For Brad Blume at Tennis Express in Houston, it’s a return to fundamentals that is helping to see him through. “From the top... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Tennis Advocate of the year: Ellen Doll

What happens when a very passionate tennis player and parent sees courts in town falling into disrepair? If you’re Ellen Doll of Minneapolis, you step up and start gathering support to save the courts. Doll started the nonprofit Support... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Junior Tennis champion of the Year: Dan Faber

It’s quite an understatement to say that Dan Faber is a busy man. Faber is the executive director of the NJTL of Trenton, N.J., one of the most active NJTL’s in the country. “Our mission is to enhance lives... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Grassroots Champions of the Year: Lisa Stone & Susan Chambers

Local tennis heroes are all around us. They run programs in parks, they form CTAs, they run leagues and mixers. In Cobb County, Ga., Lisa Stone and Susan Chambers, both of Marietta, formed a program for schoolchildren that has... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Municipal Facility of the Year: Reffkin Tennis Center

Jim Reffkin has served as director of tennis for Tucson, Ariz., Parks & Rec for 34 years, directing operations at the award-winning Randolph Tennis Center. In appreciation, the city last September renamed the facility in honor of Reffkin, and... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Wheelchair Tennis Champion of the Year: Dean Oba

Talk to people about Dean Oba of Salt Lake City, and certain words keep coming up: “phenomenal,” “generous,” “amazing,” “inspirational.” “He’s the complete package,” says Linda Vincent, executive director of the Utah Tennis Association. “He’s been a mentor and... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Public Park of the Year: Darling Tennis Center

The term “public park” generally evokes images of … unkempt municipal courts, few, if any, amenities, and no real ambience. Then there’s our choice for RSI’s Public Park of the Year: the Amanda and Stacy Darling Memorial Tennis Center... (Click here to read more...)

2009 Community Tennis Association of the Year: Western Wake T.A.

What makes a great CTA? Programming and activities, of course. But the Western Wake Tennis Association in Western Wake County, N.C., goes well beyond that. And for 2009, the WWTA is RSI’s CTA of the Year. “Western Wake has... (Click here to read more...)

2009 PTR Member of the Year: Ken DeHart

There are some people in this industry you just can’t avoid. Ken DeHart is just such a person. He’s involved in so many aspects of tennis — as a director of tennis, teaching pro, coach, teacher of tennis teachers,... (Click here to read more...)

2009 USPTA Member of the Year: Robert Greene Jr.

In recognition of a career of accomplishments spanning more than 30 years, Robert Greene Jr. of Rangeley, Maine, has been recognized with the 2003 International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Tennis Educational Merit Award and 2009 USPTA Alex Gordon National... (Click here to read more...)

2009 High School coach of the Year: Rich Johns

Tennis most likely was in the cards all along for Rich Johns of Saratoga Springs, N.Y. After all, his middle name is “Ace.” Johns, who is the tennis coach at Saratoga Springs High School, has led his teams to... (Click here to read more...)

2009 USTA Section of the Year: USTA Midwest

In the past year, the USTA Midwest Section has compiled a list of accomplishments spanning community tennis, youth and junior team tennis, no-cut high school, collegiate and adult competition, USTA Leagues, QuickStart and recreational coach workshops, high performance, tennis... (Click here to read more...)

September 2009

Annual Awards: Champions of Tennis 2009

Help us recognize the people and organizations that are making a difference in the business of tennis. (Click here to read more...)

January 2009

USRSA Members' Choice Awards 2009

Our exclusive rankings, based on responses by USRSA members, will help you pick the right strings for your shop. (Click here to read more...)

2008 Person of the Year: Dave Haggerty

Talk to Dave Haggerty about his career and all that he’s done in the tennis business, and he’ll tell you how “lucky” he’s been. Lucky that tennis was a part of his childhood. Lucky to have received a college... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Private Facility of the Year: Boar’s Head Sports Club

A main goal for the Boar’s Head Sports Club, says Club Manager James Neiderer, “is to create the best tennis experience for anyone who walks through the door — whether a spectator, beginner, intermediate, collegiate or professional player.” And... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Stringer of the Year: Nate Ferguson

After working in racquet customization for 12 years under Warren Bosworth, Nate Ferguson took what he learned and became Pete Sampras’ personal stringer. “I wanted to start my own company, Pete wanted someone who could both string his racquets... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Builder/Contractor of the Year: Boston Tennis Court Construction Co.

In the eight years we’ve named a Builder/Contractor of the Year, we’ve noticed certain phrases that keep coming up: “dedication,” “conscientious” and “quality workmanship.” Those words, and more, describe our 2008 Builder/Contractor of the Year — Boston Tennis Court... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Sales Rep of the Year: Jim Haneklau

To be a successful sales rep, you have to offer customers a kaleidoscope of attributes: expertise, reliability, professionalism, flexibility, persistence and drive to succeed. As a savvy sales veteran with 21 years of experience in the tennis industry, Jim... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Chain Retailer/Mass Merchant of the Year: Sport Chalet

With some 4,300 employees in more than 50 full-service locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, and with more than 50 services for the serious sports enthusiast (kayaking lessons, anyone?), can a mass-merchant like Sport Chalet actually satisfy a... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year: Tennis & Golf Co.

When you’ve been in business for more than 30 years, you must be doing something right. Starting in a 750-square-foot space, Tennis & Golf Co. in Royal Oak, Mich., now occupies nearly 20,000 square feet, and that contributes to... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Junior Development Champion of the Year: Chuck Kuhle

A former professional player who competed on the U.S. and Swiss satellite circuits, Chuck Kuhle of Decatur, Ill., has extensive experience practicing what he teaches as director of tennis at the Decatur Athletic Club. In this role since 1980,... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Grassroots Champion of the Year: Sue Jollensten

A sure sign of success for a community outreach program is when people call organizers for information on how to get involved, rather than organizers searching for volunteers. This is the situation Sue Jollensten of Albuquerque, N.M., now finds... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Municipal Facility of the Year: Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex

It’s a tennis oasis, and it’s been garnering praise from players and organizations alike. The Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex in Surprise, Ariz., opened in 2007 to rave reviews. With its 25 courts, including a stadium court, along with... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Wheelchair Tennis Champion of the Year: Michael Mercier

Michael Mercier’s mission is strikingly similar to the USTA’s mission to “promote and develop the growth of tennis.” Mercier simply adds the word “wheelchair” to that statement. Mercier’s introduction to wheelchair tennis came 15 years ago, when he volunteered... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Public Park of the Year: Roswell Park & Rec

As a public facility, the mission of the Roswell Recreation and Parks Department in Roswell, Ga., is to offer recreation opportunities for all the city’s residents. From a tennis standpoint, every age group is covered. “The Roswell Recreation and... (Click here to read more...)

2008 Community Tennis Association of the Year: Lee County TA

The Lee County Community Tennis Association in the Fort Myers, Fla., area was established to provide tennis lessons to the community’s underserved youth. Since its founding in 1995, it has grown by leaps and bounds. “But our primary focus,”... (Click here to read more...)

2008 PTR Member of the Year: Jorge Andrew

Jorge Andrew is the ultimate tennis professional. The director of tennis operations for the Lexington County (S.C.) Recreation and Aging Commission, Andrew is a premier teacher of the game. He is a fixture at industry events as a presenter... (Click here to read more...)

2008 USPTA Member of the Year: Tom Sweitzer

In the 33 years Tom Sweitzer has been a full-time teaching pro, he has just about seen it all — from pros who are bored and show it, to overly technical instructors who won’t let players hit two shots... (Click here to read more...)

2008 High School Coach of the Year: Sue Bordainick

Ever since Sue Bordainick started coaching tennis at Ramapo High School in Spring Valley, N.Y., in 1973, she has not cut any player who’s tried out for the team. While numbers were modest when she first began coaching the... (Click here to read more...)

2008 USTA Section of the Year: Pacific Northwest

For the USTA Pacific Northwest Section, teamwork is key. Success in everything from tennis programming to improving tennis infrastructure across the section has been built through the cooperation of its members. “I think what sets the section apart is... (Click here to read more...)

September 2008

2008 Tennis Industry Hall of Fame

There are many people whose dedication and passion have helped the sport of tennis thrive throughout the years. And now, as we introduce the new Tennis Industry Hall of Fame, we honor those who have made — and continue... (Click here to read more...)

July 2008

Champions of Tennis 2008

Help us recognize the people who are making a difference in the business of tennis. (Click here to read more...)

January 2008

USRSA Members' Choice Awards 2008

Our exclusive rankings, based on responses by USRSA members, will help you pick the right strings for your shop. What string is best for your customer? It's a tricky question to answer, since there are so many different strings out... (Click here to read more...)

Top of the List: RSI/ASBA Distinguished Facility-of-the-Year Awards

When it comes to excellence in court construction, it's hard to find better examples than those entered in the RSI/American Sports Builders Association Facility-of-the-Year Awards contest. Each year, based on entries submitted by an ASBA member — whether a contractor,... (Click here to read more...)

November 2007

2007 Person of the Year: George Napier

For George Napier, it's all about the team. When he talks about the recent success of Prince Sports, you rarely hear him use the word "I." In fact, Napier, the CEO of the Bordentown, N.J., company, often seems uncomfortable when... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Private facility of the year: Meadow Creek Tennis and Fitness

When Adam and Debra Kahn took over Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness Club three years ago, they were already well known in the Lakewood, Colo., tennis community as players, team captains and, in Adam's case, a USPTA-certified pro. As the... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Stringer of the year: Tim Strawn

When it comes to getting a racquet strung, "People can go many places," says Dave Malinowski, Wilson Racquet Sports' territory manager for the mid-Atlantic region. "But once Tim gets his hands on someone's racquet for the first time, they won't... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Builder/contractor of the year: Sportsline

Talk to customers and suppliers about Rob Werner, the founder and president of Sportsline Inc., and certain phrases keep coming up — things like "professionalism," "attention to detail" and "takes pride in his work." "Rob is amazing," says Tina Tharp,... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Sales rep of the year: Hunter Hines

Return phone calls. Fill out orders. Answer your emails. Smile. Repeat often. This simple list adequately describes the job requirements of a successful sales rep, right? Well, not exactly. "It's not hard to be a good rep," says Greg Mason,... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Chain retailer/mass merchant of the year: The Sports Authority

Skiing to scooters. Paintball to basketball. In today's highly competitive (and overly saturated) sporting-goods market, a tennis player could be forgiven for feeling a little lost in the shuffle. But don't tell that to the execs at The Sports Authority,... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Pro/specialty retailer of the year: Michael Lynne’s Tennis

Michael Lynne and his wife, Mimzy, moved back to Minnesota in 1990 after spending several years in Arizona, where he had a small tennis shop for five years. When the Lynnes returned to Minneapolis, Michael scoped out places for another... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Junior development champion of the year: Craig Jones

Craig Jones' commitment to growing the game is evident by his long list of awards, distinctions and volunteerism. A popular speaker and accomplished USTA High Performance coach, he has also become one of the country's foremost advocates of the USTA's... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Grassroots champion of the year: Dan Vonk

Dan Vonk has no problem being the local "tennis guy" — so long as it means he's helping bring more players to the courts in Camden County, Ga. When Vonk began as coach of the Camden County High School boys'... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Municipal facility of the year: Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education

Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, as current head Tina Tharp says, is "not just about hitting tennis balls. We are here to develop young men and young women." With public and private funding, AAYTE annually serves more than 11,000... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Wheelchair tennis champion of the year: Jason Harnett

For nearly a decade, Jason Harnett has been a mentor for wheelchair tennis players both on and off the court. Each year, Harnett, a USTA national coach, spends six to eight weeks training and traveling with the country's elite wheelchair... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Public park of the year: Fort Lauderdale Park and Rec

Named in honor of Chris Evert's father, who was tennis director for 49 years, the Jimmy Evert Tennis Center is the centerpiece of the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department. However, the center is just one of nine... (Click here to read more...)

2007 Community tennis association of the year: Grants Pass CTA

For the Grants Pass Community Tennis Association in Grants Pass, Ore., tennis is more than a sport. The CTA, now in its 17th year, has made junior player development a priority, with programs now serving 70 children, some of whom... (Click here to read more...)

2007 PTR member of the year: Luke Jensen

Passion, expertise, and enthusiasm in promoting the PTR are just a few of the qualities that PTR executives say make Luke Jensen a very special member. Jensen joined the PTR two years ago, and since that time, he has actively... (Click here to read more...)

2007 USPTA member of the year: Mike Van Zutphen

With 30 years of experience in instructional tennis program management, USPTA Master Pro Mike Van Zutphen of Mesa, Ariz., has a résumé that fills four pages. Among his qualification highlights, however, one stands out: "I know which ladies take cream... (Click here to read more...)

2007 High school coach of the year: Marian DeWane

For Marian DeWane, more is certainly merrier. In Boise, Idaho, DeWane has led the Centennial High School team for two decades, and the program adopted the no-cut concept at its inception. Each year, DeWane and her assistants, both paid and... (Click here to read more...)

2007 USTA Section of the Year: Florida

The USTA Florida Section has taken to heart USTA President Jane Brown Grimes' call to "bring tennis to where the kids are." The section's goal is to introduce tennis to both the physical education curriculum and after-school programming in at... (Click here to read more...)

June 2007

USTA Honors Junior Tennis's Seena Hamilton

The USTA honored the Easter Bowl and its founder and tournament director, Seena Hamilton, for the tournament's longevity and success at the opening reception for the 2007 event on April 15. Hamilton has been the tournament director since 1968.... (Click here to read more...)

USPTA Accepting Nominations for Awards

The USPTA is accepting nominations for its 2007 National Awards Program. Each year the USPTA seeks inspiring stories of USPTA Professionals who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide their students with the highest level of... (Click here to read more...)

Tennis Resorts Online Travel Website Names Top 100 Resorts and Camps

Tennis Resorts Online has come out with its annual top tennis resorts and camps, based on evaluations submitted by vacationers. "The best sources of information about a tennis resort or camp experience are the players who go there on... (Click here to read more...)

Deadline for ASBA Award Entries July 1

The deadline for submitting entries for the American Sports Builders Association awards program is July 1. This year the applications are available only online to ASBA members. There is a $100 fee for each entry. In other ASBA news,... (Click here to read more...)

Champions of Tennis 2007

Help us recognize the people who are making a difference in the business of tennis. (Click here to read more...)

Inside Track

Two indoor court winners provide local players with year-round tennis. (Click here to read more...)

2007 Facility Awards Application Available

Applications for the USTA's 2007 Facility Awards are now available. The program, now in its 26th year, is administered by the USTA Technical Committee and promotes excellence in tennis facilities. Last year, nine facilities were honored. Awards are given... (Click here to read more...)

May 2007

Minnesota Couple Wins Hall of Fame Award

Steven K. Champlin and his wife, Marjorie E. Champlin, of Wayzata, Minn., have been named the recipients of the 2006 Samuel Hardy Award, an International Tennis Hall of Fame honor that is given annually to a USTA volunteer in... (Click here to read more...)

January 2007

USRSA Members' Choice Awards 2007

Our exclusive rankings, based on responses by USRSA members, will help you pick the right strings for your shop. (Click here to read more...)

November 2006

2006 Person of the year: Kirk Anderson

On the one hand, had Kirk Anderson not taught at a park and rec tennis program one summer before college and been paid for his efforts, there's a good chance his life could have turned out vastly different from... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Private facility of the year: Midtown Tennis Center

Home to 37 tennis professionals, 18 tennis courts, three platform tennis courts, an extensive pro shop, a nursery, café, fitness center, and Pilates studio, the Midtown Tennis Club was the first of the 13 Tennis Corporation of America clubs... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Community Tennis Association of the year: Montgomery County

When it comes to developing tennis at the grassroots level for all players, you want to copy the best. And in terms of community tennis, the best is the Montgomery County Tennis Association in Silver Spring, Md. The MCTA... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Sales rep of the year: Jim Willwerth

It wasn't so long ago when a sales representative's job typically involved selling a company's products to a store whose customers had limited alternative methods of buying those goods. Exceptional customer service included returning phone calls and following up... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Builder/contractor of the year: Courtsmiths

It seems that when it comes to court builders, the best ones frequently have a strong family presence in the business. And so it is with RSI's 2006 Builder/Contractor of the Year winner — the Courtsmiths of Toledo, Ohio.... (Click here to read more...)

2006 PTR member of the year: Ajay Pant

If there's one characteristic that Ajay Pant believes is vital for a tennis teaching pro to have, it's consistency in word and action. In his own career, this PTR master pro's focus has not only been on continually helping... (Click here to read more...)

2006 USTA Section of the Year: Texas

No one will ever claim that USTA Texas is the Little Section That Could. They're the third largest of the 17 sections and enjoy a climate that's mostly tennis-friendly all year. That's not to say the section faces no... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Pro/specialty retailer of the year: Swetka's Tennis Shop

Most specialty shops stand out for one or two things. Maybe it's the wide selection of products available. Or it could be the knowledgeable and helpful staff. Or possibly frequent sales, which keep customers coming back. But when you... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Grassroots champion of the year: Beverly Bourguet

Success doesn't always come easily, but Beverly Bourguet of Albuquerque, N.M., has proven that persistence, dedication, and passion are key. Bourguet's launch of a National Junior Tennis League program in one of Albuquerque's neighborhoods, and her continued efforts to... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Chain retailer/mass merchant of the year: PGA Tour Superstores

When the first PGA Tour Superstore opened, in Roswell, Ga., just outside of Atlanta in March 2005, CFO Jorge Cora was disappointed. Never mind that the place offered a huge selection of tennis gear — racquets, shoes, and accessories... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Public park of the year: Billie Jean King National Tennis Center

How would you like to play your softball championship at Yankee Stadium, or a pickup basketball game in Madison Square Garden? Well that, says Bill Mountford, is exactly what it's like when you play tennis at the USTA Billie... (Click here to read more...)

2006 USPTA member of the year: Brett Hobden

During his 30-year teaching career, USPTA member Brett Hobden of Naples, Fla., has worked with Andre Agassi, Tommy Haas, Iva Majoli, Meredith McGrath, and Anne Miller. Now as director of tennis for the Greater Naples YMCA and CEO of... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Wheelchair tennis champion of the year: Bruce Karr

Bruce Karr, a wheelchair athlete himself, has dedicated more than two decades to helping others get just what they need to compete at their highest level. To do this nationally, he established the National Wheelchair Sports Fund (nwsf.org) in... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Junior development champion of the year: Bwana Chakar Simba

In a legendary town, Bwana Chakar Simba is a Los Angeles tennis program legend. For the past 13 years, "Chakar," as he is known in the tennis community, has been at the Rogers Park facility, introducing youngsters to the... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Municipal facility of the year: Cary Tennis Park

According to Money magazine, Cary, N.C., is among the top five places to live in the U.S. In this Research Triangle city of 106,000 people, the economy is strong, arts and culture are thriving, and great schools and beautiful... (Click here to read more...)

2006 High school coach of the year: David Steinbach

Quality plus quantity equals success. That's the equation by which David Steinbach of Brookfield, Wis., has led his high school tennis teams for 25 years. And the results have been impressive in more ways than one. As a pioneer... (Click here to read more...)

2006 Stringer of the year: Grant Morgan

Grant Morgan says his introduction to tennis "was about as low-end as you can get." He started by playing what he calls "apartment-complex tennis" with friends. From there, though, Morgan took lessons and became a fairly decent player. When... (Click here to read more...)

July 2006

Champions of Tennis 2006

Help us recognize the people who are making a difference in the business of tennis. Once again, we'd like to honor the champions of our sport — the many, often unheralded heroes who work tirelessly to develop tennis in... (Click here to read more...)

June 2006

USTA Offers Support and Recognition To H.S. Coaches With No-Cut Policies

One of the most memorable and fun experiences that high-school students can have is the opportunity to be on a team, to contribute toward a common goal with their fellow students. And now, with high-school tennis, that opportunity is... (Click here to read more...)

April 2006

USTA and ITA Honor Champions of Campus and Community

The USTA and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association are continuing a tradition of honoring coaches who, in addition to their job of successfully coaching and graduating student-athletes, reach out to their campus and outlying communities to grow tennis. "The ITA... (Click here to read more...)

The Good Stuff

Each of hese soft-court winners is solid to the core. (Click here to read more...)

January 2006

USRSA Members' Choice Awards 2006

Our exclusive rankings, based on responses by USRSA members, will help you pick the right strings for your shop. (Click here to read more...)

November 2005

Baltimore Tennis Patrons -- Community Tennis Association of the Year

As director of programs for the Greater Baltimore Tennis Patrons Association Inc. (BTP), Lynn Morrell (right) says the key to growing the game is twofold: making it affordable and accessible for kids and adults. The BTP — based in... (Click here to read more...)

Shirley Ruane -- Grassroots Champion of the Year

In parts of the Navajo Reservation in the Southwestern U.S., tennis is an esteemed sport to the area's characteristically athletic population. Shirley Ruane, a Page, Ariz., tennis teaching pro and coach who has worked with many Navajo youngsters, sees... (Click here to read more...)

Wayne St. Peter -- Junior Development Champ of the Year

When it comes to junior tennis players, there's no doubt that Wayne St. Peter knows what he's doing. Over the past 11 years, he has worked with about 8,000 young tennis players. And it's due to his dedication to... (Click here to read more...)

John Drew Smith Tennis Center -- Municipal Facility of the Year

In 1980, the John Drew Smith Tennis Center was dedicated in honor of a legendary Macon, Ga., instructor who had recently passed away and had been instrumental in the development of the 24-court facility. Smith would be proud to... (Click here to read more...)

2005 Online Retailer of the Year: Tennis Warehouse

Passions run high when talking about online retailing in the tennis business. Many traditional brick-and-mortar store owners who are not also selling on the internet obviously feel it cuts into their business, while those successfully selling online see internet... (Click here to read more...)

2005 Person of the Year: Max Brownlee

Talk to Tennis Retailers and others in this business about Babolat North America's general manager, Max Brownlee, and the same phrases keep popping up: "professional," "honest," "high standards," "great products," "man of his word," "industry leader." Brownlee is not... (Click here to read more...)

Brookhaven Country Club -- Private Facility of the Year

In 2007, Brookhaven Country Club will be 50 years old. In that time, the Dallas facility — the largest and oldest in the ClubCorp organization (which currently consists of about 200 clubs) — has certainly learned how to do... (Click here to read more...)

Racquet World -- Pro/Specialty Retailer of the Year

When it comes to operating a small business, conventional wisdom says success is all about location. But you don't have to convince specialty retailer Leon Echevarria of Racquet World in Miami. A decision to relocate his shop has turned... (Click here to read more...)

Lisa Duncan -- PTR Member of the Year

By Barbara Long As early as kindergarten, Lisa Duncan had decided to follow in her mother's footsteps and go into education. Then, at age 12, standing outside the tennis courts unable to afford lessons, she added another goal: making tennis... (Click here to read more...)

Scalzi Park -- Public Park of the Year

With the National Public Parks Tennis Championships coming into town in July 2005, the Greater Stamford Tennis Association in Stamford, Conn., wanted to put its best foot forward for the tournament and the host city. And in doing so,... (Click here to read more...)

Kay Barney -- Sales Rep of the Year

With a mix of more than 100 specialty retailers and seasonal accounts across Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, HEAD Penn Racquet Sports district sales manager Kay Barney says compulsive responsiveness is the key to staying organized. Barney, of Littleton, Colo.,... (Click here to read more...)

2005 Stringer of the Year: Bob Patterson

Talk to Bob Patterson about stringing and one thing is immediately clear. "Everything we do is built on consistency," he says. That word — "consistency" — sneaks in everywhere. Patterson, of Birmingham, Ala., even has his customers using it.... (Click here to read more...)

Bob Reed -- USPTA Member of the Year

Bob Reed of Eugene, Ore., was enjoying a comfortable career as tennis director of the Eugene Family YMCA about a year and a half ago when he was inspired by the movie "The Pianist" to make changes in his... (Click here to read more...)

USA Tennis Florida -- USTA Section of the Year

Each of the 17 USTA sections strives to stand out. But being the best comes about through a combination of creativity, ingenuity, and originality, among other attributes. "With us, it's been a building process," says USA Tennis Florida Executive... (Click here to read more...)

2005 Builder/Contractor of the Year: Fast-Dry Companies

For the Fast-Dry Companies of Pompano Beach, Fla., it's not just about family values, it's about valuing the family. Steven Dettor started the business in 1981, and now, with three of his five sons involved in the company —... (Click here to read more...)

Karin Korb -- Wheelchair Tennis Champ of the Year

Karin Korb didn't pick up a tennis racquet until she was 27 years old. Yet, a year later, she was among the top four women wheelchair tennis players in the world and playing in the World Team Cup, the... (Click here to read more...)

Golfsmith -- Chain Retailer/Mass Merchant of the Year

Salt & pepper. Ben & Jerry. Golf & tennis? Though often still linked by their country-club reputations, golf and tennis aren't exactly the yin and yang items they once were. More often, they seem at odds with one another... (Click here to read more...)

July 2005

Champions of Tennis 2005

We'd like your help in recognizing the people and organizations that are making a difference in the business of tennis. Once again, we'd like to honor the champions of our sport — the many, often unheralded heroes who work... (Click here to read more...)

January 2005

USRSA Members' Choice Awards 2005

Our exclusive rankings, based on responses by USRSA members, will help you pick the right strings for your shop. (Click here to read more...)

November 2004

2004 Community tennis association of the year: Pikes Peak CTA

This country is a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, beliefs, and interests. Finding a way to address that diversity, while bringing people into tennis, can sometimes be a challenge for a Community Tennis Association. But in the Colorado Springs,... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Grassroots champion of the year: Gwen and Dan Ramras

There isn't much guesswork involved regarding the whereabouts of Dan and Gwen Ramras when they don't answer the telephone at their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. The answering machine announces, "Hi. You've reached the Ramras home. Hopefully, we are either... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Junior development champion of the year: Emma Hubbs

In the small city of Dixon, Ill. (population 16,000), it's likely anyone involved in tennis is familiar with Emma Hubbs. Aside from teaching at the Dixon Park District for 57 years, her name is stamped on the Emma Hubbs... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Municipal facility of the year: Lexington County Tennis Complex

When Jorge Andrew (left) signed on to become tennis director of South Carolina's Lexington County Tennis Complex in 2001, he had one mission -- "To have a tennis complex where we could get more people playing tennis, make the... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Person of the year: Arlen Kantarian

For a tennis fan, the US Open Series was almost too good to be true. Ten summer tournaments on the WTA and ATP tours, 100 hours of live national television coverage, a player-bonus system to ensure top draws at... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Private facility of the year: Indian Creek Racquet Club

Like all highly successful tennis clubs, the amenities at Indian Creek Racquet Club in Overland Park, Kansas -- nine, climate-controlled indoor tennis courts, four racquetball courts, fully appointed locker rooms, lounge, café, pro shop, etc. -- are top-notch. But... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Pro/specialty retailer of the year: Players Choice Tennis

When it comes to unlikely career paths, it's hard to match Bob Patterson. Ask him how he cultivated his current status as one of Alabama's top specialty retailers -- he and wife Pam have owned Players Choice Tennis in... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Sales rep of the year: Dustin Perry

by Mike Ralston Passionate. Team player. Creative thinker. Tireless worker. These are just a few of the phrases that customers and colleagues alike use to describe Prince Sports' Dustin Perry. And those are big reasons why Perry has been... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Stringer of the year: Randy Stephenson

Back in 1996, Randy Stephenson faced a tough choice. His car had just been broken into, and the thief walked away with his car stereo. "I thought, should I buy a new stereo, or should I buy my first... (Click here to read more...)

2004 USTA section of the year: Pacific NW

The USTA Pacific Northwest section is the largest section in the country -- geographically. Washington, Oregon, Alaska and northern Idaho all fall within its borders. But in regards to population, the section doesn't have much to work with; as... (Click here to read more...)

2004 Wheelchair tennis champion of the year: Julie Jilly

While Julie Jilly is proud that the Professional Tennis Registry's annual wheelchair tennis tournament has grown to more than 150 players from around the world, she looks forward to the day when there's no longer a reason for it... (Click here to read more...)

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