The USTA Alabama Annual Meeting was held by zoom on Saturday February 6th. The link to the video presentation for the award winners can be found here.
Congratulations to the 2020 USTA Alabama Award Winners!
Below are the current awards.
Local League Coordinator of the Year - Meg Edwards, Tuscaloosa - Awarded annually to the individual who has been outstanding in the coordination of league play at the local level. Factors to be considered are increase in team participation; increase in player participation; and overall management of coordinator's responsibilities.
Community Tennis Association of the Year - Dream Court, INC, Jessica Weyrueter Montgomery Awarded annually to a member organization to recognize outstanding service to the local community, to the organization members, and to the game itself.
Family of the Year - The Reel Family, Tuscaloosa Awarded annually to a family that has been outstanding in its promotion of tennis.
Diversity & Inclusion Champion Award - Tuscaloosa Tennis Assoc./Eagles Wings This award is presented to the individual or organization who demonstrates sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion through the following actions: actively champions, visibly embraces and celebrates diversity on and off the court by employing goals and strategies that create an inclusive environment; reaches out to a diverse audience through participation in community activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion; provides leadership opportunities that reflect interest in individual traits, skills, and talents of others; and proactively seeks opinions and gathers feedback from a diverse audience to gain additional perspectives and learn from others.
Charity Tournament of the Year - Acing ALS Event - John Jerome, Auburn Awarded annually to the tennis event that generously donates its proceeds to a philanthropic cause.
Tennis Professional of the Year - Gerald Henderson, Birmingham Awarded annually to the professional that demonstrates a significant contribution to the game of tennis through their promotion of the USTA's programs and their support to the USTA Mission Statement.
Volunteer of the Year - Lavonda Keel, Birmingham Awarded annually to a volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to all aspects of the game of tennis.
Tennis Official of the Year - Chris Rodger, Auburn Awarded annually to the certified official who has made outstanding contributions to tennis officiating in Alabama.
Junior Players of the Year - Male - Kaustubh Holcomb, Huntsville, Female - Alana Boyce, Huntsville Awarded annually to the male and female junior player who best exemplifies the finest qualities of sportsmanship in tournament play and the finest traditions of the great sportsmen of tennis past and present.
League Captains of the Year - Male - Glen Peters, Birmingham, Female - Gina Sellers, Montgomery Awarded annually to the male and female USTA League captain who has achieved a level of excellence in captaining, demonstrating character, sportsmanship, and leadership.
Wheelchair Tennis Excellence Award - Cole Camp, Tuscaloosa The Wheelchair Tennis Excellence Award recognizes a wheelchair tennis player, program volunteer or tournament in the Southern Section that demonstrates outstanding community service, on-court ability, event organization and overall promotion of wheelchair tennis.
Service Award - 22 Years - Ruth Anne Bendall
Service Award - 37 Years - Elaine Francis
NJTL Essay Contest Winner - Calvin Kim
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Hubert Kessler Inspiration Cup - (to be announced at a later date) Hubert Kessler of Tuscaloosa, AL, an avid tennis player and tennis volunteer for Tuscaloosa, and USTA Alabama, held several offices in his volunteer lifetime. After his term as President of USTA Alabama, he was appointed as Chair of the USTA Alabama Hall of the Fame Committee. Hubert’s complete dedication to promoting tennis in his hometown of Tuscaloosa, and his commitment to USTA Alabama tennis, continues to be an inspiration to all who knew him.
The selection responsibility for the Award, was given to the Hall of Fame Committee by the USTA Alabama Board of Directors. It is presented annually at the Hall of Fame Ceremony, to a person in Alabama who has shown excellence in volunteering for tennis, in his, or her local community. The permanent award resides in the USTA Alabama Hall of Fame room with the engraved name of each recipient. Each recipient receives an engraved award for personal keepsake. The Committee takes great pride in this award as it represents the work and life of a great friend to USTA Alabama Tennis
.Click here to see last years recipients.