TABLE OF CONTENTS
USTA Missouri Valley 4121 W 83rd Street | Suite 108 Prairie Village, KS 66208 913-322-4800 888-368-8612 toll free
Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
USTA Customer Care
800-990-USTA (8782) customercare.usta.com
Digital Publications
The 2025 USTA Missouri Valley Yearbook was produced digitally with a limited print run. This publication, as well as previous yearbooks and every issue of Serve, is available online in digital format free of charge. Visit usta.com under About Us and Communications.
Mission Statement
Distribution of the Yearbook
The USTA Missouri Valley Yearbook printed copy is available upon request. A limited number are available at no cost. Please email info@movalley.usta.com to receive your copy.
Mailing Address Changes
To change your address, please contact USTA Customer Care at the phone number listed to the left, or log into your member account at usta.com.
2025 Yearbook Staff Contributors
Mary Buschmann
Manon Eilts
Abby Lunsford
Victoria Moore
Josh Sellmeyer
Correspondence - AdvertisingReproduction
The USTA Missouri Valley Yearbook is a publication of the USTA Missouri Valley. All correspondence regarding the editorial material should be directed to the USTA Missouri Valley office (c/o Marketing Director). The USTA Missouri Valley may grant permission to reprint any and all articles published in the Yearbook unless copyrighted by a third-party, upon written request. No photographs and/or logos may be reproduced without the written approval of the USTA Missouri Valley.
The mission of the USTA Missouri Valley is growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere. United States Tennis Association Missouri Valley is a not-for-profit organization covering a five-state region of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma, as well as parts of Illinois. USTA Missouri Valley has more than 26,000 members. USTA Missouri Valley offers recreational and competitive tennis for all ages and abilities.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, no person, on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex or national origin, shall be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the USTA Missouri Valley. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against should write to USTA Missouri Valley CEO and Executive Director Mary Buschmann.
ADA Statement
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the USTA Missouri Valley strives to provide quality recreational programs to individuals of all abilities. If you or anyone you know has a disability and would like more information on the accessibility of our programs or any facilities in our section, call toll-free at 888-368-8612. We would like to work with you to continue to improve program and facility accessibility. Also, please contact us if you experience difficulty or have concerns about gaining access to any of our programs or facilities. If you have specific questions or concerns about programs, please contact the CEO and Executive Director, Mary Buschmann.
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A new energy is emerging in 2025 as we work towards our national United States Tennis Association goal of 35 x 35….35 million players by 2035! We are attracting new players and improving the retention of existing players. As a section, we can deliver meaningful results by enhancing current programs and creatively rolling out new programming. We have great momentum and need to integrate this into our mission moving from “Ambition to Action.” The enthusiasm is contagious and it is very exciting to be part of this movement!
We are dedicated to growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere! Embracing innovation is the key. Tennis is good for you! We believe in the life-changing benefits of tennis! Research shows that people who play tennis live nine years longer. Tennis is fun! We believe in the power of tennis to create human connection. Let’s redefine how we play the game. Whether one-day events, engaging match play, or social gatherings where we can meet new friends. Please remember, as we progress together through the pathway of your choice, we promise the USTA is committed to being your partner. And above all, we will create a safe and welcoming environment for all. We believe in growing a sport that is safe and open to all. We couldn’t continue to grow and achieve these goals without strong, committed leadership and providers to guide us. Thanks to our passionate volunteers and providers for supporting our communities to grow the game! We have so many ways for everyone to get involved and help shape the future of tennis in USTA Missouri Valley. Please contact your local CTA, NJTL, district office, and section office to get involved. If you are already serving, let’s be intentional about identifying future volunteers and providers in your community and helping them get connected.
Let’s embrace trust in our team as we continually inspire each other to be passionate and respectful while listening, asking questions, and offering solutions. Let’s share our successes and challenges as we envision the big picture to fulfill our mission. As we continue to foster a vibrant tennis community, our dedicated staff and volunteers are pushing our purpose-driven mission forward and creating more opportunities for players, coaches, and tennis fans alike. Together, let’s amplify the “Power of Tennis” to energize our communities.
Please join us as we inspire healthier people and communities everywhere!
Energizing and inspiring together,
Mary Buschmann CEO & Executive Director
2025-26 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
Beth Causey
brcausey@gmail.com
314-322-8911
Treasurer Terry Jackson tcj857@gmail.com 913-706-4788
First Vice President
Kimberly Y. Hughes Gill bkjassociates2@gmail.com 314-740-1888
Immediate Past President & Delegate Alex Lee alexL17@aol.com 316-259-3023
Sean Terry, President USTA Missouri unwrittenrulesterry@gmail.com
Vice President
Deborah Fabrizius
littlesade@hotmail.com 913-424-9290
Tracey Johnson, President USTA Heart of America tdjlaw@hotmail.com
John Rademacher, President USTA Nebraska johnprademacher@gmail.com
Vice President Mallory Weber webermalloryl@gmail.com 618-363-4389
Brenton Kuchera, President USTA Iowa kucherab@waterlooschools.org
Secretary Kate Foss kfoss124@gmail.com 316-993-4013
Cary Morris, President USTA Kansas carymorris@icloud.com
Eric Wedemeyer, President USTA Oklahoma ewedemeyer1@cox.net
Paul Petruska, President USTA St. Louis ppetruska@fratrust.com
USTA MISSOURI VALLEY PAST PRESIDENTS
2023-24
2023
2021-22
2019-20
2017-18
2015-16
2011-14
2009-10
2007-08
2005-06
2003-04
1999-2002
1997-98
1995-96
1991-94
1989-90
1987-88
1985-86
1981-84
1979-80
Alex Lee
Steve Henry
Jason Mathes
Lisa Minihan
Larry Haugness
Stuart Dusenberry
Scott Hanover
Shelley George
Richard M. Perry
Kevin Nebergall
Verne Weber
Pam Sloan
Dave Riley
Barbara Fackel
Jodie Adams
Mervyn Webster
Richard F. Haitbrink
Steve Gerdes
Joy Rodenberg
Leigh Strassner
Wichita, Kansas
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
St. Louis, Missouri
Edmond, Oklahoma
Springfield, Missouri
Atlantic, Iowa
Kansas City, Missouri
Iowa City, Iowa
Enid, Oklahoma
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Omaha, Nebraska
Kansas City, Missouri
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Rock Island, Illinois
Springfield, Missouri
Wichita, Kansas
Overland Park, Kansas
Omaha, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
St. Louis, Missouri
1977-78 Don Gardner Wichita, Kansas
1975-76 Carl A. Simonie Kansas City, Missouri
1973-74 Francis Baxter Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
1971-72 Wilmer Rompf Des Moines, Iowa
1969-70 Marvin P. Richmond Kansas City, Missouri
1967-68 John L. Brown Omaha, Nebraska
1965-66 Jack E. Buss Des Moines, Iowa
1963-64 S.E. Freund St. Louis, Missouri
1961-62 O.B. Martin Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
1958-60 T.H. "Curly" Vaughan Winfield, Kansas 1956-57 Herbert Thomas Jr. Little Rock, Arkansas 1946-55 Dr. Keedy Campbell Kansas City, Missouri
1945 Russell C. Hadden St. Louis, Missouri 1941-44 Monroe C. Lewis St. Louis, Missouri
1940 Wilbur F. Coen, Jr. Kansas City, Missouri 1938-39 Davison Obear St. Louis, Missouri
1937 Dr. Frank E. Dickneite St. Louis, Missouri 1927-36 Joseph W. Ivy Kansas City, Missouri 1921-26 C. Drummond Jones, II St. Louis, Missouri
1920 James M. Craven Kansas City, Missouri
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
In which district do I live?
Nebraska District - All of Nebraska, as well as Pottawattamie County in Iowa
Adult Play
Kansas District - All of Kansas except those counties in the Heart of America district
Oklahoma DistrictAll of Oklahoma
Iowa District - All of Iowa (except Pottawattamie County), as well as Rock Island County in Illinois
St. Louis District - 10 Missouri counties (Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln, Perry, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Genevieve, St. Louis, Warren and Washington; parts of Illinois within a 30-mile radius of St. Louis City Hall
Missouri District - All of Missouri, except those counties in either the Heart of America or St. Louis districts
Heart of America District - Seven Kansas counties (Atchison, Doniphan, Douglas, Jefferson, Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte); and 10 Missouri counties (Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Cass, Clay, Holt, Jackson, Nodaway, Platte and Ray)
2025 - 26 COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Stephen F. Collins - sfcomaha@gmail.com
Staff Liaisons: Scott Howes and Alyssa Stelmach
Adult League Regulations
Michelle Oquin - oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
Staff Liaisons: Alyssa Stelmach and Laura Jager
Adult Tournament Regulations
Sheila Checotah - sheilachecotah9@gmail.com
Staff Liaisons: Scott Howes and Laura Jager
Audit Commitee
Kate Foss - kfoss124@gmail.com
Staff Liaison: Tonya Kaup
Awards
Stuart Dusenberry - sddins62@yahoo.com
Staff Liaisons: Manon Eilts and Abby Lunsford
Coaches Commission
Chris Smith - csmithbluehillscc@gmail.com
Staff Liaisons: Marissa Moment Brown and Laura Puryear
Community Play
Judy Holsinger - jody@aspenwealth.com
Staff Liaisons: Lindsay Hall and Kara Heim
Community Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Nick Taylor - nickryantaylor@yahoo.com
Staff Liaisons: Jaren Glaser and Alywn Mushonga
Grievance
John Kinsella - john.kinsella241@gmail.com
Staff Liaison: Mary Buschmann
Hall of Fame
Judy Dippold - dipper20@gmail.com
Staff Liaisons: Manon Eilts and Josh Sellmeyer
Junior Competition Regulations
Simon Norman - simon@genesishealthclubs.com
Staff Liaisons: Beth Azan and Caitee Margenthaler
Junior Play
Larry Newton - larrynewton1221@gmail.com
Staff Liaisons: Beth Azan and Tara Williams
Officials
Verne Weber - vaweber10s@aol.com
Staff Liaisons: Mary Buschmann and Beth Azan
Personnel
Alex Lee - alexL17@aol.com
Staff Liaison: Mary Buschmann
Nominating
Alex Lee - alexL17@aol.com
Staff Liaison: Mary Buschmann
Sanctions & Scheduling
Justin Bigsby - mrjbigs@gmail.com
Staff Liaisons: Marissa Moment Brown and Laura Jager
USTA MISSOURI VALLEY STAFF
EXECUTIVE
Mary Buschmann CEO and Executive Director 913-322-4824 mbuschmann@movalley.usta.com
Jaren Glaser Manager, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 913-967-9929 glaser@movalley.usta.com
Laura Jager Manager, Administration 913-322-4852 laura.jager@movalley.usta.com
Tonya Kaup
Managing Director, Finance and HR 913-322-4823 kaup@movalley.usta.com
John Terpkosh Manager, Tennis Venue Service 913-967-9926 jterpkosh@movalley.usta.com
PLAY AND COMPETITION
Astrid Araya Coordinator, Local Junior Team Play 832-541-2239 araya@movalley.usta.com
Beth Azan
Senior Manager, Junior Tournaments 913-322-4832 bazan@movalley.usta.com
Marissa Moment Brown Managing Director, Play and Competition 913-322-4822 brown@movalley.usta.com
Lindsay Hall Senior Manager, Community Play 913-216-5143 hall@movalley.usta.com
Kara Heim Manager, Regional Community Play Iowa, Kansas & Nebraska 913-967-9452 heim@movalley.usta.com
Scott Howes Manager, Adult Play 913-322-4821 howes@movalley.usta.com
Caitee Margenthaler Coordinator, Junior Tournaments caitee.margenthaler@movalley.usta.com
Casey McKenzie Manager, Regional Junior Team Play Missouri & Oklahoma mckenzie@ustaoklahoma.com
Alywn Mushonga Manager, Regional Community Play Missouri & Oklahoma 913-967-9833
mushonga@movalley.usta.com
Laura Puryear
Senior Manager, Coach Development and Training 913-967-9147
puryear@movalley.usta.com
Alyssa Stelmach Manager, Adult Team Play 913-322-4829
astelmach@movalley.usta.com
Tara Williams
Senior Manager, Junior Team Play 913-302-5901 williams@movalley.usta.com
FACILITIES
Jacob Beck
Facility Manager, Plaza Tennis Center 913-749-6046 beck@movalley.usta.com
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Manon Eilts
Managing Director - Marketing, Communications and Membership 913-322-4826 eilts@movalley.usta.com
Abby Lunsford
Digital Content Producer and Web Administrator 913-322-4827
abigayle.lunsford@movalley.usta.com
Victoria Moore
Digital Content Producer and Graphic Designer 913-322-4838
victoria.moore@movalley.usta.com
Josh Sellmeyer
Digital Content Producer josh.sellmeyer@movalley.usta.com
USTA Missouri Valley Staff (Back row L-R): Jaren Glaser, Josh Sellmeyer, Alyssa Stelmach, Scott Howes, Alywn Mushonga, Tara Williams, John Terpkosh. (Second row L-R): Abby Lunsford, Kara Heim, Laura Puryear, Caitee Margenthaler, Jacob Beck, Marissa Moment Brown, Beth Azan, Lindsay Hall, Astrid Araya. (Front row L-R): Victoria Moore, Becky Riggs, Manon Eilts, Mary Buschmann, Laura Jager, Tonya Kaup. Not shown: Casey McKenzie
AT YOUR Provider Resources
COACHING
Calling all innovators, newbies, sunseekers, professors, motivators, builders…whoever you are and whatever your style, tennis needs your skills! So, step up to the baseline, share your passion for tennis and help shape the future of the sport in your community.
RESOURCE LIBRARY
Growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere.
Scan the QR code to access resources developed by the USTA and its partners to help you teach and develop players on and off the court.
REGISTRATION TOOL
Tournament and program registration for both adults and juniors is now available at playtennis.usta.com/.
Scan the QR code to search by location, date or play level and get on court today!
TENNIS VENUE SERVICES
Our Tennis Venue Services team is your partner in making your tennis facility the place to be. From tennis court resurfacing, court amenities, and lighting upgrades to full-scale construction projects, scan the QR code to find out how we can help.
SERVE TENNIS
Serve Tennis is a registration system that will simplify your tennis business. Our number one priority is to help you make your tennis programs or business more successful. Access live demos and consulting sessions, promote your business or reach out to our new customer care team by scanning the QR code to the right.
SERVICE
Junior Tennis Resources
What is the USTA Junior Pathway?
It is your child’s journey until they are 18 years old through our youth tennis products under the American Development Model. The USTA’s ADM offers a comprehensive framework for providers, coaches, athletes, and parents. By growing friendships, improving skills, and maximizing the potential of players at all levels, this framework will keep more participants playing our sport for a lifetime. Within the pathway, players ages 11 and over can move freely within the products that fit their age, ball color and skillset. Players ages 10 and under move through the pathway using the Net Generation PlayTracker.
What products are offered under the USTA Junior Pathway?
INTRODUCTION TO TENNIS
Tennis in Schools/PE (See below)
TEAM COMPETITION
USTA Team Challenge
USTA Junior Team Tennis
USTA Youth Red Ball League
Net Generation PlayTracker
The Net Generation PlayTracker will help parents and players navigate their development progress, replacing the current stars and trophies system. Now, players will collect points on an engaging PlayTracker after playing in USTA Team Challenges, USTA Junior Team Tennis, and USTA Junior Circuit tournaments.
TENNIS IN SCHOOLS
INDIVIDUAL COMPETITION
USTA Junior Circuit
USTA Junior Tournament
Whether you’re teaching tennis in a P.E. class for the first time or looking to continue your coaching passion with middle and high school teams, the USTA has the resources you need to be successful on and off the court.
The Net Generation PlayTracker is for players aged 5-10 and their parents to track progress at USTA competitive events, all in one place. Using the American Development Model (ADM) framework, players and parents will learn more about the recommended development pathway and earn digital incentives along the way.
Junior Tournament Structure AT YOUR SERVICE
A simplified USTA Junior Tournaments structure took effect in January 2021. The structure utilizes seven levels of events, ranging from Level 7 (Intermediate) to Level 1 (National Championships) and a universal ranking system that distributes points consistently across the country.
Adult Tennis Resources
USTA LEAGUE
Adult competitive tennis leagues for players of all skill levels that are organized into four age groups - 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over and 65 & Over. It’s a great way to stay active, improve your game, and meet other players in your area.
NTRP
USTA Missouri Valley adult tournament players who participate in NTRP tournaments throughout most of 2025, and into early 2026, have an opportunity to earn points and qualify for the 2026 NTRP National Championships being held in February/March of 2026.
ADULT TOURNAMENTS
USTA Missouri Valley holds adult tournaments throughout our five-state area for every age and skill level, on clay, hard, and grass court surfaces. Play a section tournament for your chance to qualify for National Championships! Click here for the full 2025 junior section tournament schedule.
SOCIAL TENNIS
Adult social tennis provides casual play opportunities for players of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a multi-week program, a half-day event, or just an hour of fun, there is an Adult Social Tennis program that fits your schedule.
RED BALL TENNIS
Red Ball Tennis is a FUN social experience designed to bring new players to your courts and have them playing the game in 10 minutes! With modified equipment and an all- inclusive package, Red Ball Tennis will supercharge the success of your players and bring a new level of energy to your facility.
AT YOUR SERVICE Community Tennis Resources
TENNIS IN THE PARKS
Recognizing the importance of public parks in the long-term health and growth of the sport, this initiative provides resources designed to help establish, grow and sustain tennis programming in public parks across the nation.
COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATIONS (CTAs)
are not-for-profit, volunteer-based organizations supporting programs that grow the game of tennis.
THE NATIONAL JUNIOR TENNIS & LEARNING (NJTL)
is a network of nonprofit youth development organizations that offer free or low-cost tennis and education programming to under-resourced youth within the section.
WHEELCHAIR
The USTA is dedicated to providing top-flight programming and developmental opportunities to wheelchair athletes of all ages and backgrounds. From wheelchair-specific events, to NTRP Adult Tournaments and USTA League play on the able-bodied side, there are more opportunities to play tennis than ever before!
ADAPTIVE
Tennis provides many benefits for adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, including hand-eye coordination, balance, mobility, strength and fitness. It builds self-confidence, social skills and functional independence. Tennis provides inclusive opportunities for adults with disabilities and creates friendships for a lifetime.
USTA Missouri Valley offers grants to assist organizations to initiate or expand their tennis programming activities.
2025 Grant Deadlines:
- Friday, February 14
- Friday, April 11
- Friday, July 11
- Friday, August 29
- Friday, October 17
• SECTION-LEVEL GRANT CATEGORIES
• Serving Up Tennis Grants (Not-for-Profit Organizations)
• Grow the Game Tennis Grants (For-Profit Organizations)
• Pro-Circuit Assistance Grant
• Adaptive Programming Assistance Grant
• Wheelchair Programming Assistance Grant
• Facility Assistance Grant
• National Tennis Month Program Assistance (May 2025) -Deadline: April 11, 2025
• DISTRICT-LEVEL GRANT CATEGORIES
• Deadlines are specified within each district grant guideline if chosen.
If you have questions please contact Tara Williams: Senior Manager, Junior Team Play 913-302-5901 • williams@movalley.usta.com
HEART OF AMERICA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rebecca Falkner Axelrod 913-660-5199 ustaheartofamerica@gmail.com
PRESIDENT
Tracey Johnson 913-515-0991 tdjlaw@hotmail.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Cusser 913-593-1367 acusser81@gmail.com
Jackie Gehrke 816-868-4179 jackieg@kc.rr.com
Garrett Gerleman 816-500-0722 garrettgerleman@gmail.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADULT COMPETITION
Jody Holsinger 913-269-3962 jody@aspenwealth.com
AWARDS
Jamie Galloway awardshoa@gmail.com
Michelle Gifford 479-280-0052 mmgiff@hotmail.com
Terry Miller 913-341-8209 ttm10s@aol.com
Efren Mojica Usna93@gmail.com
Phyllis Norman 816-288-9622 phyllis@ngkclaw.com
Lorie Verdi 816-210-8225 tlzv@sbcglobal.net
JUNIOR COMPETITION COORDINATOR
Elizabeth Deerinwater ustahoajrs@gmail.com
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS COORDINATOR
Rod Zerni 913-269-6607
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Matt Dow mdow9998@yahoo.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Paige Salveter 314-494-8229 psalveter@gmail.com
GRANTS
W. Clark Richardson wcrichardson4@gmail.com
HALL OF FAME
Scott Hanover
816-656-5540 ptcguy@yahoo.com
Rodney.Zerni@genesishealthclubs.com
OFFICIALS
Dale Wooderson 816-304-3253 oldsiman@gmail.com
TENNISLINK ADMINISTRATOR Pat Sibenaller 816-916-5889 pat.usta@gmail.com
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR - TBA
OFFICERS
IMMEDIATE PAST
PRESIDENT
Deborah Fabrizius 913-424-9299 littlesade@hotmail.com
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT TBD
VICE PRESIDENT - ADULTS Jody Holsinger 913-269-3962 jody@aspenwealth.com
VICE PRESIDENT - JUNIORS Jared Ward 479-659-2493 jwardjayhawktennis@gmail.com
TREASURER
Cassidy Mears 913-488-8669 cassidymears@gmail.com
SECRETARY
W. Clark Richardson Wcrichardson4@gmail.com
LEAGUE COORDINATORS
ADULT LEAGUE COORDINATOR, 18 & OVER, 40 & OVER, 65 & OVER Blerina Boci 913-660-5627 hoaleagues@gmail.com
55 & OVER Anne Cusser acusser81@gmail.com
18 & OVER MIXED Jackie Gehrke jackieg@kc.rr.com
40 & OVER MIXED Deborah Fabrizius littlesade@hotmail.com
55 & OVER MIXED Eric Santon esanton@comcast.net
TRI-LEVEL
Jody Holsinger and Karen Luchinsky Jody: jody@aspenwealth.com Karen: kluchinsky@gmail.com
Adult Player of the Year 4.0 & Above - Male
Mitch Bennett
Overland Park, Kansas
Adult Player of the Year 4.0 & Above - Female
Erin Hambrick
Kansas City, Missouri
Adult Player – 3.5 & Below - Male
Andy Wimmer
Overland Park, Kansas
Eric Wimmer Overland Park, Kansas
Adult Player – 3.5 & Below - Female
Ashton Sparks Bucyrus, Kansas
Community Service Excellence
Elizabeth Barnes
Overland Park, Kansas
Distinguished Service
Stacie Turtledove Leawood, Kansas
Event of the Year
Starbucks.ALL.IN Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri
Facility of the Year
Overland Park Racquet Club
Overland Park, Kansas
High School Coach of the Year
Pamela Koch Liberty, Missouri
Junior Emerging Player of the Year - Male
Graham Rapelye Overland Park, Kansas
Junior Emerging Player of the Year - Female
Emma Fowler Kansas City, Missouri
Junior High Performance Player of the Year -
Male
Cooper Woestendick
Olathe, Kansas
Junior High Performance Player of the Year -
Female
Lera Alexin
Lenexa, Kansas
Member Organization of the Year
Genesis Health Clubs KCRC
Merriam, Kansas
Outstanding Adult/Senior Tournament
Level 1: USTA National Husband & Wife
Open, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 Indoors
Overland Park, Kansas
Outstanding Community
Tennis Association
Stephanie Waterman Foundation Kansas City, Missouri
Outstanding Contributor to USTA Tennis
Youth Programs
Max Sanoja Overland Park, Kansas
Outstanding Contributor to USTA League
Tennis
Karthick Pattabiraman
Stilwell, Kansas
Outstanding Contributor to Youth High Performance Program
Chris Smith
Kansas City, Missouri
Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Michael King Kansas City, Missouri
Outstanding Junior Tournament
Level 7: USTA HOA BG 12-18
Overland Park, Kansas
Officials’ Distinguished Service Award
Jeanne Chavez
St. Joseph, Missouri
Scott Hanover President’s Award USTA Missouri Valley Prairie Village, Kansas
Shawna Froeschl Adult SportsmanshipMale
Jag Thyagarajan Overland Park, Kansas
Shawna Froeschl Adult SportsmanshipFemale
Cheryl Liang Burns Overland Park, Kansas
Stephanie Waterman Junior SportsmanshipMale
Adam Bell Kansas City, Missouri
Stephanie Waterman Junior SportsmanshipFemale
Leiloni Payton Kansas City, Missouri
Tennis Family of the Year
The Ward Family
Lawrence, Kansas
Volunteer of the Year
Anne Cusser
Mission Hills, Kansas
Junior Sportsmanship Winners
Girls 10 – Lucy Reynolds
Girls 12 – Siena Timperley
Girls 14 – Eliya Ward
Girls 16 – Scarlett Gates
Girls 18 – Sydney Fuger
Boys 10 – Aarnav Garikipati
Boys 12 – Fletcher Dunn - Knuth
Boys 14 – Henry Fu
Boys 16 – Aarya Anjankar
Boys 18 – Luke Pennington
HEART OF AMERICA
IOWA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sanction (Tournaments)
Mark Blume 319-400-8857 usta.iowa@gmail.com
SUPPORT STAFF
ACCOUNTANT
Tonya Kaup
913-322-4823 kaup@movalley.usta.com
ADULT LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Jennifer Smith 515-988-3135 ustaiowaleagues@gmail.com
ADULTS/MIXED/SENIORS
Dana McBratney 636-222-0705 iowa55mixed@gmail.com
DISTRICT LIAISON
Deborah Fabrizius littlesade@hotmail.com
PRESIDENT
Brenton Kuchera 319-296-5933 kucherab@waterlooschools.org
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADULT COMPETITION
Ann Simons-Burnett 515-451-1374 andrean-simons@uiowa.edu
ADULT LEAGUES
Jennifer Smith 515-988-3135 ustaiowaleagues@gmail.com
AWARDS
Mike Conlon 515-360-9196 conlonm@wdmcs.org
COLLEGIATE
Armando Espinosa 515-450-4829 armandoe@amesfitness.com
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Brock Wilson 702-379-6353 brock10s2u@outlook.com
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Adult Player of the Year
Brad DiLeo - Iowa City
Emerging Junior Female Player of the Year
Kaitlyn Nguyen - Johnston
Emerging Junior Male Player of the Year
Tyler Jasper - Cedar Rapids
Junior High Performance Male Player of the Year
Nicholas Patrick - Coal Valley
Junior High Performance Male Player of the Year
Maiya Phanchantrauruai - Ames
Facility of the Year
Dan Staggs Family Tennis Center - Ottumwa
Member Organization of the Year
North Dodge Athletic Club - Iowa City
FOLLOW
OFFICERS
PAST PRESIDENT
Jack Wardell 712-792-1000 jwardell639@gmail.com
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Nicole Berger 515-499-0372 paradisetennisflkeys@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT
Cindy Klebe 563-506-5901 cindyrtklebe@msn.com
VICE PRESIDENT
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Cindy Rasche 563-249-3132 crasche333@gmail.com
GRIEVANCE
Tom Wolle 319-721-8314 twolle@simmonsperrine.com
HALL OF FAME
Fred Pedersen 319-530-6422 fred-pedersen@uiowa.edu
JUNIOR COMPETITION
Trent Schneider 319-541-6257 trentschneider24@gmail.com
NOMINATING/PERSONNEL
Jack Wardell 712-790-1904 jwardell639@gmail.com
Oustanding Diversity Achievement Cedar Rapids Park and Recreation - Cedar Rapids
Outstanding Community Tennis Association: River Cities Tennis Association - Clinton
Outstanding Contributor to Youth Tennis Programs: Lizelle Landinz - Dubuque
Outstanding Contributor to Youth High Performance Program
Armando Espinosa - Ames
USTA Junior Team Tennis Organizer
Brenton Kuchera - Waterloo
Outstanding Junior Tennis Tournament Club Kids for a Cause - Cedar Falls
Nate Williams 319-378-6996 tlnnlt56@gmail.com
SECRETARY
Brandon Willett 515-778-1502 willett.Brandon@gmail.com
TREASURER
Lynda Bolin 563-293-8396 lbolin@pillaradvising.com
RECREATION
Michael Shires
205-434-8660
a1tennisperform@hotmail.com
UMPIRES (OFFICIALS)
Steve England 515-447-0126
iowatennisofficials@gmail.com
Outstanding Official Milica Oliver, Iowa City
High School Coach of the Year
Chuck Schupbach, Waterloo
Junior Sportsmanship
Girls 12U: London Kelley, West Des Moines
Girls 14U: Tenley Cewe, Camanche
Girls 16U: Madelyn Dalton, Cumming
Boys 18U: Brady Frye, Clive
Tennis Family of the Year
The Taylor Family - Clive
Distinguished Service
Todd Derifield and Craig Danner - Waterloo
KANSAS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Amy Mathew
660-553-0111
USTAKansasED@gmail.com
DISTRICT SUPPORT STAFF
PRESIDENT
Cary Morris 316-641-3606
Carymorris@icloud.com
DISTRICT LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Dylan Jones
316-200-3757 KansasDLC@gmail.com
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS COORDINATOR
Janet Glaser
316-655-9988
janetglaser70@gmail.com
JUNIOR COMPETITION COORDINATOR
Simon Norman
316-634-6111
simon@genesishealthclubs.com
YOUTH PATHWAY COORDINATOR
Zach Loomis
316-650-9257
Zachl620@hotmail.com
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Adult Players of the Year
Mitchel Whitmer, Wichita Matt Becker, Wichita Bianca Bulnes, Salina
Facility of the Year
Genesis, Salina
High School Coach of the Year
Simon Norman, Wichita
Junior Emerging Players of the Year
Chelsea Brown, Wichita Taylor Goates, Wichita
Emerging Pathway Players of the Year
Viktoria Solvey, Wichita
Sebastian Cabrera, Wichita
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
OFFICERS
PAST PRESIDENT
Kate Foss 316-993-4013
USTAKate@gmail.com
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT/ ADULT COMPETITION
Dan Eccles
620-364-9270
bluestem5@yahoo.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADULT LEAGUES
Amy Mathew 630-272-8022
USTAKansasDLC@gmail.com
AWARDS
Nick Shulte 316-648-6393 schultenick@gmail.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
CO-CHAIRS
Ron Thompson 316-681-1273
RonT702@yahoo.com
Grady Landrum Grady.Landrum@gmail.com
GRANTS
Gabriel Yankey 316-461-2844
Gab.Yankey@gmail.com
Junior High Performance Player of the Year
Amir Khicha,Wichita
Junior Sportsmanship Awards
Girls 14U - Quinn Scheldeman, Wichita
Girls 16U - Sophia Hegge, Wichita
Girls 18U - Nadia Koewsai, Wichita
Boys 16U - Brady Haight, Wichita
Boys 18U - Aideen Knox, Wichita
Outstanding Community Tennis Association
Salina Tennis Alliance
HALL OF FAME
George Milton 620-342-8806 peten1936@gmail.com
JUNIOR COMPETITION
Simon Norman 316-634-6111 simon@genesishealthclubs.com
OFFICIALS CO-CHAIRS
John Seal 620-778-2289 netjts0@gmail.com
J.K. Patel
785-228-2529 Jipatel@wcnoc.com
Outstanding Contributor to Youth High Performance Programs Bruno Suiama, Wichita
Outstanding Contributor to USTA League Tennis Don Eccles, Topeka
Outstanding Diversity Achievement McAdams NJTL of Wichita
Outstanding Junior Tournament Crestview Country Club Intermediate III, Wichita
Outstanding Member Organization Riverside Tennis Center, Wichita
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT/ JUNIOR COMPETITION
Simon Norman 316-634-6111
simon@genesishealthclubs.com
SECRETARY
Brenda Munds 620.694.0283 bmunds87@gmail.com
TREASURER
TBD
DIRECTORS
Terry Neal 785-488-7460
t.neal1230.tn@gmail.com
Gary Shipp
785-230-6012 gshipp@kvc.org
Gabriel Yankey 316-461-2844
gab.yankey@gmail.com
Outstanding Official Simon Norman, Wichita
Tennis Family Of The Year The Solovey Family, Wichita
Outstanding Contributor To Youth Tennis Programs: Rafael Bulnes, Salina Zach Loomis, Wichita
W H A T I S
USTA FLEX TENNIS?
With USTA Flex tennis you get to decide when and where you play!
8 Weeks, 6 Matches: We place you in a division with players of your level, you and your opponent schedule when and where matches are played, for ultimate flexibility.
MISSOURI
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Leslie Echols
417-501-6234 ustamissouridirector@gmail.com
PRESIDENT
Sean Terry 417-576-7304
unwrittenrulesterry@gmail.com
DISTRICT SUPPORT STAFF
DISTRICT LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Stephanie Wachob ustamissouridlc@gmail.com
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Lori Hunt lhmotennis@gmail.com
COLUMBIA LEAGUE COORDINATOR
April Edwards comoleagues@gmail.com
SPRINGFIELD LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Carol Rollins
springfieldleagues@gmail.com
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Adult Player of the Year - Male
Matt Murrow
Adult Player of the Year - Female
Peg Schlacks
Adult Sportsmanship Winner
Stephanie Kleffner
Junior High Performance PlayerMale
Austin Potter
Junior High Performance PlayerFemale
Victoria Chernova
High School Recreational PlayerMale
Adam Badr
High School Recreational PlayerFemale
Emily Peterson
Junior Recreational Player - Male
Tyler Tang
Junior Recreational Player - Female
Paige Morris
Emerging Junior Player - Male
Joseph Coder
Emerging Junior Player - Female
Isla Merrifield
Tennis Family of the Year
The Seo Family
Facility of the Year
Cooper Tennis Complex
Member Organization of the Year
Cooper Tennis Complex
Community Service Excellence
Majorie Mueller
Oustanding Community Tennis Association
Marshall Community Tennis
Outstanding Teaching Professional
Chip Blackman
Outstanding Contributor to the USTA League Tennis Program
Ann Vogel
Outstanding Contributor to Youth Tennis
Larry Holmes
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADULT COMPETITION
Kelly Hayes ustamotournaments@gmail.com
AWARDS
Carol Rollins carol@rollinsappraisal.net
JUNIOR COMPETITION
Larry Holmes larry.holmes@springfieldmo.gov
OFFICIALS
Kim Kilgore kkligore7@gmail.com
Outstanding Contributor ro Recreational Tennis
David Lane
Outstanding Adult/Senior Tournament
Spring Skirmish
Outstanding Junior Tournament
Mo Valley L4
Mallory Weber
Outstanding Official
Cindy Baine
Event of the Year
Marshall Tennis Parent/Child Tournament
League Captain Mentor
Hee Sun Kim
New League Captains
Deb Jochems and Kortney Jochems
Wassam
OFFICERS
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Mallory Weber mallory.weber@springfieldmo.gov
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Steve Webb swebb@springfieldmo.gov
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Stephanie Farid sewfarid@gmail.com
AT-LARGE
Sean Kembell seankembell@gmail.com
Floyd Jernigan Fjernigan@rollacity.org
Majorie Muller mmuller@ccmo.net
Dennis Mailes dcmailes43@gmail.com
INTERESTED IN STARTING JUNIOR OR ADULT LEAGUES IN YOUR AREA?
Contact Leslie Echols at ustamissouridirector@gmail.com
High School Coach of the Year
Nathan Rothdiner
Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Mallory Weber
Distinguished Service
Mallory Weber
Lifetime Achievement Award
Jarrod Smith
Junior Sportsmanship Awards
Teddy Tang
Ridhima Singh
Rishabh Sing
Collan Foltz
Sumedh Reddy
Kaylee Doran
Nick Meyer
Majie Muller
Hunter Graham
Hannah Lee
Tennis Month!
Designating a month to promote tennis gives a platform to coaches, facilities, Parks & Recs, Community Tennis Associations, and NJTLs to drive awareness and help bring new players into local programs, inspire lapsed players to return to the sport and energize existing players to play more.
Start Your Planning Today
USTA.com/NationalTennisMonth is a one stop shop for resources, assets and ideas to help providers with local promotions.
AS A PROVIDER, ACCESS:
Downloadable artwork to use for, t-shirts, banners, car magnets and yard signs
Customizable marketing materials, including social media posts, flyers, posters and postcards
Sample proclamations for City Councils and Mayors to proclaim May National Tennis Month
A sample press release you can customize for your local community and tips to reach out to local media
Programming and promotional ideas
NEBRASKA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Lisa Thomas
408-290-5931
lisathomasusta@icloud.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADULT PLAY & COMPETITION
Stephen Collins
402-968-4972 sfcomaha@gmail.com
AWARDS
Verne Weber
402-682-5862 vaweber10s@aol.com
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Matt Morrow 940-867-1266 mmorrow@kearneygov.org
PRESIDENT
John Rademacher
308-440-1112
johnprademacher@gmail.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Tammy Hill tamtennis18@aol.com
HALL OF FAME
Verne Weber 402-682-5862 vaweber10s@aol.com
JUNIOR COMPETITION
Justin Bigsby 402-721-8069 mrjbigs@gmail.com
LEAGUE COORDINATOR
TBD
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Adult Player of the Year (3.5)
Molly Hunt
Adult Player of the Year (4.0)
Jolene Johnson
Adult/Senior Tournament of the Year
Nebraska Senior Games
Distinguished Service
Justin Bigsby
Facility of the Year
Woods Tennis Center
High School Coach of the Year
Chris Stock
Junior High Performance Players of the Year
Briana Rademacher, Asher Saulsbury, Hunter
Nelson
OFFICERS
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Mike Willman
402-547-9613 mikewllmn@gmail.com
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Lunning 515-371-1931 mlunning@unmc.edu
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Stephen Collins sfcomaha@gmail.com
NOMINATING
Mike Willman 402-547-9613 mikewllmn@gmail.com
OFFICIALS
Michael Martin 904-315-8575 mikestock_992004@yahoo.com
LOCAL PLAY AND COMPETITION
Larry Newton 402-326-3484 larrynewton@cox.net
Junior Emerging Players of the Year
Jason Dubrow, Summer Christensen
Junior Tournament of the Year
Bellevue Junior Circuit
Media Excellence
Doug Duda
Outstanding Community Tennis Association
Omaha Tennis Association
Outstanding Contributor USTA League Tennis
Carlos Riera-Ruiz
Outstanding Contributor to Junior Team Tennis
Darren Emrick
Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Kaitlin Roselius
SECRETARY Brittni Redding brittni.redding@cox.net
TREASURER
Ryan Johnson angst_ink@yahoo.com
Outstanding Officials
Noelle Wegiel and Aaron Ogden
Tennis Family of the Year
The Fredricks Family
Junior Sportsmanship Award
David Ruwe
@usta_nebraska
winners of the 2025 SuperSport
OKLAHOMA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
David Minihan
405-312-5252 minihan@ustaoklahoma.com
COMMUNITY TENNIS MANAGER
Maghin Abernathy 405-639-0368 ctm@ustaoklahoma.com
QUADRANT REPRESENTATIVES
NORTHWEST QUADRANT
Carmen Bond 405-850-5458 cbond@oktennis.org
SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
Megan Garlington 316-214-5837 megan.garlington@gmail.com
PRESIDENT
Eric Wedemeyer 405-627-0792 ewedemeyer1@cox.net
NORTHEAST QUADRANT
Lisa Charvat 918-645-4355 charvatlisa68@gmail.com
SOUTHEAST QUADRANT
Dawna Johnston 610-308-0435 dawna_johnston@hotmail.com
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA USTA Oklahoma @ustaoklahoma
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
ADULT COMPETITION
Peter McCorkle 918-830-0698 peter.mccorkle@gmail.com
AWARDS
Tamara Cromwell 405-820-2057 lukersmom@gmail.com
BUDGET & FINANCE
Jeff Bowser 405-627-3987 jeff@heritagecpas.com
COLLEGIATE
Marc Claude 405-640-9638 cell marcaclaude@gmail.com
DISTRICT LEAGUE COORDINATOR
TULSA LEAGUE COORDINATOR Michelle Oquin 918-381-6690 oquin@ustaoklahoma.com
OKC LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Seth Moore 405-209-0607 okcleagues@ustaoklahoma.com
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
Caitlyn Sagraves 405-609-7963 caitlynmetseff@gmail.com
GENERAL COUNSEL/GRIEVANCE
Charles Laster 405-273-2910 charlielaster@sbcglobal.net
GRANTS
Laura Puryear 913-967-9147 puryear@movalley.usta.com
HALL OF FAME
Richard Perry 580-242-5848 richard.m.perry@sbcglobal.net
OFFICERS
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Mary Jo Tasker 918-694-5445 maryjotasker@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT - ADULTS
Peter McCorkle 918-830-0698 peter.mccorkle@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT - JUNIORS
Ellie Bailey 918-633-4444 eroc76@icloud.com
TREASURER
Jeff Bowser
405-627-3987 jeff@heritagecpas.com
SECRETARY
Emily Pomeroy 405-317-2611 emily@okmta.com
JUNIOR COMPETITION
Ellie Bailey 918-633-4444 eroc76@icloud.com
NOMINATING
Mary Jo Tasker 918-694-5445 maryjotasker@gmail.com
OFFICIALS
Dean Richardville 918-671-7208 dean@richardville.org
SANCTIONS & SCHEDULING
Bill Riggan 405-650-6076 williamriggan@gmail.com
Adult Player of the Year (3.5 & Below)
Brenda Hise
Adult Player of the Year (4.0 & Above)
Ann Marie Brown
Distinguished Service
Mary Jo Tasker
Facility of the Year
Philcrest Hills Tennis Club
High School Coach of the Year
Ty Barrett
Male Emerging Junior Player of the Year
Evan Fellrath
Female Emerging Junior Player of the Year
Hannah Barki
Male Junior High Performance Player of the Year
Cristian Pensavalle
Female Junior High Performance Player of the Year
Evie Lunsford
Member Organization of the Year
Southern Hills Country Club
Outstanding Community Tennis Association
First Serve Tulsa
Outstanding Contributor to USTA League
Carrie Woody
Outstanding Contributor to Youth High Performance
Doug Stone
Outstanding Contributor to Youth Tennis Programs
Jaron Stewart
Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Caitlyn Sagraves
Outstanding Junior Tournament
Junior Circuit June USTA OK Hidden Trails
BG 12-18
Outstanding Junior Team Tennis Organizer
Cristian Pensavalle
Outstanding Official
Charlie Smith
Tennis Family of the Year
The Barki Family
Junior Sportsmanship
Girls 10: Kanchan Thomas
Girls 12: Scarlett Milner
Girls 14: Kate Crook
Girls 16: Maggie Butler
Girls 18: Milana Quick
Boys 10: Will Stafford
Boys 12: Max Moore
Boys 14: Knox Tucker
Boys 16: JohnPaul Huston
Boys 18: Owen Fellrath
President’s Award
David Minihan
Hall of Fame Inductees
Brook Buck Campbell
Melissa McCorkle
Trent Tucker
ST. LOUIS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Megan Kovacs 314-585-9552 cell director@ustastl.com
DISTRICT STAFF
PHONE: 314-432-3990
ADULT PROGRAM MANAGER
Sherry Taylor leagues@ustastl.com
ADULT PLAYER LIAISON
Lori Divin playtennis@ustastl.com
PRESIDENT
Paul Petruska 618-772-0086
ppetruska@fratrust.com
40+/55+ LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Lisa Lamb 40plus@ustastl.com
MIXED LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Liz Lahm mixed@ustastl.com
DISTRICT SUPPORT
AWARDS
Megan Kovacs director@ustastl.com
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Adult Players of the Year (3.5 & below)
Azher Sameer & Martina Augsburger
Adult Players of the Year (4.0 & Above)
Jim Hipkiss* & Annette Harris
Distinguished Service
Donna Stauffer*
Facility of the Year
Edwardsville High School
Family of the Year
The Patrick Family
(Mike, Marsha, Shaun, Josh)
Judy Dippold Junior Players of the Year
Shaan Patel & Emerey Gross*
Junior Emerging Players of the Year
Pranav Madamanchi & London Evans
18-39 SOCIAL LEAGUE COORDINATOR
Dom Marticorena/ Renee Breer under40@ustastl.com
JUNIOR PLAY MANAGER/ JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
Toni McDonald 314-585-9468 juniors@ustastl.com
TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR TBD tournaments@ustastl.com
DWIGHT DAVIS TENNIS CENTER Noel Quevreaux, General Manager 314-361-0177 dwight@ustastl.com
FINANCIAL MANAGER
Nancy Varner financial@ustastl.com
Mary Vassar Adult Sportsmanship
Sharon Taysi
Member Organization of the Year
St. Clair Tennis
Outstanding Adult Tournament Forever Tennis Summer Slam
Outstanding Community Tennis Association
PUSH Wheelchair Tennis Academy
Outstanding Contributors to USTA Leagues
Will Hamilton & Judy Malpiedi
High School Coach of the Year
Sam Lhotak
LEGAL ADVISOR
Andy Glaser 314-446-4259 aglaser@sandbergphoenix.com
OFFICERS
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT John Kelly 314-956-7660 kellyjohnf15@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT - JUNIORS Scott Sutter 314-604-0939 wssutter@mac.com
VICE PRESIDENT - ADULTS Jerry Horsford 636-675-2139 caribb51@gmail.com
VICE PRESIDENT - COMMUNITY Ben Gildehaus 617-945-4630 ben@breakpointacademy.org
SECRETARY
Louann Boyd 314-922-8004 louannboyd@yahoo.com
TREASURER Donna Stauffer 636-544-5124 djstauffer53@gmail.com
ST. LOUIS ASSOCIATION OF TENNIS OFFICIALS (SLATO)
John Kelly - President kellyjohnf15@gmail.com
Outstanding Junior Team Tennis Organizer
Zachary Plocher
Outstanding Contributor Youth High Performance - Paul Lucas*
Outstanding Contributor to Youth Programs
Dominic Marticorena*
Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Kimberly Y. Hughes Gill & Scott Stinson
Outstanding Event of the Year
Set Mix ‘n Chill (18-39 Social League)
Outstanding Junior Tournament Level 6: Arch #3
Outstanding Official Liz Lahm
Volunteer of the Year
Bob Dienstbach
President’s Award
Scott Stinson
Junior Sportsmanship Awards
Boys 10 – Jack Leitner
Boys 12 – Kolton Carlson*
Boys 14 – Neel Thilak
Boys 16 – Aidan Zu
Boys 18 – Jai Patel*
Girls 10 – Marlo Kennedy
Girls 12 – Hazel Windeknecht
Girls 14 – Ava Lohmeyer
Girls 16 – Kendall Pauls
Girls 18 – Skye Madatali*
2024 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Power of Tennis was celebrated throughout the 2024 USTA Missouri Valley Annual Conference, which took place Dec. 5-7 at Sheraton Overland Park Hotel in Overland Park, Kan.
In addition to engaging speaker sessions, committee meetings and a Red Ball Tennis social, two individuals were inducted into the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame and more than 30 awards were handed out to recognize excellence on and off the court.
Click here to view the 2024 Annual Conference recap video.
The conference culminated with the playing of the 2024 USTA Missouri Valley End of Year video, which highlighted some of the section’s top sights and sounds. Jennifer (Hopkins) Dent and Susan True were officially enshrined as the 146th and 147th members of the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame.
Awards for players, providers and leaders were given out. Jason Mathes was USTA Missouri Valley President Alex Lee’s selection for the President’s Award, and Mathes was surprised with the recognition during the meeting of the association and board.
Scott Hanover—who again emceed the Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Celebration—was on the receiving end of a surprise award of his own. Hanover was announced as the Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine High School Coach of the Year. He joined Edmond Center Court (Municipal Tennis Facility of the Year) as the USTA Missouri Valley’s “Champions of Tennis” that were announced in RSI’s January 2025 issue.
The annual conference kicked off with Mary Buschmann, USTA Missouri Valley CEO and executive director, sharing the conference’s theme was celebrating the Power of Tennis. Artwork created by St. Louis native Chelsey Farris—who designed the 2024 US Open’s theme art—was sprinkled throughout conference programming and signage. Buschmann included some of the 16 theme art elements in her remarks.
“We celebrate with our communities through our diverse and inclusive programming,” Buschmann said. “We certainly bring the energy and entertainment to our fans as we focus on the fun. We are experiencing the growth of tennis by inspiring healthier people and communities everywhere. We will continue to encourage social play and respect the traditions of our sport.”
Thursday’s festivities included on-court demos connected to cardio tennis and a youth team pilot. The on-court fun continued with a Red Ball Tennis social, as attendees packed the Sheraton Overland Park Hotel’s ballroom to demonstrate that tennis can be played anywhere.
Friday’s happenings included discourse on the importance of SafePlay as well as panel discussions on tennis in the parks, USTA Premier Facilities and grassroots efforts from Community Tennis Association (CTA) leaders.
Committee meetings then commenced and a junior team play workshop was held before the USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors and committee chairs provided updates during their semi-annual gathering. Attendees were invited to a welcome reception and dinner, with loads of door prizes handed out.
Saturday began with Buschmann discussing the future of tennis with Derek White and Perren Wong, two incoming USTA board members. Wong detailed the path forward for the USTA to achieve its lofty goal of making America the No. 1 tennis-playing nation by population in the world. “Talk about the good things of tennis and bring a friend,” Wong said in regard to the USTA reaching 35 million tennis players by 2035.
White relayed the significance of tennis in his own life, calling the sport both “life-enhancing and life-changing.”
Click here to view the Facebook photo album.
“When I was at a crossroads, tennis is what brought me through,” White said. “ … We all want to make this sport better for a better America.”
Committee meetings continued on Saturday and a coaching workshop was hosted before the Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Celebration capped off the weekend.
2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Click the photos to watch the 2024 Hall of Fame videos.
Jennifer (Hopkins) Dent and Susan True comprise the 2024 class inducted into the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame on Dec. 7 at Sheraton Overland Park Hotel in Kansas as part of the USTA Missouri Valley’s Annual Conference.
Jennifer (Hopkins) Dent had an illustrious junior, high school and professional tennis career as one of the greatest competitors to come out of the USTA Missouri Valley. Dent began playing tennis at the age of 6 under the guidance of Ann Edmonds and Jeff Henderson at Hallbrook Country Club in Leawood, Kan. Mike Wolf later coached Dent for a six-year stretch in Lawrence, Kan. Dent won the USTA Girls’ 18s National Clay Court Championship in 1998 a year after claiming the USTA Girls’ 18s National Indoor Doubles title with her partner, Julia Scaringe. She finished runner-up in singles at the 1997 USTA Girls’ 18s National Indoor Championship and was a quarterfinalist at the US Open Junior Championships the following year. In all, Dent captured nine USTA National Bronze Balls in singles during her sterling junior career. Dent snagged the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) Class 1A-3A singles title in both 1995 and ’96 as a studentathlete at The Barstow School. Dent went professional in 1999 and claimed six ITF singles championships as well as five ITF doubles titles during her seven-year career on the WTA Tour. Dent reached a career-high ranking of No. 52 in the WTA in 2001. Additionally, Dent had a standout career as a World TeamTennis competitor. She was named the 2000 WTT Rookie of the Year while playing for the Kansas City Explorers. Dent is the CEO of The Birch Racquet & Lawn Club in Keller, Texas that she founded along with husband Taylor Dent and Phil Dent. “I’m so thankful that I played tennis,” Dent said. “And that I didn’t do swimming; I didn’t do gymnastics. I didn’t do these other sports that give you one opportunity to get it perfect. I played a sport that allowed you to not be perfect, which I feel is more like life.”
Susan True has made an impact on the tennis community as well as women’s sports at large for several decades. She held a litany of titles during her remarkable 21-year career as a volunteer within the USTA. Her USTA Missouri Valley roles included two terms each as vice president (1999-2002; 2013-14) and secretary (2009-2012; 2015-16). True also served as treasurer in 2005-06. During her volunteer career she chaired the USTA Missouri Valley Awards Committee, Community Development Committee and the Bylaws Task Force. She served on the board of the USTA Missouri Valley Foundation from 2000-06. True served on several national USTA committees as well. She was on the USTA Schools Committee and USTA Evaluations Committee, where she served as vice chair. She was also a member of the USTA Youth Community Tennis Programs Committee. True was part of the Collegiate-Interscholastic Team Tennis project team. She was heavily involved locally within the USTA Heart of America scene as well. She chaired the USTA Heart of America Awards Committee twice in addition to being a member of that committee from 2009-2012. She was the district’s volunteer coordinator. She was inducted into the USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame in 2020. As a Title IX pioneer, True and two others founded the Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC)—a part of the Kansas City Sports Commission—in 1994. True held the WIN for KC positions of president, president-elect and secretary. Beyond tennis True was passionately involved in the sport of volleyball. For her service, she was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame (2003) and the Kansas State High School Activities Association Hall of Fame (2017). Athletes in the Kansas City area have True to thank in part for the opportunities they have today. “I was just flabbergasted. And pretty soon I thought, ‘It’s a good thing I’m sitting here in my bedroom.’ Because the tears were rolling down my face,” True said of her USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame induction. “One of the biggest surprises and happiest ones I’ve had.”
USTA MISSOURI VALLEY HALL OF FAME MEMBERS
2024
Jenny Dent Grapevine, Tx.
Susan True* Kansas City, Mo.
2023
Shelley George Bradenton, Fl.
Alex Lee Wichita, Kan.
2022
Mary Greef Harris* Kansas City, Mo.
Jean Larrick Springfield, Mo.
Larry Newton ......................................... Omaha, Neb.
2021
R. Scott Hanover Kansas City, Mo.
Alvin Penelton* East St. Louis, Ill.
Tara Snyder Truckee, Calif.
2020
Daniel Apted ......................................... St. Louis, Mo.
Jane Zukaitis Hines Omaha, Neb.
Kevin Nebergall Cedar Rapids, Iowa
2019
Kilmeny Waterman Connor Overland Park, Kan.
Craig Sandvig University City, Mo.
Pamela Sloan Stockton, Calif.
2018
Ken D. Brown Independence, Kan.
Fred Johnson* ...................................Kansas City, Mo.
Mark Platt Clayton, Mo.
Pat Purcell St. Louis, Mo.
Kim Reser .......................................... Springfield, Mo.
2017
Buff Farrow Wichita, Kan.
Francis P. Lemery Overland Park, Kan.
Richard M. Perry Enid, Okla.
2016
Bob Bates ..................................... Prairie Village, Kan.
Mark Johnson Henryetta, Okla.
Wilbur Jones Shawnee, Kan.
2015
Richard Hudlin* St. Louis, Mo.
Cornelia Salmon-Robertson Lecompton, Kan.
Mark Rosewell Maryville, Mo.
Verne Weber Bellevue, Neb.
2014
Steve Gerdes ........................................... Omaha, Neb.
Jim Klousia Springfield, Mo.
Ken Veney Sydney, Australia
2013
Ron Cobb St. Louis, Mo.
Kevin Hedberg Topeka, Kan.
Joe McGuire Kansas City, Mo.
Doug Smith St. Louis, Mo.
Bruce Vosburg* Omaha, Neb.
2012
Judy Dippold St. Louis, Mo.
Micki Schillig Feldmann Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Edmund Serrano* ................................. St. Louis, Mo.
Meredith Geiger Walton Humble, Kan.
2011
Rex Coad Wichita, Kan.
James “Buddy” Fields* Wichita, Kan.
Janet Thomas Griffith Tulsa, Okla.
Jane Pratt* St. Louis, Mo.
Kim Steinmetz ..................................... Florissant, Mo.
2010
Charles Doughty, Jr.*
Wichita, Kan.
Tommy English Oklahoma City, Okla.
Paul Lockwood Norman, Okla.
James Wadley Stillwater, Okla.
2009
Nick Taylor
Wichita, Kan.
Skip Walther ..................................... Columbia, Mo.
Sheldon Weiner* Rock Island, Ill.
2008
Gayle David Bradshaw Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Patricia Graham* Kansas City, Mo.
Steve Prosser DeSoto, Kan.
Leigh Strassner* St. Louis, Mo.
2007
Barbara Fackel* Rock Island, Ill.
Ken Flach* ............................................. St Louis, Mo.
Bob McKinley College Station, Texas
2006
Dave Freeborn Tulsa, Okla.
Jay Louderback South Bend, Ind.
Terry Miller Overland Park, Kan.
Dave Riley* Tulsa, Okla.
Russell Warner Tulsa, Okla.
2005
John Allen Been .................................. Houston, Texas
Dr. Harry Clifton Burrus* Winter Haven, Fla.
Jacque Croft Overland Park, Kan.
Richard Mechem ........................ Fredericksburg, Texas
Frank A. Thompson Jr.* St. Louis, Mo.
2004
John Bregin Merriam, Kan.
Don Dippold* St. Louis, Mo.
Don Gardner* Wichita, Kan.
Ken Lidie* Bellevue, Neb.
Su Oertel .............................................. Decorah, Iowa
2003
Bill Brown ................................. Arroyo Grande, Calif.
Cliff Buchholz Fort Collins, Colo.
Bob Green Atlantic Beach, Fla.
Nancy Pearce-Jeffett* Dallas, Texas
Phil Landauer Hillard, Ohio
2002
Patsy Rippy-Bond Sandy, Utah
William Davis .................................... Seminole, Okla.
Ralph Hart, Jr. St. Louis, Mo.
Bill Rompf Newport, R.I.
Mary Norwood-Rompf ......................... Newport, R.I.
2001
Junior Coen Kansas City, Mo.
Dick Gilkey Edmond, Okla.
Gene Land Oklahoma City, Okla.
Gerry Perry Springfield, Mo.
Don McNeil Chickasha, Okla.
2000
Marilyn Mueller* St. Louis, Mo.
Louis Gerdes* ......................................... Omaha, Neb.
Ollie Gresham Tulsa, Okla.
Homer Robinson* Tulsa, Okla.
Dr. Bryce Young Hilton Head, S.C.
Judy Levering Hilton Head, S.C.
Please help us keep our list current. If you know of a member who has passed away, please email: communications@movalley.usta.com.
1999
David Bryant Oklahoma City, Okla.
Dr. George Milton Emporia, Kan.
Cliff Price Tulsa, Okla.
J. Hal Surface Jr. Kansas City, Mo.
Dr. Steve Wilkinson* St. Peter, Minn.
1998
W.E. Steve Broadie Wichita, Kan.
Dr. Donald Klotz* ............................... Iowa City, Iowa
J.C. Louderback Arkansas City, Kan.
Jim Reed Winfield, Kan.
S.L. Shofner .......................................... Prescott, Ariz.
1997
Lucien Barbour* Winfield, Kan.
Frank Ward Tulsa, Okla.
Anna Guerrant Gilbert, Ariz.
Dick Johnson* Ballwin, Mo.
Nora Prosser Merriam, Kan.
1996
Harold "Buck" Balzer Buhler, Kan.
Justina Bricka ........................................ St. Louis, Mo.
Kate Cushing* Tulsa, Okla.
Ted Drewes* St. Louis, Mo.
Phillip L. Edwards St. Louis, Mo.
1995
Jodie H. Adams Springfield, Mo.
Carol Hanks Aucamp St. Louis, Mo.
Mary Ann Eisel Beattie.......................... St. Louis, Mo.
1994
Wray Brown* ........................................ St. Louis, Mo.
Earl "Butch" Buchholz Jr. St. Louis, Mo.
Beverly K. Buckley Des Moines, Iowa
Joy Rodenberg Lincoln, Neb.
Mervyn Webster* Wichita, Kan.
1993
C.J. Hixon Tulsa, Okla.
Wally Smith ..................................... Ponca City, Okla.
Dave Snyder Kingwood, Texas
1992
Jack Buss* Des Moines, Iowa
Lucile Davidson Independence, Mo.
Ed Doane Tustin, Calif.
1991
Clarence Dyer Durant, Okla.
Ward Parker Family St. Louis, Mo.
Tom McSpadden ............................... Muskogee, Okla.
1990
Francis Baxter* .................................... Edmond, Okla.
Earl H. Buchholz Sr.* Sedalia, Mo.
Charles D. Cunningham Tulsa, Okla.
Bill Price St. Louis, Mo.
Len Prosser Merriam, Kan.
1989
Gerald Perry* Springfield, Mo.
1988
D. Keedy Campbell Kansas City, Mo.
Harris Coggeshall* .......................... Des Moines, Iowa
Marvin P. Richmond* Leawood, Kan.
T.H. "Curly" Vaughan* Winfield, Kan.
1986
Dwight F. Davis* St. Louis, Mo.
Charles McKinley* St. Louis, Mo.
*Deceased
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Adult Player of the Year, 3.5 & Below
Outstanding Junior Tournament
Club Kids for a Cause L6
Junior Emerging Player of the Year (Female)
Adult Player of the Year, 4.0 & Above
Outstanding Contributor USTA League Tennis Program
Outstanding Adult/Senior Tournament
Outstanding Official
Junior High Performance Player of the Year (Female)
Junior Emerging Player of the Year (Male)
Outstanding Contributor Youth High Performance
High School Coach of the Year
Outstanding Community Tennis Association
Iowa City, Iowa
The Barki Family Tulsa, Oklahoma
The Stephanie Waterman Foundation Kansas City, Missouri
Paul Lucas St. Louis, Missouri
Summer Christensen Omaha, Nebraska
Level 1: USTA National Husband & Wife Open Overland Park, Kansas
Carlos Riera-Ruiz Lincoln, Nebraska
Cooper Woestendick Olathe, Kansas
Emerey Gross St. Louis, Missouri
Joseph Coder Battlefield, Missouri
Philcrest Hills Tennis Club Jenks, Oklahoma
Pamela Koch Kansas City, Missouri
Charlie Smith Edmond, Oklahoma
Peg Schlacks Fulton, Missouri
Jim Hipkiss Belleville, Illinois
Tennis Family of the Year
Junior High Performance Player of the Year (Male)
Facility of the Year
Cristian Pensavalle Tulsa, Oklahoma
USTA Junior Team Tennis Organizer
2024 AWARD WINNERS
Outstanding Contributor Youth Tennis
Member Organization of the Year Outstanding Diversity Achievement
Junior High Performance Player of the Year (Female)
Distinguished Service President’s Award
Jason Mathes
St. Louis, Missouri
JUNIOR SPORTSMANSHIP
Jai Patel St. Louis, Missouri
JohnPaul Huston Edmond, Oklahoma
Kanchan Thomas Tulsa, Oklahoma
David Ruwe Lincoln, Nebraska
Kolton Carlson Maryland Heights, Missouri
Aarnav Garikipati Overland Park, Kansas
Scarlett Milner Tulsa, Oklahoma
Eliya Ward Lawrence, Kansas
Madelyn Dalton Cumming, Iowa
Skye Madatali St. Louis, Missouri
Donna Stauffer St. Louis, Missouri
Kaitlin Roselius Lincoln, Nebraska
Cooper Tennis Complex Springfield, Missouri
Dominic Marticorena St. Louis, Missouri
2024 LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS
18 & Over 2.5 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Wolff
18 & Over 3.0 Men: Oklahoma Captains: Jones, Young
18 & Over 3.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Medley
18 & Over 3.5 Men: Missouri Captain: Jones
18 & Over 3.5 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Madden
18 & Over 4.0 Men: Heart of America Captain: Zucht
18 & Over 4.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: McCrae
18 & Over 4.5 Men: Oklahoma Captains: Ramsey, Timms
2024 LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS
18 & Over 4.5 Women: Nebraska
Captains: Smith, Obear
18 & Over 6.0 Mixed: Oklahoma Captains: Smith, Chavez
18 & Over 8.0 Mixed: Nebraska Captains: Erwin, Redding
18 & Over 9.0 Mixed: St. Louis Captains: Cox, Rigby
18 & Over 10.0 Mixed: Kansas Captain: Jones
18 & Over 5.0 Men: Oklahoma Captain: Weber
18 & Over 7.0 Mixed: Missouri Captain: Wassom
18 & Over 5.0 Mixed: Heart of America Captain: Rey
2024 LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS
40 & Over 3.5 Women: Heart of America Captain: Vitha
40 & Over 4.0 Men: Heart of America Captain: Reedy
40 & Over 4.0 Women: Heart of America Captain: Throm
40 & Over 4.5 Men: Oklahoma Captains: Storch, Choi
40 & Over 4.5 Women: Heart of America Captain: Gifford
40 & Over 3.5 Men: Oklahoma Captains: Kinney, Davis
40 & Over 3.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Spencer
40 & Over 3.0 Men: Oklahoma Captain: Clark
2024 LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS
55 & Over 7.0 Men: Oklahoma Captain: Davis
55 & Over 7.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Steinke
40 & Over 6.0 Mixed: Oklahoma Captain: Daniels
40 & Over 7.0 Mixed: Oklahoma Captain: Dickason
40 & Over 8.0 Mixed: Iowa Captains: ClarkWilt, Hill-Matthes
40 & Over 9.0 Mixed: Iowa Captain: Flemming
55 & Over 6.0 Men: Oklahoma Captain: Paxton, Files
55 & Over 6.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Sacra
2024 LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS
55 & Over 9.0 Men: Oklahoma Captains: Swyden, Towler
55 & Over 8.0 Women: Heart of America Captain: Gifford
55 & Over 6.0 Mixed: Oklahoma Captain: Cooper
55 & Over 7.0 Mixed: Missouri Captain: Rollins
55 & Over 8.0 Mixed: Oklahoma Captain: Wood
55 & Over 9.0 Mixed: St. Louis Captain: Metzger
55 & Over 8.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Burton
55 & Over 8.0 Men: Heart of America Captain: Claussen
USTA NATioNAl ChAmpioN
2024 LEAGUE SECTION CHAMPIONS
65 & Over 9.0 Women: St. Louis Captain: Wainer
65 & Over 9.0 Men: St. Louis Captain: Freeman
65 & Over 6.0 Women: Heart of America Captain: Robertson
65 & Over 6.0 Men: Oklahoma Captain: Dotson
65 & Over 8.0 Women: St. Louis Captain: Goldman
65 & Over 8.0 Men: Heart of America Captain: Jackson
65 & Over 7.0 Women: Oklahoma Captain: Mullenix
65 & Over 7.0 Men: Nebraska Captain: Harley
USTA NATioNAl FiNAliST
USTA NATioNAl 3rd plACe
USTA NATioNAl 3rd plACe
The USTA Missouri Valley publishes Serve three times per year, focusing specifically on the members and events in the section. All material is copyright USTA Missouri Valley, unless otherwise noted.
Manon Eilts Marketing, Communications & Membership Director
Andrea Gallagher Digital Assistant
Sydney Hamilton Digital Assistant
Abby Lunsford Digital Content Producer
Victoria Moore
Digital Content ProducerGraphic Designer
Josh Sellmeyer
Digital Content Producer
For questions about your USTA membership, please contact USTA Customer Care at 800-990-USTA or customercare.usta.com
2025 EVENTS AND MEETINGS
USTA Missouri Valley Tennis on Campus Section Championship
USTA Annual Meeting
USTA Tennis on Campus National Championship
USTA Missouri Valley Semi-Annual Board Meeting
USTA Heart of America Heartland Wheelchair Classic
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 55+ NTRP & Open Outdoor Championship
USTA MV Adult 5’s, 0’s & Open
USTA MV Adult L4 40+ NTRP & Open
North American Indian Tennis Association Tournament
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 55+ NTRP & Open Indoor Championship
USTA Missouri Valley Junior L4 #3
USTA MV Adult L4 18+ NTRP & Open
ITF 30K Men’s Pro Circuit
USTA Missouri Valley Junior L3 #1 - Rally in the Valley
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 Family Championship
ITF 30K Women’s Pro Circuit
ITF 30K Men’s Pro Circuit
Section Adaptive Championship & ALL Stars Adaptive Event
USTA MV L4 Intersectional: Mid America Mashup
Date
Location
March 1-2 Springfield, Missouri
March 20-23 Carlsbad, California
April 3-5 Rome, Georgia
April 8-10 Prairie Village, Kansas
April 25-27 Kansas City, Missouri
May 2-4
Kansas City, Missouri
May 9-11 O’Fallon, Illinois
May 23-25 Overland Park, Kansas
May 24-26 Edmond, Oklahoma
May 30-June 1 Des Moines, Iowa
May 31-June 2 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
June 6-8 Tulsa, Oklahoma
Week of June 9 Wichita, Kansas
June 12-15 Edmond, Oklahoma
June 13-15 Omaha, Nebraska
Week of June 16 Wichita, Kansas
Week of June 16 Tulsa, Oklahoma
June 20-22 Edmond, Oklahoma
June 27-29 Tulsa, Oklahoma
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 18+ NTRP & Open Outdoor Championship June 27-29 Springfield, Missouri
USTA Missouri Valley Junior Team Tennis Section Championship July 15-16 Edmond, Oklahoma
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 40+ NTRP & Open Outdoor Championship July 18-20
USTA Missouri Valley League 65 & Over Section Invitational
USTA Missouri Valley Junior L4 #4
L2 St. Louis Indoor Wheelchair Championships
National Senior Games
USTA MV L2 Intersectional: Battle of the Mississippi
ITF 30K Men’s Pro Circuit
July 18-20
July 19-21
Des Moines, Iowa
Overland Park, Kansas
Multiple Locations
July 23-25 Chesterfield, Missouri
July 24-August 1
July 25-27
Week of July 28
USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship I August 1-3
Des Moines, Iowa
St. Louis, Missouri
Edwardsville, Illinois
St. Louis, Missouri
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 5’s, 0’s & Open Outdoor Championship August 1-3 Moline, Illinois
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 40+ NTRP & Open Outdoor Championship August 15-17
St. Louis, Missouri
USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship II August 15-17 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship III & IV August 22-24 Multiple Locations
US Open Championships August 18-September 7 New York City
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 18+ NTRP & Open Indoor Championship August 29-31
USTA Missouri Valley Junior L4 #5
Overland Park, Kansas
August 30-September 1 Multiple Locations
USTA Missouri Valley League Mixed Section Championship I September 5-7 Topeka, Kansas
USTA Missouri Valley Adult L4 55+ NTRP & Open Outdoor Championship September 12-14 Kansas City, Missouri
USTA Missouri Valley League Mixed Section Championship II September 19-21 Kansas City, Missouri
USTA Missouri Valley Tennis on Campus Fall Invitational October 4-5
ITF 100K Women’s Pro Circuit
ITF 30K Women’s Pro Circuit
ITF 30K Men’s Pro Circuit
USTA Missouri Valley Junior L3 #2
Tri-Level League Section Invitational
USTA MV Indoor L4 Team Dom Duo
ITF 15K Women’s Pro Circuit
USTA Missouri Valley League Mixed Doubles 55 & Over Invitational
USTA Missouri Valley Annual Meeting
Kansas City, Missouri
Week of October 6 Edmond, Oklahoma
Week of October 20 Norman, Oklahoma
Week of October 27 Norman, Oklahoma
October 25-27
Multiple Locations
November 1-3 Wichita, Kansas
November 1-2 Multiple Locations
Week of November 3 Lincoln, Nebraska
November 14-16 Springfield, Missouri
December 4-6
Overland Park, Kansas
ADULT
Section Tournaments
55+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
May 2-4
Genesis Clayview - Kansas City, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-49745
Adult 5’s, O’s & Open Section Tournament
May 9-11
St. Clair Tennis - O’Fallon, Illinois Tournament ID: 25-42445
40+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
May 23-25
OP Racquet Club - Overland Park, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-81425
55+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
May 30 - June 1
LifeTime Des Moines- Des Moines, Iowa Tournament ID: 25-66143
18+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
June 6-8
LaFortune/Case Tennis Center - Tulsa, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-62488
Family Championship Section Tournament
June 13-15
Genesis Westroads - Omaha, Nebraska Tournament ID: TBD
18+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
June 27-29
Cooper Tennis ComplexSpringfield, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-59490
40+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
July 18-20
LifeTime Des Moines - Des Moines, Iowa Tournament ID: 25-95802
Adult 5’s, O’s & Open Section Tournament
August 1-3
Quad Cities Tennis Club - Moline, Illinois Tournament ID: 25-51417
40+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
August 15-17
Dwight Davis Tennis Center - St. Louis, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-87601
18+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
August 29 - August 31
OP Racquet Club - Overland Park, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-53247
55+ NTRP & Open Section Tournament
September 12-14
Genesis KC Racquet Club - Merriam, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-12798
Tournaments JUNIOR Section
APRIL
USTA MV Outdoor L5, BG12-18 #3
April 25-28
BG12-14 - Springfield, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-25243
BG16-18 - Topeka, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-18145
MAY
USTA MV Outdoor L5, BG12-18 #4
May 24-26
BG12-14 - Topeka, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-41107
BG16-18 - Wichita, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-56445
USTA MV Outdoor L4 Open, BG12-18 #3
May 31 - June 2 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-70466
JUNE
USTA MV Outdoor L5, BG12-18 #5
June 7-9 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-43826
USTA MV Outdoor L3 Closed, BG12-18 #1
June 12-15 - Edmond, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-40786
USTA MV Flighted L5, BG12-18
June 21-23 - Des Moines, Iowa Tournament ID: 25-86818
L4 Mid-America Mashup Team Tournament
June 27-29
BG16 - Tulsa, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-44789
JULY
USTA MV L5 TEAM, BG12-18 #1
July 11-13
BG12-14 - Tulsa, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-16907
BG16-18 - St. Louis, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-26492
USTA MV Outdoor L4 Open, BG12-18 #4
July 19-21
BG12-14 - Springfield, Missouri
Tournament ID: 25-65932
BG16-18 - St. Louis, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-55125
USTA MV Outdoor L5, BG12-18 #6
July 26-28 - Edmond, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-79426
L2 Battle of the Mississippi, BG12-18
July 25-27
BG12-14 - Midland, Michigan
BG16 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
BG18 - St. Louis, Missouri Tournament IDs: TBD
AUGUST
USTA MV L5 TEAM, BG12-18 #2
August 1-3
BG12-14 - St. Joseph, Missouri
Tournament ID: 25-30840
BG16-18 - Topeka, Kansas Tournament ID: 25-05929
USTA MV Outdoor L5, BG12-18 #7
August 9-11
BG12-14 - St. Louis, Missouri
Tournament ID: 25-94931
BG16-18 - St. Louis, Missouri Tournament ID: 25-45175
USTA MV Outdoor L4 Open, BG12-18 #5
August 30-September 1
BG12-14 - Topeka, Kansas
Tournament ID: TBD
BG16-18 - Tulsa, Oklahoma Tournament ID: 25-31689
LEAGUE Section Championships
65 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, Section Invitational
July 17-20, 2025
Overland Park Racquet Club
Overland Park, Kansas
Adults 18 & Over 2.5 (W), 3.5, 4.5
Adults 55 & Over 6.0, 8.0
August 1-3, 2025
Dwight Davis Tennis Center
St. Louis, Missouri
Hosted by USTA St. Louis
Adults 18 & Over 3.0, 4.0, 5.0
Adults 55 & Over 7.0, 9.0
August 16-18, 2025
Oklahoma City Tennis Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Hosted by USTA Oklahoma
Adults 40 & Over Men & Women 3.0, 4.0
August 22-24, 2025
Cooper Tennis Complex
Springfield, Missouri
Hosted by USTA Missouri
Adults 40 & Over Men & Women 3.5, 4.5
August 22-24, 2025
LaFortune Tennis Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Hosted by USTA Oklahoma
Mixed 18 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0
September 5-7, 2025
Kossover Tennis Center
Topeka, Kansas
Hosted by USTA Kansas
Mixed 40 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0
September 19-21, 2025
Plaza Tennis Center
Kansas City, Missouri
Hosted by USTA Heart of America
18 & Over Tri-Level Invitational
November 7-9, 2025
Genesis Rock Road
Wichita, Kansas
Hosted by USTA Kansas
Mixed 55 & Over 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 Invitational
November 14-16, 2025
Cooper Tennis Complex
Springfield, Missouri
Hosted by USTA Missouri
J u l y 1 5 - 1 6 , 2 0 2 5 - E d m o n d C e n t e r C o u r t , E d m o n d , O K 22025 025
C H A M P I O N S H I P C A L E N D A R C H A M P I O N S H I P C A L E N D A R
J u n e 1 1 - 1 2 , 2 0 2 5 - Q u a l i f i e r 1 - M a r s h a l l t o w n , I A - M a r s h a l l t o w n C o u r t C o m p l e x
J u n e 1 8 - 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 - Q u a l i f i e r 2 - T u l s a , O K - C a s e T e n n i s C e n t e r @ L a f o r t u n e P a r k
J u n e 1 8 - 1 9 , 2 0 2 5 - Q u a l i f i e r 3 - S t L o u i s , M O - D w i g h t D a v i s T e n n i s C e n t e r
J u n e 2 4 - 2 5 , 2 0 2 5 - Q u a l i f i e r 4 - K a n s a s C i t y , M O - P l a z a T e n n i s C e n t e r
A g e D i v i s i o n s : 1 4 U C h a m p i o n s h i p a n d 1 8 U C h a m p i o n s h i p
T e a m C o m p o s i t i o n : T e a m s m u s t c o n s i s t o f a m i n i m u m o f 4 b o y s a n d 4 g i r l s , n o m a x i m u m
M a t c h F o r m a t : 1 b o y s s i n g l e s , 1 b o y s d o u b l e s , 1 g i r l s s i n g l e s , 1 g i r l s d o u b l e s , 1 m i x e d d o u b l e s
S c o r i n g F o r m a t : N o - A d S c o r i n g ; B e s t 2 o u t o f 3 s e t s t o 6 g a m e s , A 7 p o i n t t i e b r e a k w i l l b e p l a y e d a t 5 g a m e s a l l ( w i n b y a m a r g i n o f 2 ) , A 1 0 p o i n t t i e b r e a k p l a y e d f o r t h e 3 r d s e t ( w i n b y a m a r g i n o f 2 )
Q u a l i f i c a t i o n s :
P l a y e r s m u s t b e a U S T A m e m b e r i n g o o d s t a n d i n g
A l l p l a y e r s m u s t b e a g e e l i g i b l e t h r o u g h A u g u s t 3 1 o f t h e M V C J T T C h a m p i o n s h i p Y e a r
A l l p l a y e r s a n d t e a m s m u s t c o m p e t e i n a t l e a s t o n e m a t c h i n a n M V C J T T Q u a l i f i e r o r w i n a S u m m e r J u n i o r
T e a m T e n n i s L o c a l L e a g u e t o b e c o m e e l i g i b l e f o r M V C J T T S e c t i o n C h a m p i o n s h i p s
T h e L o c a l L e a g u e m u s t c o m p l y w i t h a l l U S T A M i s s o u r i V a l l e y C h a m p i o n s h i p J u n i o r T e a m T e n n i s r e g u l a t i o n s
I f a L o c a l L e a g u e i s o f f e r i n g a p l a y o f f / c h a m p i o n s h i p , t e a m s c a n a d v a n c e f r o m t h a t e v e n t
T h e W o r l d T e n n i s N u m b e r ( W T N ) w i l l b e u s e d i n t h e U S T A ’ s D i g i t a l P l a t f o r m t o d e t e r m i n e t h e p l a y l e v e l s .
A d v a n c e m e n t :
T h e t o p 2 t e a m s f r o m e a c h q u a l i f i e r , i n e a c h d i v i s i o n w i l l a d v a n c e t o U S T A M i s s o u r i V a l l e y J u n i o r T e a m
T e n n i s S e c t i o n C h a m p i o n s h i p s
T e a m W i n n e r o f a S u m m e r J u n i o r T e a m T e n n i s L o c a l L e a g u e i n 1 4 U o r 1 8 U C h a m p i o n s h i p D i v i s i o n t h a t
f o l l o w s c h a m p i o n s h i p r e g u l a t i o n s .
T o r e g i s t e r y o u r t e a m f o r a U S T A
T o r e g i s t e r y o u r t e a m f o r a U S T A
M i s s o u r i V a l l e y J u n i o r T e a m M i s s o u r i V a l l e y J u n i o r T e a m
T e n n i s S e c t i o n Q u a l i f i e r t o d a y ! ! T e n n i s S e c t i o n Q u a l i f i e r t o d a y ! !
B L A C K
H I S T O R Y
M O N T H H I S T O R Y
USTA Missouri Valley celebrates Black History Month by celebrating these inspirational individuals from our districts.
USTA HEART OF AMERICA
M i c h a e l K i n g w h o r e c e i v e d t h e 2 0 2 4 U S T A H e a r t o f
A m e r i c a O u t s t a n d i n g D i v e r s i t y A c h i e v e m e n t A w a r d
c o a c h e s m u l t i p l e s p o r t s a t E a s t H i g h S c h o o l , i n c l u d i n g
t e n n i s . M a n y o f h i s s t u d e n t - a t h l e t e s a r e r e f u g e e s o r
i m m i g r a n t s n e w t o t e n n i s , a n d K i n g f o s t e r s c r o s s - c u l t u r a l
i n c l u s i v i t y o n h i s t e a m s b y m o d e l i n g j o y .
USTA IOWA
T e r a J o r d a n , a n a s s i s t a n t p r o v o s t a t I o w a S t a t e
U n i v e r s i t y , b e g a n s h a r p e n i n g h e r t e n n i s s k i l l s i n 2 0 2 0 a n d
h a s b e e n p l a y i n g e v e r s i n c e b o t h o u t d o o r s a n d a t t h e
G e n e s i s H e a l t h C l u b i n D e s M o i n e s C l i c k h e r e t o r e a d
h o w t e n n i s c h a l l e n g e s J o r d a n p h y s i c a l l y a n d m e n t a l l y a s
w e l l a s t h e s i g n i f i c a n c e o f B l a c k H i s t o r y M o n t h t o h e r .
USTA KANSAS
H u s b a n d - a n d - w i f e t e a m D a r r e n a n d J a c k i e M c G i l b r a y w h o
r u n a P o p e y e s f r a n c h i s e a n d c l o t h i n g b o u t i q u e i n W i c h i t a ,
K a n — u s e t h e i r l o v e f o r f o o d a n d f a s h i o n t o g i v e b a c k t o t h e
U S T A K a n s a s t e n n i s c o m m u n i t y . D a r r e n a n d J a c k i e a l s o
s e r v e a t t h e i r c h u r c h a n d l o v e p l a y i n g t e n n i s t o g e t h e r .
USTA NEBRASKA
S e l f - t a u g h t r e c r e a t i o n a l p l a y e r J o h n H a r r i s o f L i n c o l n , N e b .
l o v e s c o m p e t i n g i n t e n n i s a n d p a r t i c u l a r l y e n j o y s d o n n i n g h i s
h o m e m a d e A r t h u r A s h e T - s h i r t w h i l e p l a y i n g . H a r r i s f o u n d e d
E n c o u r a g e m e n t U n l i m i t e d , a n o n p r o f i t s e r v i n g t h e l o c a l
c o m m u n i t y , a n d h o p e s t o o n e d a y s t a r t a n u r b a n t e n n i s
a c a d e m y f o r k i d s t o g a i n e x p o s u r e t o t h e s p o r t .
USTA OKLAHOMA
F e w h a v e h a d a s p r o f o u n d a n i m p a c t o n U S T A O k l a h o m a a s
J e r e m i a h O l l i s o n , a l e g e n d a r y t e n n i s p l a y e r , c o a c h a n d
l o n g t i m e v o l u n t e e r . O l l i s o n p a r t i c i p a t e d i n a n d c o a c h e d a n u m b e r o f s p o r t s t h r o u g h o u t h i s i l l u s t r i o u s c a r e e r , i n c l u d i n g t e n n i s .
USTA ST. LOUIS
F o r m e r h i g h s c h o o l t e n n i s c o a c h P e
O w e n s l a n d e d a d r e a m g i g a s t h e n a n t h e m s i n g e r f o r t h e S t . L o u i s B l u e
A p o t e n t i a l l y d e a d l y s p i n a l i n f e c t i o n t h a t w o r k e d i t s w a y i n t o h i s b l o o d a n d r u p t u r e d
A c h i l l e s t e n d o n d i d n ' t k e e p J e r r y H o r s f o r d d o w n f o r l o n g
B e t h
Causey
is excited to serve as USTA Missouri Valley president
W O M E N ’ S
H I S T O R Y
M O N T H
By: Josh Sellmeyer
When Beth Causey began playing tennis 25-plus years ago, she wasn’t too familiar with the United States Tennis Association. Causey who started playing the sport in her early 40s was rallying with a friend who encouraged her to try a clinic. From there, Causey was invited to join a USTA team.
“That was way over what I expected and wanted to do,” Causey said. “But I got hooked like everybody else does.”
Soon after beginning USTA play in 2003, Causey received a recommendation to join the USTA St. Louis office as a volunteer. Causey obliged and served on the district’s grievance committee, igniting a journey of USTA volunteerism that has spanned multiple decades.
During the 2024 USTA Missouri Valley Annual Conference in December a quarter century after she began playing tennis Causey was officially appointed and introduced as president of the USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors.
“What’s great about being asked to do some volunteer positions—starting even at the district level is kind of getting out of your comfort zone,” Causey said. “I barely wanted to even go to a clinic. It’s a bridge too far to even think I would do something organizationally. But I did.”
Causey’s USTA playing and volunteering career go hand in hand. As she volunteered for more local positions and events, she likewise joined more USTA Leagues. During a tennis trip, one of Causey’s friends advised her to apply for the USTA St. Louis Board of Directors. She was selected as secretary, then treasurer, then president for two terms.
“That’s what is so great about USTA: It takes you to places you would never, never think you were going to encounter.”
“The more I did, the more interested I became to be honest,” Causey said. “It’s kind of one of those things I have felt most of my life: It’s always good to take a step into something unknown. I feel like every time I’ve taken a step into the unknown, it’s just given me a lot back. … That’s what is so great about USTA: It takes you to places you would never, never think you were going to encounter.”
Upon completing her second term as USTA St. Louis president Causey applied for the USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors. She served as treasurer then first vice president before her most recent appointment as president.
“I never saw that to be honest. I never saw myself on the board. I can even go back 15 years prior to that, I never saw myself on the court,” Causey said with a laugh.
Causey is a St. Louis native who worked 22 years as a financial analyst at AnheuserBusch before beginning her own small business as a financial consultant. After a 44year professional career Causey retired in 2022, with much of her time now dedicated to her family and volunteer efforts. Causey has two daughters as well as three grandchildren.
Causey has served as a USTA St. Louis team captain for the past 15 years. The strong support she receives from the tennis community was paramount when Causey was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Her tennis friends drove her to doctor’s appointments and stayed with her during them, provided meals and offered ample encouragement.
“Tennis gives you so much more than what you’re doing on the court,” Causey said. “You get on a team and right then and there you’ve just met 12 new best friends. These friends are there for your ups and your downs. Tennis gives you so much if you’ve got some issues in your life. It is your answer to working through those things.
“It’s the people I’ve met. It’s obviously the joy on the court. At my age of 67, I’m playing with people I’ve played with for 20 years. … And it’s funny to me, I’ll meet people and I don’t know them well. We’re getting to know each other. The next thing you know, we’re all on a tennis trip together. It’s just amazing.”
Beth Causey President
Kimberly Y. Hughes Gill First Vice President
Deborah Fabrizius Vice President
Mallory Weber Vice President
Kate Foss Treasurer
Terry Jackson Secretary
Alex Lee Delegate
USTA PRO CIRCUITS 2025
The USTA Pro Circuit provides players with an opportunity to gain the professional ranking points they need to compete on the major pro tours. The USTA Pro Circuit is the largest developmental tennis circuit in the world. There are four men’s and four women’s USTA Pro Circuit tournaments being held in the section this year. Get up close and personal with the up-and-coming pros, right in our own backyard!
MEN’S PRO CIRCUITS
Wichita Tennis Open Men’s $30K: 6/9-15 | Kate Foss & WTO Foundation
Tulsa Men’s $30K: 6/16-22 | Russell Warner & Philcrest
Edwardsville Futures Men’s $30K: 7/28-8/3 | Dave Lipe & EGHM Foundation
Norman Men’s $30K: 10/20-26 | Dawna Johnson & University of Oklahoma
WOMEN’S PRO CIRCUITS
Wichita Tennis Open Women’s $30K: 6/16-22 | Kate Foss & WTO Foundation
Edmond Women’s $100K: 10/6-12 | David Minihan & Edmond Center Court
Norman Women’s $30K: 10/20-26 | Dawna Johnson & University of Oklahoma
Lincoln Women’s $15K: 11/3-9 | German Dalmalgro
The USTA Premier Facility program, launched in 2024, was designed to cultivate a standard of excellence across the tennis industry by recognizing and rewarding best-in-class tennis operators The inaugural class of Premier Facilities includes 50 of the top tennis facilities across the country with five in USTA Missouri Valley. We are proud f thi premier facilities accomplished this p
C A S E
T
E
FACILITIES SPOTLIGHT
N N I S C E N T E R
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
Case Tennis Center welcomed 40 & Ov and women’s league teams for the USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championships in 2024 and will again host the sectional in August 2025.
G E N E S I S H E A L T H
C L U B S - R I V E R S I D E
TULSA, OKLAHOMA
The acclaimed Tucker Tennis Aca to run its programming efforts at G Clubs-Riverside, and founder Tren of three individuals to be inducted USTA Oklahoma Hall of Fame this
O V E R L A N D P A R K
R A C Q U E T C L U B
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
OPRC added umpire chairs in 2024, with USTA National, USTA Missouri Valley and USTA Heart of America contributing to the $9,000-plus project via the USTA Tennis Venue Services grants team.
C E N T E R C O U R T
EDMOND, OKLAHOMA
Edmond Center Court hosted the prestigious Rally in the Valley Championships in 2024 and is again set to hold the Level 3 closed junior tournament for the section’s top competitors in June 2025.
J A Y H A W K
T E N N I S C E N T E R
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
The University of Kansas women’s tennis team off to its best start to a season since 2015-16 calls the Jayhawk Tennis Center home, as do an abundance of USTA adult and junior competitors.
A C I L I T Y N E W S
A BIG YEAR IN STORE FOR PLAZA TENNIS CENTER
The nearly 100-year-old Plaza Tennis Center which is operated by USTA Missouri Valley and Facility Manager Jacob Beck is hosting an array of exciting programs and events throughout 2025.
Plaza Tennis Center will welcome a Rafa Nadal Academy Camp for adults and children as well as an Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month clinic in May headlined by former professional player Vania King.
The facility will also host the USTA Heart of America Championships and an ITT Qualifier. Kansas City’s Avila University joins the host of schools to compete at Plaza Tennis Center in 2025. Learn more about the facility and its programs by visiting the Plaza Tennis Center website: sites.google.com/movalley.usta.com/plazatenniscenter
TENNIS VENUE SERVICES
With the assistance of USTA national, section-level and district grants, six facility projects totaling more than $1.2 million were completed within USTA Missouri Valley in 2024. An additional trio of projects totaling more than $6.5 million have been approved and are underway within USTA Missouri Valley.
The largest project to reach completion in 2024 was an eight-court tennis facility at St. James Academy Catholic High School in Lenexa, Kan. as part of a sprawling sports complex for the school.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS
Nineteen volunteers hailing from USTA Missouri Valley have been appointed to serve on a USTA National committee, including four individuals tabbed to serve as chair or vice chair at the national level.
The 2021 USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame inductee said his all-new council is tasked with reimagining the USTA’s national volunteer system so it is “more impactful, flexible, engaging and diverse.” Hanover, a longtime tennis volunteer, was selected for the prestigious 2025 Eve Kraft USTA Community Service Award for his efforts in giving back to the community.
Minihan, general manager of Edmond Center Court in central Oklahoma, and her committee recruit future members of the USTA Board of Directors as well as the ensuing Nominating Committee. “Volunteering for the USTA has become an integral part of my life,” Minihan said. “I can’t imagine not being a part of the USTA family and the work it is doing for the sport of tennis.”
A 2022 USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame inductee, Newton leads a national committee that researches growth and retention of junior competitors, pilots new junior programs and updates national regulations. “I have always had an interest in providing opportunities for those new to the game of tennis,” Newton said. “USTA Missouri Valley provides great support for the national volunteers, whether it is top-rated instruction and training or financial support with travel expenses.”
The USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors vice president said her committee is honed in on contributing to the USTA’s growth strategy of reaching 35 million U.S. tennis players by 2035. “It is so important that tennis is for all, and a great way to provide programming is in public parks,” Weber said. “We have so many passionate people who want to share their love of the sport, as well as other skills, that will not only benefit our local players but will also help to enact change and growth on the national scale.”
Read more about the USTA Missouri Valley individuals serving on national committees on USTA.com/news
Scott Hanover - Volunteer Management Council vice chair
Lisa Minihan, Nominating Committee chair
Mallory Weber, Public Parks Committee chair
Larry Newton, Local Play and Competition Committee chair
A B O U T T H E T O U R N A M E N T
T h e p r e s t i g i o u s L 3 U S T A M i s s o u r i V a l l e y R a l l y i n t h e V a l l e y B G 1 2 - 1 8
f e a t u r e s t h e e l i t e j u n i o r c o m p e t i t o r s i n t h e s e c t i o n ! T h e 2 0 2 5 L e v e l 3
c l o s e d t o u r n a m e n t f o r m a l l y n a m e d S w e e t 1 6 s i s s l a t e d t o t a k e p l a c e
J u n e 1 2 - 1 5 a t E d m o n d C e n t e r C o u r t , a U S T A P r e m i e r F a c i l i t y D i a d e m w i l l
a g a i n h a v e a p r e s e n c e a t t h e c h a m p i o n s h i p s , a n d r e g i s t r a t i o n f o r t h e
t o u r n e y i s o p e n .
E d m o n d C e n t e r C o u r t
J u n e 1 2 - 1 5 , 2 0 2 5
S C A N T H E
Q R C O D E T O
R E G I S T E R .
PLAY OPPORTUNITIES
HEART OF AMERICA
L4 Heartland Classic Wheelchair
Tennis Tournament
April 25-27
Northland Racquet Club
North Kansas City, MO
Midwest Adaptive Sports Weekly Wheelchair Tennis Lessons
Thursdays 6:00-8:00 p m
Northland Racquet Club
Kansas City, MO
NEBRASKA
Free Youth Wheelchair Lessons
Thursdays 6:00-7:00 p m
June-September)
Woods Tennis Center - Lincoln, NE
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER.
Discover wheelchair tennis opportunities in your local area and develop your tennis skills while having fun. No matter your skill or age level, USTA Missouri Valley has wheelchair tennis programs to suit your needs Learn more about registering for wheelchair programs in your area.
S i g n u p t o p l a y ! has
IOWA
Wheelchair Coach
Development Workshop
June 6, Drake University
Des Moines, IA
USTA Missouri Valley All Comers Camp
June 7-8, Drake University
Des Moines, IA
QCAASA Wheelchair Tennis Tournament
June 13-15
KANSAS
Wichita Adaptive Sports
Free Youth Wheelchair Lessons
Wednesdays (June-September)
Sheldon Coleman Tennis Complex (Wichita State University) Wichita, KS Complex
ST. LOUIS
Quad City Tennis Club
Moline, IL Quad
OKLAHOMA
Tulsa Twisters National All Comers Camp
L2 St. Louis Indoor Wheelchair Tennis Championship Tournament
July 25-27
Chesterfield Athletic Club
Chesterfield, MO
September 12-14
September 12-14
LaFortune Tennis Center
Tulsa, OK
PUSH Wheelchair Tennis Academy Clinic (Rotate Juniors & Adults every other week)
Saturdays 3:00-4:00 p.m.
Chesterfield Athletic Club
Chesterfield, MO p.m. MO
Coach & Organize
Safe Play
Comprehensive education, background screening, and clear policies to implement standards for athlete safety. Safe Play empowers the entire tennis community to recognize, prevent, and report misconduct, ensuring a safer environment for all tennis players.
USTA Coach Learning Center
Access online courses, in-person workshops, and resources to become a coach or build on your coaching knowledge and skills
USTA Coach Workshops
In-person training that combines online pre-work and on-court learning focusing on coaching principles that foster a joyful and player-focused environment for players at every stage
USTA Resource Library
Access resources developed by the USTA and its partners to help you teach and develop players on and off the court
Coaches | Volunteers | CTAs | Parks | Schools | Adaptive
Net Generation App
5
1 2 3 4 6
Access curriculum videos, a digital whiteboard, pre-build lesson plans and oncourt assessment tool while you’re on the go, or on the court.
Serve Tennis
Serve Tennis is a registration system that will simplify your tennis business
Automate administrative processes easily with online payments, registering players and more Registration System | Business Operations | Marketing Platform
Play Tennis Your Way
WITH THE NEW USTA TENNIS APP
The USTA Tennis app connects players of all skill levels, abilities, and ages to the tennis court. Stay up to date with all of your ratings and USTA rankings while finding your next tournament, tennis team, tennis coach or event.
MANAGE YOUR USTA ACCOUNT
FIND PLAYERS NEARBY TRACK YOUR RATINGS DISCOVER PLAY OPPORTUNITIES
DOWNLOAD THE APP Get in the game
SAVE THE DATES ALL Stars Event
• Foam party after play June
2025 USTA MISSOURI VALLEY
ADAPTIVE TENNIS NATIONAL QUALIFIER EVENT
JUNE 20 AT EDMOND CENTER COURT, 4:00PM - 8:00PM REGISTER BY JUNE 1
A competitive and fun doubles tennis tournament for differently abled athletes with intellectual/cognitive differences and their partners. Teams include a partnership of one adaptive player and one unified partner. The winning team will advance to the 2025 USTA National Adaptive Tennis Championships at the USTA National Campus near Orlando, Florida.
Fred Johnson
Saturday, June 21
9:00am-6:00pm
• Singles and doubles events
• 5 Divisions of play: Skills, Red Ball, Orange Ball, Green Ball & Yellow Ball
• Tennis at Edmond Center Court
Sunday, June 22
8:30am-12:30pm
• Team pictures for all players and coaches
• Last rounds of tennis at Edmond Center Court
• Awards for tennis divisions
June 21-22 CenterEdmondCourt
A fun tennis competition for ALL levels of athletes (16 and over) with intellectual /cognitive differences.
USTA MISSOURI VALLEY WELCOMES NEW FACES TO EXECUTIVE ROLES
Two of our districts have new presidents! Paul Petruska is the new president of USTA St. Louis and Sean Terry is the new president of USTA Missouri.
Paul Petruska
Sean Terry
CHELSEY FARRIS’S ART CONTINUES TO INSPIRE IN 2025
St. Louis native Chelsey Farris designed the 2024 US Open art around the theme “The Power of Tennis.” You may recognize some of the art from our 2024 Annual Conference where we incorporated the different tennis balls and color schemes. Below are some of the most used designs that will be carried into cetain areas in 2025.
USTA OKLAHOMA TEAM WINS LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
We had over 50 teams from USTA Missouri Valley advance to nationals across the different age groups and levels. Of those groups, the USTA Oklahoma 55 & Over 9.0 men’s team captained by Swyden/ Towler came away with first place in their nationals.
NET NOTESNEWS NEAR YOU
TOURNAMENT TRAILBLAZERS
Tournament Trailblazers returns for 2025 by popular demand. This program is for adult competitors who participate in a minimum of three USTA Missouri Valley tournaments. The more tournaments you participate in, the more chances to win fun prizes! Registration link is posted on all L4-L7 adult tournament homepages.
Racquet Sports Industry magazine’s annual Champions of Tennis issue that came out in January honored two USTA Missouri Valley longtime providers. Edmond Center Court was named the RSI Municipal Tennis Facility of the Year. Congratulations to David and Lisa Minihan for this well deserved national recognition. Scott Hanover was recognized as the RSI magazine 2024 Champion of Tennis as their High School Coach of the Year.
SCOTT HANOVER TO RECEIVE TOP NATIONAL VOLUNTEER HONOR
The 2024 USTA Eve Kraft Community Service Award is given to an individual who demonstrates the ability to create, organize, and carry out community tennis programs for people of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds. Due to outstanding work to grow tennis in the community, Hanover was nominated by USTA Missouri Valley for the USTA’s Eve Kraft Community Service Award and was chosen by the USTA National Community Tennis Association Committee as the 2024 award recipient. This prestigious award will be presented to Hanover at the USTA Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, California in late March.
USTA MISSOURI VALLEY JUNIORS WRAP UP 2024 AND BEGIN 2025 PLAY
The Winter Nationals in Orlando, Florida and San Antonio, Texas rounded out 2024 and started up 2025 for some of our junior players. USTA Missouri Valley had a strong showing with many players throughout the section placing in the top three. London Evans was the Girls’ 14 singles champion, Shaan Patel was the Boys’ 18 singles champion, Emerey Gross walked away with second in the Girls’ 18 doubles, Adelyn Gross clinched third place in the Girls’ 14 singles, and Wyatt Markham took home third in the Boys’ 12 singles.
November 29 - December 2 marked the Indoor Nationals where Shaan Patel placed second in the Boys’ 16s singles receiving a silver ball. Adelyn Gross placed fourth in Girls’ 14s Doubles and Lawson Prather placed fifth in the Boys’ 18s Singles.
ADAPTIVE EVENT HOSTS VANIA KING
In January, Special Olympics Virginia hosted the Xperience Invitational, a high performance adaptive event, with a guest appearance from Vania King. Five USTA Missouri Valley players (Bobby Williams, Haley Waggoner, Nathan Williams, Simon Caldwell, Wyatt Spalding) competed in various divisions.
JUNIOR TENNIS TALKS
NEW THIS YEAR: Every month Beth Azan and Caitee Margenthaler will be putting out a video with important information and updates in the Junior Play space. Check out our YouTube channel: @mvusta
Left and Below: It was all smiles at Diversity Day and Mitch ‘n’ Friends during the Edwardsville Futures.
Take a look back on 2024 through our Year in Review video!
2024: Year in Photos 2024 : Year in Photos
Right: Players throughout the section traveled to Iowa for the Adaptive Doubles and Fred Johnson ALL Stars event in June!
Right and above: May was National Tennis Month and Hit to be Fit Day was a success over at the Plaza Tennis Center!
Below: League players of all skill levels and ages competed throughout the section for a chance to attend nationals and represent USTA Missouri Valley.
Right: In April, Vania King visited the section and hosted an AAPI event for both kids and adults in advance of AAPI Month.
Left: The top players in USTA Missouri Valley traveled to Edmond Center Court in Edmond, Oklahoma for Rally in the Valley in June! Players had fun and competed both on and off the court.
Right and below: The Tennis On Campus Fall Invite brought 15 teams from 14 schools to the Plaza Tennis Center for a weekend of fun. This was the first time the Fall Invite has been in Kansas City in five years!
Above: Good sports and good coaching were seen all around during the Junior Team Tennis season which ended with the Junior Team Tennis Section Championship in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Left: The Wichita Open hosted a Closed Kids Day as part of their events throughout the week!
Above and right: Over Memorial Day weekend, the North American Indian Tennis Association hosted their annual
tournament accompanied by a clinic.
Above: USTA Missouri Valley hosted two wheelchair tournaments in 2024 bringing in wheelchair players throughout the country to compete.
tennis
TENNIS ON CAMPUS TENNIS ON CAMPUS SECTION
CHAMPIONS
Washington University
CHAMPIONSHIP
SECOND PLACE
Iowa State University
Click here to read the recap of the weekend!
FOURTH PLACE
University of Kansas
THIRD PLACE
University of Missouri
Start Playing Tennis Today!
Welcome to our Red Ball Tennis Program! Designed specifically for beginners and those returning to the sport, this program offers a fun, engaging, and low-pressure environment to learn and improve your tennis skills while playing. Whether you’re looking to stay active, meet new people, or enjoy the game, our program is perfect for your game, our program is perfect for you.
Why Choose Red Ball Tennis?
EASY TO LEARN:
Red balls are larger and slower, making them easier to hit and control. This allows you to focus on developing your playing skills on the court.
Program Benefits
GET FIT:
Tennis is a great way to improve your cardiovascular health, strength, and agility.
FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE:
Our program emphasizes enjoyment and social interaction, ensuring that you have a great time while learning.
TAILORED FOR ADULTS:
The program is specifically designed for adult players, focusing on fitness, skill development, and matchplay understanding.
PLAYER-CENTERED COACHING:
Our coaches provide personalized instruction and support, helping you progress at your own pace.
Tennis Club Address
Dates
Location
STAY MOTIVATED:
Regular sessions and a supportive community help you stay committed to your fitness goals.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS:
Connect with other adults who share your interest in tennis and enjoy social activities both on and off the court.
BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE:
As you improve your skills, you’ll gain confidence not only in your tennis abilities but also in other areas of your life.
District Inserts
2025 NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES
J U L Y 2 4 - A U G U S T 4 , 2 0 2 5
D E S M O I N E S , I O W A
The National Senior Games are coming to USTA Missouri Valley in 2025! More than 700 tennis players competed in the National Senior Games last year in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With the games being in our own section, let’s surpass that number!
LEARN MORE HERE!
ADULT TENNIS
We have something for everyone!
• Leagues
18 & Over • 40 & Over • 55 & Over • 65 & Over Men’s • Women’s • Mixed NTRP Rating Levels from 2.5 to 5.0
• Tournaments
One Night Events • Multi-day Events Competitive • Social • Fund-raisers
• Social Play Set Mix ’n Chill (for 40 & Under) • Red Ball Community Programs • & More!
JUNIOR TENNIS
Beginning—Intermediate—Advanced
We have a place for everyone, no one sits on the sidelines!
Learn more about our programs:
• Junior Pathway
• Junior Team Tennis
• Junior Circuits
• Junior Tournaments
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