Summer 2020 Serve Magazine

Summer 2020

PUBLIC T R U L O A C I T N E T PO In this issue: COVID-19 Communications Gold Star Awards New Local Grant Opportunities

The USTA Missouri Valley publishes Serve three times per year, focusing specifically on the members and events in the section.

All material copyright USTA Missouri Valley, unless otherwise noted.

Your feedback is welcomed.

USTA Missouri Valley 4121 W 83rd Street, Suite 108 Prairie Village, Kansas 66208

Summer 2020

Table of Contents

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usta.com info@movalley.usta.com

(913) 322-4800 (888)368-8612 Toll Free

(913) 322-4801 Fax facebook.com/USTAMissouriValley twitter.com/USTAMoValley instagram.com/USTAMoValley Mary Buschmann Executive Director Manon Eilts Marketing Communications Director Emily Steinwart Communications Coordinator Graphic Design and Digital Media

10 COVID-19 COMMUNICATIONS

FEATURES

4

COVID-19 Communications: Get the latest information

10

Public Court Potential:

13

Youth Providers of the Month: Each month

Amber Gerdes Digital Content Producer For questions about your USTA membership, please contact USTA Customer Services at 1-800-990-USTA or memberservices@usta.com, or visit www.usta.com/membership

PUBLIC COURT POTENTIAL

How cities in the section are growing Parks & Rec tennis in their communities

we recognize a provider going above & beyond

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14

Gold Star Awards:

16

Centennial Community Campaign: Learn how to

18

Recognizing outstanding service to tennis in our section

apply for new local grant opportunities

Net Notes: News & highlights from around the section

RELIEF. RECOVER. REBUILD.

USTA FACILITY RECOVERY GRANTS The USTA will provide up to $5k in grants to offset qualified tennis related expenses to support the reopening efforts for tennis facility owners/managers. These expenses include:

Tennis Balls, Teaching Equipment

Cleaning/ Sanitizing Efforts

No Touch Items

(i.e. hoppers, tubes, carts)

(i.e. disposable gloves, disinfectant, cleaning equipment)

(i.e. automatic/sliding doors, scanning software)

Other Tennis Related Expenses

GRANT APPLICATIONS OPEN MAY 4, 2020 Grants are based on the number of courts, are needs-based, and will be evaluated in the order in which they are received.

Facilities awarded a Grant must meet the requirements noted in the application.

For more information and to apply, please visit

usta.com/facilityrecovery

Funds will be disbursed to the Facilities that are notified they have been awarded a Grant, after receipt of the required documentation. Each application will be reviewed by USTA National and Section staff. © 2020 USTA. All rights reserved.

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COVID-19 Com Updated Statement - April 22, 2020

Due to the continued situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, and after discussions with the USTA Medical Advisory Committee, the United States Tennis Association has suspended USTA-sanctioned products and events through May 31.

Additionally, USTA has cancelled 2020 League National Championships and Junior Team Tennis National Championships to ensure that play taking place at local facilities will be the focus once the pandemic subsides.

USTA Missouri Valley supports the decision and is taking steps to ensure that when the suspension is lifted, tennis can first begin locally.

USTA Missouri Valley in collaboration with our League Committee and Local Play Committee have made the decision to cancel our 2020 USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championships as well as our 2020 Junior Team Tennis Section Championships. This will allow our districts and local providers to get people back on the courts locally.

In addition to these championships being cancelled in 2020, we are reviewing all program area tournaments and events and will make cancellations or postponement decisions as needed.

Recognizing the fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after May 31.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate this situation. Together, we are #MoValleyStrong.

Frequently Asked Questions: 1. Now that Adult League and Junior Team Tennis (JTT) National Championships are canceled for 2020, does that mean Adult League Section Championships and JTT Sectional Championships will be canceled as well?

Yes, all USTA Missouri Valley JTT and Adult League Section Championships, including Mixed, will be canceled for 2020. There are no plans to reschedule these events in 2020. District Adult League and JTT coordinators are busy 4 SUMMER SERVE 2020 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY

working on local league and JTT play opportunities once tennis is back open for business. Districts will concentrate on developing local play that encourages social distancing, competition, fun and of course, tennis.

2. Why are the USTA Missouri Valley Section Championships canceled?

USTA Missouri Valley has made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Section Championships. We understand that this may be very disappointing for our players, but health and safety remain the USTA’s top concerns. With that being said, we are committed to getting our players back on the court as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

Our hope is for the districts to offer vibrant local summer leagues. They are working diligently to develop innovative play options once tennis is open for business again. Without being confined to section dates, districts will have more flexibility to schedule these leagues right through August/ September if they choose to do so. In addition, prioritizing local play will hopefully provide support to local facilities, who have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Will there be District League Championships?

Please check with your respective District League Coordinator or Junior Team Tennis Coordinator for their plans.

4. A re JTT and adult local Leagues that have not completed— or didn’t start yet—canceled?

Most leagues have different schedules so each District Junior Team Tennis Coordinator and District League Coordinator will assess the situation locally and communicate decisions to their respective captains and players.

5. When will the new junior and adult standings be published?

The determination has also been made to suspend the calculation and publication of the National Standings List (NSL) for Adult, Junior and Wheelchair play until further notice. The NSL published on March 18, 2020 will serve as the most current until tournament competition resumes.

The junior USTA Missouri Valley standing published on March 12 and the adult standings published on February 28 will serve as the most current until tournament competition resumes.

munications 6. Will my expiring membership get extended?

Expiring memberships will not be extended at this time.

7. Can I get a League or Junior Team Tennis refund?

Decisions regarding refunds and other reimbursement options are at the discretion of your district.

8. Can I register for tournaments whose start dates are after May 31?

We will continue to be transparent about the next steps moving forward for our programs and events. Updates from the USTA and USTA Missouri Valley will continue to be posted on this page. We have attempted to change as many tournaments as possible to the “tournament director selection process.” This means that players won’t be charged an entry fee until after selection is completed, at which point we hope to have made a decision as to whether the suspension period is extended.

9. I am a tournament director. How do I select players for my tournament now that the tournament has been switched over to the TD selection process?

Here is an article from the TennisLink Help Center that will walk you through the steps.

For local FAQs, please visit the USTA COVID-19 landing page.

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COVID-19

PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY

PLAYER TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

COVID-19

PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY PLAYER TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The USTA recognizes that the coronavirus has been affecting different parts of the country in different ways and with different timing.

We therefore believe it will be possible for people to return to playing tennis safely in some cities and states sooner than in others.

The Federal Government issued guidelines on April 16 for “Opening Up America Again” at WhiteHouse.gov/OpeningAmerica.

By following these guidelines as well as those of local governments and health agencies, facilities and players will be able to make informed decisions as to when play can recommence.

If you live in a community where stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders have been lifted or modified, and if your locality meets the standards in the Federal Guidelines, then tennis, if played properly, can be a great opportunity for you to relieve stress, socialize with others and provide much-needed exercise. Of primary importance is taking every precaution to help keep all participants safe.

Because tennis does not require any direct person-to-person contact, players can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that tennis offers so long as you practice social distancing by keeping six feet apart from other players to ensure you are in a safe exercise environment and follow other safety recommendations included here.

Although there is no specific evidence that tennis balls can spread COVID-19, we know that contamination by respiratory droplets from an infected person can potentially survive on hard surfaces up to three days. If you choose to play tennis, be sure to practice these safety tips and recommendations.

BEFORE YOU PLAY • Make sure that your state and region allow tennis play, satisfy the Federal Government’s gating criteria (as outlined in the “Opening Up America Again” guidelines) and have entered Phase One of the Phased Comeback.

• States and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a second time may proceed to Phase Two of the Phased Comeback, in which all individuals, when in public recreation areas, should maximize physical distance from others.

• Be aware that although restrictions are eased when your state and region move from Phase One to Phase Two or Phase Three of the Phased Comeback, safety precautions must remain in place until there is a universal vaccine or effective treatment for the coronavirus.

• The USTA Medical Advisory Group highly recommends competitive players ease their way back into play prior to competition.

Given the layoff from competing, players will be more susceptible to under-training, over-use and other injuries. The USTA strongly recommends at least three weeks of on court and off court conditioning before competition begins.

• Arrange to play only with family members or others who live in your household or with individuals who are considered to be low risk.

• Do not play if any of you: f Are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, or

other symptoms identified by the CDC. f Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. f Are a vulnerable individual and your state and region is in Phase One or Phase Two. A vulnerable individual is an elderly

individual and/or an individual with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma and those whose immune system is compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy. (For states and regions in Phase Three, a vulnerable individual can resume public interactions, including playing tennis, but should practice physical distancing.)

COVID-19 | PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY | PLAYER TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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©2020 USTA.

COVID-19

PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY

PLAYER TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS PREPARING TO PLAY

USE FOUR BALLS OR SIX BALLS

• Protect against infections: f Wash your hands with a disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds

f

f f f f f f

or longer), or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, before going to the court.

Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles. Do not share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats and towels.

Bring a full water bottle to avoid touching a tap or water fountain handle.

Use new balls and a new grip, if possible.

Consider taking extra precautions such as wearing gloves.

If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve.

Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there.

Avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can.

WHEN PLAYING • Try to stay at least six feet apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them (such as shaking hands or a high five).

Although unlikely, it’s possible that a tennis ball can transmit the COVID-19 virus, as virtually any hard surface can transmit the disease. So here is an extra precaution you can take to keep safe when playing tennis: • Open two cans of tennis balls that do not share the same number on the ball.

• Take one set of numbered balls, and have your playing partner take a set of balls from the other can.

• Proceed with play, making sure to pick up your set of numbered balls only. Should a ball with the other number wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands.

Use your racquet head or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court.

• You should consider not playing doubles, which could lead to incidental contact and unwanted proximity. If you do play doubles, avoid all incidental contact, NO Bryan Brothers Chest Bumps and NO whispering to each other from a close distance to strategize.

• Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment.

Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.

• Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.

• Use your racquet/foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent.

Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.

• Stay on your side of court. Avoid changing ends of the court.

• Remain apart from other players when taking a break.

• If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.

AFTER PLAYING • Leave the court as soon as reasonably possible.

• Wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court.

• Do not use the locker room or changing area. Shower at home.

• No extra-curricular or social activity should take place. No congregation after playing.

• All players should leave the facility immediately after play.

COVID-19 | PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY | PLAYER TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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COVID-19

PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY FACILITY AND PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS

The USTA recognizes that the coronavirus has been affecting different parts of the country in different ways and with different timing. We therefore believe it will be possible for people to return to playing tennis safely in some cities and states sooner than in others.

The Federal Government issued guidelines on April 16 for “Opening Up America Again” at WhiteHouse.gov/OpeningAmerica. By following these guidelines as well as those of local governments and health agencies, facilities and players will be able to make informed decisions as to when play can recommence.

Because tennis does not require direct person-to-person contact, players can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that tennis offers so long as they practice social distancing by keeping six feet apart from other players to ensure a safe exercise environment and follow other safety recommendations included in the Player Tips and Recommendations document that is being distributed along with this Facility and Programming Recommendations.

ASSESS YOUR SITUATION Tennis providers, coaches and facilities across the country are all different and operate in different local contexts.

Making an assessment of whether a safe exercise environment can be provided depends on a range of factors, which apply differently at each venue. It is the responsibility of each tennis provider, coach and facility to make that assessment based on their local environment.

Know that the Federal Guidelines for Opening Up America Again is a three-phased approach, and safety precautions must remain in place as we move from Phase One to Phase Three until there is a universal vaccine or effective treatment for the coronavirus.

In communities where stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders have been lifted or modified, and where the locality meets the standards in the Federal Guidelines, then tennis, if played properly, can be a great opportunity to relieve stress, socialize with others and provide much-needed exercise. Of primary importance is taking every precaution to help keep all participants safe.

ORGANIZE YOUR TENNIS ACTIVITIES • Activity should always be in line with the Federal Government’s advised social distancing measures (defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as keeping six feet apart), including when arriving at and departing from a court.

• Limit activities to casual court rental, one-on-one coaching, small groups and private lessons.

• Shorten programs and stagger booking times to create a buffer between sessions.

• Online bookings are recommended, and have participants make payments online. Avoid handling cash.

• Postpone any social gatherings. Do not provide any congregation areas at the court or facility.

• Plan for increased levels of staff and volunteer absences.

COVID-19 | PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY | FACILITY AND PROGRAMMING RECOMMENDATIONS ©2020 USTA.

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COVID-19

PLAYING TENNIS SAFELY COMMUNITY TENNIS GUIDELINES

• Keep your team and your participants informed of the actions you’re taking.

• Staff must wear masks or “like in kind” and gloves when checking in players. Staff should wash hands and/or gloves often and after touching items.

• Alternating courts should be reserved for play if there is no barrier, such as fencing, between the courts.

• Capturing accurate information on reservation play sheets when people are making reservations is a must, in case the authorities need to trace who has been onsite.

• Players should come to the facility no more than 10 minutes before the time expected to play.

• Having a parent/guardian present at the facility with juniors under age 18 is highly recommended. When that is not feasible, the parent/guardian must provide written permission for each junior participating in the coaching session and/or when playing with other juniors.

PROVIDE A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT • Clean all surfaces—such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures and toilets—several times a day wearing disposable gloves.

• All common area chairs and tables should be stacked, roped off or removed from the area to prevent congregating and touching.

• All court gates and stair rails should be wrapped with caution tape to discourage touching, or else should be wiped down every hour.

• All gates should be roped off or left open to prevent touching. If the facility has a wide open side entrance to the courts, its use is recommended.

• All score tenders will be taken off the courts to prevent touching.

• Make disinfectant soap, hand sanitizers or wipes available at all main contact points.

• Regularly remind and encourage everyone, particularly juniors, of the need to wash hands often and adopt the other principles of a good hygiene strategy.

• Display signage about handwashing and hygiene techniques at strategic points such as sinks, eating areas, drinking areas and on the side of the court.

• Limit the use of indoor spaces by keeping all locker room and shower areas closed.

ENCOURAGE SOCIAL DISTANCING • People should stay at least six feet apart to maintain social distancing.

• Use every second court where practical.

• Players should stay on their side of court and avoid changing ends.

• Implement ways to minimize contact between participants and staff.

• Recommend that only one parent/guardian accompany younger children to the facility when possible.

• Promote prevention techniques and lead by example. See the “Preparing to Play” section in the Player Tips and Recommendations document for tips on how to protect against infections.

COACHING • Group coaching should take place only where full social distancing is possible. Group coaching should be limited to small groups. An exception would be where all participants are family members or are otherwise in one home.

• Teaching professionals should be assigned specific courts—and possibly specific days and times.

• Position the players at well-spaced stations.

• Live ball drills and game-based play is recommended over using baskets.

• Limit the use of coaching equipment such as target cones.

• Don’t let the players handle any coaching equipment. The coach should pick up the balls.

• Encourage players to use their racquet/foot to push balls back and/or hit them to their opponent to avoid using hands and touching the balls.

TENNIS BALLS • Practice caution with the tennis balls and avoid letting the participants touch them. Although there is no specific evidence that tennis balls can spread COVID-19, we know that contamination by respiratory droplets from an infected person can potentially survive on hard surfaces up to three days.

• Try to restrict balls to a particular group, court or day of the week. One idea is to label them with a permanent marker.

• Replace all balls if someone suspected to have COVID-19 comes in contact with them.

• Consider spraying tennis balls briefly with a disinfectant spray (e.g., Lysol or Clorox) at the conclusion of play.

Using new balls on a very regular basis is highly encouraged.

• For private lessons that feature serving, have customers bring two cans of balls that only they handle for serving.

TENNIS EQUIPMENT • Tennis equipment should be touched only by the pro/coach and should be cleaned frequently. Use alcoholbased disinfectant to clean all tennis gear, including racquets, towels, target cones, ball machines, etc.

• Teaching pros should have their own marked hoppers and teaching charts to avoid sharing with other pros.

• Using a ball machine is a great option for giving lessons, as it avoids having people touch the balls. Using ball tubes and basket pickups to pick up loose balls after a ball machine rotation also limits contact.

• Avoid using unnecessary equipment such as throw-down lines.

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Public Court Potential Cities around the section are united by their passion to grow parks and recreational tennis programming within their communities. By Amber Gerdes and Tammy A rbuckle

In 2019-2020, many public courts have begun to spring up across the section (many for the first time ever in their cities) from northern Iowa all the way to southern Oklahoma and several in between.

Altus, Oklahoma is one of these cities, introducing new tennis courts and expanded tennis programming in 2019. Altus High School just added six new courts in a Category III project nearing the $100,000 mark with USTA Missouri Valley contributing $7,500.

A Category III project means that the courts were so unsuitable for play that they had to be completely torn out and rebuilt in order to be usable again. The process took a few years of hard work and dedication to complete, but Altus saw it through.

“This project had a big impact on their local community,” said Parks and Recreation Program Manager John Terpkosh.

“The key part of this is the multiple uses of public courts and making it available to the community in other ways besides school use.”

The national funding stipulations required that the new courts offer opportunities to those outside of Altus High School and spread tennis throughout the community. Some of this community access will include developing a tournament for the city of Altus and hosting Junior Team Tennis.

Ames Fitness Center in Ames, Iowa recently finished its own Category III project, opening the facility in January 2019.

The project, nearing the million dollar mark, includes four brand new indoor courts all encapsulated by a tennis bubble.

Tennis Director Jim Huneke aims to continue growing tennis locally through their new facility, as they give back to the community and offer further opportunities to play.

“Our junior numbers have expanded in the last year, but the greatest growth has been in adult programming,” noted Huneke.

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In the future, Ames Fitness Center has hopes to partner with Iowa State University to add and provide additional courts for Division I collegiate play. These hopes will be revisited after the COVID-19 related suspension of play is lifted.

Ames Fitness Center

South Sioux City, bordering Nebraska and Iowa, will be able to offer further tennis programming to its community as well, as the city’s First Serve tennis facility is in the process of adding three indoor courts to their complex.

Construction began last spring on the 25,300-square-foot facility, costing nearly $1.5 million and the facility opened November 2019.

The climate-controlled facility has three indoor courts, each with dimensions suitable for Division I college tennis matches. These courts will supplement the number of outdoor tennis courts in Sioux City, including at the public high schools and at Leif Erikson Park.

With the addition of the new indoor courts, First Serve can now host collegiate matches. To accommodate larger competitions, First Serve is looking at a possible expansion to six courts in the future.

Waukon, Iowa, has never had tennis courts and after working on a massive tennis project for the past several years, the community is ready for tennis. The entire community pulled together with donations, foundation grants and a USTA national grant to introduce the Waukon Parks & Recreation tennis courts.

“I’ve been so impressed with how this community worked to accomplish this project for kids and adults alike,” said Terpkosh.

The project cost a total of $161,803, of which $47,950 was raised from 21 Waukon business donors and $21,270 from 21 individual donations. The project is anticipated to be finished within the next few months.

An additional city set to grow their tennis programming in 2020 is Kimberling City, Missouri, with the Port of Kimberling Resort resurfacing two courts. Though the courts are owned by the resort, Kimberling City schools and the city itself will be allowed to use the courts to run their tennis programming.

In the past, tennis was largely inaccessible in the community of Kimberling City with the closest playable public courts over 30 miles away. The two courts being resurfaced by the Port of Kimberling were previously unsuitable for play, but will now be a valuable asset to the local community.

Site of future Waukon courts

After two and a half years of hard work to secure the funding, the Kimberling team expects the project to be completed in June 2020. The resort will be in cooperation with the city to promote the park and the new tennis courts to the area along with introducing new tennis programming and free tennis clinics.

“The resurfaced courts will now provide great courts that can be accessed by the public at no cost that will meet the needs of both enthusiasts and beginners,” said Ryan SUMMER SERVE 2020 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY 11

Hamilton, owner of the Port of Kimberling resort. “With the programming put together by the city of Kimberling City and the lesson opportunities that we are working on with some local pros, utilization should go up dramatically which will lead to an increase in participation.”

Another city that will benefit from the growth of public courts this year can be found in Arkansas City, Kansas. In 2020, Arkansas City High School plans to resurface ten courts within the Louderback Family Tennis Complex.

Tennis is prominent in Arkansas City, large in part due to the work that the Louderback family has done for tennis in their area.

The family, whom the tennis complex has been named after, has built up tennis and a spirit of volunteerism in their local community as they’ve coached teams, led Community Tennis Associations, and shared the sport with countless people.

“The community always rallies together and rallies around its tennis,” said Jaren Glaser, USTA Kansas Tennis Service Representative. “You don’t see many communities like that anymore.”

The courts are open to the public and currently service many tennis opportunities, including high school programs, collegiate matches, recreational activities, Junior Team Tennis, and various community events.

With all other quality public courts located at least an hour away, the Louderback Family Tennis Complex truly is the hub of Arkansas City tennis.

This community-driven passion for tennis is the reason why the Arkansas City Recreation Commission is looking to resurface their tennis courts—to continue their community outreach efforts, host more quality competitive events and share tennis with even more people within Arkansas City.

Busy courts in Ark City will be resurfaced in 2020.

As each of these schools, parks and recreation departments, and other project teams aim to receive national grants for their rebuilding projects, Terpkosh serves as the liaison. His role is to make sure applications are successful in receiving this grant funding by walking them through the process and setting them up for success.

His position with USTA Missouri Valley as the Parks and Recreation Manager is fairly unique, as most USTA sections don’t have the same position on their staff. However, his work has been paying off as many candidates have successfully gone through the process to get national grant funding and better their facilities across the section.

“We want to support the infrastructure in the section because it’s to our benefit and our players’ benefits. We’re getting more facilities and better quality facilities across our section.” - John Terpkosh

“We want to support the infrastructure in the Missouri Valley section because it’s to our benefit and our players’ benefits,” added Terpkosh.

“We’re getting more facilities and better quality facilities across our section.”

Together, the USTA and USTA Missouri Valley are helping to grow tennis in local communities through providing Public Facility Assistance grants.

To learn more about national and section funding to grow your parks and recreation program in the USTA Missouri Valley in 2021, contact Terpkosh at jterpkosh@movalley.usta.com and visit usta.com/parksandrecreation.

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Youth Tennis Providers of the Month

By Tammy Arbuckle, Amber Gerdes and Kendra Wicks

This year, USTA Missouri Valley is shining a spotlight on impactful members of the tennis community as they recognize a Youth Tennis Provider of the Month.

So far, we have awarded three recipients: Sara Rasmussen of Wichita, Kansas, Brody Queal of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Nicole Berger of Des Moines, Iowa.

Rasmussen, director of Riverside Tennis Center, was awarded in February. At Riverside, she is able to offer a variety of programming for all ages and skill levels along with special community events. Most recently, the club has been able to draw in many new junior players to Riverside through their Junior Team Tennis (JTT) program.

“It’s given them another location to get match play in and I think that’s what kids don’t always get a lot of,” said Rasmussen. “The JTT program has been awesome to get those kids out each week as part of a team.”

The March recipient of the award was Brody Queal, Director of 10 & Under tennis and full-time academy staff professional at Racquet & Health 91. Queal’s passion for growing the game of tennis is impossible to miss. He continues to mentor and guide aspiring players and teachers, volunteer and host events to introduce new groups to tennis, and serve as a positive inspiration for many in the tennis community.

Sara Rasmussen

“Brody deserves to be recognized because not only is he a provider for several USTA Oklahoma youth activities, including coaching numerous Junior Team Tennis teams and hosting several Team Challenges out of RH-91, but Brody also volunteers a lot of his time at different elementary schools around Tulsa to introduce tennis to kids,” added Casey McKenzie, USTA Oklahoma Community Tennis Manager. “He does this all while having a great attitude and enthusiasm with the sport he loves!"

In April, Nicole Berger, Director of 10 & Under Tennis and Assistant Tennis Manager at Life Time Athletic, was given this award. Since Nicole arrived at Life Time Athletic this past summer, she has expanded their programming to encourage more junior players to find their passion for the game. Lifetime’s 10 and under program went from 80 junior players to well over 150 players in just seven months.

Brody Queal

“When I first met Nicole and discussed goals of growing the sport, her vision aligned with my vision as well as Life Time’s vision,” said Arnold Wehrenberg, Life Time Athletic Tennis Manager and USTA High Performance Coach. “Nicole puts her heart and soul into what she does on the court and her passion is contagious. I look forward to the future of youth tennis with her on our coaching staff.”

She continues to mentor and guide aspiring players and coaches, volunteers and hosts clinics to introduce and expand youth tennis while serving as a resource for many in the tennis community.

Each Youth Tennis Provider of the Month will be awarded a commemorative certificate and a Net Generation t-shirt. USTA Missouri Valley appreciates all these providers do to shape the generation of the future and grow the game we all love.

Nicole Berger

Learn more about Net Generation.

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To honor their 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing 100 deserving recipients with the Gold Star Award. This award recognizes contributions that recipients have made in growing the game of tennis in their community.

In April, we awarded fifteen providers across all seven of our districts—read about them below:

Heart of America

Eric Thacker: Over the past four years, Eric Thacker has been serving the St. Joseph school district and parks and recreation programs, teaching life lessons and building tennis locally, through his coaching service, Eric Thacker Tennis.

Overland Park Racquet Club: Six years ago, Elliott McDermed and Eric Rand expanded their roles in the tennis community by purchasing the Overland Park Racquet Club. It has since been transformed into a firstclass facility, hosting a number of USTA events and the highly successful KC United Academy program.

Iowa

Michael Shires: The Director of North Dodge Athletic Club has been recognized for his contributions to local tennis and his volunteerism.

Shires serves on the adult tennis committee and local play and competition committee as well as growing tennis through his own club, serving as one of four district school trainers in Iowa, and directing a myriad of USTA events.

Special Olympics Iowa: Special Olympics Iowa is making a difference through adaptive programming, coaching and orchestrating community programming. The organization has implemented adaptive pathways, allowing the participating athletes to develop at their own pace.

Kansas

Christine Little: Little has served as an outstanding member of the tennis community. She has worked as the pediatric physical therapist for the Wichita Public School District for the past 22 years. She has given back to the community through her job and her volunteer work with USTA. Kathy Schulte: Schulte is an active member of the tennis community through her role as coach for Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School in Wichita, Kansas, as well as serving as coach for several Junior Team Tennis teams. She founded a middle school tennis program to help get students interested in tennis, has served as an official and volunteers for various events throughout the year.

Missouri:

Jason Smith: Smith has grown tennis in the Monett community through the use of Net Generation, coaching high school and middle school players, running after-school programming and camps.

Spring field Boys & Girls Clubs: The Springfield Boys & Girls Club uses tennis to encourage children to branch out and develop confidence. The group has put on numerous tennis clinics and activities, even taking field trips to Springfield Lasers events.

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Nebraska:

Matt Weimers: Wiemers, an elementary school P.E. teacher, has been coaching boys' and girls' high school tennis for twenty years at McCook High School, offering a nocut tennis program. Wiemers and his assistant coach, Greg Larson, also put on summer tennis camps in the local community that continue to grow each year.

Woods Tennis Center: Woods Tennis Center is a non-profit, public facility where anyone is welcome as no membership is required. Each year the staff at Woods teaches lessons to over 1,200 kids in the community and hosts after-school programming, along with hosting many high school, college, and adaptive events and continuing to grow adult programming.

Oklahoma

Carmen Bond: Carmen Bond is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tennis Foundation, an organization whose mission is to help fund and support tennis organizations around the state of Oklahoma that are positively impacting lives through tennis and education. The volunteer-based foundation offers free rural tennis clinics, reaching out to all 77 Oklahoma counties, and works to bring Net Generation into communities and schools.

Chris Ridgeway: Chris Ridgeway, a PE and health teacher in Mustang, Okla., has been teaching for 11 years and also serves as the community partner for Mustang schools with USTA Net Generation. He stepped into the role to help teachers get the resources they need to teach a quality tennis unit and to let students have an opportunity to try tennis in their PE classes.

Emmy Tigert: As the Executive Director of First Serve OKC, Emmy Tigert’s role is to lead the non-profit in its mission of strengthening the lives and enhancing the character of Oklahoma City youth through tennis and education. The children served through First Serve OKC often lack opportunities to get into tennis, and Tigert is able to show

them that if they work hard, they can be competitive with all players regardless of affluence.

St. Louis

Scott Stinson: Stinson’s love for the game has morphed into giving back to underserved portions of the St. Louis community in two ways: through the East Saint Louis Community Tennis Association and his blog, STL Forgotten Courts. The blog, covering underutilized public courts in St. Louis, has inspired many people to play on those courts, as well as serving as the inspiration for what would become the East Saint Louis CTA. Maya Martin: Martin, 2019 USTA Net Set Ambassador and sophomore at Lafayette High School, is heavily involved in USTA in many facets.

More than just a player, Martin is dedicated to growing the game in her community with her work as she spreads the Net Generation mission with dedication and passion.

The recipients of the Gold Star Award will receive a plaque and a special gift. Congratulations to all of the Gold Star Award recipients, and we thank them for the years of dedication and service they’ve brought to the USTA Missouri Valley community.

Gold Star Awards for May have been chosen. Stay tuned to USTA.com for features on each of the honorees below:

Heart of America: Stephanie Waterman Foundation Kansas City KJO Media Kansas City Iowa: LifeTime Athletic Des Moines Brenton Kuchera Waterloo

Kansas: Ark City High School A rk City Boys & Girls Club Wichita

Missouri: Optimist Club of Rolla Rolla Special Olympics Missouri Jefferson City

Nebraska: Larry Newton Omaha Panhandle Tennis - Darren Emerick Bridgeport

Oklahoma: Brody Queal Tulsa Tulsa Sports Commission Tulsa

St. Louis Connie Weiss O’Fallon, Illinois NetRushers St. Louis

Contributors: Tammy Arbuckle, Jerod Fox, Andrea Gallagher, Jamie Hansen, Jeff Kessinger, Emily Steinwart, Kendra Wicks.

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Spotlight on

Centennial Community Campaign

We spoke with Missouri Valley Tennis Foundation President Larry Haugness about why it’s so important to give back to the sport of tennis.

By Amber Gerdes In honor of the USTA Missouri Valley’s 100th anniversary, the Missouri Valley Tennis Foundation is revived and able to give back in a historic way in 2020 with $100,000. This is due in large part to a community grant that the foundation received from a donor who has requested to remain anonymous.

This Centennial Community Campaign grant is unprecedented, building up a newly revitalized Missouri Valley Tennis Foundation impassioned with the mission to support organizations and programs that enhance the lives of people through tennis and education.

Even though tennis is on pause right now, organizations and individuals can still use these grants as they continue to create their plans for how to grow the game in their communities once we can all hit the courts again.

Check USTA.com for an updated list of grant recipients. The next deadline for appllications, both individual and organization, closes July 5. Apply now!

We caught up with foundation President Larry Haugness to get his perspective on why it’s so important to give back to the sport of tennis.

USTA.com: Why does the tennis community need individuals who truly want to give back?

Haugness: The tennis community has changed through the years and, from my perspective, a lot of people now are not as passionate in the way they used to be. That passion and motivation is so important to energize the next generation to get going, get moving, and fall in love with the sport. That’s so important, it’s a huge part of growing the game.

USTA.com: Who are we looking for to help grow the game?

Haugness: Firstly, the delivery system needs teaching pros. The tennis management course being offered through the USTA is really important. The delivery system is the most important thing because you’ve got to get people going. On those bad days, when your teaching pro is acting a cheerleader for you, that’s important.

Number two is offering local community events. I grew 16 SUMMER SERVE 2020 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY

up during the tennis boom. We didn’t even know about national tournaments. All we knew was the local play events in Boise, Idaho. It’s those local events that touch people personally. That’s the fun stuff.

USTA.com: How do you hope to see the Centennial Community Campaign grants grow tennis?

Haugness: From my perspective, grants through foundations and nonprofit organizations are how we are going to grow the game of tennis. You can argue leagues, tournaments, and other things like that grow tennis, but those people are already tennis players.

When I was running a foundation in El Paso, in my first year my staff used grants to see 22,000 kids that were not tennis players. We went to Boys & Girls clubs, YMCA’s, etc. Those are the communities you need to reach because tennis is not on their radar. Make them realize that “this is fun, let’s go play.”

Grants make it possible for more people to go out and play tennis. If you’re a qualified organization or individual, then that money is so well spent. So many people can be introduced to tennis, whether it’s through an individual or organizational grant. I hope a lot of our organizations take advantage of these Centennial Community Campaign grants. When I was at the foundation in Texas, 90 percent of our budget came from grants. I’m a believer in grants because I know that it works.

USTA.com: Why is it important for our youth to be involved in tennis?

Haugness: To me, getting kids involved in tennis—and tennis has been proven to develop more life skills than any other sport—it’s about developing those life skills you need as an adult. Tennis is also a sport that you can play many more years than most other sports.

Tennis gives kids something to do and something to work toward. They play, they go out, they have motivation. I have juniors that are out there playing outside with their parents right now [during the COVID-19 suspension].

Even during this crazy time, there’s positive energy out there as they play tennis with their families.

Help us create 100 TENNIS memories As the section celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are proud to look back on 100 years of tennis growth, accomplishments, and memories. To recognize this historic occasion, you are invited to help us create 100 tennis moments!

Though we may not be able to get on the courts right now, there are still many ways we can share the game we love with others. Share a video of you playing tennis at home, recognize a great tennis provider in your community, gift tennis equipment to a child without access to it, tell everyone you know how much you love tennis - the ideas go on and on.

Share your tennis moments with us Tag us or use #100tennismoments

@ustamovalley

@ustamovalley

@ustamissourivalley

Participants will be entered into a random drawing for a driveway tennis package including a 10-foot mini-net, children's racquets, and a set of foam balls, all valued at $170, or a KidzLadder step ladder valued at $70. No purchase necessary. Deadline for submission May 31, 2020. Prizes will be awarded on June 1, 2020.

Watch our 100th anniversary celebration video for more inspiration!

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NET NOTES - NEWS NEAR YOU Be sure to visit our Facebook page or Instagram for more USTA Missouri Valley news! facebook.com/ustamissourivalley instagram.com/ustamovalley TOPEKA TENNIS COMMUNITY TAKES CARE OF ITS OWN In February, the Topeka tennis community was excited to welcome Brad Prada, a young professional tennis coach who joined the team at Genesis Health Clubs. Prada is originally from Colombia and played tennis for Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee.

He moved to Topeka to begin his career without knowing anyone in the area. He was just getting on his feet when the coronavirus shutdown began.

Inspired by Prada’s positivity and determination, local USTA players Ben Seitz and Ali Fakhrai began fundraising money to purchase a car for Prada. They received overwhelming support from the tennis community.

“We were hoping to get about $2,500, but we are now over $7,200 raised less than two weeks,” Seitz said. “It’s been amazing. A lot of people have donated and been part of this even though they haven’t met Brad yet.”

With the funds raised, the community was able to purchase a car and cover the first months of insurance and gas expenses. The gift was presented to Prada on April 18 and was live streamed on Facebook so that Prada’s parents could watch from Colombia.

USTA LEAGUE PLAYERS RECOGNIZED Each month, USTA Missouri Valley recognizes USTA League players in two categories: 18-39 New League Player Referral and Sportsmanship nominations. Those that qualify are drawn at random to win a Tennis Trunk full of tennis and USTA Missouri Valley goodies.

Winners so far this year are: Sportsmanship Julia Elkin - Elkhorn, Nebraska David Clark - Lincoln, Nebraska Robyn Bradbury - St. Charles, Missouri Jolene Johnson - Omaha, Nebraska 18-39 New League Player Referral Kasia Moore - Topeka, Kansas Joshua Levey - St. Louis, Missouri Joe Heitz - St. Louis, Missouri Lotta Fox - St. Louis, Missouri 18 SUMMER SERVE 2020 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY

Our team may all be at home right now, but we’re still connected through tennis:

NET NOTES - NEWS NEAR YOU PRO PLAYER PROVIDES CORONAVIRUS RELIEF IN WICHITA British tennis player Katie Swan prepares parttime for a return to tennis and turns the rest of her energies to helping disadvantaged people in her adopted city of Wichita, Kansas.

The Bristol-born player has lived in Wichita for seven years with her mother, Nicki, her father, Richard, and her teenage brother, Luke. For the past fortnight, they have been sorting tinned food and other necessities in their garage, ready for distribution.

Adapted from article originally published in The Guardian on March 27.

Each quarter this year, USTA Missouri Valley will recognize Junior Team Tennis players across our section who display outstanding character and performance by presenting them with sportsmanship awards. Our most recent winners are Kansas players Colby Klotz and Jazzmyn Williams. Both athletes participated in the 18 & Under section of Junior Team Tennis in Wichita, Kansas. Klotz played for Iconic Tennis and was coached

by Janet Glaser. Williams played for the Jaguars and was coached under Janet Glaser and Amanda Cervantes.

Klotz began playing school tennis in eighth grade and has participated in Junior Team Tennis for four years. Glaser describes Klotz as a strong, dedicated teammate.

"Colby drove an hour to participate with his team each week. In six weeks, some with bad weather, and he never missed a match,” Glaser said. “Colby is the type of player that you want as a partner, and that you fear as an opponent. He's a quiet giant with lots of hustle and determination."

Jazzmyn Williams

Williams began her tennis journey in eighth grade when she joined her school team.

As part of an active family, Williams is involved in several sports including basketball, softball and pickleball, but tennis is one of her favorites. The positive energy that Williams brings to the court has impacted not only her Junior Team Tennis teammates, but even the opponents they face.

"Jazzy creates a fun and competitive environment on court as well as off. She encourages teammates, and even opponents, to do their best,” Glaser said. “Jazzy has participated in winter and summer JTT for three years.”

After graduating from high school, Klotz plans to attend Cowley College in the fall of 2020 and will continue to play tennis through USTA. Williams plans to attend Friends University in the fall of 2020 to begin her collegiate tennis career and pursue a degree in computer science. Learn more and get involved in a local Junior Team Tennis program.

Colby Klotz

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