News

The United States Professional Tennis Association honored outstanding tennis coaches, players, managers and volunteers during its annual national awards ceremony at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis on September 24. USPTA, the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals, is hosting its annual World Conference Sept. 21-26 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and Spa on Marco Island, Fla.

Robert Greene Jr., of Rangeley, Maine, received the association’s top annual member award, the Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year. Greene, who has been a USPTA Professional 1 member for more than 30 years, is the director of tennis at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel in Dixville, N.H.

The USPTA Star, recognizing teaching professionals who make an indelible mark on their communities through the sport of tennis, was awarded to two members. Shelly Susman of San Diego has made a significant impact on grassroots tennis in the U.K., and hopes to do the same in the United States. Brian Egelhoff of Mequon, Wis., has been dedicated to creating tennis programs and playing opportunities for those with special needs through his Advantage Kids Tennis program.

Tom Fey of Indian Wells, Calif., is highly committed to bringing tennis to his surrounding community of Coachella Valley, especially though camps and clinics. This and his work with Special Olympic athletes is what earned him the USTA/USPTA Community Service Award.

Angelo Rossetti of Hamden, Conn., and Ettore Rossetti of Huntington, Conn., received the USPTA Industry Excellence Award, recognizing business acumen and a charitable attitude. The Rossettis, who are identical twins, raised money for several charities with a campaign around their record-breaking rally for 25,944 consecutive strokes in 2008, which is a Guiness Book World Record. The award is sponsored by the Tennis Industry Association and supported by Tennis Tutor ball machines.

David Altshuler of Peabody, Mass., received the first Lessons for Life Individual Award, for his fundraising efforts as the founder of the Jimmy Fund Tennis Classic, which raises money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Jacques Faulise of North Kingstown, R.I., received the first Tennis Across America Individual Award, for his efforts over the last 15 years hosting a USPTA day of free tennis lessons during the ATP’s Campbell Hall of Fame Championships.

Michael Mahoney of Riverside, Ill., received the Facility Manager of the Year Award. Mahoney is the vice president and general manager of Midtown Tennis Club in Chicago.

Other honorees are:

USPTA divisions receiving awards are:

The USPTA National Awards program is conducted annually. Nominations are submitted by the 17 divisions and by individuals. Recipients in each awards category are decided by the USPTA’s awards committee.

Founded in 1927, USPTA strives to raise the standards of the tennis profession while promoting greater awareness of the sport. USPTA offers more than 65 professional benefits to its more than 15,000 members worldwide, including certification and professional development. With more than 300 days of educational opportunities throughout the year, USPTA offers the most comprehensive continuing education program in the tennis industry. For more information, call 800-877-8248 or visit uspta.com.