News

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — The USTA announced today that it has awarded Tom Fey, Director of Tennis at Indian Wells Tennis Garden with the 2008 USTA Recreational Coaches Workshop Trainer of the Year Award, and the Southern Arizona Tennis Association with the 2008 Recreational Coaches Workshop Host Site of the Year award. Both recipients were recognized at the third annual awards ceremony hosted by the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference during the 2009 US Open.

The USTA Recreational Coaches Workshop (RCW) Trainer of the Year Award recognizes a trainer that goes above and beyond to train coaches who are beginners and promote the sport of tennis through RCWs.

As Director of Tennis at one of the premier tennis destinations in the world, Fey is a USPTA-certified teaching professional and a recipient of the 2008 USPTA San Diego Division Service Award. He has performed more than 25 RCWs in the five years he has been with the program. Fey’s energetic nature, positive attitude and willingness to go above and beyond have contributed greatly to those who attend his workshops throughout the year as well as the RCW program as a whole.

“Tom is one of our Master Trainers and is very deserving of this award,” said Kirk Anderson, Director, Recreational Coaches and Programs, USTA. “He is an outstanding trainer who has devoted his time and energy to conducting numerous workshops over the past five years and always gets excellent marks. It is only fitting that Tom is recognized for his commitment to train other coaches at crafting their skill, along with his efforts to promote the great sport of tennis.”

The Recreational Coaches Workshop Host Site of the Year award honors a host site that goes above and beyond to provide an excellent experience for the recreational coaches in attendance.

The Southern Arizona Tennis Association hosted an RCW in 2008. Attendees included individuals representing schools, parks, colleges, Native American reservations, wheelchair and adaptive programs, and tennis facilities. The workshop was organized by Keeley Hutchinson and featured RCW Master Trainer and USTA National Manager of Schools Tennis Jason Jamison. Attendees participated in an on-court training program designed for tennis teachers, parents and coaches who work with players and other large groups at the recreational level.

“It was a privilege to work with such a diverse group of coaches recruited throughout Arizona and the Southwest,” said Jamison. “Thanks to the efforts of the Southern Arizona Tennis Association, the weekend provided a positive experience for all those who attended.”

The RCW program’s mission is to train individuals on the fundamentals of teaching tennis in a fun and easy manner to individuals and large groups from beginner to intermediate levels of play.