Hoekstra Named PTR Humanitarian of the Year
February 24, 2011
Hilton Head Island, SC — Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards this week during the 2011 PTR International Tennis Symposium. The event, which includes 50-plus on court and classroom presentations for tennis teachers and coaches, a tennis trade show and tournament is being held February 18-24, 2011 at PTR Headquarters on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Nancy Hoekstra, of Homewood, Illinois, has been named PTR Humanitarian of the Year.
Tennis has been part of Hoekstra’s life since high school. She earned a degrees in Physical and Special Education from Trinity Christian College, and began teaching tennis in 1988, at Homewood-Flossmoor Racquet & Fitness, where she developed tiny tots and adaptive tennis programs. The students with special needs struck a cord deep in Hoekstra’s heart and she has been volunteering for Special Olympics ever since. She has served as a coach, event volunteer, event manager, event official, staff and as a resource to the National Governing Body.
Every year since its inception, Hoekstra has served on the staff and has brought a contingent of athletes to Hilton Head Island for the Special Olympics National Invitational Tennis Championships presented by PTR.
In 1991 and 1995, she was a tennis coach at the Special Olympics World Games; in 2003, she served as an Official at the World Summer Games in Ireland; and in 2007, Hoekstra was the Head Tennis Coach for Team USA at the World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. In 2010, she served as Technical Delegate for the National Games and in 2011, she will be the Sport Manager for Tennis for Team USA at the World Games in Athens, Greece. Hoekstra was presented the Maggiano’s Hero Award for her tireless efforts on behalf of athletes with special needs.
As the recipient of the PTR Humanitarian Award, Hoekstra was presented a $2,500 check by PTR Foundation Chairman, Scott Tharp, to continue her work. PTR Foundation, the charitable arm of Professional Tennis Registry.
PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 14,000 members in 121 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game.