News

ORLANDO, Fla., November 14, 2024 – The United States Tennis Association (USTA) today announced that Anthony Montero, John Wong, Roger Pennington and Jorge Ducci were named winners of the Nicholas E. Powell Award, Woodie Walker C.A.R.E. Award, John T. McGovern Award, and Jr. McGovern Award, respectively. The awards, which honor those individuals who serve the game of tennis with distinction in their capacity as officials, were given out at the 2024 Annual Umpire Awards, which was held virtually this week.

“We are fortunate to have talented and dedicated officials such as Anthony, John, Roger and Jorge, who are truly making an impact in growing tennis at both the grassroots and professional levels,” said Sean Cary, USTA Managing Director, Competition Operations. “Their leadership, work ethic and passion for the game are just a few of the reasons why they’re so deserving of this recognition.”

Given each year to a grassroots official, the USTA Nicholas E. Powell Award recognizes the importance of officiating at the local level. Since 1990, the award has been given to officials who work primarily at sectional/amateur events, have a supportive attitude toward grassroots programs, and are positive role models.

Montero, of Certitos, Calif., has been an official for more than 20 years. He has led numerous workshops and training over the years and has played an integral role in growing the officiating community in Southern California and beyond. Described by his colleagues as tireless, committed, and caring, he has gone on to officiate at the highest levels of the sport. He recently retired from the FBI, following a lengthy and decorated career, and now serves as the Director of Officiating and General Counsel for the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).

The Woodie Walker C.A.R.E. award recognizes a tennis official whose contributions to the game and to the USTA distinguish them not only for their long-standing service to the sport but for exemplifying the qualities “Woodie” Walker has represented during her decades of leadership in the field, specifically those that represent the award’s acronym: Commitment, Accountability, Responsibility, and Excellence. Wong, of San Francisco, is known as a dedicated line umpire who exemplifies professionalism. He is passionate about training new officials, encouraging them to uphold the standards of officiating that he is best known for. He is described by his peers as dependable, trustworthy and kind.

The John T. McGovern Award is given out to a USTA-certified chair or line umpire with at least 10 years of service who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to tennis officiating. Pennington, of Amarillo, Texas, is a Silver Badge Chair Umpire who has officiated at all four Grand Slams as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. He is known as a dedicated and caring leader and mentor who has played an important role in growing American officiating.

The Jr. McGovern Award is awarded for outstanding on-court officiating by a relatively new official who shows talent and potential. The award recognizes service and excellence by younger officials. Ducci, of Orlando, Fla., is known as an eager and dedicated official, who has quickly climbed the officiating ranks. He is a Bronze Badge Chair Umpire, as well as an experienced line umpire and review official. His colleagues note his superlative on-court performance as well as his consistent desire to learn and collaborate.