RSPA Names Annual Award Winners at 2025 World Racquets Conference
September 24, 2025
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) has named Dr. Dave Porter as the recipient of the 2025 Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to the sport of tennis and his positive impact on athletes and the coaching community. The honor was presented recently during the RSPA’s 2025 World Racquets Conference, held in Kona, Hawaii.
Porter founded the BYU-Hawaii men’s tennis program in 1984 and expanded his leadership to the women’s team in 1992. Over his distinguished career, he’s been named ITA National Coach of the Year six times and has earned district, regional, and conference Coach of the Year honors numerous times. Beyond collegiate tennis, Porter led the Chinese women’s doubles team to Olympic gold in 2004 and guided doubles champions at both the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006.
Other RSPA award winners honored during the World Racquet Conference include:
* Pam Austin, who received the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her extraordinary career and outstanding accomplishments in the racquet sports industry.
* Bunny Bruning received the Alex Gordon Racquet Sports Professional of the Year Award. This prestigious honor recognized her influence through coaching, mentorship and community development.
* Greg Prudhomme as the recipient of the Large Facility Manager of the Year Award.
* Michael Ray-Pallares, the founder of One Love Tennis Inc., who received the Bob Ryland Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.
* Logan West received the Laurie Martin High School Coach of the Year Award.
* Nick Bradish and Rita Dotson, who both received the 2025 RSPA Star Award, which recognizes professionals who have made a lasting impact on their communities.
* Alvin Varnado was honored with the RSPA Industry Excellence Award.
* Keith Puryear received the 2025 Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year Award.