Awards Nominations

USPTA Southern Awards

Awards are for accomplishments from 2020. This year, awards will be accepted via online system along with supporting documentation. You can choose to self nominate (most common method), or to nominate someone else and have the committee connect for supporting information. The person must be a current member including all of 2020.

ALAN HENRY SOUTHERN PRO OF THE YEAR

This award shall be presented for achieving excellence in performing the duties of a USPTA Tennis Professional. Areas of achievement might include teaching and coaching, management and administration, competitive play, research and publication, and community service. Relevant criteria for this award would include contributions to national, regional and local tennis organizations and programs as an officer, director, founder, committee member, project leader, speaker, participant tand the like. Other criteria would be contributions as a teaching professional and coach in regard to innovative programming, notable students, continuing education, and player rankings.

FRED BURDICK USPTA PRIDE OF THE SOUTH

This award is appointed by the awards committee and is not up for nomination.

MENTOR AWARD

This award recognizes a USPTA member who has, through their coaching and character, made an enduring and positive impact on those around them. While special consideration will be given to those who have inspired others to work in the tennis industry, what is most important is the ability to provide anecdotes and examples of how a coach influenced the lives and character of individuals. In that regard, providing information about individual player rankings is welcome but not necessary.

ELEVATE PRO OF THE YEAR

This award shall be presented to the individual who has made an impact to the tennis industry and been a member for 5 or fewer years. Relevant criteria should include contributions, notable accomplishments, and involvement in tennis activity throughout the state, the south, and nationally.

HIGH SCHOOL COACH, COLLEGE COACH, HIGH PERFORMANCE COACH

These three awards shall be presented for excellence in contributing to the notable accomplishments of your team(s) or student(s). Relevant criteria for this award would include competitive record, demonstrated improvement in skills and accomplishments, and other achievements and distinctions earned by your team(s) or player(s) in which the nominee is wholly or partly responsible, such as Scholar-Athlete and Sportsmanship Awards. Online Application and info at usptasouthern.com on the AWARDS tab

DEADLINE: March 5th

Virtual awards ceremony in August

Any questions should be directed to: Kaitlin Flaherty,

kflaherty07@gmail.com

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

This award shall be presented for excellence and achievement in competitive men’s and women’s play. Relevant criteria for all above competitive men’s and women’s player’s awards should include results and rankings from ATP, USPTA National and Division, USTA, STA, and/or District. Tournament record should be provided.

CHARITY EVENT OF THE YEAR

This award is given to the Professional that raises money for a charity. Please verify the event on the letterhead of the charity or with a newspaper clipping.

SOUTHERN ASSISTANT PRO OF THE YEAR

This award shall be presented for achieving excellence in performing duties of an Assistant Tennis Professional. Areas of achievement might include teaching and coaching, competitive play, research and publication, and community service. Relevant criteria for this award would include contributions to national, regional and local tennis organizations and programs as a committee member, project member, or an active participant. Other criteria would be contributions as a tennis professional and coach in regard to innovative programming, notable students, continuing education, and rankings.

MANAGER OF THE YEAR

This award shall be presented to the club manager who has shown dedication to the USPTA and its members. Criteria may include USPTA membership, hiring and supporting USPTA members.

INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

This award recognizes those USPTA-certified members who have done the most to promote tennis at the grassroots level and thereby increased player participation in the sport. Entrepreneurial initiative also is an important criterion.

TEACHING PROFESSIONAL AWARD

This award is presented for having demonstrated excellence in teaching. Considerations include: use of the ROGY pathway for juniors and adults; consistent use of teaching aids such as ball machines, video analysis, as well as any other implements to help players grasp concepts; demonstrated ability to modify teaching styles based on the learning needs of students; and success in having inspired beginners of all ages to become lifelong tennis players.