EASTERN TENNIS 2021 CONFERENCE

Schedule of Events & Commemorative Yearbook TABLEUSTA OF Eastern 70 West Red Oak Lane CONTENTSWhite Plains, NY 10604

EASTERN TENNIS CONFERENCE SCHEDULE To our tennis family: & SESSION DESCRIPTIONS 4 Serve When the USTA Eastern tennis community came together last winter for its annual professional development gathering, nobody could 2020 AWARD RECIPIENTS 6 have foreseen how the world would change so drastically just one month later. We boldly discussed big ideas and strategies for bring- Tennis Woman of the Year 6 Tennis ing even more people into our tennis family; our conference goal, Leslie J. FitzGibbon Tennis Man of the Year 7 New Tools for a after all, was to convey a “clear vision for a more inclusive future.” New Future Of course, 2020 had alternative plans. The year presented Tennis Family of the Year 8 immeasurable challenges and heartbreak. As an organization, Organization of the Year 9 we knew we’d need to take extraordinary steps to support our providers. We were fortunate to be able to extend $382,124 to Courage Awards 10-11 facilities throughout the section to help them reopen safely, and we stayed in constant communication with state and local officials Lifetime Achievement 12 as the pandemic unfolded to advocate on behalf of our tennis infrastructure. The road may still be rough in 2021, but we will continue to walk with you every step of the way. THE YEAR THAT WAS 13 Amid these struggles, however, we have witnessed no shortage of diligence, creativity and resilience as our community has banded In Pictures: 2020 ETC 14 Powerful Tools. Made for Tennis. together to uplift our great lifetime sport. We also witnessed packed Automate administrative processes, take online payments, and courts over the summer and an increase in racquet sales in 2020 Arthur Ashe Legacy Lives Day 16 compared to the year prior. We can continue to build upon this. register players. Serve Tennis is designed to make your life easier. New York Open Wild Card Invitational 17 While we cannot be together in person, our 2021 virtual conference Youth Progression...At Home 18 will provide the same opportunities for collaboration and innovation, which are perhaps© 2020 USTA more Eastern. urgent All rights than reserved. ever before. Kings County Tennis League...At Home 20

Former top doubles player and current USTA Director of Profes- USTA Eastern Wins Section of the Year 21 sional Tennis Operations and Player Relations Eric Butorac will kick off our event with an informative discussion about what it was Tribute to USTA Eastern’s Front Line Heroes 22 Explore Serve Tennis like to be on the ground helping to organize the historic 2020 US Discover a variety of Open. Former world No. 7 and 1985 Wimbledon semifinalist Kathy Woodstock Tennis Club Scholarship Program 26 Rinaldi will speak about her current roles as Head of Women’s easy to use features Tennis for USTA Player Development and Captain of the Billie Jean Growing the Game in Chestnut Ridge Park 28 King Cup’s American team. Throughout the week, a wide variety of tennis pros, coaches, park officials, club owners, facility manag- 15-LOVE’s 10 BLOCKS Art Project 29 ers, NJTL directors and more will share the inventive ideas they successfully implemented as they faced unprecedented obstacles. In Pictures: Scenic Tennis Court Road Tour 30 We’ll talk to industry leaders and VIPs about the state of youth USTA Eastern Collegiate Series 32 sports and what the future looks like. USTA representatives will review all the major (and exciting) competitive structure and tech- Find Your Level Community Initiative 33 nological changes in store for the year ahead. We will, for the first time, hold a special panel for USTA League players and captains, Serves in Support at West Side Tennis Club 34 and we will host multiple on-court demonstrations you can enjoy Manage Marketing Court Custom from the safety of your living room—including one on the slice and Programs Tools Booking Websites one on the serve. We will honor some extraordinary individuals and USTA LEAGUE CAPTAIN SPOTLIGHTS Build and organize your Connect with customers Give players access to Use our tool to build organizations in an innovative virtual awards ceremony hosted by 1993 French Open Doubles Champion Luke Jensen. And, finally, program offerings. all in one place. reserve and pay for courts your own website. we will discuss what support we as an organization can continue to Valerie Duval (Southern Region) 27 and classes online. offer. As always, our tennis community is at its strongest when we Andrew Wallenstein (Western Region) 31 are able to work together. Maria Coradini (New Jersey Region) 33 We have plenty more surprises in store. We hope you’ll be able to Our number one priority is to help you make your join us for what is sure to be a fun, informative and interactive week. Patricia Gould (Metro Region) 35 tennis programs or business more successful. Sincerely, IN MEMORIAM 36 Get Started Today: Amber Marino Jenny Schnitzer USTA EASTERN BOARD, STAFF President, USTA Executive AND PARTNERS 38 Eastern Board Director & CEO, usta.com/servetennis of Directors USTA Eastern Cover photo by Herb Glenn Get in the Game The State of Youth of Greater Rochester Urban USTA Eastern Board CONFERENCE SCHEDULE District Athletic Director and with Serve Tennis Sports (5:00 p.m.) Meeting (4:30 p.m.) (7:30 p.m.) Love-15 Program Director • Samuel Distinguished panelists from elite Inalegwu, Essex Grassroots Tennis Closed Meeting Step forward into the future. Serve local sport organizations—the New & Education Founder and CEO & SESSIONS Tennis is a flexible digital tool de- York Road Runners, New York City FC • Amber Marino, USTA Eastern signed specifically for tennis that will and New York Rangers—will discuss Board of Directors President and Team USA: The Bright Future help you manage your organization. the current state of affairs of youth 15-LOVE Executive Director • of American Tennis with MONDAY, JANUARY 25 Making Tennis a Walk in sport into efforts to support charitable With Serve Tennis, you can manage sports in New York amid COVID-19. Mara Mazza, Kings County Tennis Kathy Rinaldi (5:00 p.m.) Featured Speakers: the Park (5:00 p.m.) causes. Guests from the American registration and financial transactions, They will share their own experiences League Communications Director The 2020 US Open: Cancer Society, Junior Tennis Foun- oversee court bookings, promote your facing common challenges presented • Anjalee Modasra, University at USTA Player Development Head of Dr. Alexis Chiang Colvin, Mount Albany freshman and 15-LOVE Lessons from a Historic Event In this session, USTA Eastern staff will dation and CityParks Foundation will business with email marketing and by the pandemic and reveal best Women’s Tennis (and former world No. Sinai Professor of Orthopaedic practices for youth sports moving for- program participant • Dave with Eric Butorac (12:00 p.m.) share information about support avail- discuss the many benefits of hosting connect with customers in one place. 7) Kathy Rinaldi reflects on her own Surgery and Associate Dean for able to Park and Recreation Depart- a fundraiser tournament, share details In this session, Matt Barnhart, USTA ward. They’ll also discuss the role that Webley, Kings County Tennis journey in the sport and how her ex- Alumni Affairs and US Open Chief community engagement, technologi- League Executive Director On Sunday, September 13, as a ball ments and other providers including on how players, providers and organi- Senior Manager of Team Competi- periences inform her current role. This Medical Officer •Dave Hanzes, cal innovation and coach and parent from his opponent sailed wide, Dom- marketing materials, safety guide- zations can get events started in their tion, will give an overview of all Serve session will also discuss why it is imper- USTA Eastern Chair of Officials education play in athletics. inic Thiem collapsed to the ground lines, grants, equipment, training and own communities and offer tips on how Tennis can do for your business as well ative that coaches help and encourage to celebrate capturing his first-ever more. We will highlight several section to organize a successful fundraiser. as provide a preview of what new fea- FRIDAY, JANUARY 29 young athletes to develop exemplary Grand Slam singles title in four at- Park and Recreation providers and tures are coming soon to the product. Featured Speakers: off-court conduct and sportsmanship, their exceptional parks programs, and We’ll also hear from several providers what it means to be a part of Team USA tempts. Behind the scenes, US Open TUESDAY, JANUARY 26 Featured Speakers: Jane Benson, New York Road How USTA Eastern Grants Can we will also discuss USTA Eastern’s who have begun using Serve Tennis to and how working together is key to cre- organizers also celebrated. After Jonathan Gamberg, CityParks Runners Vice President of Youth Work For You (9:00 a.m.) partnership with New York State Rec- conduct their operations. ating the next generation of world-class months of fastidious planning and co- Adaptive & Wheelchair Tennis: Foundation Associate Director of Programs and Marketing • Rick reation and Park Society (NYSRPS). American players. ordination, they had successfully held Meeting the Demand and Sports • Mark McIntyre, Junior Nadeu, New York Rangers Vice This session will provide an overview Tennis is a fun, safe sport that can Featured Speakers: the 2020 US Open without any major Tennis Foundation Executive Director President of Social Impact and of USTA Eastern grants and other Facing Today’s Challenges be played and enjoyed by people disruptions. The tournament seemed • Marnie Perez Ochoa, USTA Eastern Matt Barnhart, USTA Senior Fan Engagement • Brian Walsh, resources that can help tennis provid- Featured Speaker: with Excellence (9:00 a.m.) of all ages and abilities, and we will like an impossible dream in June. Serves in Support Tournament Manager of Team Competition New York City Football Club ers grow the sport and sustain their explain how an organization can take Kathy Rinaldi, USTA Player How did the USTA make it a reality by Organizer • Megan Stewart, • Larry Dillon, Sports, For Director of Youth Programs business. We will speak with several Panelists from USPTA, PTR, and USTA advantage of USTA Eastern support Development Head of Women’s September? In our opening session, American Cancer Society Senior Life! President and Founder providers from around the section Eastern’s partnering organizations to deliver a program that benefits the Tennis, Team USA Billie Jean King former pro and current USTA Director Community Development Manager • Gordon Panek, Summer who have used USTA Eastern grants and CTAs will discuss how they are entire community. Cup Captain, 1985 Wimbledon of Pro Tennis Operations and Player responding to the increased demand Classic Events Founder • Kelly Coach Education and to develop and/or grow successful semifinalist and former WTA Relations Eric Butorac shares his own Rasero, USTA Middle States the Importance of Coach tennis programming. We will also for adaptive and wheelchair tennis Featured Speakers: world No. 7 in singles key takeaways from the planning and and share on-court best practices for Games and Activities that Build Tennis Service Representative Certification – Powered answer any questions you might have staging of those two weeks and recalls these programs during the COVID-19 Kelly Bartell, Town of Ogden Strong Technique – Powered by the PTR (6:15 p.m.) about the application process and the adjustments team members had era. Players from these organizations Parks and Recreation Department by the PTR (12:00 p.m.) review our grants toolkit. to make on the fly as the tournament will also reveal their own personal Supervisor • Hasan Dajani, Ossining Moving forward, the USTA and USTA USTA Eastern Annual Awards unfolded. The lessons he learned can THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 Ceremony (6:15 p.m.) stories and pay tribute to the coaches Community Tennis Association It’s never a bad time to focus on the Eastern will be prioritizing trainings Featured Speakers: be applied to events of all levels. and rehabilitators who are helping (OCTA) President • Michelle Skelley, and educational opportunities for basics. In this session we will demon- Dennis Maher, Newburgh Enlarged them on their journey. Town of Hamburg Recreation Diversity, Equity & Inclusion coaches. In this session, speakers will Live on the USTA Eastern strate a variety of fun games, exercises City School District English Teacher Featured Speaker: Department Tennis Program Director Presentation (9:00 a.m.) share best practices for coach educa- Facebook Page and activities that will help your players and Newburgh Junior Tennis and • Tom Venniro, Town of Parma Parks tion during the pandemic and explain Eric Butorac, USTA Director of Featured Speakers: develop strong, solid technique. Learning Champions Founder and Recreation Director Featured Speakers: TBD why coaching certification is such a Professional Tennis Operations • Danielle Pulliam, Pinkerton Faiz Ali, Ali Adaptive Sports & necessity for any teaching career. SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 and Player Relations and former Fitness Founder • Julie Jilly, PTR Featured Speaker: Foundation Program Officer and ATP world No. 17 in doubles Vice President of Marketing and USTA Eastern Board Member • PTR Meeting (6:15 p.m.) Tito Perez, PTR and Long Solving the Five Critical Featured Speakers: Region Breakout Special Events • Harlon Matthews, Valerie Rifkin, HRJ Environmental Island Health & Racquet Serve Mistakes Players Meetings (9:00 a.m.) Henry County Parks and Recreation Director of Tennis & Sports Brian Parkkonen, PTR Chief Consulting Services LLC Principal Junior Tennis Foundation Closed Meeting Make – Powered by the Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Operating Officer • Dan Santorum, Long Island Board Meeting (5:00 p.m.) • Mark McIntyre, Junior Tennis USPTA (12:00 p.m.) PTR Chief Executive Officer • Eye on the Ball: Nurturing Foundation Executive Director • Lisa Advantage Schools: How Milena Stephens, PTR Director Slice Up Your Lessons (7:30 p.m.) a Tennis Community During New Jersey Closed Meeting Pugliese-LaCroix, USPTA and PTR the USTA’s Tennis in Schools In this on-court session, Jeff Salzen- of Development and Diversity Elite Certified Tennis Professional Program Can Transform stein of the USPTA will provide an COVID (12:00 p.m.) In this on-court session, USPTA’s John in-depth breakdown of the five critical Western and a speech-language pathologist Yandell will review how you can teach Your P.E. Class (5:00 p.m.) Officials Training (6:15 p.m.) in the field of autism •Karla Ruaya, mistakes players make on their serves. Going Beyond Tennis: An NJTL Sarah Sharpe, General Manager of the slice spin. Is Roger Federer’s slice Some of these mistakes are not very SPORTIME Schenectady, Khrystsina Push to Walk Neuro Exercise Trainer the fastest spinning shot in pro tennis? Teaching tennis can be easy...and free! Panel Discussion (7:30 p.m.) Region Breakout Closed Meeting • Jason Speirs, Empire Tennis This session, led by P.E. teachers and obvious, but when you understand Tryboi, Director of Marketing at What are the classic slice spin charac- what these five mistakes are and how MatchPoint NYC and Maureen Holtz, Meetings (10:00 a.m.) Academy Owner & Director of Tennis school partners and for P.E. teachers The National Junior Tennis and Learn- teristics and why has it gradually dis- to solve them, you can help your Head of Partnerships and Community and Founder of Tennis Saves and school partners, will review the ing (NJTL) network features more than appeared? We will explore the history players transform their serves. This Relations at Court 16, will discuss Metro Everything You Wanted benefits that USTA Eastern can offer 250 nonprofit youth development or- of the slice in the game and talk about presentation will give you tangible the tactics and tools they’ve used to to Know About USTA you to teach the sport in your P.E. class ganizations that offer free or low-cost the transition to the modern slice in tools to feel confident that you can promote and grow their businesses Northern 2021 Tournament Pathway and or as part of an after-school program. tennis and educational programming Leagues (And Weren’t the 1990s. Why did that transition help players get their serves to the during such a challenging time. What to over 160,000 under-resourced Afraid to Ask) (7:30 p.m.) New Regulations (12:00 p.m.) occur? What are the technical similar- next level. innovative programming have they youth each year across the country. Southern ities and differences? These subjects Featured Speakers: developed? What creative methods This two-part session will be led by USTA Eastern is proud to support A series of panelists will answer have implications in teaching the shot Lynn Halliwell, P.E. Teacher at have they employed to engage their USTA Eastern staff members. In Part Featured Speaker: the efforts of chapters in our section. questions for current and prospec- at all levels. Fairley Elementary School in the customers? How have they communi- Annual Meeting (12:00 p.m.) A, attendees will learn more about all In this session, we will discuss the tive USTA League players. Dr. Alexis Hannibal Central School District Jeff Salzenstein, USPTA as well as JRS cated safety measures? Panelists will the 2021 changes for Net Generation positive impact Eastern NJTLs are Colvin, Professor of Orthopaedic Featured Speaker: and 2015 Central North Zone Sports, LLC President and Founder also discuss how to leverage social PlayTracker (10U), Junior Team Tennis making in their communities despite Surgery at Mount Sinai, will review AHPERD Elementary P.E. Teacher and Tennis Evolution Founder media, print media and television to USTA Eastern Board and 12-18 Junior Competition and John Yandell, USPTA and the pandemic, and how these chap- the latest information on player safety of Year • Kerri Jannotte-Hinkley, nurture your business’s brand. Meeting (1:30 p.m.) the ITF World Tennis Number (WTN). Tennisplayer.net Creator ters provide opportunities for young and COVID-19. An official will also be Roslyn High School Boys Varsity In Part B, USTA Eastern’s officials com- and Publisher people to grow and develop as both on hand to answer questions about Tennis Coach (on Long Island) and Featured Speakers: Closed Meeting mittee will host a round of virtual trivia tennis players and productive citizens. various on-court scenarios during USTA Coach of the Year recipient • to help participants better understand We’ll also talk about how you can get Maureen Holtz League play, and we will recognize WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 Domingo Montes, 15-LOVE Program , Court 16 Head frequently-used rules and regulations. involved by starting an NJTL yourself our League captains for their extraor- Director • Jason Wass, Lutheran of Community Relations and or partnering with an existing chapter. Sarah Sharpe dinary efforts in helping to grow the Serving a Purpose and Middle and High School Director of Partnerships • , program and bring more players into Featured Speaker: Giving Back (9:00 a.m.) Summer Programs (on Long Island) SPORTIME Schenectady General the sport. Featured Speakers: Manager • Khrystsina Tryboi, Dave Hanzes, USTA Eastern MatchPoint Director of Marketing Chair of Officials How can the tennis community give Theresa Bowick, Conkey Cruisers back? This session showcases three USPTA General Membership Founder • Chuck Hazlett, YMCA innovative projects that integrated the Open Session (6:15 p.m.) 4 5 OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR 2020 USTA Eastern WOMAN ADRIENNE ALTERI MAN DANIEL BURGESS Award Recipients Clinician and players followed the rules. It was a hit, but match play multiple days a week on the courts Tennis instructor, loving husband and father Daniel Island. He organized countless free clinics and current Western it was never built to last; the entire building at Watertown High School. Show up to those “Danny” Burgess posthumously receives USTA was instrumental in the development of courts in the Lifetime Achievement Award: Region Council was leased out four years later, and the NCTA courts at the designated day and time and Eastern’s 2020 Leslie J. FitzGibbon Tennis Man Bishop O. White Park near his home in Freeport. He Ingrid Rehwinkel member Adri- refocused its efforts on finding something a she’ll find you a match and a partner, free of of the Year designation. Right up until his pass- also expanded the region’s tennis volunteer base. enne Alteri has little more permanent. charge. The first year she began offering this ing on September 28, 2020, Burgess exhibited Tennis Woman of the Year been named program, she estimates she attracted about remarkable “One of the things overlooked about Danny Award: Adrienne Alteri To that end, the NCTA met with the local Wa- USTA Eastern’s eight players. But whenever she saw some- leadership is that he was able to get others involved,” Leslie J. FitzGibbon Tennis Man of Tennis Woman tertown Family YMCA to see if they might be one independently hitting on the Watertown and was Pavlides says. “He wanted to empower the Year Award: Daniel Burgess of the Year for interested in installing courts within their facili- courts, she’d encourage that person to join, an integral [people] when they had ideas. Because of him, her tireless ties. The two organizations had previously dis- collect his or her email address and politely member of there are a lot of volunteers involved in the Tennis Family of the Year Award: The Perry Family efforts to grow cussed a potential partnership early on in the follow up. Now, close to 90 people come out the Long tennis community who wouldn’t be otherwise.” NCTA’s existence, but YMCA leadership at the the game in over the course of the summer. Alteri will reg- Island tennis Member Organization of the Year Watertown, N.Y. time didn’t see tennis as a worthy investment. ularly utilize up to seven courts each session. community. One such person is Binder, who Burgess brought Award: Empire Tennis Academy “The only indoor facility in the area had just And currently, with the YMCA expansion not into the USTA fold in a public relations capacity. Alteri discov- shut down [when we first approached them],” scheduled to be completed until 2022, Alteri Burgess him- Together they worked on the creation of one of Courage Award (Adult): Mary-Margaret Sohns Photo: Upon graduating from ered tennis Alteri explains. “And so they were asking: is running an indoor POP self learned Burgess’s big goals for the region: A newsletter high school, Alteri took over the as a junior in ‘How are you going to make tennis program on the how to play that would help improve communication among Courage Award (Junior): coaching duties of her former high school it work if they couldn’t?’ There YMCA basketball courts at a young Gavin Vander Schaaf tennis team. Long Island members and organizations and also, and credits her wasn’t the proof of interest.” to keep up enthusiasm age, so he ultimately, celebrate the community’s achievements. long-lasting for the sport during the understood George Seewagen Award: Debbie Miller love of the game to the original coach who colder months. (POP firsthand the enrichment the sport could provide “The first issue [of On The Ball: News From LI] was Louise Cilla Award: Joan Manfredi-Carter taught her how to play. “There’s always that first “It’s a thinking tennis is a version of the at such a formative time. For over 30 years, he published in February 2012,” Binder recalls. “It person [who introduces you to the sport], and game that is played on taught juniors through his organization, the Daniel was three pages long and Danny couldn’t have Clinician of the Year Award: Laramie Gavin they either make it or break it,” Alteri says. “She game, and I love a smaller court and with Burgess Tennis Academy, in his hometown of been any prouder of it had it been a novel or the made it for me, you could say.” modified racquets.) The Freeport, N.Y. During his six-year tenure as USTA Virginia and Chuck Landis High School Nobel Prize in Literature. It has grown since its Coach of the Year Award: Mike Mitchell to teach that initiative has become so Eastern Long Island Region President, he made early days, both in length and subscribers, and Since then, Alteri has made it her mission to incredibly popular that it outreach to potential young players a primary Danny continued to be proud and excited about Diversity & Inclusion Leadership be that first person for so many others—or at to players.” expanded to two nights focus of his overall mission. his ‘baby’ every time a new issue was published.” Award: Domingo Montes the least, provide the opportunities to keep and now has a waiting list. players interested and loving the sport in an Fran Osei Community Service Award: Photo: Alteri received her “It wasn’t about getting them to spend money Innovative concepts like the newsletter were a area that really only sees three to four months Bob Bynum, Greater Newark Of course, Alteri and the NCTA teaching certification from the Alteri has also dedi- to buy new racquets or take tennis lessons,” says hallmark of Burgess’s leadership. Pavlides recalls Tennis & Education of warm weather a year. gathered plenty of proof in the USPTA in 2015. cated much of her time Michael Pavlides, a longtime friend who served as that Burgess empowered him to find a way to intervening years. Alteri went to to teaching juniors and Long Island Region Vice President under Burgess. Service to People with Disabilities “The options are boundless, because it’s all revive the Long Island Championships, a compe- Award: Tennis Serving Vets the YMCA meeting and spoke at introducing the sport “It was about playing a sport and having some fun. tition in which the winningest Nassau County high new,” Alteri says of the work she has done over to the 10-and-under set. She obtained her length about the importance of having year-round He was always very interested in having the board school tennis team took on the winningest Suffolk Umpire Service Award: Tina Nabinger the last ten years to build a tennis community. options for tennis players. She presented “names teaching professional certification with the sponsor or run activities introducing kids to tennis: County high school tennis team. The event had “Nobody here had ever branched out into and numbers and emails” she had collected over United States Professional Tennis Association Corporate Service Award: Kids Days and Street Fairs. He also pushed people gone dormant after high school coaches from trying to teach tennis for fun or bring kids into time to its newly-installed CEO and board. After (USPTA) in 2015 and is part of the USTA East- Sportime Clubs LLC to pursue grants—which he many times helped both counties couldn’t agree on rules. it and grow it. The only indoor facility around this meeting, in September 2020, the Watertown ern clinician team. An avid supporter of the write—[so they could receive] financial assistance in Press Service Award: [that has since closed] was kind of old-school. USTA’s Net Generation program, she has been Family YMCA publicly announced plans to expand getting tennis equipment into the hands of kids.” “Danny provided the backing of the USTA LI to create Jeff Williams, Newsday Anybody who could afford their memberships and transform a downtown Watertown building instrumental in creating after school programs the Executive Cup, an unofficial match between the could play and that was it, and unfortunately, I into an aquatic and community center. This expan- in the area. She teaches her own youth classes Burgess himself hosted a summer camp for over 10 & Under Award: two champions.,” Pavlides says. “Because this event think that was part of their demise.” sion, they said, would include two indoor tennis at the YMCA’s basketball courts. 30 years, including in 2020. He often allowed kids East Brunswick Racquet Club created a dialogue between the two counties, and courts. to attend free of charge if their parents couldn’t Much of her work to grow the game has been because the event was successful, the officially-sanc- Junior Team Tennis Award: Of all her many roles in the sport, teaching, afford the cost. Alexander Bessarabov through the North Country Tennis Association Importantly, many of the names and nu m - for Alteri, is where she finds the most joy. She tioned Long Island Championship resumed.” (NCTA), an organization that bers and emails knows firsthand the impact a teacher can make “He felt strongly that it was his responsibility Collegiate Award: Ithaca College Even after his tenure as President, Burgess never Alteri and other local tennis that ended up and is intent on maximizing that potential; to get kids onto the tennis court,” says Jacki stopped working to bring new, diverse groups USTA League Award: enthusiasts formed after that making the differ- after all, she discovered her own love of the Binder, a friend and board member of Burgess’s into the sport; for his efforts he was awarded USTA Susan D’Alessandro and Allan Silverstein aforementioned tennis club ence didn’t just game through the efforts of one extraordinary non-profit, Learning Institute of Tennis, Life Skills Eastern’s Fran Osei Community Service Award in shut its doors in 2011. With come from the instructor (and someone, by the way, with whom and Sportsmanship (LITLSS). “When he would Long Island Region Volunteer of the the closest indoor courts now NCTA’s welding she still occasionally plays doubles). see kids hanging out in the park, he would invite 2018. He was instrumental in securing funding for Year Award: Michelle Stoerback about an hour’s drive away building operation. them to come to the court and just try. He intro- the renovation of the tennis courts at the North- (and likely even longer in the “It’s a thinking game, and I love to teach that port VA Medical Center so veterans could have Metro Region Volunteer of the Alteri has addition- duced a lot of kids to tennis that way.” Year Award: Sharon Simmonds frequently snowy conditions ally developed to players,” she says. “Most people pick up a the chance to learn how to play. He ran tennis of western New York), the and hosted a wide racquet and they think, ‘Oh, I just hit the ball With LITLSS, Burgess aimed to combine tennis with programming for the Freeport and Merrick Police New Jersey Region Volunteer of NCTA endeavored to create range of programs over the net.’ But there’s strategy involved! educational programming, such as after-school Activity Leagues. And just last year, he brought the Year Award: Ashley Caldwell a new facility closer to home. in the area, and Where are you hitting it? I love getting those tutoring. The organization’s goal was to help kids accessible tennis lessons to several local senior In 2013, the organization Northern Region Volunteer of the a robust tennis players who really want to learn, and you see not only develop strong forehands and backhands, centers. Many participants sat in chairs and use Year Award: Dan Blanchfield ended up converting a space community has them apply it. I have a student right now and but also leadership skills and self-respect. “That was modified equipment while Burgess fed them in an unoccupied welding blossomed in Wa- she smiles from the minute she gets on the Danny’s philosophy,” Binder says. “Use tennis as a low-compression balls. Southern Region Volunteer of the building owned by a volun- tertown as a result. court until the minute she leaves. And I’ll say way to help improve opportunities for people.” Year Award: Johnny Benoit teer’s family. The NCTA paid ‘Good job’ and she’ll say ‘It’s all because of “He was very excited [to tell me about it],” Binder Photo: Alteri leads POP Tennis at the During the warmer Western Region Volunteer of a dollar in rent for the loca- Watertown Family YMCA twice a week. months, Alteri you.’ That’s the ultimate feeling right there— In addition to his extensive efforts with children, recalls. “And the seniors loved their weekly les- the Year Award: Lydia Varon tion, and Alteri herself over- The program has a waitlist. organizes adult when someone else gets the bug.” Burgess worked tirelessly to foster a spirit of com- sons. Danny was always trying to introduce tennis saw the process to ensure munity among tennis enthusiasts across Long to those who otherwise might not be exposed to it.” 6 7 OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR FAMILY THE PERRY FAMILY ORG EMPIRE TENNIS ACADEMY The Perry Family of Endwell, N.Y.—John and Both Michael and Christina would go on to he better know the tennis landscape than his own be held for the first time since 1990. These tourna- Lynn and their children, Michael and Chris- maximize that ability. They excelled in local hometown? ments were a tennis staple in Rochester, and their tina—have been named USTA Eastern’s Tennis tournaments as preteens and stood out on signature low cost was particularly significant for “So I came back and said, ‘Dave, I think I’m in,’” Family of the Year for serving as exceptional their respective high school tennis teams. underserved, low-income families in the area. ambassadors of the game in their community. Michael played at a varsity level when he he recalls. was just 13 years old and eventually made the high school state championships at the The rest is history. Under the stewardship of National Tennis Center three times—as a Speirs, the Empire Tennis Academy and its sophomore, junior and senior. After gradu- USPTA-certified staff offer a full range of program- ating, he played for Division I school Gard- ming for players of all ages, including a compet- ner-Webb (in Boiling Springs, N.C.) all four itive pathway for juniors and the 10-and-under years of college. (Michael recently received set, as well as social events, classes, Cardio Tennis his M.B.A. from Clemson University in Clem- and USTA Leagues for adults. The organization son, S.C.) Photo: Lynn (second from right) with her USTA Photo: “We do take the time to make sure places a special emphasis on attracting those Leagues team. the kids recognize how far they’ve come,” who are just entering the sport or are at an inter- Christina also competed at a varsity level Speirs (with hat) says. mediate level. This is partially due to its location very early. Her team went undefeated for The Empire Tennis Academy, in Rochester N.Y., in a school, partially due to the number of indoor a couple years and won sectionals several “The game has really has been named USTA Eastern’s 2020 Member courts and partially due to the incredibly quick times, and she too advanced to the state Organization of the Year for its eclectic variety speed of the court surfaces, which aren’t ideal for championships. Then, during her senior year, grown our family— of programming and overall commitment to elite competitors. she tore her ACL in the middle of a match, and service within the Rochester community. Photo: Empire Tennis staff members routinely her high school tennis career abruptly ended. and brought us “One of our most popular programs is [the one volunteer their time to events that introduce the The organization—which consists of eight courts for] 11 to 17-year-old entry-level kids,” Speirs sport to kids in the community. Photo: John and a young Christina “It was a huge growing experience for her,” closer together.” (three indoor, five outdoor) and is located on the says. “We get a lot of teenagers who have hit the court. John recalls. “What it made her do is refocus. campus of the Harley School in Rochester—has tried the mainstream sports and it didn’t work Plus, “the top eight players are invited to a tour- She decided, ‘I’m going to pick a college solely out for whatever reason, so now they’re playing been owned and operated by Jason Speirs since nament at the end of the summer where there are It all started with a mixed doubles group. Neither based on academics.’ And she ended up play- “We have gained so many friends [through 2016. It was a homecoming of sorts for Speirs. tennis. It’s really about capturing their interest. four-foot trophies, and as a kid growing up you’re John nor Lynn picked up a racquet with any reg- ing Division II tennis at Le Moyne College [in tennis], like [Binghamton Tennis Center] The Rochester native grew up playing tennis at Our competition is cell phones and iPads.” like, ‘This is the coolest thing!’” says Speirs, who, ularity growing up—“I probably played tennis Syracuse, N.Y.].” owners Michael and Kris Starke as well as the very same facility, a grand total of ten times,” John estimates. our kids’ coach for 15 years, Collin Crawford when it was known as To that end, Speirs having played in the Grand Prix as a kid growing Lynn underscores the impact of her daughter’s But the married couple began playing mixed and his wife, Courtney,” she says. “The game the Dave Strebel Tennis notes that the Empire up, has firsthand knowledge of this feeling. senior-year experience, noting, “Christina re- doubles together socially and found a family in has really grown our family—and brought us Academy; then-owner curriculum particularly cently graduated with a doctorate in physical the sport. They’ve been hitting the court ever closer together.” Strebel became a emphasizes fun. Speirs decided to focus Tennis Saves’s philan- therapy. So [taking that path] goes back to since, for over 30 years. (“And let me tell you, it’s great, lifelong mentor thropic efforts toward reviving this affordable tearing the ACL and [her admiration for] who For John, one of the greatest benefits of tennis incredible how awful you can still be after playing and was instrumental “It’s not the traditional opportunity. As a result of his persistence, the new was taking care of her. It’s is that it has ultimately added “dimension” to that long, at least in helping Speirs gain six people waiting in one version debuted in 2017 with around 60 players, full circle for her, really.” his family members and strengthened their in my shoes,” admission to the private line to hit like two, three, character. “I think the best thing we’ve done and that number has grown substantially every John says with a school that shared an four balls,” he says. “We Michael and Christina still [in the tennis community] is try to be good year. In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, an laugh.) address with his busi- use a lot of the [USTA] play to this day; Michael examples,” he says. “My kids never threw or astounding 200 kids participated in these events ness. Speirs eventually Net Generation lesson recently played on a 5.0 smashed their racquets. [As a family] we’ve throughout the summer, and Speirs is now working As a result of left Rochester to attend plans, and we’ve had USTA Leagues team that tried to be people that other people see as on creating a winter counterpart. Empire staffers their parents’ Assumption University a high level of success. advanced to nationals. decent sportsmen. We enjoy the game, and enthusiasm for in Massachusetts, and We’re really trying to routinely donate time and resources to help make Lynn, too, continues to be we enjoy the people we play with.” the game, the then upon graduation get a lot of kids playing each tournament within the Grand Prix a great active in USTA Leagues. Photo: Speirs at Empire Tennis with a junior athlete. Perry children moved down to New tennis, and if they love experience for all the kids involved. Her 3.5 teams have ad- were intro- York City, where he it, great, here’s the awe- vanced to sectionals on duced to tennis found a job as a hitter at the Roosevelt Island Rac- some competitive pathway we have. We’re not “My staff actually all grew up playing in Grand multiple occasions. at a young age. quet Club. He spent 12 years moving up the ranks trying to get the number one kid in Rochester. Prix tournaments,” he notes. “If you played even Photo: Christina competes at Le Moyne. Their initiation at Roosevelt, eventually ascending to its Director It’s great that our advanced kids are making their semi-competitively in Rochester, you knew about was relatively “At first I thought, ‘Oh this is way too competi- of Tennis. Then, just when he was starting to think presence felt in the competitive tournaments in the the Grand Prix. So it’s personal to them as well.” informal: John and Lynn would bring Michael about the future, he received an offer he ultimately area, but that’s not the essence of our program. and Christina to the park, put racquets in their tive,’” Lynn says. “But after the kids went to couldn’t refuse. We don’t have that chip on our shoulder about But their willingness to volunteer is also just a tes- hands and toss them a ball for a little while. college, I started playing at the tennis center once or twice a week, so I decided to join having the best kids. We have the best kids for tament to the tone Speirs sets at Empire. And that When they saw that the kids were enjoying “I was looking at what I wanted to do next,” Speirs USTA Leagues. [Binghamton Tennis Center] different reasons: Because of who they are.” tone, no doubt, is also what has made the facility the casual lessons, the elder Perrys decided to says. “I was sort of in line to become the general runs really good programs, and it’s just a fun bring them to the Binghamton Tennis Center manager at Roosevelt, and it was either that or go so successful. thing to do.” Another unique aspect of Empire is its dedi- for more formalized 10-and-under instruction. and become a club owner somewhere else in the cation to the community. Before he left New “I’m very fortunate, and I’ve been given a lot of country. I happened to be at Dave’s daughter’s York City, Speirs had created a non-profit, “I’ve always been a believer that if something’s It’s just one of the many ways Lynn stays active in opportunities,” Speirs says. “So I just want to make the tennis community. She still bakes cookies for wedding. And Dave came up and asked me if I Tennis Saves, to raise awareness for gas- worth doing, it’s worth doing to the best of sure that everyone around me [also] gets good op- the senior high school tennis team every season, would be interested in buying the business. I told trointestinal esophageal cancer—an illness your ability,” John explains. portunities. I want my staff and the kids [we serve] even though her kids have been out of school him, ‘Dave, I’m a tennis director at a New York City from which his father passed away in 2009. Photo: Michael (right) and a teammate from for seven years. (“I still know [some of] the moms tennis club. I appreciate the offer, but no thanks!’” (The organization raised over $36,000 for related to do well...and I’m interested in their personal Gardner-Webb. and the coach,” she notes.) And she volunteers charities.) When Speirs returned to Rochester, he growth. If they get complacent, I get complacent. Still, after turning Strebel down, Speirs started her time to school clinics and team fundraisers. learned that the Rochester Junior Grand Prix—a The better they do, the better I do.” contemplating the possibility. If he did decide to series of local junior summer tennis tournaments leave Roosevelt to run a club, where else would with very affordable registration fees—would not 8 9 COURAGE AWARD COURAGE AWARD GAVIN VANDER SCHAAF MARY-MARGARET SOHNS By Gavin Vander Schaaf with Celiac Disease and Lyme Disease, which nections in the nerves in the brain, which pro- The pacemaker presented its own issues, these little kids having fun and laughing and caused my immune system to go to war with motes development of the brain. Being able though. For one, the batteries constantly giggling and running around. One thing that my own body. Because of this, I developed to move past mistakes, evaluate a situation, needed to be replaced because the device kept me going was seeing their progress. You’re a severe vitamin deficiency, which caused and problem-solve in the moment during a was working so hard to keep her heart beat- like ‘Wow, that’s amazing.’” nerve pain the doctors called peripheral point translates into real-life situations I face. ing. With her quality of life diminished, Sohns neuropathy; it still lingers today. However, I began seeing heart failure specialists to con- Later, lying in a hospital bed, she helped co- never gave up, and I did everything in my One of my favorite quotes is, “God, grant sider other treatments, and at one point she ordinate some of the logistics as her friend power to allow for my body to heal properly. me the serenity to accept the things I cannot ended up wearing an external defibrillator for Phyllis Orlowski put together a summer tennis change, the courage to change the things I nine months. In late 2018, she suffered a par- program for kids in Oneonta. (Despite COVID Years later, in second grade, I woke up one can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” ticularly bad immune response from inflam- complications, Orlowski and Sohns were able morning and could not stand. Every morning I have really learned that wisdom through mation in her heart, and her health seriously to run the program again this past summer as for the next six months, I tried to stand, and tennis. I go on court, not thinking about how declined to the point where she could barely well, providing local programming to over 100 my legs continued to betray me. I started to much pain I’m in. Instead I feel the ball hit my walk. She was ultimately recommended for a kids and adults.) use a wheelchair during this time. Even years strings as I drive my opponent cross-court, the heart transplant; a couple months later she after, I would sometimes long for my wheel- pounding of my feet on the ground as I run got a call and received a new heart at 3 a.m. And when her daughter began attending school chair. Not because I couldn’t stand, but be- for a drop shot, the feeling of triumph as I ace on March 3, 2019. about an hour away in Utica, Sohns decided to cause my legs hurt almost too much to stand. my opponent “down the T.” Underlying all of take on perhaps her biggest, most intensive But, I didn’t let myself use the wheelchair as a these thoughts, I am grateful. Grateful that my This, however, is only part of Sohns’ story endeavor. She recruited local volunteers and crutch; I pushed through the pain and stood. 100% is no longer just pushing through the over the last decade. Nobody would have formed a CTA to boost the sport in that city. The I always pushed through. pain to stand up in the morning, grateful that I begrudged Sohns for taking the time to focus CTA, called UticaWon, was founded mid-2019; can run without regret, grateful for Coach Tito solely on her health and family. But in the very the idea for it actually popped in Sohns’s head In seventh grade, I realized that I would be Perez for allowing me to share my story, and same period, she also embarked on a new right after her transplant. too old for little league baseball when the grateful for tennis, for filling my mind with the journey as a tireless tennis advocate. She has season started. I had actually been “playing” become an invaluable resource to the upstate “I was writing down the types of programming since Kindergarten, but when I went up to tennis populace and has been instrumental Photo: Sohns received her heart transplant on that I wanted to try to do that I thought would bat, I had a “runner,” or someone who would in growing the game in three New York com- March 3, 2019. be fun,” she says. “Obviously I was in a lot of run the bases as me, because I couldn’t do munities: Cooperstown, Oneonta and Utica. pain, and that helped keep my mind off it.” it myself without the feeling of deep regret Mary-Margaret Sohns knew something was and excruciating pain the following morning. As she struggled with her pacemaker, she as- wrong. A marathoner accustomed to 20-mile The CTA created a mini-boom of enthusiasm for At that time, I didn’t think that I was ready to sisted in the formation of the community tennis the sport in Utica in 2019—and Sohns actually runs at a stretch, the 38-year-old from Cooper- From the day I was born, I was different from join the school baseball team, so I began to association (CTA) Cooperstown Tennis. Through ran the first USTA-sanctioned junior tourna- stown, New York suddenly struggled to walk that organization, she has conceived multiple other kids. I wanted to be carried at all times. feel upset. But one day I came home with a ment in the area in 25 years, For the first few years of my life, while my flyer from the local tennis club about a tennis down the street without needing a break. She just months after her surgery. sisters and friends were running around, I clinic for kids. My sister wanted me to try it felt tired all the time; she sensed that her heart This past summer, she’d because she had been working at that same “scooted” because my legs hurt too much to wasn’t beating properly, that her heart rate was go on to run some of the club for about a year. She made a bet with hold me. I always had very severe headaches, too low. The first doctor she saw diagnosed her first post-shutdown junior me: If I tried tennis and didn’t like it, then she along with swallowing problems, double with an ear infection. As symptoms persisted, tournaments in the entire vision, dizziness, clumsiness, and pins and would play Pokémon with me. But if I liked it, another doctor told her she might be depressed. section in Utica. needles. The pain was excruciating. I always I had to keep playing. assumed that every other kid had the same She’s also in the process of I did try. I got on the tennis court, and I never By the time she found a physician who actually pain, so I chose to push through. developing a junior program enjoyed anything more. I began playing fre- heard her concerns and ordered an electrocar- like the one she started in When I was five years old, I was diagnosed quently. After working hard for many months, diogram (EKG) to test her heartbeat, she had Cooperstown. with Chiari Malformation with basilar invagina- in the spring of 2018, I made the middle taken to “praying in the middle of the night that tion, which meant that parts of my brain were school tennis team, playing 4th singles. Two I wouldn’t die,” she says now. After everything she’s ac- extending into my spine. I was told that I’d years later, I made the varsity team at my complished in such a short need to have a brain surgery. This was when school. Despite the pain that used to fill me The EKG revealed that Sohns had been right period of time—all while I realized that not everyone felt the way I felt, almost every single day, which still threatens and that she was in complete heart block, a dealing with a massive after all. I got taken out of P.E. and recess today, I persevered. Mastering the game vs Photo: Vander Schaaf during one of his hospital visits. condition in which the electrical signals that health issue—there’s no in school, which hurt almost more than the managing my pain: Match score 6-0 6-0. regulate a person’s heartbeat are obstructed doubt that the tennis com- “Chiari Headaches.” (At that age, the only and unable to do their job correctly. More tests munities in Cooperstown, thing I wanted to do was play!) And so, at five I always think of my relationship with tennis as serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Photo: Sohns on-court with her daughter prior to her transplant. determined that the heart block resulted from Oneonta and Utica are forever years old, I got my first brain surgery. a rally: My life experiences taught me to never the courage to change the things I can, and grateful for Sohns and her contributions to the take anything for granted, and because of this the wisdom to know the difference. Lyme Carditis, a heart infection that occurs adult recreation programs. (One of the initia- Not long after, with Chiari Headaches still I always bring 100% of myself to the court. when bacteria from Lyme Disease—with which tives she organized—a clinic for women—was game. But Sohns is equally grateful. plaguing my life, and with obstructive sleep On the flipside, my experiences on court have she was also concurrently diagnosed—enter the creatively named “Wine on the Lines”. The male “[Volunteering] really gave me a distraction,” apnea joining forces with central sleep apnea, taught me how to bring 100% of myself to heart tissue. While Sohns was given antibiotics counterpart was called “Beer on the Bounce.”) Sohns explains. “I’ve always been a fighter. That’s I needed another, more aggressive surgery. tackle any problem and think critically in any to alleviate some of her Lyme Disease-specific She also helped plan a junior program that is situation. Unlike my wheelchair, I definitely just my nature. But there wasn’t much I could This time, there were complications that symptoms, the heart block turned out to be ir- still thriving today. ended up making the Chiari Headaches worse use my tennis racquet as a crutch. A crutch to do differently. The only thing I could try to do is reversible. She’d need a pacemaker to help her and more frequent. They caused significant distract me from my pain, to take my mind off “I wanted to give back to children [in the area],” mentally keep going. And so that’s what I did. I brainstem compression, multilevel disc des- of the stressors of the day, and use my body heart function normally—and fast. On Christ- she explains. “We didn’t really have a tennis owe tennis a thank you for giving me an outlet iccation, disc bulges, and cerebrospinal fluid in ways I never thought possible. Studies have mas Eve in 2013, she was rushed by ambulance program that all kids could attend. So I did what for creativity [during this time]. And also for the leaks. Around this time, I was also diagnosed actually shown that tennis generates new con- from upstate New York to a clinic in Cleveland, I could to get that up and running and sustain opportunity to live through the activities of others Ohio to receive the lifesaving surgery. that. It’s really been magical because you see when I couldn’t be active myself. That’s priceless.” 10 11 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT INGRID REHWINKEL Ingrid Rehwinkel, Hopman at weeklong sessions for many years in Ingrid estimates that between New Shrewsbury of Red Bank, Florida. “Mr. Hop was an incredible coach, but and the other clubs in New Jersey, she has taught N.J., receives USTA one always wished not to be put on his court thousands of children the sport over the course of her Eastern’s 2020 Life- because he constantly fed you lobs and drop- career. Her most successful charge is undoubtedly time Achievement shots,” Ingrid says. “You were scrambling, out Nicole Arendt, the former WTA world No. 3 in wom- Award for over 50 of breath, and he’d say, ‘If Margaret Court can en’s doubles and 1997 Wimbledon women’s doubles years of steadfast fall down and still run down the ball, you have to finalist (with Manon Bollegraf). Arendt herself dedication to the [do] more!’” now coaches game as an instruc- juniors for tor, coach and player. In addition to Hopman, Ingrid also Tennis Austra- learned from a wealth of other lia; in a 2018 Ingrid and her tennis masters over her career, interview husband Siegfried including Nick Bollettieri, Peter with a local began playing Burwash, Rick Macci and Bill Tym. Australian tennis together One of her most “cherished” expe- newspaper, after the birth of riences, she says, was attending a she specifi- their daughter three-day coaching seminar led by cally credited in 1966, and the Arthur Ashe in Minneapolis. Ingrid (and young couple Ingrid’s en- was immediately Ingrid eventually went on to work thusiasm) for at a variety of clubs in New Jersey, hooked. One day, Photo: Ingrid (center) recently reunited instilling her Ingrid was practicing against a wall at the Brook- including the Little Silver Tennis with two of her former juniors. with a love of dale Community College when a woman named Club, the Beacon Hill Country Club the sport. Trudie approached her and asked if she would and the Seabright Lawn and Cricket Club. THE YEAR consider giving lessons. She even coached the Rumson-Fair Haven “I taught Nicole with three eight-year-old We take a look back at the creativity, High School boys varsity tennis team for one boys, and she was only five,” Ingrid says. “She “I said, ‘I’ll give it a try,’” Ingrid recalls. “You tell season, leading them to a conference champi- would always say to the boys who were much perseverance, bravery and passion that me if you like it and I’ll tell you if I like it!’” onship title in 1981. But perhaps Ingrid’s most bigger than she was, ‘Hit the ball over the net!’ lasting contribution I will never forget this little girl saying that, our tennis community displayed in 2020. Quickly they realized they to the tennis eco- because she would never miss. She didn’t both liked it—and a life- system in the state is understand that people could hit the ball into 20 20 long teaching career was the junior program the net. She is very special.” born. “Trudie did so well at the New Shrews- that she beat her friends, bury Racquet Club, a Ingrid, too, has proven to be quite gifted as a and they asked, ‘How are program she devel- player on the court. In addition to her teach- you beating me now?’” oped about a year ing career, she has competed in tournaments Ingrid remembers with a after the adults-only all over the world—everywhere from Antalya, THAT WAS laugh. “And Trudie said, facility opened. A Turkey to Poertschach, Austria to Christchurch, ‘I’m taking lessons with parent from Beacon New Zealand. In 2019 she achieved the No. 8 Ingrid!’ So she brought me Hill (where Ingrid singles ranking and No. 10 doubles ranking in many more pupils.” taught outdoors the country for 80 & Over Women. Just this past Photo: Ingrid (far right) with juniors from the during warm months) February—before the COVID-19 pandemic put Using the money from program at the New Shrewsbury Racquet Club. asked George Gil, a hold on competition—she won doubles tour- these lessons, Ingrid at- the then-manager of naments in Charlotte, S.C. and Havana, Cuba. tended acclaimed tennis instructor Dennis Van New Shrewsbury, if Ingrid could please use the (The sport, it turns out, is a family affair: Both der Meer’s equally-acclaimed tennis university. indoor facilities to teach kids during the winter Rehwinkel children played No. 1 singles for their She impressed Van der Meer so much that season. A trial period was granted. high school teams and then went on to receive he recommended Ingrid for her first formal tennis scholarships to Purdue and Santa Clara, job as a pro at New Jersey’s newly-opened “So I had 21 kids tip-toeing in and they all had while Ingrid’s grandson currently competes at six-court Princeton Racquet Club. “I learned to behave,” Ingrid says. “Otherwise it was the Swarthmore College.) from the bottom up there, so that was really end of the junior program!” wonderful,” she says. “Of course, the club Now 83, Ingrid is training hard every day in hopes was an hour-and-a-half away from me, and I Luckily, the students exhibited exemplary be- of increasing her ranking when she ages into the had my two young kids. I’ll never forget one havior. Not only does the program still exist to 85 & Over tournaments. And she has no plans to time I came home at almost one o’clock in the this day, it is much expanded and sustains the retire from teaching tennis any time soon. morning. On the stairs was a glass of water club. Ingrid, too, has never left. and three cookies and a note from my son that “It’s a part of me,” she reflects. “When I’m on said ‘I hope you had a good day.’” “The [first] juniors were all fantastic, and we court with the kids, I’m just joy-filled. I want [my made the program,” she says. “And it’s thriv- students] to love it for a lifetime. Because tennis As a teaching pro, Ingrid never stopped honing ing today. So that’s very good.” is a joy and an enrichment. It connects you with and fine-tuning her craft. She trained with famed people, and it’s something you share together.” Australian Davis Cup Captain and coach Harry 12 13 2020 Eastern Tennis Conference See photos from last year’s in-person event JANUARY By Scott Sode

In January 2020, months before the phrase “social distance” entered the popular lexicon, the USTA Eastern community came together at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains, N.Y. for the Eastern Tennis Conference. Over two days, tennis leaders and professionals from all across the section convened at the annual professional development gathering to learn more about the state of competitive and community tennis, discuss new trends, network and collaborate. Heather Hawkes, USTA Senior Manager of Digital Services for Community Tennis, and Leah Friedman, USTA National Manager of Net Generation, led classroom sessions, while 14-time Grand Slam champion Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario and five-time Grand Slam champion Emilio ETC attendees enjoy an on- Sánchez, as well as Midtown Athletic Club National Tennis Director Butch Staples, were on hand to run several on- court session court demonstrations. ETC participants stand six feet apart We dubbed this ETC a forum to discuss “our clear vision for a more inclusive future” and began the conference with a before it was the norm. panel discussion about all the innovative ways to open up the sport to more diverse audiences in 2020. Of course, our vision wasn’t so clear that we were able to see just how the rest of 2020 would play out. But our mission today is still the same as it was over the course of this weekend, with one slight modification: To grow the game and ensure it is a sport that everyone can enjoy...safely. Global events may delay us, but they won’t stop us. #EasternStrong

Photos by Christine Ashburn A family affair: Siblings Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario & Emilio Sánchez demonstrate a tennis drill for ETC attendees.

Catch! USTA Director of Program Development Heather Hawkes, USTA Senior Manager of Digital Elliott Pettit (right) leads an on-court session on fun tennis activities for teams. Services for Community Tennis, updates attendees on new digital advances in tennis.

Panelist Jean Telfort, an army veteran and founder of the Tennis Family Group, laughs during the ETC opening session on diversity.

USTA Eastern Executive Director and CEO Jenny Schnitzer, former USTA Chairman and President Katrina Adams and USTA

Eastern Board Member Tito Perez smile during Eastern’s Attendees celebrate the end of another 14 Annual Meeting. successful conference. 15 USTA Eastern’s FEBRUARY New York Open That December, Bowick, along with Steger, Wild Card Dyson and Jason Speirs, director of the Roch- “This [project] ester-based Empire Tennis Academy, met with the district’s athletic director, Carlos Cotto Jr. Invitational They explained the benefits of the USTA’s was all about Tennis in Schools program, which provides free resources to P.E. teachers who want to teach the sport. For a district dealing with a community” budget deficit, the no-cost program was “a pretty easy pitch,” according to Bowick. The To add an educational component to the timeline proved to be the bigger challenge; Photo: Rochester students attend the 2020 New York Open. festivities, Bowick also hosted a rap con- Bowick wanted to launch by the first week of test in which students were encouraged February to honor tennis legend Arthur Ashe to write a rap about the life and legacy of on the anniversary of his death. The team Arthur Ashe. The winners received tickets to Arthur Ashe Legacy Lives Day rolled up their sleeves and got straight to the New York Open in Hempstead, N.Y. on work, hosting trainings for district P.E. teach- Long Island. Since students formed groups Through the Conkey Cruisers NJTL, Theresa Bowick introduced the sport to 2,000 kids in just one day. ers and ensuring they were registered on the to compete—and some parents traveled Net Generation website so they could gain By Scott Sode as well—a delegation of 23 people from access to the free resources. Photo: Shi (left) poses with New York Open Rochester ended up heading down to the Tournament Director Peter Lebedevs after Theresa Bowick founded Conkey Cruisers—a To get started, Bowick called different local Sure enough, on February 6, the district cel- tournament this past February. Bowick again claiming the Invitational. Rochester N.Y.-based bicycling program tennis providers in search of support. She also ebrated the addition of tennis to their P.E. coordinated the transportation. “I’m thinking, named after the neighborhood street Conkey set up a meeting with USTA Eastern Tennis “To see this street curriculum with Arthur Ashe Legacy Lives Day. ‘Okay, I have enough money in the budget Avenue—to encourage more exercise in her Service Representative Joe Steger. During Peak crimson. Harvard teammates Brian Shi They hosted an opening ceremony celebrat- to get them to New York City,’” she says community. The registered nurse came up their chat, Steger mentioned Arthur Ashe Kids’ and Ronan Jachuck blasted their way through filled with people ing the global impact of Arthur Ashe at one of with a laugh. “I had no idea it’s not so easy with the idea for the organization while jog- Day at the US Open. Despite the fact that the the draw of USTA Eastern’s New York Open the schools. (Bowick and the principal of this to get from New York City to Long Island!” ging around the block one morning. First, a Kids’ Day was just weeks away, Bowick imme- learning how to play College Wild Card Invitational to face each particular school had a close relationship after The trip proved to be just as formative and young boy stopped her to ask if she was on diately set about trying to get her burgeon- other in the final, with Shi ultimately prevail- singing in church choir together, so “again, life-changing as the US Open adventure a year parole and running from the police. Taken ing tennis group to attend. Ron Dyson—the tennis, kids having fun ing in two tight sets, 7-6, 7-6. As a result, Shi it was an easy sell,” Bowick says.) Monroe earlier. In addition to seeing Times Square and aback, she explained that she was just trying owner of the Dyson Tennis Academy in Roch- received a wild card into the New York Open, playing tennis—it was County Executive Adam Bello and Rochester the black courts at Nassau Coliseum, the kids to stay healthy and then continued on her ester—promised to pay for tickets if she could an ATP tournament held at NYCB Live, home Mayor Lovely Warren attended the event and received a half-hour lesson from tennis coach- path; minutes later, another neighbor—an find a way to provide transportation for the of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in simply amazing.” proclaimed February 6 Arthur Ashe Day in the ing legend Nick Bollettieri. older man—accused her of being the police kids. Sure enough, Bowick was able to procure Hempstead, New York on Long Island. county and the city. Tennis pros then headed because “nobody exercises” here. grant money for trip costs and then leaned on “He really dedicated a training session to to other schools in the district to host tennis Shi would end up falling in the first round of a friend who owned a medical transport com- “So many people look at this neighborhood them,” Bowick says. “These kids didn’t “In my neighborhood, we can have a jaded that event to world No. 59 Cameron Norrie. pany to loan them a van for the six-hour jour- and think negativity,” Bowick says. “We do know all the players he had view of what exercise looks like,” Bowick says. But before he stepped on court, he knew win ney to the tournament in Flushing Meadows. have issues. But there’s a lot of fertile ground coached. But he was just so or lose he’d walk away with an invaluable ex- “Ron was actually on his way down there him- to make things better. That day I looked down genuine and kind in teaching Over the years, Bowick has worked diligently perience. “I’m very excited,” the Long Island self when I called him and said, ‘Remember that street at all those tennis courts. And then drills. It was so much fun, and to change that lens. With Conkey Cruisers, native and former USTA Eastern junior said that promise you made me?’” she says with a the kids and their families came. To see this it was so much fun to watch her vision was to “show something different” prior to his first-ever tour-level match. “Every laugh. “He was like, ‘There’s no way you got street filled with people learning how to play them see New York. Every one by organizing regular group bicycling expedi- tennis player who grinds from 8:00 a.m. to enough money to take the kids [in that amount tennis, kids having fun playing tennis—it was of those kids came back with tions around the area. As a result, she’s seen 8:00 p.m. for years always dreams of being of time]!’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I did!’” simply amazing.” the desire to play tennis. And the community’s interest in wellness climb they had never played tennis able to play on a stage this big. To know that high. Conkey Cruisers has become so popular The last-minute outing—and all that went into Bowick and Conkey Cruisers have no inten- before February 6.” I’ll be making my professional debut at home, locally that it has now organized an amount of making it a reality—proved to be well worth tions of coasting any time soon. Their most it’s indescribable. It feels amazing.” bike rides that collectively span more than one it, and confirmed Bowick’s decision to branch recent tennis initiative is also easily their most “You see kids walk a little taller million miles; the group recently brought the This was USTA Eastern’s second time partner- Conkey Cruisers into tennis. sweeping: the implementation of tennis in P.E. when you bring new experi- largest-ever Black and Latino contingent to ing with the New York Open to provide a wild classes across the entire Rochester City School ences into their lives,” participate in Rochester’s Tour de Cure biking “I was just floored,” Bowick says. “I was just card to a college player. 21 athletes from 10 District. The massive project began after fundraiser for diabetes. looking at the children. Here they are at the US colleges—including Brown, Columbia, Cor- Bowick attended a professional development Ultimately, that’s why Bowick Open, learning about something that they’ve nell, North Carolina and Yale—competed in conference in North Carolina in November is so passionate and works as But Conkey Cruisers is no longer solely about only watched on TV.” this year’s Invitational, which was held Janu- 2019. During a workshop, a USTA represen- bicycling. Bowick was encouraged to grow her hard as she does to grow the ary 9-11 at the USTA Billie Jean King National tative mentioned research that most kids will sport in her community. community movement—and bring kids into Bowick wanted to bottle some of the joy the Photo: Bowick, a registered nurse, founded Conkey Cruisers in 2012. Tennis Center. the fold—by expanding her operation to other kids felt in Queens and bring it back to Roch- only touch a tennis racquet six times between “You see kids walk a little taller sports. Today the organization has become a ester. She decided Conkey Cruisers would kindergarten and high school graduation. “These are the types of wild card linkages when you bring new experiences into their full-fledged National Junior Tennis and Learn- hold the first-ever Conkey Open. After ob- clinics. Over the course of one day, 2,000 that make our professional pathway stron- “I could not shake that thought,” Bowick says. lives,” she says. “That’s my motivation, my ing (NJTL) chapter. The reason she chose to taining a permit, the organization transformed students picked up a tennis racquet. USTA ger,” said Martin Blackman, General Man- “If it’s true that they only touch a tennis racquet compensation, my inspiration. Conkey Cruisers pursue tennis? Simple: Years ago, she won Conkey Avenue into a series of tennis courts. Eastern provided T-shirts and trophies for all ager of USTA Player Development. “[The six times, that means kids are missing so many is a volunteer opportunity to change some- free tennis lessons in a contest on the radio. The city planning department even stepped the participants. Invitational] was a great opportunity for the opportunities. That means kids aren’t learning body’s life. Who wouldn’t want to do that?” up to assist and filled some of the potholes best collegiate players in the Northeast to about potential scholarships—that’s a huge “I was really horrible at it,” she says now with in the street. The event made the local news. “This [project] was all about community,” compete against each other and get better.” loss. So I left North Carolina with an assignment a laugh. “But I had fun.” Bowick says. “Not one person could do what we Photos courtesy Theresa Bowick and Conkey for myself: I was going to change that.” were all able to pull off on February 6. It was like Cruisers a Navy SEAL operation—it went so smoothly.”

16 17 Youth Progression...at Home! After local officials announced social distancing and quarantining safety measures, USTA Eastern created the Youth Progression at Home series as a way to MARCH help 10 and Under players stay active.

In March, USTA Eastern swiftly suspended all tournaments as local govern- ment officials implemented social distancing and quarantining measures across Connecticut, New York and New Jersey in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it became clear that the suspension could last longer than a couple weeks, the organization moved quickly to create a program to help 10U players stay active from the comfort (and safety) of their own homes.

The Youth Progression at Home initiative challenged players to practice and strengthen their skill sets without going any farther than their front yards. Participants sent in a slew of videos demonstrating all the creative ways in which they were working on their athleticism, their tennis, and just as importantly, their character. One created a net out of bicycles. Another practiced his swings with balloons. Others showed how they helped their parents cook and clean.

The section also held two Youth Progression at Home webinars to keep players engaged in the sport as the suspension stretched to summer. The first webinar featured a wide-ranging (remote) Q&A roundtable with Former Eastern junior McHale talks about her former Eastern junior and current WTA player Christina McHale, former experiences playing junior tennis during the first Eastern junior and current Harvard player Brian Shi and current Eastern junior and junior Orange Bowl champion Stephanie Yakoff. The second Youth Progression at Home webinar. featured WTA professional and former NCAA champion Jamie Loeb and #1 nationally-ranked 14U player Cooper Williams and peeled back the cur- tain on how the two athletes integrated different drills into their practices. “The Eastern section is always really tough,” McHale told viewers during the first webinar. “You guys are all really lucky that you can play [there] and get really good competition.”

A participant hits a tennis ball against a wall.

Former Eastern junior Loeb let viewers of the second Youth Progression at Home webinar get an inside look at one of her practices. Sport isn’t just about athleticism and technique— it’s also about character. One player demonstrates how he helps his family with chores around the house.

Check out these wheels: Players build a net out of bicycles. 18 19 Kings County Tennis League During the COVID-19 shutdown, the Kings County Tennis League served up online tennis programming for their students. By Scott Sode APRIL The Kings County Tennis League (KCTL), an quickly became apparent that our families It’s really important that kids can just be kids in a time Gerstman agrees. organization whose mission is to bring tennis could use our assistance.” like this. That helps them to get through things.” to kids living in and around Brooklyn public “The truth is that I had my housing, was preparing for the final two As a result of these discussions, and thanks Seeing that their programming was clearly doubts about virtual pro- classes of its winter program when the COVID- to some generous donations, KCTL launched filling a need, KCTL staffers again worked gramming, but the classes 19 virus swiftly seized the city. One by one, the KCTL Cares initiative in early April. KCTL with resident presidents to bring even more more than exceeded my indoor facilities KCTL utilized to teach during Executive Director Dave Webley coordinated kids from the developments into the fold. As expectations,” he says. “Our the colder months shut their doors. Then the with the resident presidents to personally de- a result, the virtual Saturday program ended KCTL community remained mayor ordered all students in New York City liver groceries and other supplies to families up including students who had never set foot vibrant and together. These Public Schools to stay home. In the ensuing in all six of the developments. on a court before and learned about the sport sessions were never going to months, Brooklyn would become one of the through their computer for the first time. be the same as our time with hardest areas hit by the virus in the state. “We were really excited to kickstart KCTL students on the court, but the Cares,” Gerstman says. “We wanted to let “The classes are not all about tennis,” Mazza teaching moment for these “We had to shut down abruptly, which was our families know that we were there for them, explains. “Obviously we want them to exercise kids is that when life gives you very sad,” says Mara Mazza, communications that we could help them out and [bring them] and practice the skills that they’ve built over lemons, you make lemonade. director for KCTL. “But our immediate con- the important items they needed.” the years, but it’s actually more about getting And so that’s what I hope we Photo: Activity: A KCTL student completes an cern was the wellbeing of our families and our the kids to interact with one another and talk can impart along the way. “off-court” assignment. students, and trying to figure out if there was The initiative was ongoing throughout the with us and get out their feelings. Kids are You have to adjust, you have Photo: Gerstman conducts a Saturday morning session over Zoom. any way we could support them.” pandemic and the staff continued surveying “And then we practiced, practiced, practiced craving interaction. I think even we were sur- to be flexible, you have to be individuals to further assess their needs; they [teaching the sessions],” Gerstman says. “Be- prised by how much the kids are really excited spontaneous and smart about And then, at the same time, you can continue also distributed multiple books (courtesy tween my OCD and Adam’s intelligence, we to talk to us and talk about what their days are what you do, and you have to make decisions to have fun and build relationships. That’s of neighborhood non-profit Brooklyn Book really made sure that everything was ready to go. like. That’s been the true gift.” in the best interest of your communities. really what we’re focusing on.” Bodega) to every child in their programs. But we also understood that we needed to be flexible. And [we kept in mind] our goals [for Photos courtesy Kings County Tennis League Once KCTL Cares launched, the organization the classes]. That we will teach tennis, fitness then began brainstorming how they could and off-court learning, but most importantly keep their tennis-loving pupils active and en- that we will bring our KCTL community to- gaged from home. gether to build relationships and have fun. That’s the key to everything that we’re doing.” “Our winter session ends in March, and then we usually have about a month before we USTA Eastern Wins Player begin what we call our Upswing program, which is for our most advanced students,” “...it’s actually more Gerstman explains. “It didn’t take long for our Development Section of the Year executive director to guide us and say, ‘Well, about getting the During a very dark time for the sport, USTA Eastern received some bright news: In May, the we’re not going outside for that, so let’s plan kids to interact with section was officially named the 2019 Team USA Player Development Section of the Year as this virtually. What would that look like? How part of the annual Team USA Coaching Awards. And USTA Eastern was in good company. Other are we going to do this?’” one another and talk recipients included Corey Gauff (father to rising star Coco), who was named Developmental Coach of the Year, and Jay Berger, the head men’s coach for Team USA at the 2012 and 2016 Gerstman and his co-program manager Adam with us and get out Olympics, who was named Legendary Coach. Joyce immediately set about sorting through all the logistics. They researched what digital their feelings. Kids are In 2019, USTA Eastern’s Competitive Department (led by Julie Bliss Beal) continued their work platform would work best and developed two in developing one of the strongest junior pipelines in the nation. USTA Eastern’s Eliot Spizzirri separate lesson plans: one for the Upswing craving interaction.” captured the boys’ doubles title (with partner Tyler Zink) at the US Open, while fellow section Photo: A KCTL student prepares for a tennis cohort and one for their larger Saturday morn- junior Alexa Noel made the Wimbledon girls’ singles final. Cannon Kingsley, another Eastern lesson in the hallway of her building. ing programming. (KCTL’s Saturday morning player, reached the quarterfinals in boys’ singles (and the finals in boys’ doubles) at the Australian sessions, a hallmark of their mission, is a much The early returns suggested they succeeded— Open, and then went on to make the semifinals in boys’ singles at the US Open later in the and then some. Attendance in each Saturday Staff, board members and volunteers quickly larger program and doesn’t generally begin year. In addition to Kingsley, Noel and Spizzirri, 11 other USTA Eastern athletes participated class consistently grew, and enrollment in the swung into action, taking the extraordinary until the summer, but the team decided to in the 2019 US Open: Kristie Ahn, Robin Anderson, Ronald Hohmann, Elvina Kalieva, Jamie Upswing program went up 50% over last spring, step of individually calling all 269 families that push up the start date to help serve more Loeb, Tara Malik, Christina McHale, Noah Rubin, Hibah Shaikh, Madison Sieg and Valencia Xu. when the sessions were obviously held outdoors. had registered for a KCTL program in the last kids.) Each lesson, they decided, would be Beyond Grand Slams, fifteen Eastern juniors scored top results at national championships in 18 months. The content of these conversa- built around a theme (i.e.: “We’re all in this 2019, with eleven capturing gold ball tournaments, including Stephanie Yakoff, who won the “We were giving these kids an opportunity tions: How are you feeling? How is distance together”) and contain both tennis/fitness and Junior Orange Bowl and also reached the Easter Bowl semifinals and Clay Court Finals in the to share, [and it was an opportunity for us] learning going? How can we help you? off-court educational elements. KCTL staffers girls 14 & under division. sent registrants a Target gift card so their fam- to reinforce that no matter how they are feel- ing, it’s all valid,” Gerstman says of what he “It’s really important for us to remember that ilies could purchase balloons to temporarily “The Eastern Section always has a steady stream of players performing throughout the whole thinks made the new format so successful. we are a community organization,” says Rob serve as a DIY stand-in for racquets. (Joyce was pathway, from top juniors nationally to the international level, and this showed in 2019,” said “At the same time, we were allowing them Gerstman, a program manager for KCTL. actually inspired to use balloons by an activity Johnny Parkes, who at the time of the announcement served as USTA’s Senior Manager, Player to escape, play tennis, get fit, do jumping “And as we [had these conversations] and he saw on the USTA’s Net Generation website.) Photo: Beal (center) with competitive department ID and Development. “The section exudes professionalism, dedication and commitment as they jacks, do shadow strokes, play with a balloon. conversed with resident presidents of the staffers Ali Goldman and Gustavo Loza. provide supplemental training and competitive opportunities for players, coaches and parents.” six housing developments that we serve, it

20 21 From the Baseline during that time. I spent a couple days working You were an EMSMAY worker [as an EMT at Ground Zero] immediately after on 9/11 and at Ground 9/11. Following that [experience], I decided to Zero within hours of the to the Front Line go to PA school to become a physician assis- towers falling. You spent tant. I graduated in 2007 and was working in Members of the USTA Eastern community reveal their experiences treating patients with COVID-19. nearly three straight days family medicine for a bit before I realized that at the site. Did you learn By Scott Sode tennis was really my first love and went into coaching full time. So medicine really went on anything from working The COVID-19 pandemic has produced much ality is that there are a lot of younger people When these kids are competing, they’re either the backburner—until now. during that unfolding uncertainty across the country, but one thing in the hospital. And it’s very painful to watch playing or going to school. She told me one tragedy that you have it has unequivocally reaffirmed is our respect because I have kids around that age. 20-year- of her [tennis] friends was doing the dishes, How did you come to the decision kept in mind while dealing and adoration for the many officials and health olds, 30-year-olds. I don’t know why that’s and I was like “Ooh, great idea!” [Laughs]. to go back and volunteer during the with tough situations care providers dedicating their lives to keep- happening. But this is what it is. They are all learning things that maybe they COVID-19 pandemic? in these hospitals? ing others safe. In our series From the Baseline wouldn’t have learned due to the lifestyle. But to the Front Line, we honored members of the when they get back on the court, they’ll be PASION: First, we learned at Hofstra that they PASION: It’s a little different. I USTA Eastern community who also happen hungrier than ever to play. Steffi has been in- were ending our spring season. And then I was had a great brotherhood [with to belong to that heroic group. Below are “...The reality is that jured many times and has come back stronger hearing on the news that there’s a shortage of other EMS workers] during 9/11, excerpts of our conversations with doctors, than ever. Because she wanted to play. It’s just there are a lot of health care workers, so it got me really thinking: and they helped keep me in nurses, volunteers and more as the crisis was in their blood. Right now, though, the tennis check mentally. [But] there were stuff is locked in the closet. Hopefully it will “I’ve got this degree and I can do something reaching its peak in New York and New Jersey. younger people in the really no patients on 9/11. Un- *Editor’s Note: These interviews were conducted come out soon, but the priority is to take care with it, and this is probably where I’m needed fortunately, we knew that these providers and fighting for every patient. It’s in March, April and May. hospital. And it’s very of everybody, that’s it.—Interview conducted the most right now.” I still keep in touch with a people were already deceased. We were hot, they’re wearing double masks, double by Kristen Semple lot of my classmates from PA school, and they doing more search and recovery, helping the painful to watch all work at hospitals and private practices. So gloves, gowns and caps and obviously not firefighters. Now [with the pandemic] you’re I reached out to a few people that I went to having much normal human interaction. because I have kids JASON PASION (Hospital volunteer seeing people suffer and in pain. And all these on Long Island) school with and decided that I would volunteer patients are looking up to you. around that age.” at a few hospitals. You recently wrote a positive Facebook post about your colleagues that went Most people from USTA Eastern know DR. SIMON GORWARA (Chairman viral, receiving over 600 likes and 300 you as the Head Tennis Coach at of the Division of Cardiology at How can people help out? shares. Why do you think it resonated? Hofstra University. What is your back- “We’re seeing people Vassar Brothers Medical Center in YAKOFF: People just have to follow ground in medicine? suffer. They’re in a lot Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) DR. GORWARA: What really strikes me is the the rules. Kids are home, and they camaraderie one feels working in the hospi- PASION: [Growing up] medicine never have to stay home. Honestly, it’s a of pain, and there’s tal, the pride we’re all taking in our work. It’s crossed my mind. My mom was a nurse, and What can you tell us about your expe- very difficult age to deal with this. brought out another side to us—a side that I had family members who were doctors. But rience on the front lines of this pan- They’d rather see friends and play only so much we can I know we’ve always had, but that is more I always wanted to follow in the footsteps of demic? outside. My husband and I were evident when faced with this type of disaster. my dad, who worked on Wall Street. As soon teenagers during Chernobyl in do. Mentally, it’s some- I’ve been in the health care profession a long as I went to college, I started taking busi- DR. GORWARA: The tragedy of [the situation] Ukraine, and we were not allowed time and I haven’t seen this much “working ness courses, and the first course I took was thing I’ve never had to is obviously at the forefront. I was on vacation to be outside for a long period of time then. together towards a common goal and against Business Statistics. I hated it in the first five the week this hit, so when I first went back OKSANA YAKOFF (Nurse at It was hard at that age not to see your friends. a common enemy” as much as I’ve seen it in minutes. [Laughs]. So I switched my major to experience. It’s really a to the hospital, there was a little trepidation. But with COVID-19, people can be asymptom- the past few weeks. From the people who are Holy Name Medical Center pre-med. I was actually all set to go to medi- What am I entering? Areas that used to be atic the first couple days. You don’t know if dangerous disease.” cleaning the rooms to the pharmacy staff, to in Teaneck, New Jersey) cal school in the Philippines when my dad was my hangouts—like the cardiac catheterization someone your kid is hanging around is going the nurses, physicians, patient care techs and diagnosed with cancer. I decided to hang back lab holding area—have been converted into to become positive in two weeks from that the administrators who are planning for this to help take care of him. I ended up becoming COVID-positive units. So basically what you What can you tell us about your expe- time. When they tell us to stay home, they say an Emergency Medical Service (EMS) worker What can you tell us about volunteer- have is an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) that’s five and arranging for extra ventilators and new rience working in a hospital during this that because they know that this is the only ICUs. We’re quickly adapting regulations, poli- ing during this crisis? What should times the size of a normal ICU, spread around epidemic? What should people know? way to stop [spread]. cies are getting created quickly and efficiently. people know? different parts of the hospital. The patients in there are all pretty sick and on ventilators. The whole team approach is something at YAKOFF: I am mostly working in the hospital Your daughter Stepha- Many are on dialysis. I’ve volunteered to work which to marvel. We’re really coming together office right now, but every day that I go in, PASION: It definitely is chaotic—that’s prob- nie recently won Junior in the ICU. Before training in cardiology, I as a single unit. There’s very little complaining I know that I might be needed on the floor. ably the best way to describe it. Not only Orange Bowl and then trained in critical care and I maintained my about the things that one normally complains [As nurses] we’ve been taking care of a lot of are you dealing with things that you would board certification, so that has kind of allowed about while working in a hospital. I hear every- different patients over the years [with different came in third place at normally deal with at a hospital, like someone me to step into that role a little easier. But I’m one grateful and thankful for their teammates illnesses]. We knew how to protect ourselves, USTA National Winter coming in with a scrape or a bruise, but you’re in and out of the COVID ICU for maybe an and colleagues. Perhaps it was the expression how to protect the patient. But this situation Championships. How also dealing with patients who may or may not hour, two hours tops. The nurses, the respi- of this optimism and hope in my post that is a little different. There’s a shortage of pro- is she handling the have COVID-19. It’s overwhelming for health ratory therapists, the patient care technicians struck a chord with so many and led to all tective gowns and masks. We are pushed to break from the game? care workers. It takes an emotional toll. We’re are really the ones staying at the bedside on those shares and likes. reuse all of that—it’s a little scary. The good seeing people suffer. They’re in a lot of pain, the front lines. They’re managing these very thing is, the nurses are encouraging each YAKOFF: Yesterday my and there’s only so much we can do. Mentally, sick patients, pulling 12-hour shifts. Aside other, the doctors are helping each other, What can people do to help? daughter was baking. She it’s something I’ve never had to experience. It’s from maybe a break or two, they’re in there area hospitals are helping each other. [When was making brownies. She for hours and hours in uncomfortable personal DR. GORWARA: I think people can help by we initially heard about COVID-19], we were really a dangerous disease. never bakes. I don’t bake. protective equipment, adapting to the new staying positive. We need more recognition that all told that it would affect the elderly. The re- But she never had time. environment, coordinating care with multiple we’re all in this together, more reflecting on what 22 23 we can all do differently when life does return to available for these patients, that they are re- CIDRIC TRINIDAD (Nurse want, let us know.” But it’s very difficult. We doing rehabilitation and exercises, modify It was really the peak of the pandemic, and it some semblance of normalcy. And it will. We’ll ceiving their necessary treatment in a timely with NYU Langone Orthopedic had two very important coworkers—one nurse and adjust their approaches to effectively was very stressful. But I thought, if I feel this be back, going out to restaurants and parties. manner and that there are no drug shortages. practitioner and nurse educator—who passed care for the patients and residents. Then, my way, imagine how these patients feel. They We’ll play tennis. And maybe it will come Hospital (NYULOH) and the away due to complications from the virus. therapists were getting sick as well and I was are “confined” in a facility [just like every- back better when it does come back. It’s like How have you had to adapt as the Visiting Nurse Service of thinking, “What is going on?” Not only was I body] battling loneliness and devoid of social if you’ve ever been injured and aren’t able to crisis has continued? New York (VNSNY) in East You’ve also been making home visits taking care of my acutely ill patients, but I was interaction from the outside. [That’s why] I play tennis for a while, and then you’re able to COVID-19 patients who have been also looking out for the welfare of my staff. incorporated FaceTiming their family as part to play again after a few months. When that Elmhurst, Queens) After work, I would swing by their apartments LAMPA: It’s a new situation for everyone. discharged from the hospital. What of their plan of care. I wanted them to know has happened to me, I’ve come back with a We haven’t ever approached something like this. and bring food, medicine and just generally that even if they felt disconnected from the true joy for the sport. I was just happy to be has that been like? [At the hospital], there are constantly-updating check up on them. world, we were still there for them. My passion hitting balls. It didn’t matter that I missed that guidelines on how we treat COVID-19 patients. is rehabilitation, especially with the geriatric backhand. It didn’t matter that I lost a match I TRINIDAD: The work is fulfilling, but it is scary. population. I’m very fortunate to serve these could’ve won. Of course, that feeling normally However, I wear PPE so I know I will be okay—I It’s been very challenging. We’re also incor- pray to God that I will be okay. One patient I “My five-day work week patients. Some were living their last days, and doesn’t last long, unfortunately. [Laughs]. You porating new study drugs, new investiga- do go back to berating yourself. But when see [at home] is 87 years old. His wife passed they needed a better quality of life. tional drugs, anything that we can find that turned into a six-day you’re away from the game, you realize how away a week before he [was discharged]. could prove effective. At the cancer center, foolish that is. There are seven family members living with work week, and then New York was undoubtedly hit the hard- we all have to wear masks, PPE, gloves him in this multi-generational house—all of est by the pandemic, but there is a sense any time we’re in a healthcare setting. MICHAEL LAMPA (Supervising them are COVID-19 positive. They didn’t into a seven-day work that the city is—for now—past the worst We’re standing six feet apart, and we’ve really know what to do in terms of how to pharmacist working at a cancer implemented virtual meetings to reduce treat their grandfather, my patient. They’re week...It was very stress- of it. Cases, while still high, have trended center and a hospital in exposure. Sometimes we’ll say, “Well later very happy that I can teach them breathing ful. But I thought, if I feel down, and some areas are starting to Huntington, N.Y.) on in the future, we’ll go back to normal”. [exercises], signs and symptoms [to monitor] reopen. Have you felt that trajectory But then we kind of question ourselves, like to know if they should go to the hospital. I’ve this way, imagine how yourself over the last few months? “What will be the new normal?” also helped reinforce how they can prevent transmission in their community. these patients feel.” REYES: It has gotten better, definitely. I would This has no doubt been a stressful say it was very stressful from March to about situation over the last few months. How are you staying mentally tough during mid-May. But we’re still shut down to all vis- Have there been any silver linings? a very prolonged, stressful situation? What was it like to deal with a poten- itors. We’re still not letting our guard down. Even the rehabilitation gym is not accessible TRINIDAD: Well, I love my job. I know this is tial COVID-19 cluster so early on? LAMPA: At the hospital they usually play to the patients. We have to be creative with a time that I can really help the community, the song “Here Comes the Sun” by the REYES: our programs and therapy interventions. my patients and their family members. I want We had a limited amount of PPE [per- Beatles when someone who tested positive Flushing at one point was a really big hotspot. to be a role model to my colleagues, and I sonal protective equipment] and we needed is discharged. Whenever that song comes “I think I get a lot of want to motivate people and inspire people. to be creative with the equipment we had We don’t want to go back—we’ve done so on, it means a lot. You have nurses, doctors, My mental strength really comes from that. I at our disposal. We also had a very limited much to get to where we are. pharmacists, physical therapists, lab techs, so mental toughness from also think I get a lot of mental toughness from understanding about the virus, so we had to many people from different departments put- tennis. When you play in a tournament, if you educate ourselves. We followed the CDC and How did you stay mentally and physically ting their lives on the line to treat these patients. tennis. You have to lose the first round, you’re done. Even if [a the Department of Health. But their guidelines active during such a stressful situation? When someone who had COVID-19 is treated be on point throughout. match] is only an hour or two, you have to be changed every minute. First they’d tell us to successfully and discharged, and you hear that on point throughout. You could be leading 6-1 do this, and then they’d tell us to do some- REYES: There were some weekends where I song playing, and you have people clapping [as If you lose in the first in the first set and 4-0 in the second, but once thing different. Even the government agencies would get home earlier, and the playground the patient leaves], [the job] doesn’t get more your opponent gets to 4-2, you can see a shift were trying to figure it out. [Because of the where I live in Sunnyside, Queens was still rewarding than that. It reminds you why you’re round of a tournament, in momentum [if you let up]. staffing shortage], I had to convert myself from open. I’d go and hit a tennis ball against a in health care. being a Director of Rehab to a front line staffer. wall. It was 50 degrees but I’ll take it! I would I’d feed my patients, try to get them out of you’re done!“ PETER REYES (Physical Therapist bundle up and hit as much as I could. It made bed. As a physical therapist, I know that I can Before becoming a pharmacist, tennis me feel a lot better. I also did some shadow and Director of Rehabilitation help by mobilizing them—the more a patient swinging in my living room while on Zoom was a massive part of your life. When at the Cypress Garden Center sits in a chair or lies in a bed, the more likely What can you tell us about your experi- with friends. I’d be like “How’s my stroke, has did you first pick up a racquet? they are to get sicker. My five-day work week ence on the front lines of this pandemic? in Flushing, Queens) it gotten worse?” [Laughs]. That also helped. What has your personal experience turned into a six-day work week, and then into LAMPA: I picked up a racquet when I was five I’d also go to sleep with the Tennis Channel TRINIDAD: What can you tell us about your expe- a seven-day work week. I’d start a shift at 6 been like as a pharmacist on the front years old. My brothers played tennis. They are I work two jobs. I work [as a re- on. Just the sound of the tennis ball going covery nurse] at NYULOH and as a homecare a.m. and wouldn’t get home until after 9 p.m. lines of this pandemic? about ten years older than I am. I was just fol- rience on the front lines of back and forth…that was a lullaby to me nurse with VNSNY. [At NYULOH], we usually lowing in their footsteps. I’d follow them to the this pandemic? during those times. LAMPA: care for patients recovering from orthopedic Right now I’m working at a cancer park. One day I decided to join them and it just center. We have some of the sickest patients in surgeries [like hip replacements]. But the main REYES: I work in a nursing fa- took off—I fell in love with the sport. And then You’re clearly a massive tennis fan— the population, so with COVID-19 we have to NYU Langone campus was all full during the cility with some rehabilitation from 1999 to 2009 I played as a junior in the be really careful in how we approach treating pandemic, so our hospital treated COVID-19 and long-term care residents. how did you first get into the sport? Eastern section. I played Eastern tournaments them. We’re [working with a few patients] via patients as well. It’s really, really hard working In early March, things started almost every weekend. It was honestly a lot of REYES: I didn’t really pick up a racquet until telehealth and have postponed some treat- in the hospital because you see these patients to get a little bit surreal. We 2008. But it’s become my passion—outside of ments for others. Those who really need treat- fun. The Eastern section did such a good job who are having shortness of breath, who are closed the facility to all visitors ment [still] come in, but we screen them for organizing these events, and they really produce alone, who are physically and emotionally very and nonessential staff—it was being a physical therapist. I liked it so much any symptoms prior. They are obviously very tough and talented tennis players—some of the weak. As a nurse you’re there to take care of basically a skeleton crew. And that a few months after [starting private les- sick, and they’re also receiving chemotherapy best tennis players in the country. People would them, give them antibiotics and fluids. And of despite that drastic measure, sons], I bought my own tennis ball machine. which puts them in an immunocompromised say [the best players come from] Florida or course, you have to provide moral support. people started getting sick or I would go to a park at 4 a.m. There are no state. So not only are they really susceptible Southern California, maybe Texas, but you can No families are allowed to visit. Some of these fearful of coming to work. Sud- lights on a tennis court at 4 a.m., but there are to catching the virus, they would also have a never count out the Eastern section. It was really patients are there by themselves for two or denly we were met with staffing enough street lights to see. I would hit with higher mortality rate if God forbid they do get fun to go through those ten years. I made so three weeks. When I see patients, I make sure challenges for many reasons. my tennis ball machine until 6 a.m. when the it. From a pharmacy standpoint, we’ve had to many friends playing a game that I love. It really they know they’re not alone. I say, “The doc- I had to have the therapists I courts opened. This was obviously not allowed. really make sure that we have the drug supply helped me develop as a person. tors and I are your family here—anything you supervise, who are trained in [Laughs]. That’s how crazy I am about tennis. 24 25 Woodstock Tennis Club Scholarship Members of the Woodstock Tennis Club organized a fundraising initiative to share their love of tennis with kids in underserved communities. By Scott Sode JUNE learning to play, all to no avail. The camp, which was held over the course Thanks to more generosity from a Woodstock ‘Hey, by the way, did you still want to?’’ and “We had so many ups and downs doing “[At that time], nobody had of one week, was led by Woodstock Tennis Club member, Chalfin was able to procure her he was like ‘Yeah! 100 percent! How much?’” it,” Patton says. “But I felt like a dog with a kids,” Patton recalls. “They Club’s head tennis pro Jesse Chalfin. His top more time on the court. bone. We were not going to give up. And we were all home. [Due to the pan- objective? Getting the kids to love the sport. The extra week proved to be formative, as learned a lot. I think we can use those lessons demic] none of these camps Chalfin placed her with a more challenging for next year.” and programs were [active].” “She got so much out of group of juniors. “That’s what I always wanted “The number one thing as a tennis player,” Chalfin explains. “I always Chalfin agrees. Hodges and Patton found it. Her dad called me and wanted to be on the court with people who some recipients through is that they have fun. were better than me. She got so much out of “We call tennis a lifetime sport, and it can friends of friends in the com- said this was the best ex- it. Her dad called me and said, ‘This was sound a little corny when you hear it so many munity, but they still had more Obviously safety [as literally the best experience of her summer.’” times,” he says with a smile. “But it really is scholarships to extend. Even- perience of her summer.” true. It starts when you’re six or seven years tually, they learned that one of well]. But we want It was so great, in fact, that she’s continued train- old and you’re just given that opportunity. Woodstock Tennis Club’s own ing and practicing independently. A basketball That was the coolest thing that I could have members, Ev Mann, was run- them to have fun.” “I was standing with Vivienne, telling her player for her high school in the winter, she plans learned having these kids in the camp: We ning the sole active summer I really wanted to get [this camper] in for a to go out for the tennis team in the spring. gave them that opportunity. Even if they just camp in nearby Kingston. second week,” Chalfin recalls. “Vivienne re- walked away with a good memory from it... (Mann worked with local gov- “The main thing I try to instill in my coaches membered one of our members had said to Overall, Hodges, Patton and Chalfin consider that was important to me.” ernment officials through the is to remember that although we do want her that if you need more scholarship money the scholarship program a huge success, and non-profit Center 4 Creative to improve these kids’ tennis skills and their they hope to repeat that success—and poten- Photos courtesy Woodstock Tennis Club Photo: Kids who received a scholarship to Woodstock just let him know. He happened to be right Education to safely hold the games, it’s still summer camp,” Chalfin says. tially build upon it—next summer. Tennis Club’s summer junior program show off their form. by us! So Vivienne [went up to him] and said, camp at a recreation center.) “The number one thing is that they have fun. This past June, Woodstock Tennis Club mem- Mann invited Hodges and Patton to visit Obviously safety [as well]. But we want them bers Vivienne Hodges and Dana Patton were and do a short tennis demo for the campers. to have fun. If they can have a great time and having a socially-distanced lunch together, Quickly, they found plenty of interest. remember that tennis was really fun—and talking about the state of the world. The learn a few things here and there—then we pandemic, which had particularly devastated “A lot of the kids were have more than done our job.” New York in the months prior, was only starting excited,” Patton says. to recede at the local level. Just days earlier, “Immediately, they were Considering the joy of several George Floyd’s death at the hands of police signing up, writing their of the scholarship campers at SOUTHERN REGION officers had been captured on cameras, lead- names down. Then the end of the week, he and ing to protests that engulfed cities across the the problem became his staff more than succeeded. League Captain Spotlight: country. “It was just one of those times where contacting the parents! “Three of the girls were you couldn’t help but ask yourself: What can Because of COVID-19 showing me their strokes,” Valerie Duval we do?” Patton says. “We’re kind of in a little protocols [at the camp], Patton recalls. “They were bubble up here in Woodstock, but there must parents didn’t come in. League Captains are the largest group of volun- Rod Laver that I went to and fell in love with the telling me how you do it. be something.” We had no contact with teers in the USTA. Among the countless other sport as a spectator. Only later, after retirement, They were demonstrating: them. They’d drive up, responsibilities in their regular lives, these ded- did I have the luxury of trying to learn the game! Low to high. They were During their discussion, Patton suggested pick up the kids and icated individuals clock long hours handling the I’m still trying! just so excited. One of the creating scholarships to Woodstock’s summer leave. So that was the logistics: Recruiting players, distributing mate- girls wanted to immediately tennis camp for local underserved youth in next hurdle. But by hook rials, relaying rules for matches and recording teach her cousin what she How would you describe your playing style? the area. Hodges’ “eyes lit up,” recalls Patton. or by crook we finally results. With our feature League Captain had learned. They felt like Quickly, Hodges proposed the idea to her found kids to participate Spotlight, we’ll learn a little more about these DUVAL: Hmmmmm! That’s a tough one. Un- little pros after just a week fellow board members at the club. [in the program].” tireless tennis advocates: Why they love tennis, orthodox and scrappy! of camp.” what their earliest tennis memory is and what Hodges and Patton even “The board loved it,” Hodges says. “So we items they always keep in their tennis bags. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever let the membership know through one of went one step further: And one of the participants When one of the poten- loved it so much—and seen happen on a tennis court? our weekly newsletters. Members of the club What items do you always keep in your tial campers indicated showed so much promise— were so generous, so spontaneously gen- DUVAL: In my early competition days I was in she might not be able to that Chalfin thought she tennis bag? erous. They required no pushing at all. Very a local Florida tournament and hit this amazing quickly the checks came pouring in. We raised attend because of transpor- could benefit from more DUVAL: Oddly enough this has evolved from short shot with some spin. I turned my back to all unknown territory, but it soon felt almost like over $2,000 in just a few days. And very, very tation issues, the pair took Photo: The scholarship program time in the program. She had when I started playing in 2001 and needed no the net as I was sure I had won the point. I heard old times. shortly we had had enough money for eight turns driving her back and was the brainchild of Woodstock initially noted on her regis- extra body support but at a “certain age” these spectators go “Uh oh”. I turned around and my kids to come to Woodstock’s junior camp.” forth each day. Tennis Club members Dana Patton tration form that she didn’t (left) and Vivienne Hodges. have much experience in the become an absolute necessity: Arm braces, opponent had returned the ball for a winner What do you love most about the game? “That turned out to be the sport, so Chalfin placed her knee braces, thigh wraps, ankle straps, calf wraps, and the spectators mouths were gaping open! Fundraising was easy, but the pandemic— DUVAL: I absolutely love competitive team most extended personal connection I had with in a group with other entry-level players during wrist wraps! Yikes! But we keep playing on! and the tail-end of a months-long quaran- tennis! I also love being around women who are [a participant],” Hodges says. “It was really the first week. A naturally gifted athlete, she What did you miss most about tennis tine—made the next part harder. For nearly strong, powerful, wise and inclusive. Anything is quite special because you talk to her in the was “blowing everyone away,” he recalls, and What’s your earliest tennis memory during the suspension? a month, Hodges and Patton contacted a possible when we come together and bring our car each day, and you get to know her and thought she might enjoy a greater challenge. (watching or playing)? host of local non-profit organizations, church own life experiences to the team. leaders and summer camp programs in pur- her family.” DUVAL: I missed the spirit of team play suit of local kids who might be interested in DUVAL: When I was in college in Tampa, there amongst my own teammates. The first time on was a match between John Newcombe and the courts was with great trepidation as this was 26 27 Growing the Game in Chestnut Ridge JULY Two tennis players formed a community tennis association (CTA) to promote the sport in their local park.

By Scott Sode

In 2015, Gordon Panek had just helped secure ipants to Chestnut Ridge each summer. In 70 players. The organization also held their funding for wind screens and benches at the 2019, Panek and Sands formed a non-profit, 2020 tournament in August. Chestnut Ridge Park Tennis Courts in Orchard Summer Classic Events Inc., to not only con- Park, New York when Tim Sands, a fellow tinue running the tournament but also—they “Our Summer Classic Tennis Tournament tennis player, approached him about creating hoped—to expand their burgeoning tennis actually was the largest draw we’ve had in a local tournament together. programming operation. our six years of running it,” Panek says. “192 participants, 274 entry slots and 164 matches. “Once Tim brought me the idea, the wheels in We managed around some weather delays but my head really started spinning—[the area] was completed it in the six days we ran the tourna- a perfect set-up [for a tournament],” Panek re- “Our goal is to make ment. The tournament is a growing-in-popular- calls. “Twelve courts in a beautiful park, ample it the mecca for tennis ity end of summer event for the area, but I’m parking, grassy areas for easy viewing, [now sure the lack of other sports opportunities this with] wind screens, benches, picnic tables.” play in the Western summer and the delayed USTA league season may have helped with the larger draw size.” The pair immediately rolled up their sleeves to New York area.” deliver their vision, and the Championships at Interest in the sport is growing so much in the the Ridge Tournament was born. area, in fact, that, despite the organization’s With the help of USTA Eastern staff members moniker, one season won’t suffice. In the fall, “There is no sugar coating,” Panek says. “It Lynn Buffamonti and Joe Steger, Summer Clas- Summer Classic Events held a mixed doubles was a lot of the work and time from the begin- sic Events successfully obtained Community tournament, a one-day afternoon round robin Photo: Budding artists from the 15-LOVE organization pose on top of their completed canvas. ning: Getting approvals from the Erie County Tennis Association (CTA) status at the begin- event for middle and high schoolers and a sep- Parks Department, calling and writing letters ning of 2020, which afforded the organization arate 10-and-under clinic. The organization is to sponsors, ordering t-shirts and trophies, access to more resources, most notably, says also on the cusp of securing funding to light at buying food, lining up the grillers, setting up Panek, affordable insurance. This summer—as least four of the courts, so matches can con- 15-LOVE’s 10 BLOCKS Art Project canopies, advertising.” New Yorkers emerged from a months-long pan- tinue past sunset. demic-induced quarantine itching for physical Students in Albany’s 15-LOVE organization showed off their artistic skills on a tennis court. Undoubtedly, the hard work has paid off. Just activity—Summer Classic Events safely hosted “Going forward to 2021 we will certainly be like the Chestnut trees for which the park is a multitude of programming in Chestnut Ridge expanding on what went well this past summer By Scott Sode named, the tournament has blossomed; over for the first time: Everything from clinics for the and building on it,” Panek says. “Chestnut the last five years, the event, funded almost 10-and-under set to supervised middle school Ridge Park is just the perfect, inviting setting Social distancing guidelines amid the COVID- The kids (and their families) found different equal pay for equal work, with his mom coloring entirely by sponsorships and low entrant and high school match play to flexible format for tennis. Our goal is to make it the mecca 19 pandemic gave kids in the 15-LOVE Na- ways to explore the designated 10 BLOCKS alongside him…it was [all] just so powerful.” fees, typically draws a massive 170 partic- leagues, the latter of which attracted around for tennis play in the Western New York area.” tional Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) pro- themes in their artwork. Pieces addressed gram the opportunity to get creative—literally. everything from religious equality to equal Artis agrees with that sentiment and admits pay. One drawing celebrated Hispanic Heri- to being blown away by the finished prod- On August 19, the non-profit—which serves up tage Month. One utilized a quote from Black uct. “The originality of the pieces to convey tennis and educational programming to about activist Marcus Garvey and another illustrated particular messages, in many cases incorpo- 5000 children in the Albany area—turned a US Open Champions Steffi Graf, Naomi Osaka rating tennis, was excellent,” he says. “Also, tennis court into a canvas with its 10 BLOCKS and Serena Williams to emphasize unity we are not an art program and never did an initiative. The project allowed a select group among women. art project like this. What shocked me is how of 15-LOVE participants and their families to multi-talented kids are, since I only know many create a piece of chalk art within one of the of them based on their interest in tennis. ten boxes that form a full tennis court: the two “Trying new ideas Maybe it’s because I can’t draw a straight line, service boxes and doubles alleys, as well as but the quality of what these kids created was the space between the baseline and service never involves failure, far beyond what I expected.” line—called no-man’s land—on both sides Both Artis and Marino hope to grow the 10 of the net. Each individual piece needed to you either succeed, BLOCKS project in the future. address themes of equality and multicultural- or you learn.” ism, and the project ultimately resulted in one “I learned that there’s always more we can do to large colorful patchwork creation that drone further our mission of reaching out to inner-city footage captured from above. “What stuck out the most to me is that the kids kids,” Artis says. “Trying new ideas never in- were really given complete freedom on this volves failure, you either succeed, or you learn. “Much of the idea came out of social distanc- project,” says Amber Marino, 15-LOVE’s ex- I’d like to expand 10 BLOCKS to more kids, ing requirements unique to this summer,” says ecutive director. “We just asked them to think either through expanding to multiple cities in Ryan Artis, a 15-LOVE alum who developed about racial justice, equality and diversity. I the Capital Region or beyond, or including two and spearheaded the initiative. “The project helped a few kids measure out and plan their or more courts at a time. We’ll definitely do this inherently separated everybody into their space, [but] I spent much of my time cleaning again next year, if not sooner.” ‘block’. At the same time, it got the kids work- out the water buckets for the ‘erasers.’ This ing collectively on-court. We also wanted to was really all their work. Sometimes the topics Photo courtesy 15-LOVE give them a creative outlet tied to tennis which specific kids chose made my heart smile—for in- could touch on today’s important social [issues].” stance, it was a boy who decided to draw about Photo: Panek (left) and Sands at the Championships at the Ridge Tournament.

28 29 Tennis Court Road Tour Some of the most scenic tennis courts are right here in the Eastern section. By Kristen Semple AUGUST

The Port Jefferson Country Club tennis courts in Port Jefferson, N.Y. overlook the Long Island Sound.

The Saratoga Spa State Park courts in Saratoga, N.Y. used to be hard courts. A dedicated non-profit, The Friends of The John V. Lindsay East River Park Tennis Courts are located Saratoga Spa State Park, recently raised money to convert

in Lower Manhattan underneath the Williamsburg Bridge. USTA them to Har-Tru clay. Eastern has held its adult recreational tournament, Battle of the Boroughs, at this location. The Tully Lake Hidden Tennis Court, in WESTERN REGION Tully, N.Y., once belonged to a hotel that burned down in 1914. The court League Captain Spotlight: sat dormant for many years until a group of volunteers revived it for play Andy Wallenstein in 2020. The Drumlins Tennis Club in What items do you always keep in your other well-placed soft shot, but I’ll also hit with Syracuse, N.Y. donated an old net to help tennis bag? pace when given the opportunity.

with their efforts. WALLENSTEIN: No good luck charms. A What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever recent addition to my tennis bag was an eye- seen happen on a tennis court? glass repair kit. I haven’t needed to use it for myself yet, but just a week or so after having WALLENSTEIN: I don’t know that I would call added it my doubles partner had a lens pop it crazy but one time, during a USTA doubles out in the middle of a match! match, one of us hit a ball over the fence, which is a standard tennis-fence height, so What’s your favorite tennis shot? probably about ten feet high. After the match, as three of us were figuring out our best WALLENSTEIN: I like a good forehand down course of action, the fourth player scaled the the line passing shot. Even if it winds up being fence like Spiderman, retrieved the ball, and within reach of the net player, they’re still came back over the fence in less time than it What did you miss most about tennis going to have a tough time with it, and when took me to write this! It was quite impressive. during the suspension? you actually pass them it’s a great winner. The Syracuse, N.Y.-based Sedgwick Farm (Please don’t tell my opponents, though. I like How do you motivate your teams in WALLENSTEIN: I missed everything I love Tennis Club opened in 1897. The clay to surprise them the first time!) tough moments? Any go-to advice? about tennis: seeing friends, the competition, the exercise. It was great to get back out there courts on which members play today How would you describe your playing WALLENSTEIN: I’ll usually just let the players and just be able to move and hit. I was glad debuted in 1908. During World War II, style? know if a match is an important one and hope that tennis was identified as a relatively safe that their own competitiveness and desire for activity, which allowed tennis play to resume five courts were converted to grass; WALLENSTEIN: I like to mix it up. I have pretty the team to do well motivates them to play sooner than a lot of other [sports]. they’ve since beenclay restored beauty. to their red quick reflexes and enjoy a good drop-shot or their best. The Brighton Avenue Tennis Courts in Perth Amboy, N.J. are free and accessible to all. 30 31 SEPTEMBER NEW JERSEY REGION Find Your Level League Captain With safety top of mind, USTA Eastern is bringing introductory tennis clinics to communities across the tri-state area. Spotlight: By Scott Sode Maria Coradini In early Fall, USTA Eastern hosted “Find Your Have you played tennis before? Level”, an introductory tennis event, at the Donald Van Blake Courts in Plainfield, N.J., and WALLACE: I’d never played tennis before. I have Photo: Spizzirri competes in USTA Eastern’s Collegiate Series. always enjoyed watching tennis but have never learned to play. USTA Eastern’s Collegiate Series What are some of the things you en- joyed most about the event? What did The section organized a post-quarantine event for college players to help them get back in the swing. you learn or take away from the expe- rience as a whole? By Scott Sode WALLACE: I appreciated that they had some- With so much uncertainty regarding college at a high level again. During the shutdown, helping him to find his timing on the court after thing for every participant regardless of your athletics this fall, USTA Eastern, in conjunction the Cold Harbor Spring native trained with pro an injury layoff during the COVID-19 shutdown. level or experience—even my 6-year-old with the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and players Kristie Ahn and Christina McHale but daughter who attended. It was refreshing to Learning, organized the first-ever USTA East- hadn’t played a competitive match prior to “It was exciting to be competing again,” he have instructors who actually showed you what ern Collegiate Series to provide high-level contesting the Collegiate Series. said. “It’s been a great tournament. It defi- to do and not just tell you what to do. The time competitive play opportunities for college nitely gave me a little extra motivation in that they took to make sure that I understood Photo: Participants practice their form at the inaugural athletes and juniors across the section. The “It felt really good to be back on the court,” practice this week.” and that I was doing things the proper way was Find Your Level event. series—a group of four standalone tourna- Bolton said. “I haven’t played [a match] since very good. I also enjoyed the variety of activi- Some of the high-level USTA Eastern juniors What items do you always keep in ments held over four weekends in August March, when we beat Stanford, so it felt really ties that we were able to participate in. Just from who rounded out the Collegiate Series draws then organized a five-week session for new par- and September at Cary Leeds in the Bronx— good to play out some points.” that one event, I have definitely gained a greater your tennis bag? included Kaitlyn Carnicella, Daniel Cohen, Ari ticipants to the sport at the same location. The featured players from over 20 colleges and appreciation for athletes who play tennis. universities, including Adelphi University, University of Texas sophomore Eliot Spizzirri, a Cotoulas, Taylor Goetz, Ariana Pursoo, Nich- goal of these events—which we have begun CORADINI: Religious items, hoping holding in communities across the tri-state Columbia University, Hofstra University, New former Eastern junior who won the boys’ dou- olas Steiglehner and Valencia Xu. Steiglehner Many studies have affirmed the health they’ll help me win! But if not, [I have bles title at the 2019 US Open, echoed that won the men’s title in the final tournament, area—is to make the sport as accessible as pos- them] to pray that I play fair, have fun, Jersey City University, New York University, benefits of tennis. What do you think SUNY Oneonta, St. John’s University, Syracuse sentiment. He hadn’t played a competitive held on September 20, while Pursoo reached sible for anybody who wants to play, especially and stay healthy, safe and uninjured. I University, UCLA, University of Connecticut, match in four months and noted the event was two separate women’s finals. in the current climate. State and local health about tennis as an option for exercise? also carry Bounce dryer sheets scattered University of Texas, University of Virginia and officials have repeatedly cited tennis as one of all over to have a fresh smelling bag! WALLACE: Tennis is a full mind and body work- Vassar College. Multiple measures were taken the safer options for physical fitness because the out. It is an excellent form of exercise. My expe- by Tournament Director Cesar Leon to ensure sport naturally allows players to maintain social What’s your earliest rience at the event has encouraged me to want the safety of all athletes involved. distance from each other. It’s also a great fami- tennis memory? Collegiate Series Results ly-friendly activity for those who are quarantining to play tennis more. “Many collegiate players and top juniors in together and offers a host of critical cardiovas- CORADINI: My earliest memory is What do you like about tennis overall? the USTA Eastern section ended their sea- cular and mental health benefits. A study pub- watching my twin girls taking lessons sons early in March and haven’t gotten the lished by Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that when they were five. I didn’t know any- TOURNAMENT 1 (AUGUST 14-17) TOURNAMENT 3 (SEPTEMBER 11-13)* WALLACE: I like the overall physical aspect of chance to play many—or any—competitive those who played tennis increased their lifespan thing about tennis at that time. I said, tennis, but I am also intrigued by the mental part matches since then,” said USTA Eastern Youth by 9.7 years—a larger increase than any other “I’m going for a lesson as I might as well Men’s Champion: Women’s Champion: of it. I like watching it and seeing how players Programs Manager Gustavo Loza, who devel- sport. Just as importantly, the game can boost learn the rules if you both continue play- make adjustments throughout the course of a oped the series. “We wanted to give them an Liam Krall Anna Shkudun mood and strengthen mental health, according ing.” Three months later I joined a team. match, how they are able to identify and shift opportunity to safely get back on the court and Southern Methodist University Syracuse to researchers at the State University of South- The team did not care to win or lose as based on how their opponent might be playing. compete against other high-level athletes.” ern Connecticut. Their study found that tennis long as they had fun and looked good on Actually playing the game and learning more Women’s Champion: *Only a women’s event was held players display more optimism and on average the courts! [Laughs]. Jessica Livianu, of St. John’s University, was Jessica Livianu become less angry, anxious or depressed than about the game has heightened my interest in those who play other sports. tennis and my overall enjoyment of it. grateful for the opportunity and appreciated St. John’s University How would you describe your that she could get multiple matches under her playing style? belt at the event. At these events, we have followed all safety measures as prescribed by local govern- CORADINI: Never give up on a shot! TOURNAMENT 2 (AUGUST 21-24) TOURNAMENT 4 (SEPTEMBER 18-20)* ments officials and the United States Tennis “I was really happy to be back on the court You never know what happens. Several Association. We will provide a racquet to and playing and competing,” she said. “Of times, I just extended my racquet and the Men’s Champion: Men’s Champion: anybody who does not own one. course I’m still a little rusty, so I’m trying to ball stayed in play! brush off that rust so I can play better with Gabriele Brancatelli Nicholas Steiglehner every match.” Purdue University Eastern Junior We spoke with Pastor Shawn T. Wallace— one of the participants at the first event— What did you miss most about tennis during the suspension? Livianu went on to lift the women’s trophy at Women’s Champion: *Only a men’s event was held about his positive experience mixing it up the first tournament, held on August 17. Elysia Bolton on a tennis court for the first time, and why he’s come to enjoy the sport so much. CORADINI: Just getting to see my team- UCLA’s Elysia Bolton, who captured the wom- UCLA mates! It was so sudden that we didn’t en’s title in the second tournament of the series even get to plan a team celebration. on August 24, was thrilled to be able to play Photos courtesy of Long Island Tennis Magazine USTA Eastern Diversity & Inclusion Manager David 32 Williams helps a player practice her swing. 33 OCTOBER Ultimately, the Serves in Support event at West mixed doubles teams facing off and switching mother Christine passed away from a hard- Side blew far past the initial $5,000 bench- partners after every match, so, as Perez Ochoa fought battle with pancreatic cancer earlier mark, raising an astounding $28,779 for ACS. explains, “people met and got to know other this year. “In my spare time, I do a variety of Knowing his clientele, West Side CEO Mario members outside of their usual circle.” The cancer research fundraising through various DiPreta wasn’t surprised by the outcome. “I other day featured some higher-level matches music industry entities, so seeing this happen was delighted to hold Serves in Support for with 12 mixed teams competing; Perez Ochoa at my home tennis club was very special. Each such a great cause—I felt the event would and her partner Andrew Pearlstein ended member’s personal connection to cancer or hit home with the membership of the Club,” up making the final, but lost (in a very close shared empathy to what other members have he says. “I was not surprised we raised over tiebreaker) to West Side Board Member JP experienced played a huge role in people’s $28,000. [Our members] always step up in a Evangelista and Christi Wagenaar. generosity for this event.” big way.” Overall, Perez Ochoa is thrilled to have been able Indeed, the ACS was thrilled with West Side’s to work with USTA Eastern and ACS to organizer efforts. “The American Cancer Society is hon- “Each member’s the first-ever Serves in Support tournament. ored to partner with USTA Eastern,” notes ACS personal connection to Senior Manager of Community Development “It was a really rewarding experience,” she Photos: Players, including Evangelista (front row, far right) and Perez Ochoa (front row, third from left) pose at the inaugural USTA Eastern June Ingraham. “They offer exposure to a new says. “Right now with the political climate Serves in Support tournament. cancer or empathy for audience in the tennis world and provide the and the country feeling so divided, and the ability to fundraise through collaboration with what other members pandemic and quarantine, I feel like this event clubs, community tennis associations and at brought positivity and light into our commu- Serves in Support the college level. Our first tournament with have experienced nity. We are already assuming we will have this the West Side Tennis Club was a stunning suc- played a huge role in event every year!” The West Side Tennis Club, in Forest Hills, N.Y., hosted the section’s first Serves in Support tournament cess thanks to an innovative and enthusiastic member who chaired the event. The bar has people’s generosity Adds DiPreta: “The event was spectacular! [It and raised over $28,000 for the American Cancer Society. been set high, but we are confident our alli- was great to watch] our members utilizing all ance [with Eastern] will yield strong results as our courts available and cheering each other on. By Scott Sode for this event.” we head into 2021 and beyond.” And it was great to see them having smiles on their faces and enjoying themselves for a won- West Side Tennis Club member Marnie Perez West Side scheduled the tournament about anywhere near $5,000,” she admits. “I just The tournament itself, held over October derful cause during these uncertain times. We Ochoa vividly recalls learning her mom had been three weeks out, for the weekend of Octo- didn’t know how much people were going to “Winning a tournament will always bring a 3-4, was divided into two events. One of the will hold another event [like this] in the future!” diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2019. ber 3. Perez Ochoa immediately set to work, be able to donate, or if they were going to smile to my face, but the real winner of the days was open to all levels and featured 16 publicizing the event through email and the be able to donate at all given what we are all day was ACS,” says Evangelista, whose own “I found out while I was at work and I just re- club’s social media channels. “I didn’t have going through [in the world].” member sobbing on the hallway floor hoping to do too much internally because everyone no one would see me,” she says. “Receiving was so keen to play,” she says. “With the pan- She didn’t need to be nervous. As soon as that news was one of the worst moments of demic this year, I think all of the members were West Side members received the email about METRO REGION my life.” craving any type of social interaction. Then, the event, they started donating far beyond when you add in a good cause on top of that, the $40 entry fee. League Captain Spotlight: Since then, Perez Ochoa has watched her you get really great buy-in. We have several mother go through multiple surgeries and members that have or have had cancer so it “The total amount just kept growing and grow- treatments; she’s had to become an expert definitely hits home for us as a club.” ing and our goal just kept increasing. Each time Patricia Gould on the many advancements made in cancer we set a new goal, we not only hit it but crushed research, and understands firsthand the need it,” Perez Ochoa says. “At one point my friends What items do you always keep in your What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever for raising both more funds and more aware- and I had a group text going and each person tennis bag? seen happen on a tennis court? ness. So when USTA Eastern approached her “With the pandemic this was donating $1 more than the top donor. One about its Serves in Support initiative—a phil- of the guys in that group text was silent and GOULD: Martina Navratilova Energy Balls. I can GOULD: A family of squirrels opened everyone’s anthropic collaboration between the section year, I think all of the didn’t respond for several days, so I thought send you the recipe. tennis bags, took out the bars and food and sat and ACS where clubs or individuals can host members were craving he may make a grand gesture at the end to there eating them while watching us play. a fundraising tournament to benefit the ACS beat everyone else. Then I saw his donation What’s your earliest tennis memory? cause and raise awareness for cancer preven- any type of social inter- for $5,000 come through and I was in absolute How do you motivate your teams in tion—she jumped at the chance to organize shock. He and his wife are some of the nicest GOULD: I started playing late. I became inter- tough moments? Any go-to advice? an event at West Side. action. Then, when you people I have ever met, but I was genuinely in ested after watching my sons take lessons. add in a good cause shock when I saw their donation.” GOULD: Never quit. My team has lost the play- “When Eastern told me about their partner- What’s your favorite tennis shot? offs by one game so I tell my players that every ship with ACS, I was really excited and knew on top of that, you get She was in even more shock the night the game won helps us, even in a loss. And I love I wanted to be a part of it,” she explains. total amount they raised surpassed $20,000. GOULD: The volley. I like to end the point early. to include inspirational and funny quotes from “Tennis has always been a huge part of my life. really great buy-in.” Having dinner with a friend, Perez Ochoa says coaching and playing greats in my emails, like, What do you love most about the game? My grandmother [Yola Ramirez] was a Grand she started “jumping up and down, screaming How would you describe your playing style? “I’ve found that prayers work best when you Slam champion in the 1950s. My grandfa- in excitement...I genuinely got so excited after have great players” by Knute Rockne. GOULD: It is a mind and body exercise. And I ther also competed on tour. My parents met every donation. It doesn’t matter how much Perez Ochoa hoped to be able to raise $5,000 GOULD: Aggressive. I wish I had more patience! love my friends. I knew very few people when I playing tennis. My mom, my uncle and I all the person donated. They all meant a lot to for ACS through the tournament. She knew What did you miss most about tennis moved to NYC from California. Our first holiday played Division I tennis...It’s kind of perfect me. Sure, those big $5,000 and $2,500 dona- that if both days sold out, she could reach at And who’s your favorite tennis player? during the suspension? party had 10 people. Now we have 70 guests. that this event combined all of that together tions were fantastic, but it was beautiful seeing least half that goal just based upon the tour- Mostly from tennis! and brought it full circle.” how our community came together to raise so nament fee alone. “I’m not going to lie, I was GOULD: Rafael Nadal. I love his attitude...and I GOULD: I missed my friends and coaches. much money.” really nervous that we were not going to raise think he is so cute. I was surprised at how nervous I was for my first

match back! 34 35 IN MEMORIAM In addition to Daniel Burgess, our Leslie J. FitzGibbon Tennis Man of the Year, DANIEL DAVIS

we mourn the losses and remember the legacies of some of our beloved USTA Harlem Junior Tennis & Education Program (HJTEP) coach Daniel Davis passed away Eastern family members in 2020. on September 23, 2020. Davis grew up playing tennis with HJTEP and later became a standout Eastern junior, achieving the No. 7 ranking in the section. He later went to compete for Temple University, and then after graduation returned to HJTEP to serve THE HONORABLE DAVID N. as a coach. Over the years, he impacted hundreds of underserved children through DINKINS & JOYCE DINKINS the organization.

Former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins passed away November 23, 2020 at the age of 93. Dinkins served as the top city executive from 1990 to 1994 and was the first—and to date, only—Black man to hold that position. A major proponent of

tennis, Dinkins was a fixture at the US Open each

year and served on the board of the USTA after his time as mayor. He was particularly passion- LARRY “COACH STRETCH” HARTFIELD ate about the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network and the USTA Foundation and even Larry “Coach Stretch” Hartfield served as a local tennis coach and mentor in Harlem, hosted the winners of the NJTL Essay Contest at the Bronx, Mt. Vernon, and upper Westchester for over 30 years. He worked as a his own home for many years. Dinkins—who had tennis instructor at private clubs, but also dedicated much of his time to helping kids been introduced to NJTLs through Arthur Ashe—worked incredibly closely with the New York Junior Tennis and through the NYJTL organization. “The many of us that have been kept out of trouble, Learning (NYJTL) up until his passing. gone to college, became coaches, gave back to the community and the game are largely in part of Stretch’s influence,” said Danielle Carr, who organized a tournament “My greatest interest and concern was that people playing tennis look like this country,” Dinkins told Tennis this past fall in Hartfield’s memory. Magazine in 2010.

In 1990, USTA Eastern’s Junior Tennis Foundation named a scholarship in his honor; young tennis players in the city still receive the scholarship every year at the USTA Eastern Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Mayor Dinkins himself was inducted into the USTA Eastern Hall of Fame in 1993 and received the Tennis Man of the Year Award in 1991.

Dinkins’ wife, Joyce, whom he married in 1953, passed away earlier this year on October 11. According to a feature HECTOR HENRY written by former USTA Eastern Public Relations Manager Nancy Gill McShea, Dinkins once told a story about driving through Harlem with Joyce and running into a street sweeper who happened to be one of Joyce’s former Longtime coach Hector Henry passed away on April 22, 2020. Henry, who immi- boyfriends. Dinkins said to his wife, “Aren’t you glad you didn’t marry him?” To which Joyce replied, “I’m not so grated to the United States from Jamaica, first enjoyed a career as a soccer player, sure because if I had married him he’d be the Mayor.” competing for the Jamaican National Team and also semi-professionally in the United States. Henry picked up tennis as his soccer career came to a close while attending Brooklyn College. He joined the school’s team and then, upon graduating, served as the program’s coach for the next ten seasons. He went on to serve in the same capacity for the NYJTL organization for over 40 years. A tireless advocate of the sport, he also volunteered many of his weekends with the Highland Park Tennis Association BOB RYLAND (HPTA) Junior Tennis Program. In 2019, the HPTA honored all his contributions by naming a tennis tournament after him. The Hector Henry Championships will be held Former pro tennis player and instructor Bob Ryland passed away August 2, every year around his birthday on September 7. 2020 a little over a month after celebrating his 100th birthday. Ryland was one of the first Black male tennis players to compete in the NCAA Championships and the first to play professionally. He coached and taught tennis for over 60 years, advising some of the world’s top-ranked professionals, including Venus and Serena Williams, Harold Solomon, Renee Blount and Leslie Allen. KEVIN O’BRIEN In 2019, the Wall Street Journal reported that, at 99, Ryland was New York City’s oldest tennis permit holder. In 2019, he was still teaching the sport to Kevin O’Brien was an esteemed steward of the 96th Street Red Clay Tennis Courts in kids around the city. New York City’s Riverside Park. He managed the courts for the New York City Parks Department from 1992 until his retirement in 2016, after which he continued working Ryland was also a USTA Eastern section stalwart. He taught the sport at Mid- at the courts directly through the Riverside Clay Tennis Association (RCTA). In fact, town Tennis Club in Manhattan for nearly 40 years, from 1963 to 1990. For his innumerable accomplishments and it was Kevin’s personality and work ethic, as much as anything else, that forged the contributions to the game, he was inducted into the USTA Eastern Hall of Fame in 2002. “Bob’s name would have RCTA community over the years. His passing in the spring was mourned by over 1,000 been right up there with the great players of his time — Hoad, Gonzalez, Budge, Bobby Riggs and the rest — fellow RCTA members and players. had he not been born a Black man in America,” fellow USTA Eastern Hall of Famer Leslie Allen noted in a piece written for his induction. “Still, he endured and succeeded in a sport that was not inviting. We can appreciate his accomplishments and, for generations to come, learn from his experiences.”

36 37 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

USTA EASTERN STAFF INCOMING BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Elena Bantovska Leadership Julie Bliss Beal President: Perren Wong Vice President: Olga Harvey Lynn Buffamonti Secretary: Ari Roberts Lauren Bull Treasurer: Maria Gorski Jocelyn Cruz-Alfalla Natalie Dagnall Section Delegate Peter Del Vicario Amber Marino Kathi Dolan Regional Council Directors Christopher Dong Larry Dillon, New Jersey Region Susan Friedlaender Ioonna Felix, Metro Region Kelly Goodhart Bobbie Kim, Southern Region Amy Guttman Jonathan Klee, Long Island Region Kate Jennings Jed Murray, Northern Region Monica LaMura Ruthanne Wannop, Western Region Gustavo Loza Members at Large Kathy Miller Katrina Campbell Hazel Rodney Indranil Debnath Jenny Schnitzer Aqil Sohail Kristen Semple Lopa Zielinski Scott Sode Joe Steger YEARBOOK DESIGNER Neil Thakur David Williams Andrea DeMarco USTA EASTERN PROUDLY ANNOUNCES ITS 2020 JUNIOR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS

USTA Eastern thanks its outgoing board members for their service: Harry Keely, John Klenner, Tito Perez, Danielle Pulliam, Pablo Sierra and Michael Starke Boys 10s Sportsmanship Boys 14s Sportsmanship Boys 18s Sportsmanship Award: Award: Award: Cavan Donelly Drew Fishback Arun Guruswamy

Partners Girls 10s Sportsmanship Girls 14s Sportsmanship Girls 18s Sportsmanship Award: Award: Award: Belle Xue Rebecca Hess Mia Kintiroglou

Boys 12s Sportsmanship Boys 16s Sportsmanship Henry Benisch Award: Award: Award: Adele Giovannoni Ronin Spahn Nicholas Roddy Tournament Director of the Girls 12s Sportsmanship Girls 16s Sportsmanship Year: Award: Award: Jordan Lee Sydney Langer Emer Cruz

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