2015 Iowa District - Award Nominee Information

COMMUNITY SERVICE EXCELLENCE 1. Phyllis Purcell, Cedar Rapids, IA Phyllis has been an officer in the CR Tennis Association for several decades now and continuously volunteers at the Iowa Open Tennis Tournament and has been a long-time friend of summer tournaments and their directors in the state of Iowa, particularly spending an enormous amount of time at the Baird Iowa Open. She is in the twilight of her career and has been a tremendous asset to summer tournaments in the Iowa Tennis Association. 2. Tom Beckley, Muscatine, IA Tom has been a force in the development of tennis in Muscatine for over 25 years. He has served as the president of the Great River Tennis Association for over 20 years. He revised the organization in 2004 by implementing the non -profit status, changing the name and revising its mission statement and goals. Thus began a financial support of teaching and mentoring young players.

Tom should be recognized for the following: • President and mentor for the Great River Tennis Association for over 25 years. • Tournament director and mentor for tournament director since 1993 for the adult and junior tournaments. He did it all. Court clean-up, volunteer recruiting, set up draws and ran the tournament. • Coordinated with Parks and Recreation to insure cooperation for youth tennis lessons, court maintenance and court usage • Assured that GRTA offered a year round youth program and financially supported these instructions • Encouraged adult play by continuing the Industrial League and indoor league • Worked to retain indoor courts operating and available for lessons and play • Recruits USTA teaching pro for our community • When funds were unavailable for teaching salaries, Tom donated.

Although Tom passed on the leadership to another, he is still actively behind the scenes and on call for duties and responsibilities that are needed to keep tennis alive in Muscatine. He is the reason 200 players still join Great River Tennis

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE 1. Mark Fiala, Cedar Rapids, IA Even though he is no longer the director of the Iowa Open Tennis Tournament, he continues to provide massive service to the sport of tennis and assists in the operation of both the IHSAA Boys State Tennis Tournament in Cedar Rapids typically in May of each year and also works at the various sites of the IGHSAU GIRLS State Tennis Tournament—last year in Iowa City—this year the 2A division will be in Cedar Rapids at Veterans Memorial Tennis Center. Tennis thrives in this community continuously through the efforts of Mark Fiala.

TENNIS FAMILY OF THE YEAR 1. The Caro Family (Gustavo, Maria, Magui, Vale), Iowa City, IA We would like to nominate the Caro family for the USTA Iowa Tennis Family of the Year. All four members of their family have been tremendously involved in the game of tennis for a long time in several different roles.

The two daughters, Magui (high school senior) and Vale (high school junior), are outstanding players, instructors and volunteers:

HIGH SCHOOL careers: Magui and Vale play #1 and #2 singles and #1 doubles for Prairie High School. In 2014, they placed 4th at the High School State Doubles meet while in 2015 Vale placed 8th in singles (Magui coming down with mono just prior to districts). The Prairie team has benefitted from their leadership as they get the players together in the off season to get them practicing for the season. The help encourage the players to practice and reserve courts for them. This helped them earn a berth to the State Tournament where they lost to CR Washington.

USTA: Magui and Vale have extensive tournament experience competing in USTA Iowa tournaments as well as Missouri Valley level tournaments. This past summer they played in Kansas City Futures, Omaha Futures and several USTA Iowa District tournaments around the state. They have earned top 50 rankings in the Missouri Valley. The girls have been playing USTA tournaments for over 6 years.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Magui and Vale have taught tennis the past several years for us at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex working our camps and clinics throughout the year. They are instrumental in working with the 10 & under players at our facility. They have both been trained and have supported the USTA 10 & under initiatives with the different colored balls and smaller courts and have assisted with our 10 & under Tennis Parties and Play Days.

VOLUNTEER: Magui and Vale are always the first to volunteer for events and special situations. Vale volunteered over 50 hours teaching kids one year before she was hired to work. The have volunteered for several of our 10 & under tennis events. You will often find them at the HTRC when they are off court helping us or supporting the Iowa tennis teams at their home meets.

Maria Bertorello and Gustavo Caro are not only great tennis parents, they are also players themselves. Maria took up the game a few years ago and has been taking lesson and practicing on her own. She has also joined a USTA 3.0 league team where she has been enthusiastically playing. Whenever we have special events at the HTRC, Maria typically sends an email to express her willingness to volunteer off court or to participate in the event so we have taken her up on both roles. We always know we can rely on Maria’s support. Gustavo Caro is a longtime 4.5 player who has competed in our special events, leagues and USTA teams. One of his greatest contributions has been volunteering as the Prairie High School assistant tennis coach. One will often see him working with their players prior to the season providing fun drills and feedback. Gustavo has also taken steps to become a certified USTA official to continue his involvement in the game.

As you can see, the Caros are excellent tennis players. However, we are also nominating them for what they have given back in their roles as instructors, volunteers and enthusiasts. Tennis needs more families like the Caros!

JUNIOR FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1. Eve Small, Iowa City, IA Eve Small was a senior this year at Iowa City High this year. She very surely deserves to be recognized for the Junior Female Player of the Year. Following are her outstanding records: - 0verall high school record 85-4 - 2015 record 24-0 No losses, Girls’ State Singles Champion - Mississippi Valley Conference Player of the Year in 2015 - Iowa USTA ranking 2014 18G #1 - Signed to play at the University of Northern Iowa 2015/2016 As these stats attest, Eve is the top player in Iowa, but along with her wins in tennis, she is a winner in life. “She’s very hard-working, really resilient,” Coach Pedersen said. “She’s had setbacks and always comes back and faces the challenges.”

2. Lily Feldman, Bettendorf, IA Here are some of the highlights from 2015: • Played #1 Singles at Pleasant Valley High School as a Freshman. PV finished 2nd as a Team. • Lily was the Runner-up in the Iowa Girls High School State Tournament as a Freshman. • Lily is currently ranked # 22 in the Missouri Valley in the Girls 16’s • G16 Runner-up – Iowa District Championship #1 – Ankeny • G16 Champion – Iowa District Championship #2 – Iowa Open • G16 Champion - Iowa District Championship #3 – Midlands • 4th Place in G16 USTA/MV Futures #4 • As a tournament Director and a coach I can tell you that Lily is very well liked by all her peers on and off the court. She is a great competitor yet very fair and pleasant on the court. Lily is the first to volunteer to help with our younger players in clinics and events.

JUNIOR MALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1. Brian Murman, Fort Dodge, IA A four-time state high school tennis tournament participant; very active in summer tournaments, teaching lessons in Fort Dodge and will be a freshman competing at Luther College this fall in Decorah/outstanding sportsman and the “class” of Fort Dodge High School tennis over his high school career. 2. Jiung Jung, Iowa City, IA Jiung is currently a junior at West High School in Iowa City where he was the 2015 State High School Singles Champion and the top ranked USTA player in Boys 18s and 16s who is training in the state. Jiung has embraced the junior USTA Circuit throughout the year by playing in dozens of USTA sponsored tournaments. He has competed in many Iowa District Tournaments as well as Missouri Valley Futures, Supers and Sweet 16s. Jiung also competed in the USTA Zonals Team Event in Oklahoma City this past summer. He is currently ranked Top 10 in the Missouri Valley. Jiung has regularly been participating in doubles during these tournaments as well as singles.

Jiung has also been a terrific teammate for the Iowa City West Boys Tennis Team. He was instrumental in leading their team to a 2nd place team finish in the State Team Championships playing in the #1 singles and doubles positions and helped their team to a State Team Championship in 2014 playing the #2 slot. Jiung was the 2015 State Singles Champion as a sophomore by defeating his teammate David Dileo in the finals and placed 4th as a Freshman in 2014.

Jiung has received several Sportsmanship Awards this past year which is a testament not only his good play but his sportsmanship as well. He has been a terrific role model in our Hawkeye Tennis Academy where he trains several times a week. In the clinics, he is always willing to hit with other kids who are not at his level and he attends many of our special events and match play days. He is always respectful to our tennis staff and our front desk staff at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex. One can often find him hitting with his younger brother, Jimin, so Jimin can improve his game, too!

Jiung has dedicated himself to the game of tennis with his practice, USTA tournament play and his high school tennis involvement which has led him to State Titles and high rankings while doing things the right way.

ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR 1. B.J. and Heather Fleming, Robins, IA Both play tons of tournament in the ITA over the years, but the reason I support their selection for this award is that they are the NATIONAL CHAMPIONS once again in HUSBAND/WIFE MIXED DOUBLES again this year for the USTA…………. A tremendous feat not duplicated by any others. They still play plenty in the ITA and the MVTA but this event alone by these two tennis all-stars make them a shoo-in for this award in my estimation.

RECREATIONAL ADULT PLAYER OF THE YEAR (4.0 and below) 1. Connie Aull, Muscatine, IA It is my honor to nominate Connie Aull of Muscatine, Iowa, for the Iowa Tennis Association Recreational Player for 2015. Connie has TennisLink records from 2002 to 2015 but has played tennis in local leagues years before. Connie is an example of a recreational tennis player that puts her all (Aull) into her tennis. Connie has played in practically every eligible league that she could play in that the Iowa USTA has put together: women's adult leagues, women's senior leagues (65+ and 55+), mixed leagues, tri-level, 55+ mixed, and on the volunteer team to help an actual organized team get qualified for section championships (for those uninitiated: if there was one team in a league that wanted to play in section championships the District Coordinator would ask for volunteers to play matches to qualify these players with no intent of going on to the section championship themselves.) She has played on 47 teams with a win/loss record of 155/95. Connie is a strong supporter of summer tournament play and participated in those as time permitted during her time away from league play. She volunteered her time and recruited players for her hometown tournament in Muscatine on a yearly basis. Connie has driven from Muscatine to play with her Iowa City teammates or anyone asking for a player to fill out a court no less than 4 times a week and sometimes twice in one day for most of her 2002-2015 record. She can be counted on to drive her teammates to their out of town matches whether she was playing or not. Cheering at and watching matches is another side of tennis she loves. She is the type of player that captains and coaches would always count on to show up and give 110% effort. She is known for her lefty slices and wicked serves. A groan could be heard from any opponent when she/he knew they were playing against her in a match. She is always fair in her line calls. She is a gracious winner and an even more gracious loser. Due to recent health issues, Connie has had to curtail her tennis playing. She is an inspiration to all who have had the privilege to play with her or against her. Connie Aull is deserving of the 2015 Recreational Player Award of the Iowa Tennis Association. RECREATIONAL JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR (a Jr. Team Tennis participant) No nominations received this year MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD 1. KMA Radio, Shenandoah IA (Derek Martin and Bryan Clark sportscasters) I would like to recognize KMA radio in Shenandoah for the excellent job they did again this year in their coverage of tennis in Southwest Iowa. Derek and Bryan provided listeners weekly updates of results on air as well as online through their social media via blogs and tweets. Highlights included interviews of players and coaches, not only during the regular season, but trough conference, District, regional, sub- state, and state tournament action. Example of their work: “(KMAland) – The girls state tennis tournament will be represented by several KMAland girls with Red Oak and Denison- Schleswig advancing three girls through Thursday’s regional tournaments and Creston four. Red Oak’s Kate Walker defended her home court as regional champion, defeating Jana King of Glenwood in the final. Walker’s teammates, Grace Blomstedt and Micayla Taylor, won the regional double title, downing Clarinda’s Kayla Rogers and Sarah Cabeen in the final. King and the Clarinda duo also advance to the state meet, which takes place on June 4th and 5th. Creston has two doubles teams moving onto the state meet from the Norwalk regional. Jenna Taylor and Alli Thomsen defeated teammates Caitlyn McLravy and Sydney Dunphy in the final. Denison-Schleswig’s Mara Pirscoveanu was the regional champion at Le Mars and will be joined at state by teammates Amber Hrabik and Jacque Ingram, who finished second in the doubles draw. Lewis Central’s Abby Bergsten will compete at the Class 2A state tournament after winning the regional title at Urbandale.” 2. KGYM/ESPN Radio, Cedar Rapids, IA (Scott Unash sportcaster) He is the sports director at that radio station (flagship 1600 AM) and continues to provide the best radio coverage overall all year long on this station, particularly through his efforts with two top-notch programs—THE GYM CLASS every afternoon during the week from 3-4 p.m. & COACHES CORNER almost every Saturday throughout the year from 9-10 a.m. Coverage on the local scene of tennis, related conferences in eastern Iowa for high school tennis, collegiate tennis (i.e. Coe/Iowa, etc.), and professional issues from time to time. Most complete coverage of local and state wide sports of any station (TV or radio) in Iowa and a very good winner if so selected. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO HIGH PERFORMANCE No nominations received this year

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTOR TO USTA LEAGUE TENNIS PROGRAMS 1. Carol Waterbury, Waterloo, IA When I started playing USTA leagues sometime around 1998-1999 Carol Waterbury was the League Coordinator for Iowa. When I became a league captain around 2000-2001 scorecards were completed and mailed to Carol, this was all before TennisLink became the tool it is today and before captains could enter scores online. As a new captain she treated me with understanding, caring, and knowledge to the many questions asked. I can only assume that she treated more experienced captains in this same manner. Since 2003 Carol has served as a member of the Section Appeals Committee. This Section League committee reviews, researches, and renders decision for any self-rated player within the entire section who is appealing his or her NTRP self-rating. At times there are many appeals in the queue for this volunteer committee to handle. Carol plays leagues – and I can’t tell you for how many years – but her records go beyond what is currently visible on TennisLink. Carol has shown a dedication to USTA League Tennis for many years (I don’t know when she first became League Coordinator) and deserves to be recognized for her many years of service.

10 AND UNDER TENNIS PROVIDER AWARD 1. QCTC – Junior Development Pathway (JDP) Moline, IL I would like to nominate QCTC and our Junior Development Pathway for the 10 & Under Provider award: Here are some of the highlights from our Program: • All 9 indoor courts have 60’ permanent lines • We hosted a 10 & Under workshop with about 25 coaches from the area • We run a full ROGY Pathway. We structure our program with the idea of having 1-2 practice times during the week and then Match Play Days on Saturday mornings. • We hosted a Play Day in May with about 50 players present. • We host 5 Green ball and 5 Orange Ball Tournaments • In 2016 will run a ROGY Tournament each month of the year giving us 12 ROGY Events • We currently have over 125 players that participate in our ROGY Programs at QCTC and Crow Valley Golf Club. • We are planning on running a 6 week season of Junior Team Tennis in October & November DONNA FARLEY OUTSTANDING OFFICIAL

1. Meg Nixon, Des Moines IA Meg Nixon has shown great potential for the appropriate leadership expected of someone nominated for the “Donna Farley Umpire of the Year” ITA Award for 2015. Meg has worked in her hometown of Des Moines at local events, supporting the grassroots programs as well as District Championships. In May of this year Meg quickly learned the ropes of being a “Chair Umpire” at the Special Olympics- Iowa State Games, 2015. She is a fast learner and really enjoyed working with these athletes and was well accepted by all involved. Meg also completed the testing for collegiate officiating and plans to “shadow” with the Drake University and ISU crews to gain experience in this new area. Again, Meg will quickly pick up on this arena and be a good addition to the collegiate venues in her area. Enthusiasm and love of the game are key ingredients for success in tennis officiating and Meg has lots of this!

OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL COACH 1. Fred Pedersen, Iowa City, IA - Has been Head Coach of Girls Tennis at Iowa City High for 10 years - Runs a No-cut program averaging 50 girls per year - Turned program into a winning program. On initially accepting the position, City High’s win loss record was 1-13. This year they finished 18-1 - Coach Pedersen has been voted Coach of the Year the last 3 years in his conference - The team was undefeated in conference play for the last 3 years - He has led his team in community service. Have received a USTA award for community service - Two programs close to his heart are: MYEP (advocacy and support for those with disabilities) summer tennis program and Four Oaks (Pediatric Integrated Health Care) tennis program. Four Oaks is in its 5th year and MYEP is in its 10th. - Coaches women’s USTA league tennis - Tennis Director at North Dodge Tennis and Fitness Center in Iowa City - Fred is a current member of the USTA

2. James V. Foth, Cedar Rapids, IA ●Coach James V. Foth is a current member of the USTA and a 1978 graduate of Upper Iowa University in Fayette, Iowa where he was a 2–year varsity letter winner in men's tennis for the Peacocks.

Head Varsity Boys Tennis Coach, Marion High School in Marion, Iowa 1991–93 | 2003–PRESENT (Total of 16 Years) Coach James V. Foth is the all–time winningest varsity boys tennis coach in Marion HS history with 62 career dual meet wins Career Record 62W—75L •1993 Coached Marion HS Varsity Boys Tennis Team to the first winning dual meet season record by a varsity boys tennis team in Marion HS history with a 5W–1L mark. •2007 Coached Marion HS Varsity Boys Tennis Team to a a perfect 9W–0L dual meet season record, the undefeated season marked a first for the program, and set a new school record for most wins in a season. •2010 Coached Marion HS Varsity Boys Tennis Team to the STATE of IOWA Class 1A boys tennis preliminary sub-state team tournament for the first time in school history, losing to powerful Davenport Assumption HS at Davenport, IA 5-0. •2013 Coached STATE of IOWA Class 1A Boys Tennis Tournament Doubles Runner-up team from Marion HS of Brandon Hornback and Michael Anderson. The unseeded Indians doubles team of Hornback and Anderson defeated the number 4 and number 1 seeds on their way to the state finals match, only to lose in a third set tiebreaker heartbreaker to Davenport Assumption HS. •2015 COACHED MARION HS VARSITY BOYS TENNIS TEAM TO 6TH CONSECUTIVE REGULAR SEASON WINNING DUAL MEET RECORD OF 6W-4L which was another Marion High School boys tennis program milestone for consecutive winning seasons. The winning season in 2015 marked the 9th winning season in 16 years for head varsity boys tennis Coach James Foth at Marion HS ●Coached numerous individual WaMac Conference boys tennis champions, several State of Iowa tournament qualifiers, and many 1st–Team and 2nd–Team CR Gazette All-Metro High School Boys Tennis players during his 16–year varsity tennis coaching career at Marion HS ●Coached over half-dozen players who went on to play for collegiate mens tennis teams at the NCAA Division III level in the State of Iowa. Several of Coach Foth former boys tennis players at Marion HS have also become head high school tennis coaches at the varsity level in the State of Iowa.

Head Middle School Boys Tennis Coach, Linn-Mar Middle School in Marion, Iowa 1996–PRESENT (20 Years) •James V. Foth has been the head boys middle school tennis coach at 2 different Linn–Mar Middle School(s) in Marion, Iowa for the past 20 years during CRandIC Fall season. Coach Foth spent the first 10 years coaching at Linn–Mar Excelsior MS and the past 10 years he has been the coach at Linn–Mar Oak Ridge MS. ● In the Fall of 2013, under the direction of Coach Foth, both the Marion HS boys tennis team and LM— Oak Ridge MS boys tennis team became registered members of the USTA No-Cut School Tennis Program.

OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT (a be an individual or organization) 1. Des Moines Parks & Recreation – E.K. Davis Park, Des Moines, IA The city of Des Moines has always been a very diverse city. We range from all kinds or cultures, nationalities, and socioeconomics. Des Moines Parks and Recreation took notice of this right away and began to offer tennis lessons to our citizens. We offer Quick Start 1, Quick Start 2, and Youth level tennis lessons, but unlike many organizations, our department has a scholarship program that allows less fortunate families to participate in our tennis programming. Our tennis programs are held in several parks, as well as our own tennis facilities.

We are very, very proud of our NJTL program that we offer. Des Moines Parks and Recreation have been offering NJTL to our citizens for 43 years. Currently, we are focusing on a very diverse park called Evelyn K Davis Park. This park has had a history of violence, troubled youth, and lack of adult role models. Our tennis instructors have been at this park, and others, five days a week for an hour and a half. Not only are they spreading the knowledge of tennis throughout the community, we are providing a positive role model to the children that come to participate in the program. In addition, with the more programs we have had in the park, we have also been able to reduce the crime rate at the park. Our organization is using tennis to help build better people off the court, to make the King Iriving/Evelyn K Davis neighborhood safer, and increasing the interest in tennis in less fortunate neighborhood. I believe Des Moines Parks and Recreation is proud of the programs they provide, and would be honored to receive or be mentioned for such a wonderful award.

JUNIOR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD (10s, 12s, 14s, 16s, 18s, either boy or girl) Girls 12 1. Audrey Koch (Iowa City, IA) Audrey has been playing tournaments for several years in the Iowa District as well as Missouri Valley level tournaments. As her coach, one of the comments I hear from others on a regular basis is that she is an outstanding sport on and off the court. She also happens to be one of the top ranked players in her age group. We have been hosting the Midlands Jr. Open and the Klotz Winter Open at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex for many years. Each year, Audrey is in the discussion for the top Sportsmanship Award for the tournament. Audrey is always giving the benefit of the doubt to her opponent with line calls and whenever there is an occasional mix up with scoring which is not always an easy task in the heat of the battle. I have heard others mention how Audrey makes very generous line calls and is often seen clapping her hand into her racquet to congratulate an opponent on a good shot.

I have the privilege of giving Audrey private lessons. When a tournament is approaching and we talk about a couple good goals for the weekend, more often than not, Audrey will prioritize being a good sport and making good line calls. In our camps and clinics over the years, the coaches have awarded Audrey with sportsmanship awards based on her respect she shows for others. Audrey participates several times a week in group lessons. She is one of the most respectful kids to come to class with her strong work ethic, listening skills, ability to follow directions, always speaking highly of others and being a good representative of tennis.

The coaches in our Hawkeye Tennis Academy join me in this nomination. We are proud to have Audrey in our program and I am confident the USTA would be proud to have Audrey as a recipient of the Girls 12s Sportsmanship Award.

Boys 12 1. Will Ecklund (Clive, IA) Will Ecklund received the Jr. boys’ 12 sportsmanship award in the Section Level Winter Team Event. Will has competed it some high level matches he placed second in USTA MV BG12-18 Futures #4 and most recently won the Midlands Jr. tournament in Iowa City where he was seeded 2. When competing Will maintains a good attitude and is a fair competitor. He deserves to be recognized for sportsmanship.

Girls 14 1. Davi Patterson (Ames, IA) Davi Patterson is a Freshman at Gilbert High School in Ames, Iowa. She always carries herself in a professional manner while on the court. She does a great job of displaying good character and class during matches. She was awarded the Good Sportsmanship Award for the 14’s Team Event which is a sectional level tournament. She also displayed good sportsmanship durig a tournament held at Westfield when she lost in a super tie breaker for the match. Davi fit the criteria for this award and is a great candidate.

Boys 14 1. Timothy Ellis (Boone, IA) Timothy Ellis entered the June Sweet 16 and received the Jr. Sportsmanship recognition of this section level tournament. Timothy’s playing record since Jan. 2015 in the Future Qualifier events portrays his determination and chivalry. He played with his opponents in doubles but competed against them in singles. He was a contender in the finals. In the district Championship in Ankeny he finished in first place with a 6-0, 6-0 match. In June Timothy won the first place trophy in a tiebreaker at the Hawkeye Jr. Baird Open. He then won doubles at the June Sweet 16 but the finals singles were not to bring victory. This disappointing match was accepted by him with graciousness of a gladiator in battle as he congratulated his opponent. In all these matches Timothy approached tennis with a determined, gracious attitude. His defeats and victories portrayed the enjoyment of playing the sport and his utmost sportsmanship.

2. John (Jack) Wenzel (Iowa City, IA John (Jack) Wenzel, an Iowa City junior player, was awarded the Jr. Sportsmanship trophy at the Section Level July Futures in KC this past summer. This was no real surprise as John has received that recognition in the past when he was playing in the 12s. In August in the Midland tournament John, seeded 3, beat the number 2 seed in a 7- 5, 7-5. The match was followed in a disappointing loss. Although John fought with tenacity , his demeanor and attitude was one which portrayed the characteristics of good sportsmanship in competition.

John has competed in many matches. His love for the sport and willingness to learn represents the sportsmanship quality.

Girls 16 1. Emma Koch (Iowa City, IA) Emma plays a full USTA schedule including tournaments in the Iowa District as well as the Missouri Valley level tournament such as the Sweet 16. She has developed an excellent reputation for her sportsmanship throughout the tennis scene.

Emma plays in many close and important tournaments that can be decided only on a few points. It has been my experience that Emma will call a fair match under pressure which is not always easy to do when you make your own line calls. Emma keeps excellent composure during her matches and you do not need to be concerned about ball or racquet abuse or any form of gamesmanship. When people watch Emma play, they do not always know if she is winning or losing the match.

The greatest aspect of Emma’s superb sportsmanship is that she does it every day. Yes, she is a good sport at tournaments yet she is equally good at practice. As a member of our Hawkeye Tennis Academy, the coaches can always rely on Emma to “do the right thing” whether it is working hard no matter who she is rallying with, listens respectfully to coaches, is a leader for the group with her hard work and is a terrific role model of peers and all tennis players. Emma thanks all of the coaches every day before she leaves practice.

Emma is one of the top ranked players in her age group and I truly believe she is also one of the best sports in the game.

2. Lily Feldman (Bettendorf, IA) I would like to nominate Lily Feldman as Girls 16’s Sportsmanship

Here are some of the highlights from 2015: • Played #1 Singles at Pleasant Valley High School as a Freshman. PV finished 2nd as a Team. • Lily was the Runner-up in the Iowa Girls High School State Tournament as a Freshman. • Lily is currently ranked # 22 in the Missouri Valley in the Girls 16’s • G16 Runner-up – Iowa District Championship #1 – Ankeny • G16 Champion – Iowa District Championship #2 – Iowa Open • G16 Champion - Iowa District Championship #3 – Midlands • 4th Place in G16 USTA/MV Futures #4 • As a tournament Director and a coach I can tell you that Lily is very well liked by all her peers on and off the court. She is a great competitor yet very fair and pleasant on the court. Lily is the first to volunteer to help with our younger players in clinics and events.

Boys 16 1. Ted Weaver (Eldridge, IA) Ted Weaver, a high school junior at North Scott High School in Eldridge , Iowa, deserves to be recognized for his sportsmanship. He won this honor in Sectional level play at the February Futures where he showed fair play and a good sport demeanor. In the Midlands in Aug. he once again played in a field of high quality players keeping his poise and enjoying the play.

Girls 18 1. Megan Jans (Iowa City, IA) Megan is a Senior at West High School in Iowa City.

Megan has participated in USTA tournaments for over 7 years. As the Director of the Klotz Winter Open and the Midlands Junior Open, we have always been impressed with Megan’s top notch sportsmanship during her play at the tournaments whether it was treating her opponents with respect during close matches or being friendly and efficient at the tournaments desk.

Megan was a state qualifier in doubles two years in a row for her high school team. This past year she played with her sister Abby at the State Tournament held at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex and was gracious in victory and defeat. Below is a quote from her high school coach Amie Villarini.

Megan has been a tennis instructor at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation Complex for 3 years. During this time she has been an outstanding role model for our players particularly our 10 & under kids with whom she has worked. She has done a great job of keep tennis fun and keep the kids in line at class and explaining the value of good sportsmanship.

This fall Megan will be playing tennis for Grinnell College. They will certainly be getting a great role model in Megan.

Thank you for considering Megan Jans for the Girls 18s Sportsmanship Award.

“Every time Megan steps on the court win or lose it is done with class and sportsmanship. She is always making the fairest calls possible (sometimes favoring her opponent more). Megan frequently congratulates opponents good winning shots. Win or lose she always smiles and shakes hands with class. I have the highest regard for Megan and she treats others with respect and dignity on and off the court.”

~Amie Villarini, West High School Girls Tennis Coach

Boys 18 1. Jiung Jung Jiung is currently a junior at West High School in Iowa City where he was the 2015 State High School Singles Champion and the top ranked USTA player in Boys 18s and 16s who is training in the state.

Jiung has embraced the junior USTA Circuit throughout the year by playing in dozens of USTA sponsored tournaments. He has competed in many Iowa District Tournaments as well as Missouri Valley Futures, Supers and Sweet 16s. Jiung also competed in the USTA Zonals Team Event in Oklahoma City this past summer. He is currently ranked Top 10 in the Missouri Valley. Jiung has regularly been participating in doubles during these tournaments as well as singles.

FACILITY OF THE YEAR 1. Denison Tennis Complex, Denison, IA Denison built eight brand new tennis courts using the USTA national Public Facility Assistance process last fall. They were completed this summer with four courts having 10 & Under lines placed on them. This project cost $836,466 with the USTA granting Denison $20,000 and the USTA Missouri Valley supporting this construction with a $20,000 grant as well. The courts are also lighted. Denison will now serve as a tennis hub for the western central region – an ideal center for Junior Team Tennis district playoffs and a USTA adult league . This was Denison’s first year to add 10 & Under tennis lessons and hope to expand next year to include Junior Team Tennis.

2. Byrnes Park Tennis Center, Waterloo, IA Byrnes Park has long been one of the premier tennis complexes in the state of Iowa. Growing to 16 courts in 1976 the city of Waterloo has maintained these courts with a consistent series of improvements. Some of these include new sidewalks to the courts, a drainage facility through the adjoining low culvert, paved parking in the adjacent swimming pool lot and the like. It is one of only two 16 courts facilities left in the state. (The other being the new facility in Ankney). This long time tennis venue has recently had some major overhauls. During the past year all 16 courts have been resurfaced. Also a new “club house” has been erected thanks in part to the city of Waterloo, private donors and the local “gaming association”. The complex has always hosted many tournament and events throughout the years. This year the venue hosted many high school meets as well as the IAHSAA State tournament. Several college (UNI and the IA conference) meets. The Waterloo Open adult tournament and the NE Ia Jr. tennis tournament. This fall we will host the UNI Invitational as well as the Iowa Conference tournament. There are also junior tennis lessons taught there during the summer along with NJTL. The city has long felt that tennis is a “quality of life” issue and has demonstrated a desire to maintain quality facilities in Waterloo.

MEMBER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR 1. Quad City Tennis Club, Moline, IL I would like to nominate QCTC as Facility of the Year for 2015. We are a 9 Court Indoor tennis only membership based facility located in Moline, IL in the Iowa District.

Here are some of the highlights from 2015: • We run a full scale 10 & Under program following the ROGY Pathway. All 9 courts have 60’ lines. • We are the designated Early Development Training Center for 10 & Unders • Replaced all the Lighting in the Facility to be more energy efficient and increase light levels • We hosted & ran 6 USTA/MV Section Junior Tournaments. (Futures, Supers & Team Event) • We hosted & ran 3 USTA/Iowa District Junior Tournaments • Hosted a 10 & Under USTA Workshop • Hosted a Try Tennis for Free Play Day in May • Hosted a Welcome Home Community party for Madison Keys after the Australian Open. 500 attended. • Donated court time to Bi-State CTA Carnival. • Provided Indoor back up for Iowa & Illinois High School events as well as Local USTA Tournaments at discounted court rates • Provided discounted court rates for St. Ambrose University and Augustana College Tennis Teams OUTSTANDING JUNIOR TOURNAMENT 1. Klotz Winter Open presented by NXT Bank (Iowa City, IA) The Caro Family would like to nominate the 2014 Klotz Winter Open presented by the NXT Bank as Junior Tournament of the Year for USTA Iowa.

The Klotz Winter Open was established in 2012 to give juniors (We have 2 daughters who play tennis year round) players another playing opportunity during the winter time. It is held during the first weekend of December at the Hawkeye Tennis and Recreation complex and last year was designated as one of the Iowa District Championship tournaments.

The tournament has become one of the state’s largest and premier tournaments. Here are some reasons why: • The tournament is well organized and the tournament is kept on schedule. The Tournament Directors do a fair job of seeding the players and establishing appropriate match times which is important to all of the players. • The tournament communicates well with participants through the use of TennisLink and RainedOut. • Umpires are provided for the tournament. • Players receive an extra player gift thank you to the sponsorship of NXT Bank. This past year in addition to a dri fit t-shirt, player were treated to Igloo beverage coolers. • A pizza party is provided to the player and families during the 12s-18s event as well as the 10 & under tournament that is held the following weekend. As my husband and I both work, this gives us the opportunity to my kids to have something to eat at the facility safely without leaving the place). • A ping pong tournament is held in conjunction with the tournament to give players and siblings some extra fun in their downtime. Kids of all ages play there, and they have so much fun!!! • A Player Hospitality room is provided throughout the tournament so player can hangout, enjoy light snacks, drinks and play ping pong. This Player Hospitality room gives kids an opportunity to develop great friendships. • The tournament displays a table with Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau information for patrons to navigate the area for directions and restaurants. As this is an event which brings families from many other cities, it is great to have guides to restaurants and coffee places. • The 8 indoor courts of the HTRC have terrific viewing deck that provides seating for over 200. It is a great place to take photos!

• Free indoor courts are provided for warm up each day of the tournament and all 8 indoor courts at the HTRC are used to ensure a smoothly run tournament. • The 10 & under tournament had great participation the following weekend. Both Orange and Green Ball tournaments were held and the players were treated to all the amenities stated above that were provided for the 12s-18s tournament.

2. Baird Iowa Open Tennis Tournament (Cedar Rapids, IA) Now under the direction of Rusty Graff (head tennis coach at CR Washington High School and director of Westfield Tennis Club in Cedar Rapids………….. has taken over for Mark Fiala as director of this longest consecutively run tournament in the state of Iowa. New format, but still a very effective summer tournament on the Iowa Tennis Association circuit. OUTSTANDING ADULT/SENIOR TOURNAMENT No nominations received this year

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOICATION 1. Bi-State Community Tennis Association (Quad Cities) Bi-State Community Tennis Association was formed in 1993 with the express purpose of a continuing to maintain the Quad-Cities as a thriving tennis community. From its inception, it has sought to increase public and private support for tennis, improve public tennis facilities and expand and supplement tennis opportunities for juniors and adults.

Bi-State has brought tennis to non-players and non- players to tennis. The organization has and will continue to raise the awareness of tennis for all players from the novice to the advanced. As a tennis leader in the Quad Cities, they are an umbrella CTA, helping other CTAs in the Quad Cities and assist with their programming like; Tennis Block Parties, Play Tennis America and after school programs.

The most unique program that Bi-State operates is the Quad-City Grand Prix, a junior rookie non- elimination tennis tournament. The Grand Prix was established in 1995 and has been run by Bi-State ever since. It is a summer “circuit” for inexperienced junior players, ages 5 to 15. The activities are held at three to four different sites in the Quad Cities. Since they have started the Grand Prix, Bi-State has had a few thousand participants enjoy this annual summer series.

EVENT OF THE YEAR 1. Welcome Home Party for Madison Keys – hosted by QCTC (Moline, IL) I would like to nominate our Madison Keys – Welcome home party as Event of the year.

We held a welcome home party for Madison Keys after she got to the Semis of the Australian Open in 2015. ESPN came to the Quad Cities and did a story on the club and the community she came from. We had about 500 people attend the event from all around the community. I interviewed Madison and then opened it up to the crowd for a question and answer session. After the interview we held a free clinic for about 75 Junior Players of all levels that Madison helped run. Whiteys provided ice cream for everyone. Here are some of the highlights from the event: • ESPN did a story on Madison and our community • 500 Participants from the Community • 75 players in Junior Clinic w/ Madison • All local Media was present. Multiple stories on the news & newspapers