We all know that one person or group that puts in more energy, more commitment and more love for the game of tennis. Every year, USTA Utah Tennis Association recognizes those people who make our tennis community special.
We are now accepting nominations for award recipients for the 2023 year. These award winners will be recognized during our annual awards banquet in the 2024 new year.
Due Date: Recipients will be determined on December 4, 2023.
Questions regarding the nominating process, please contact
Laurie Lambert
801-944-8782
Please take time to submit your nominations for the following categories.
The David L. Freed Award: was established in 1979 to be presented annually to an individual who has constantly provided leadership and example both in quality of play and service to the game.
Janet M. Dowse Award & Scholarship: Established in memory of Janet M. Dowse, Executive Director of the Utah Tennis Association from 1980 to May 1996. Jan was balanced in her approach to tennis and life, keeping both in proper perspective. This award & scholarship was established in 1996 and is awarded annually to a junior player who exemplifies integrity, willingness to help others, love of family and the joy of playing tennis. The junior player is recognized and presented the scholarship and award during the Annual Awards event.
Harry James "Will to Win" Award: The “Will to Win” Award was established through the sponsorship of Wilson Racquet Sports in 1991 in memory of Harry James. The award is given from time to time to a wheelchair athlete for his or her outstanding contributions to the sport of tennis, both on and off the court.
Volunteer of the Year: Established in 1991, the Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to a person who personifies the dedication of the tennis player who gives selflessly to the growth of the sport through involvement and commitment to the Utah.
Linda Vincent Community Service Award: Established in 1998, this award is presented to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the tennis community.
Growing the Game Award: This award, which originated in 2019, is given to a player or organization that actively works to bring increase access and exposure to tennis, therefore bringing players into the sport. This person or organization exemplifies inclusion, acceptance, and a passion for the game.
Diversity and Inclusion Award: Initiated in 2015, this award will be given to honor an individual in the Utah District who has made a significant contribution to multicultural populations and communities in the Utah District through tennis.
10 and Under Youth Tennis Ambassador: This award is given to recognize the outstanding individual efforts of a coach, parent, Community Tennis Association (CTA), or other organization that is helping to build 10 and Under youth tennis.
Developmental Coach of the Year: Initiated in 2015, this award is given periodically to recognize the outstanding individual efforts of a developmental coach in the Utah District. This coach is being honored for his or her unending dedication to developing junior tennis players at all ability levels through teaching and coaching, presence at tournaments and events and the ability to positively impact the lives of junior players on and off the court.
Organization of the Year Award: Established in 2007 this award is presented annually in recognition of the services rendered by a USTA Organization member in the State of Utah and for their support to the Utah Tennis Association in helping grow tennis participation at all levels. USTA Organization must be a member in good standing and has made a significant contribution to the tennis community in an effort to help promote and develop the sport of tennis in the Utah District.
Captain of the Year: This award is given to recognize the outstanding individual efforts of a league team captain in going above and beyond to serve their team/s.
Family of the Year Award: Established in 2007 this award is presented annually to the family within the Utah district who has exemplified the benefits of tennis as family recreational sport and has contributed to the tennis community in a significant way.
Mary Lou North Sportsmanship: In 2021, we lost a tennis player very dear to our community. Mary Lou North played tennis with a love for the sport and her friends. Mary Lou has been described by many as “the perfect league player” – generous, kind, fair and an amazing competitor. In her honor, we have created the Mary Lou North Award - given to adult players who exhibit the spirit of fair and generous behavior on the tennis court along with great Sportsmanship on and off the court.
Lee Hammel Award - Outstanding Male High School Tennis Player: Named after Lee Hammel, who coached High School Tennis in Utah at South and East High School for 40 years with over 5 State High School Championship Titles. This award recognizes a male athlete for his achievements in high school tennis and also recognizes the individual for their overall performance, team spirit, sportsmanship and attitude both on and off the court.
Ruby Hammel Award - Outstanding Female High School Tennis Player: Named after Ruby Hammel, who has been a tennis advocate for junior tennis for over 50 years and has taught and introduced hundreds of young girls to the sport of tennis. Through her guidance, inspiration and direction many of these young girls have gone on to play and compete on a High School Tennis Team. This award recognizes a female athlete for her achievements in high school tennis and also recognizes the individual for their overall performance, team spirit, sportsmanship and attitude both on and off the court.
Kathy Rothfels & Luceen Sullivan Award - Outstanding Girls High School Tennis: Named after Kathy Rothfels and Luceen Sullivan who together in 1969 were instrumental in organizing and running the first Girls High School Tennis Tournament in the State of Utah. This award recognizes achievement in high school tennis but is not determined solely on win/loss record.
Wilbur Braithwaite Award - Outstanding Boys High School Tennis Team: Named after Wilbur Braithwaite, who coached High School Tennis at Manti High School for 53 years with over eleven State High School Championship Titles. This award recognizes achievement in high school tennis but is not determined solely on win/loss record. Below represents as partial list of past recipients.
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