USTA Florida Honors Section Awardees in Tampa 

TAMPA, FLA., NOVEMBER 17, 2024 – USTA Florida is proud to announce the 2024 Section Award winners, who were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the tennis community. This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of leaders, players, and organizations, all making significant impacts on tennis in Florida and beyond. 

Outstanding Section Volunteer – Mary Conaway  

Mary Conaway was named USTA Florida Outstanding Section Volunteer.

Mary Conaway, a long-time advocate for tennis and leadership development, has dedicated over 20 years to USTA. Currently serving as Secretary of the USTA Florida Board, Mary’s influence extends nationally as a member of the USTA National Learning & Leadership Development team. Mary was instrumental in launching the USTA Florida Leadership Academy in 2019 and has served on the USTA Florida Foundation Board. Her passion for growing the game has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2014 PTR State Member of the Year and induction into the USTA Mid-Atlantic Hall of Fame. 

Outstanding Diversity Achievement – City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center 

The City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center won the Outstanding Diversity Achievement.

The City of Palm Beach Gardens Tennis & Pickleball Center is being honored for its commitment to inclusivity and community engagement. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities, the Center offers year-round programming for players of all abilities. Notably, the Center partners with Love Serving Autism and has hosted adaptive sports camps and inclusive events, creating opportunities for those with developmental challenges to enjoy tennis and pickleball. The Center’s initiatives continue to break down barriers and promote diversity within the sport. 

Jim Martz Media Excellence Award – Jim Martz 

The Late Jim Martz was awarded the Jim Martz Media Excellence Award, with his sister Sue and her grandson accepting the award.

The late Jim Martz, a legendary tennis journalist, was honored by having the USTA Florida Section Media Excellence Award named in his memory. This year, he was also chosen to be given the Media Excellence Award for his lasting impact on the sport. As the founder of Florida Tennis magazine, Jim chronicled Florida’s tennis scene for over 30 years. He was a well-respected writer for the Miami Herald and contributed to numerous publications. Jim’s work earned him national recognition, including induction into the Miami-Dade County Tennis Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on through his insightful writing and mentorship of future generations of tennis journalists. 

Albert Carrington Balink Award – Claire Shao & Jack Satterfield  

This year, the prestigious Albert Carrington Balink Award was awarded to two extraordinary young players, Claire Shao and Jack Satterfield. 

Claire Shao’s Father accepted the Albert Carrington Balink Award for her.

Claire Shao is a rising star in USTA tennis, having reached the finals of the 2023 National Clay Court Championships. A top recruit in the class of 2025, Claire excels both on the court and in the classroom, maintaining a 4.45 GPA and earning multiple academic honors. She is committed to play Division I tennis at Harvard University in Fall 2025. 

Jack Satterfield has made a name for himself with his outstanding achievements and sportsmanship. Jack won the 2023 National Clay Courts 16s Singles Title and the 2024 Easter Bowl 18s Doubles Title. Known for his integrity on the court, Jack has received several sportsmanship awards, including the 2024 U18 Sportsmanship Award at the National Hard Courts. 

Jack Satterfield won the Albert Carrington Balink Award.

Both players won the Bobby Curtis Junior State Championship, with Claire winning the Girls’ 16s in 2022 and Jack winning the Boys’ 18s in 2023. 

This event celebrated these exceptional individuals and organizations whose contributions continue to shape the future of tennis in Florida.