USTA Florida is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Leadership Academy. There are 25 spots available in this cohort, which will become the third class in the history of the academy.
Launched in 2019, the USTA Florida Leadership Academy was created to bring new and diverse volunteers into the organization. Designed as a lead-up to the next board and committee terms, the academy provides participants with roughly six months of training, education and direct mentorship from existing Board members that will help them take on leadership roles in Florida tennis. Of the more than 35 graduates to date, nearly all have subsequently served on a committee or project team. Three graduates now serve on the USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation Boards.
The Leadership Academy is a great program for people to learn the volunteer structure in Florida tennis.
“Prior to launching the Leadership Academy, we were challenged to identify new volunteers and bring them into our organization in a meaningful way,” said 2023-2024 USTA Florida President Phil Girardi. “The success of the Leadership Academy has provided a foundation for the future of our volunteer system and structure and pushed us to think about other ways we can expand our reach.”
Applicants must be 18 years old and a resident of the State of Florida. You do not need to play tennis, but you must have a passion for tennis and engaging in your community. Those accepted into the academy must attend an in-person workshop in Orlando on November 12, 2023, and be able to attend the USTA Annual Meeting and Conference April 12 through April 15, 2024. In between these workshops, participants will complete a series of online learning modules and virtual meetings and engage in innovative projects.
USTA Florida has seen over 35 people come through the Leadership Academy program and make a difference in the tennis community.
“With 2024 marking our 75th Anniversary of USTA Florida, I can’t think of a better time to welcome new volunteers into our organization and engage with them on ways we can keep growing tennis for the next 75 years,” said USTA Florida President-Elect Chuck Gill.
To learn more and apply, visit www.USTAFlorida.com/LeadershipAcademy today!
