It’s time to reflect on the Florida tennis community and the achievements of our numerous volunteers. From an expanded volunteer structure and advocacy initiatives to local awards and volunteer recognition, USTA Florida is grateful for everyone who dedicates their time to help grow grassroots tennis. The organization’s success rests on the integrated efforts of volunteers, staff, providers, and all individuals within our ecosystem.
Expanded Volunteer Structure: A Threefold Approach
One of the cornerstones of USTA Florida’s success throughout its history lies in its volunteers. Without the help of countless volunteers across the state, Florida tennis wouldn’t be what it has become.
Volunteers help make every USTA Florida event and tennis itself, a success.
As we move into 2024, the organization is happy to reveal an expansion of its volunteer structure. USTA Florida identified three pivotal pillars: Leadership, Growth, and Intro to Volunteering, to strengthen and diversify the volunteer community.
Under the Leadership pillar, USTA Florida will lean on the Section and Foundation boards, committees, and advisory teams. This pillar is focused on having these volunteer leaders working together to identify opportunities and listen to the volunteers.
The next pillar, growth, revolves around the Leadership Academy, Volunteer Development, Recruitment, Engagement, and Regional Advocacy. Here, USTA Florida is committed to creating the next generation of volunteers. Guiding them through programs like the Leadership academy, helping volunteers establish goals, and advocating for the sport across the states.
Finally, the intro pillar will focus on our already existing local volunteers and Volunteer Aces. While expanding the volunteer pool is important, it is also essential that current volunteers continue to thrive in the environment. USTA Florida is committed to making every volunteer feel empowered and encouraged to continue giving back to the sport.
This threefold approach will ensure that volunteers can contribute in ways that align with their interests and expertise. USTA Florida’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive volunteer structure will be vital going into 2024 and beyond.
Advocacy Program: A Powerful Voice for Tennis Enthusiasts
In 2023, USTA Florida continued to solidify its commitment to advocacy with the introduction of a comprehensive Advocacy Program.
A brand-new, four-phase, Advocacy Program was launched earlier in 2023, and will be carried out through 2024. The first three phases saw a research team come together to study other organizations to gather best practice and learnings. This work was reviewed by and incorporated into the larger Volunteer System and Structure Project. Then, six Volunteer Advocacy Professionals were asked to participate in a Program Development Project to develop roles, confirm core issues and messages, and develop regional advocacy plans. Finally, the last step is to introduce and implement the program, which is coming in 2024.
In 2023, USTA Florida emerged as a leading advocate for all tennis-related causes, and that passion is set to continue throughout 2024.
Local Award Winners: Celebrating Excellence in Volunteerism
Throughout 2023, USTA Florida recognized shining stars in the community for Summer/Fall and Winter/Spring Local Awards. Local Award Winners were recognized for their exemplary contributions and dedication to the sport in their communities, whether it be in leadership, community engagement, and much more.
Brock Sakey of the Roger Scott Tennis Center won two local awards in 2023.
Awards were given for the following: Champion of Tennis, Jimmy Gnatt Memorial, Exceptional Player, and Outstanding Tournament Director.
- Champion of Tennis Central Winner – George Henry, Palm Coast Tennis Center
- Champion of Tennis Southeast Winner – Kara Borromeo, Coral Reef Park
- Champion of Tennis North & Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – Brock Sakey, Roger Scott Tennis Center
- Champion of Tennis Southwest Winner – Alex Bogdanovic, Westchase Swim & Tennis Center
- Jimmy Gnatt Memorial North Winner – John Ambersley, Roger Scott Tennis Center
- Exceptional Player Winner – Andrew and Thomas Lake, Davie, Fla.
- Exceptional Player Winner – Connor Molina, Fort Myers, Fla.
- Exceptional Player Winner – Jan Negron, Orlando, Fla.
- Exceptional Player Winner – Betty Wachob, Panama City, Fla.
- Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – David Ensignia, Continental Tennis Center
- Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – Alejandro Perez, Lake Cane Tennis Center
- Outstanding Tournament Director Winner – Paula Scheb, Bonita Bay Club
Through an expanded volunteer structure, advocacy initiatives, volunteer and local award recognition, USTA Florida has built a thriving tennis community. As we look back at 2023 and to the coming year, the organization remains devoted in its commitment to celebrating the contributions of its volunteers, ensuring that the spirit of tennis continues to flourish on and off the courts.
