Louisiana Tennis Association Overview
2025 award nominations Deadline September 25
🎾🏆 Join us in celebrating the unsung heroes of the tennis community! 🎾🏆
The Awards Committee at USTA Louisiana is on the lookout for nominations for our 2025 Volunteer Awards. We want to honor the individuals who go above and beyond to make our sport great, whether they're players, pros, or other CTA members.
Last year, we received 60 nominations, and 2 of our winners went on to claim the Southern Award in their category. But we know there are countless more deserving volunteers out there who may not have been recognized yet.
Do you know someone who tirelessly contributes their time and effort to support tennis events, mentor juniors, or assist with tournament logistics? Nominate them for one of our 20 award categories and help us shine a light on their outstanding contributions.
Let's celebrate the heart and soul of our tennis family together. Nominate someone deserving today!
NOMINATIONS
The Charles Turner Volunteer Service Award
This award is presented to an individual in recognition of outstanding volunteer service to the Louisiana Tennis Association through their organization or Community Tennis Association. (Southern Award Nomination)
The Ace Award
This award recognizes community excellence at the local level by patrons of the Community Tennis Associations. Nominations for the ACE that meet criteria for an existing award will be nominated in the other category. *Louisiana only award, does not advance to Southern.*
The Adaptive Award
This award recognizes community excellence at the local level who host an adaptive tournament or program that highlights tennis. It also could highlight an adaptive player or coach who goes above and beyond the norm. * This award does advance to Southern.*
Adult Tournaments Of The Year
This award is given annually to the Adult Tournament that stands out above all others. It must be well run and enjoyable for both players and spectators. Special tournament amenities such as player parties, food service, and player gifts are all considered. (Southern Award Nomination)
Charity Event of the Year
Presented to a tennis that donates its proceeds to a philanthropic cause. Winner receives $500 and the certificate of merit wins $250. (Not A Southern Award)
Community Tennis Association (CTA) Of The Year
Recognizes a CTA, for outstanding service to the local tennis community, to the organization's members, and in general, to the game of tennis.
Educational Merit Award
Recognizes an individual who has developed an outstanding tennis program, which provides leadership and inspiration in junior programs for schools, colleges, parks and playgrounds benefiting the growth of tennis in Louisiana. (Southern Award Nomination)
Nehemiah Atkinson Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award
This award is presented to the individual or organization who demonstrates sustained commitment to diversity and inclusion through the following actions: Actively champions, visibly embraces and celebrates diversity on and off the court by employing goals and strategies that create an inclusive environment; Reaches out to a diverse audience through participation in community activities that celebrate diversity and inclusion; Provides leadership opportunities that reflect interest in individual traits, skills, and talents of others; and Proactively seeks opinions and gathers feedback from a diverse audience to gain additional perspectives and learn from others. (Southern Award Nomination)
Gus Rivera Junior Achievement Award
Two awards presented annually to a boy and girl Louisiana junior ranked player who has outstanding recognition of their tennis performance and sportsmanship. Winners chosen by the Junior Tennis Committee.
Junior Tournament Of The Year
Presented to the most outstanding USTA/LTA-Sanctioned Junior Tournament. Tournament must be enjoyable for both players and spectators, well organized, and include special amenities. (Southern Award Nomination)
League Tennis Legend Award
This award chosen by the LTA League Committee and it is presented to an individuals in recognition of outstanding efforts in making the USTA Adult League experience positive and enjoyable.
Member Organization of the Year
Recognizes a USTA member organization, school, CTA, local tennis group, tennis club, etc., for outstanding service to the local tennis community, to the organization members, and in general, to the game of tennis (Southern Award Nomination)
NJTL Chapter of the Year
Recognizes a program/chapter in the Southern Section that demonstrates extraordinary community leadership and excellence in your tennis and education programming. (Southern Award Nomination)
Outstanding Park & Recreation department award
Recognizes the park and rec that supports the growth of tennis in going over and above the call of duty. (This award will move on to Southern)
Patron's Award
Recognizes an individual or corporation for their significant contributions and support of community tennis. The award is nominated by the LTA Executive Committee.
President's Award
Chosen by the President of the LTA
Program Of The Year
Presented annually to an innovated program for beginner juniors and/or adults with a high percentage of participants converting to USTA membership.
Special Tennis Event Of The Year
Presented to a special tennis event in the community and/or state that has been exemplary in the promotion and support of tennis.(Southern Award Nomination)
Team Tennis Event Of The Year
Presented to a USTA/LTA sanctioned event that demonstrates outstanding execution of a team event. (Southern Award Nomination)
Tennis Professional Of The Year
Honoring a tennis professional that demonstrates a significant contribution to the game of tennis through their promoting of the USA Tennis Pathway programs and their support of the USTA Mission Statement ("to promote and develop the sport of tennis”). All nominees MUST be either USPTA or USPTR. (Southern Award Nomination)
The Mickey McNulty Family Of The Year
Presented to a family that has been outstanding in their promotion of tennis in their community and/or state. (Southern Award Nomination)
Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award
The Marilyn Sherman Spirit Award is given annually to a staff member or volunteer who exemplifies extraordinary spirit in growing the game of tennis in the USTA Southern Section. (2014 Award Nomination)
Wheelchair Tennis Excellence Award
The Presented to a wheelchair tennis player, program, volunteer or tournament that demonstrates outstanding community service, on-court ability, event organization and overall promotion of the sport.
USTA Louisiana Facility Award
Recognition to an outstanding public tennis facility under the jurisdiction of a park & recreation program, an education institution, a non-profit corporation or a private and commercially owned and operated tennis facility with USTA and other growth programs open to the public. https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/usta-awards/national/usta-outstanding-facility-awards.html