USA Tennis Florida volunteers celebrate their achievements
By NANCY MORGAN
Published December 9, 2004
More than 260 volunteers attended the 55th annual USA Tennis Florida meeting in West Palm Beach last weekend.
Among local enthusiasts participating in the three-day celebration of last year's achievements were Ruth Ann and Norm Ott , Carol Levin , Sue DeLong , Phil Girardi , Nancy Kirsten-Barnes , Maria Cercone , David Wisotsky , Mark Taylor , Craig Corry , Irene Tharin , Susan Winship , Judy Foster , Jeff Davis , Joe Smith and Nancy Morgan .
Included in the installation of officers for the 2004-2005 administration was Girardi, tennis director at Treasure Bay; as secretary.
Volunteers recognized for achievements included Smith, Davis, Kirsten-Barnes and Foster.
Smith was named USA Tennis NJTL Chapter Leader of the Year, Davis the male player of the year, Kirsten-Barnes a USA School Tennis Volunteer of the Year co-winner and Foster an Outstanding CTA Volunteer of the Year co-winner.
Kirsten-Barnes thinks the benefits of playing tennis extend to every aspect of life. That's influenced the 29th-year USPTA professional in her approach to teaching.
As an elementary school physical education assistant the past 17 years, Kirsten-Barnes has emphasized a champion mentality to students.
"A lot of programs deal with the highly competitive player, and there are many that are less adept and need a boost physically," Kirsten-Barnes said.
"Some are afraid to compete, and some have difficulty focusing," she said. "I try to deal with them one-on-one and practice acceptance, patience and being positive."
Kirsten-Barnes touches many children through her position at Highland Lakes Elementary, and she frequently follows them in USA Team Tennis programs.
"I came here in 1976 with my husband, Denis, and we opened East Lake Woodlands Country Club," Kirsten-Barnes said. "We were involved some with the schools, and in our second year at East Lake, a member, Tricia Rutledge , asked for help in starting a Junior Team Tennis summer program. That was 16 years ago, and I've volunteered to help since that first year."
Foster was recognized for her leadership in the growth of the Suncoast Tennis Foundation and in the community association's support of amateur programs.
"Certainly, it was an honor to be recognized by USA Tennis Florida, and the first thing I wanted to do when I heard about it was to call all the STF board members and thank them," Foster said. "Without their support and all the work they do, I wouldn't have received the award.
"I am most proud of our getting into new programs, such as the Welcome Back to Tennis initiative to get players 55-and-older back into tennis; and our partnership with Advantage Yours Tennis where players can trade in their old racquet and get money towards a new one," she said. "Advantage Yours then refurbishes the racquet at no charge, gives it to the STF, and we donate it to a program needing equipment."
Foster assumes the position of STF executive director after elections this week. She plans to continue to raise the awareness of STF, hoping to make it the central source for tennis information.
At the conclusion of the annual meeting, a nominating committee was selected to begin picking leaders for the 2006-2007 administration. Cercone was elected to the five-member panel.
The current administration will put an emphasis on the re-structuring of the association from four regions with 19 districts to eight regions with 67 counties.
Each county is to have a volunteer position with the task of becoming aware of tennis activity and identifying needs. The rep is supported by a staff member serving as community coordinator and its regional director.
Morgan is this region's volunteer director.
SEE THE STARS: The Dec.18 Florida League of Cities and WTA Tour's Hurricane Tennis Slam is a fund-raiser to assist those impacted by hurricanes.
The event includes a free juniors clinic, 10-11 a.m. at St.Petersburg Tennis Center; and a 3 p.m. exhibition between professionals Jennifer Capriati and Maria Sharapova at the St.Pete Times Forum. Nick Bollettieri will be at the clinic.
To reserve a clinic spot, e-mail sptckidstennis@aol.com For information, call 895-5000.
LEAGUE NEWS: USA League Tennis celebrates its 25th year in 2005. USA Tennis Florida's annual meeting kicked off plans for recognizing the league.
The Super 70 Women's Doubles League begins in January, followed by the Super Senior Doubles League. Competition is scheduled on Monday mornings.
Men's Super Senior Doubles League play is slated for Tuesday mornings for competitors at least 60 during 2005. The Super 70 Doubles is on Thursday mornings for those at least 70 within 2005.
Registration is available for all levels on Tennis Link. Players must be USTA members. For information, call 938-7902.
Coordinators for the Senior Mixed Doubles League, for those at least 50, are planning a January-March schedule. The Adult Mixed Doubles League is scheduled for April-June.
For information, call 399-2459, 391-0811 or 391-4380.
NET SHOTS: Local winners in last weekend's Treasure Island Rookie Tournament included Jessie Oakley (girls 14-and-under division), Jibri Bailey (16), Robert Nichols (boys 14) and Michael Fronduto (16).
Consolation winners were Alex Saxman (girls 14) and Michael Beiler (boys 12).
SUNDAY: A Battle of the Bays competition is set for noon at East Lake Woodlands between USPTA-certified teaching professionals in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
About 25 pros are expected to participate in a round robin that will include singles and doubles. The winning county receives a trophy.
The event kicks off the upcoming prize-money Pro League for USPTA-certified instructors.
COMING UP: Seminole Lake Tennis Center has its Christmas Classic for juniors this weekend. For information, call 394-1733. ... Largo Tennis Center is offering a weekday holiday tennis camp from 9 a.m.-noon Dec.17-31. The cost is $15 per day or $135 for 10 days. Juniors who sign up by Sunday will receive a free 30-minute lesson. Call 403-8588. ... East Lake Woodlands is having a USTA Adult NTRP Tournament on Dec.17-19 in 3.0-5.0 singles and doubles. Call 785-2212 before the Dec.16 deadline.
- News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, 796-5559; e-mailed to namorgan46@msn.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.