2024 Wyoming Tennis Award Nominations will open in June
The Wyoming Tennis Association will open nominations for the 2024 Wyoming Tennis Awards in June. At that time, nominees from every tennis community in the state will be solicited by the Wyoming Tennis Awards Committee, led by Chair Diane McGee of Jackson, Vice Chair Jason Anderson of Rawlins and committee member Josh Cossitt of Cheyenne.
Sign up for the USTA Wyoming newsletter to receive notification here.
You can view the 2023 Wyoming Tennis Awards Celebration Video here.
2023 Wyoming Tennis Award Winners
Marie Robertson Lifetime Achievement Award - 2023 Winner: Suzanne Gulley - Casper
This award, named after Marie Robertson of Casper, a long-time volunteer who founded the Wyoming Tennis Association and is a member of the 2021 USTA Intermountain Hall of Fame, is given from time to time for individual and extraordinary lifetime service to tennis within the Wyoming District. The inaugural award was first introduced in 1991 and given to Marie Robertson of Casper.
Art Frakt Adult Volunteer of the Year Award - 2023 Winner: Elizabeth Clower - Laramie
This award, named after Art Frakt of Jackson, a longtime USTA Wyoming player, official and volunteer, is given annually to an individual who has made valuable contributions to the growth & development of tennis in USTA Wyoming as a volunteer at the local and/or district level. This person has demonstrated a passion for giving back to their community or school through tennis by starting a new program such as 10 & under tennis, junior team tennis, entry level tournaments, growing league programs or helping existing programs thrive. Adults are 18 & older.
Organization of the Year Award – 2023 Winner: Casper Community Tennis Association - Casper
This award is given annually to a USTA Organizational Member which could include Community Tennis Associations, parks & recreation districts, schools (ES, MS and/or HS), clubs (i.e., Boys & Girls Clubs, etc.) and after-school providers. Honors an organization that stands out as a leader in the district, supporting community tennis programs and local community. The organization coordinates and maintains programs and services, guaranteeing they are open and accessible to all.
Family of the Year Award - 2023 Winner: The Jerrad & Carol Smedley Family - Cheyenne
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has championed the cause for diversity both on & off the court. Through hard work, persistence, and unwavering dedication, the nominee has helped to expand the image of tennis to be inclusive of diverse populations. Other considerations are demonstrating a high degree of organizational ability, success in serving all players in the area, quality off & on court programs, management structure, and involvement with the tennis community.
Mary Perkins Courage Award - 2023 Winner: Mary Perkins – Torrington
Given to an individual who has continued their involvement in tennis in the Wyoming district despite experiencing severe hardships and/or life-threatening situations or circumstances.
Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award - 2023 Winner: Bruce Simon - Jackson
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has championed the cause for diversity both on & off the court. Through hard work, persistence, and unwavering dedication, the nominee has helped to expand the image of tennis to be inclusive of diverse populations. Other considerations are demonstrating a high degree of organizational ability, success in serving all players in the area, quality on/off court programs, management structure & involvement with the community
High School Tennis Coach of the Year – 2023 Winner: Jason Anderson - Rawlins
Presented to a Head or Assistant HS tennis coach that goes above and beyond what is necessary to create positive tennis culture in their community. Selection criteria includes but is not limited to, program results, community service projects, program growth, fundraising, and participation in USTA events and culture.
Junior Player Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award – 2023 Winner: Andrew Lock – Cheyenne
This award is based primarily on high performance results at USTA local, district, sectional, national tournaments as well as high school tennis. Equally important is a spotless record of sportsmanship and a demonstration of raising the game to its highest level. Accomplishments in the classroom, such as honor roll, GPA, etc., are also key. Nomination should include a list by year all accomplishments that highlight the nominees’ careers, including ranking information. Examples of accomplishments could include tournaments, invitation to special camps or events, or selection to participate on special teams etc.
Net Generation Youth Tennis Ambassador Award – 2023 Winner: Sam Lunz - Jackson
Presented to a coach, teacher or volunteer who is an enthusiastic participant in/advocate for the Net Generation program. This person wholeheartedly welcomes new people into tennis, introducing the sport in a way that creates enthusiastic & passionate tennis players who continue to participate in the sport. Nominees must be registered & actively delivering Net Generation tennis programming in the K-12, community college or university space.
Developmental Coach/Teaching Pro of the Year Award – 2023 Winner: Austin Fermelia - Cheyenne
Honors an active instructor or coach who demonstrates a significant contribution to tennis through promotion of USTA programs, service to the community and support of the USTA mission. This person demonstrates a dedication to instilling the love of the game into adult & junior players in their community.
Presidential Service Award – 2023 Winner: David Applegate - Casper
This award is given periodically, at the discretion of the USTA Wyoming President, for exceptional activities in support of tennis performed by an individual or grou