USTA HONORS SUE JOLLENSTEN OF ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., WITH
2007 USTA EVE F. KRAFT COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Suzanne Jollensten of Albuquerque, N.M., was selected as a 2007 USTA Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award recipient. Jollensten will be honored along with three other recipients at an awards banquet, before more than 600 community tennis leaders at the annual USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop held on February 23, 2008 at the Flamingo in Las Vegas, Nev. The USTA bestows the Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award upon individuals who perpetuate his/her selfless mission to bring the game of tennis to anyone who wants to play.
Jollensten is being recognized for giving children all across New Mexico opportunities to play tennis at school. It began for Suzanne when her daughter’s school district declined offering a middle school tennis program. As a result Jollensten decided to take action and helped create the New Mexico Middle School Tennis League which began with six schools in 1996. Since its inception the program has seen over 6000 registered players. She continues to work hard to ensure the availability of tennis programs for youth all over the state.
"Eve Kraft was a dedicated community tennis pioneer who was the original architect of how to grow the game at the grassroots level, making tennis accessible for anyone who wants to play," said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. "Sue Jollensten is a passionate, hands on volunteer, she’s cut from the same cloth as Eve and we are proud to honor her with this award.”
Jollensten is one of four honorees this year including: Jaime Kaplan of Macon, Ga.; Nancy Horowitz of Pembroke Pines, Fla.; and Bob Phelps of Carson City, Nev.
Eve F. Kraft was a tennis pioneer whose ability to touch people’s lives exceeded the boundaries of the tennis court. As teacher, coach, author, USTA staff member and volunteer, Kraft was a lifelong champion of recreational tennis in the United States until her death in 1999. She introduced thousands of young people to the game of tennis, particularly in disadvantaged communities.