2025 Award Descriptions

*Our annual awards exist to honor people and organizations who go above and beyond for our sport. Award winners will be honored during Tennis Weekend.  

Gardner Ward Chase Memorial Award

USTA New England confers the Gardner Ward Chase Award upon those individuals whose lifelong dedication to tennis in New England has inspired generations of students, players, organizations, and leaders, consistently elevating our sport. Nominees must be New England residents whose careers have spanned either a minimum of 25 years or a lifetime of extraordinary service as an instructor, organizational leader, community volunteer, program visionary or passionate tennis advocate.

*The winner is honored annually at the June USTA New England Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on the grass in Newport, RI.

NJTL Chapter of the Year 

The USTA New England NJTL Chapter of the Year displays an exemplary commitment to youth sports through tennis instruction, educational programming, and community partnerships. As a registered USTA NJTL member, this organization offers tennis and nutritional and educational programming in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Through its collaborations with local organizations, schools, and educational advisors, this NJTL offers unique pathways to growth, self-awareness, and physical wellbeing to all its youth participants. 

Organization of the Year 

Through steadfast dedication to its members of all ages and abilities, the USTA New England Organization of the Year serves its community, its members, and the game of tennis through comprehensive and creative programming. As a registered USTA Organizational Member, it embraces the mission of building healthier communities through social programming, skilled instruction, competitive play, and inclusive tennis.

Community Tennis Association (CTA) of the Year 

As a registered USTA Community Tennis Association, this organization spent the last year making a vital impact in its community through tennis programming, events, and partnerships. By offering quality USTA programming and consistent growth in participation, the CTA of the Year established strong connections with individuals and other local entities by demonstrating both a solid organizational structure and successful volunteer recruitment plan.

Edwin Goodman Family of the Year 

Members of The USTA New England Family of the Year are honored for building lifelong and multi-generational relationships through the game of tennis. As registered USTA members and active volunteers, these recipients bring passion and commitment to fostering tennis at the competitive, instructional, or organizational levels. Participation in the following areas is key: as competitors, team captains, tournament directors, coaches, junior or adult program directors, and volunteer officers or members of USTA state, section, or national associations. This family is a team of committed sports advocates whose passion for the game has strengthened diverse communities through their love of tennis.

Diversity Champion of the Year 

The USTA New England Diversity Champion of the Year is awarded to that person who demonstrates a true commitment to the USTA’s mission of promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity to all areas of our sport. Through proven leadership, thoughtful collaboration, good sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and dedication to the game of tennis, this Safesport certified DEI advocate is a positive role model whose efforts help create and sustain an inclusive and welcoming tennis community.

Good Sport of the Year Award 

The USTA New England Good Sport of the Year Award celebrates a junior player who embodies the ideal qualities of good sportsmanship both on and off the court. By displaying a cooperative and respectful attitude, pleasant demeanor, and commitment to fair play, this person represents youth tennis as its best, a healthy and life enriching sport for a lifetime.

Junior Community Impact Award 

The USTA New England Junior Community Impact Award recognizes a player aged 18 years old or younger whose passion for and commitment to the game of tennis makes positive contributions in the lives of others. Through significant volunteer efforts, they partner enthusiastically with organizations, individuals, and facilities to foster meaningful change in their local or state community.

Coaching Professional of the Year - Junior Category 

The USTA New England Junior Coach of the Year is awarded to a Safe Play certified provider who promotes the growth of tennis through inclusive and life changing coaching to young people at the beginner, developing, competitive, and elite levels. By collaborating with schools, parks and rec departments, and within facilities, this coach nurtures youth players as healthy athletes, strong competitors, good sports, and supportive teammates. 

Coaching Professional of the Year Award - Adult Category 

With a career commitment to offering inclusive tennis opportunities to adult players of all abilities, this individual applies their knowledge and experience to bring positive tennis instruction and programming to their community and affiliated organizations. Their passion promotes skill building, good sportsmanship, physical and mental wellbeing, and competitive play through fun and challenging instructional coaching. As a Safe Play certified instructor and dedicated promoter of the sport, this person is the consummate tennis community builder.