USTA Northern California is proud to honor those who work to promote and develop the game of tennis with the ACES (Awards Celebrating Excellence in Service). ACES are presented each year and we celebrate our players, program participants, volunteers and organizations for their continued commitment and service to tennis.

2022 ACES Awards

USTA NorCal hosted the 2022 ACES Awards on February 12, 2023, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center Chateau Hall. Congratulations to our 2022 winners of the ACES Awards. Click here to see the full list. If you were unable to join us in celebrating the wonderful individuals and organizations who make tennis great in Norcal, see the photos from the event here.

Adult Leagues Awards

The awardees in the following categories are chosen by the Adult Leagues Committee. If you are interested in joining this or any other USTA NorCal committee, please fill out the form located here.

• Service to Leagues
  Awarded to an individual whose volunteer work within the organization has long supported league competition and resulted in advanced league participation and improved league play. Established in 2004, this award honors an individual’s high level of involvement, cooperation and contribution on a section or national USTA level. 
  
  
• League Volunteer of the Year
  Awarded in recognition of an individual whose contribution of time and volunteerism has enhanced the NorCal Section's USTA league tennis programs during the past year. 
  
  
• League Facility of the Year
  Presented to a club or facility that provides outstanding hospitality to our members at district and section championship events.
  
  
• Local Area League Coordinator of the Year
  For exemplary volunteer service to Leagues in serving as a liaison between the NorCal Leagues staff and the local tennis community.
  
  

Adult Tournaments Awards

The awardees in the following categories are chosen by the Adult Tournaments Committee. If you are interested in joining this or any other USTA NorCal committee, please fill out the form located here.

• Adult Tournament Director of the Year
  Awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding ability and performance as a tournament director for dedication to excellence and a commitment to professionalism when running tournaments.

• Most Outstanding Senior Tournament
  Awarded to a Member Organization sanction holder of an Adult 30 and/or Senior tournament that has demonstrated a dedication to excellence and a commitment to professionalism.

• Most Outstanding NTRP Tournament
  Awarded to a Member Organization sanction holder of a NTRP tournament that has demonstrated a dedication to excellence and a commitment to professionalism.

• Most Outstanding Open Tournament
  Awarded to a Member Organization sanction holder of an Open tournament that has demonstrated a dedication to excellence and a commitment to professionalism.

• Adult Tournament Volunteer of the Year
  Awarded to an individual whose contribution of time and volunteerism has enhanced the NorCal Section's Adult Tournaments programs during the past year.
   

Community Tennis Awards

The awardees in the following categories are chosen by the Community Tennis Department Staff. If you are interested in working for USTA NorCal, please click here to view opportunities with us and with the tennis community at large.

• Outstanding Community Tennis Volunteer
  Awarded to an individual who has gone above and beyond in providing service to the tennis community.
  
  
• Outstanding Community Tennis Association
  Awarded to a not-for-profit volunteer organization, park and recreation, community group or school that has shown exceptional and continued leadership in providing programming and community outreach.
  
  
• NJTL Chapter of the Year
   

Diversity & Inclusion Awards

Awarded to those driven to create an organization and tennis community that is more inclusive.  We pay tribute to those who have championed the cause for diversity and inclusion both on and off the tennis court. 

Nominations for the following awards are open to the public. Nominate someone in your community or even yourself!  Nominations will be considered by the D&I Committee, and awarded applicants will be notified in writing. If you are interested in joining this or any other USTA NorCal committee, please fill out the form located here. Stay tuned for when the next nominations open up.

• Mark Manning Icon Award
  For outstanding leadership and contribution at the national, sectional and local levels of the USTA for advocating, representing and contributing to Diversity & Inclusion issues and strategies.
  
  
• Trailblazer Award
  Recognition of an individual, program or organization that goes “Beyond the Baseline” and has been a pioneer/ innovator in forging new paths in the multicultural, LGBT, people with disabilities and/or coaching tennis communities.
  
  
• Leadership Award
  Recognition of an individual, program or organization for a proven significant and outstanding leadership in the coaching, mentoring and/or volunteerism in the multicultural, LGBT and/or people with disabilities tennis communities.
  
  
• Service Award
  Recognition of an individual, program or organization for lifelong service and/or groundbreaking service and for having made a significant impact on the lives of others in an organization/ program, individual and in the multicultural, LGBT and people with disabilities tennis communities.
  
   

Officials Awards

The awardees in the following categories are chosen by the Officials Committee. If you are interested in joining this or any other USTA NorCal committee, please fill out the form located here. And, stay tuned for when the next nominations open up.

• Umpire of the Year
  Awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding ability and performance as an umpire for dedication to excellence and commitment to professionalism both on and off the court.  
  
  
• Rookie Umpire of the Year
  Awarded to an individual who is in his or her first 3 years of umpiring that demonstrates an outstanding quality of work, determination to grow in knowledge and skill and enthusiasm, and support of the officiating team.
  
  
• Referee of the Year
  Awarded to an individual who demonstrates outstanding ability and performance as a referee for dedication to excellence and a commitment to professionalism both on and off court.

President's Awards

The awardees in the following categories are chosen by the President of the Board, and/or, a task force dedicated to the specific award.
 

• The Betty Cookson Lifetime Achievement Award
   
• President's Award
  
  
• Tyler Nii Scholarship Award
  • This Scholarship will be given to one male and one female High School tennis player who has been nominated by their coach in recognition for their outstanding commitment to High School tennis and dedication to team. 
    • To learn more about Tyler Nii and his contribution to tennis, please click here.
    • To help support keeping the Tyler Nii Scholarship Award funded, please click here.
    • To learn more about this scholarship, please email marketing@norcal.usta.com.

Wheelchair Tennis Awards

The awardees in the following categories are chosen by the Wheelchair Committee. If you are interested in joining this or any other USTA NorCal committee, please fill out the form located here.
 

• Outstanding Wheelchair Tennis Volunteer
   
• Ned Mansfield Memorial Award
  This award is given to a wheelchair player that displays outstanding character and sportsmanship. The recipient's name will be engraved on the perpetual plaque and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
  
  

Should you have any questions on the ACES Awards, contact Becca Bauer, Sr. Manager, Marketing.