LAC Volunteer Spotlight: Dolores Schmidt

Inspired by her own tennis journey, Dolores Schmidt has been a committed Local Area Coordinator (LAC) volunteer for USTA NorCal Adult Leagues for 14 years.

Schmidt’s husband first introduced her to tennis at 40 years old and taught her how to play. She quickly took to the sport and became active in USTA Adult leagues, playing in almost every league age division and captaining numerous teams along the way.

“When I first started out and then when I was eventually captaining teams, I would always reach out to USTA NorCal with lots of questions on rules, the ins and outs of captaining, and other game-related regulations,” Schmidt remembered. “I called one day and the person I always spoke with mentioned that she was retiring, and she suggested I would be a good candidate to become a Local Area Coordinator.”

Giving back has always come naturally to Schmidt, so she immediately knew this was a path she wanted to pursue and return the help she received early on in her tennis experience.

“I wanted to make a difference to our community of tennis and make things easier for everyone to enjoy the sport and help people get started,” she said. “One of the things I love about tennis is that there is always a spot for you to play no matter your age or skills, whether you want to play alone or with other people, or if you are a beginner or competitive athlete.”

From helping with scorecards, rules, and the systems to grievances, Schmidt has always gone above and beyond to help the players and teams in her Diablo North area throughout her long service. She has been recognized as the Local Area League Coordinator of the Year at the 2014 ACES Awards for her dedicated commitment.

Schmidt also leverages her experiences as both a player and captain to assist in her volunteer role, especially when it comes to helping out at Districts and Sectionals, which she herself has played in.

“I love volunteering at those,” she said. “There are so many details, so I think it helps to have someone who has played in those events and served as a captain. Plus, I get to meet and interact with the players I help as a Local Area Coordinator.”

She is looking forward to volunteering at Sectionals this year and has helped out at the Adult 18 & Over and the Adult 65 & Over Sectionals in August, as well as helped at the Adult 40 & Over Sectionals in September.

Above all, Schmidt loves giving back to the tennis community.

“I love when I hear people throughout events stop and say thank you for your time. It makes me smile,” she said. “I don’t even feel like I’m volunteering sometimes. It’s very rewarding, and I plan on continuing my volunteering with USTA NorCal as long as they need me!”