Colorado tennis community celebrates inductees and annual award winners

Full house on hand to celebrate induction of new Hall of Famers and Annual Award winners 

A full house of 370 guests came together to celebrate the 2023 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame and Annual Awards Gala. Attendees gathered from across the state on a snowy night in Glendale at Infinity Park Events Center to welcome the two new additions to the Hall of Fame and recognize the 17 annual award winners who distinguished themselves throughout the year.

Once again, the event was emceed by Andy Zodin (Director of Racquet Sports at Columbine Country Club, President of USPTA Intermountain Division and a sports talk radio host and podcaster) and Christine Chang Gillette (Former longtime Emmy award winning morning news anchor and reporter at ABC’s Denver 7, now book consultant and media trainer).

An annual event, attendees at the 2023 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala pledged more than $60,000 for the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation. Through the lifetime sport of tennis, the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation, a 501(c)3 fundraising arm of USTA Colorado, promotes the physical, emotional and social development of ALL youth to aspire to become active, productive and responsible citizens. By providing individual player scholarships and program grants to kids and organizations throughout the state, the CYTF ensures that juniors from small rural towns as well as from larger metropolitan areas benefit from the sport.

Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Inductees

Krista Damico grew up in Parker, CO, and was a dominant force during her junior tennis career. She held the No. 1 ranking in the nation in both the Girls’ 12 and 14 divisions. Krista was ranked No. 6 in USTA Girls’ 16 rankings and she won the 2004 U.S. Super National Hardcourt Championships in singles and doubles. She captured the 2004 Denver City Open title in the women’s open division at the age of 14. Krista competed in the girls’ singles draw at the U.S. Open as well as the girls’ qualifying events at Wimbledon and the Australian Open. 

Krista attended the University of Texas (2008-’12). She was named All-Big 12 in singles in 2010 and again in 2012, and was the Big 12 doubles champion in 2010 (with Amanda Craddock). During her senior season with the Longhorns, Krista went on a 14-match unbeaten streak (12 wins, 2 unfinished matches) that stretched over a two-month span in the dual-match season.  Watch Krista's induction video.

A Texas native, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Oosterhous attended the United States Air Force Academy (1989-’93).  He compiled 113 wins at the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles positions, ranking second all-time among USAFA players at the No 1 spots. He was selected to the all-conference team all four years, received the team’s MVP award three times, and served as co-captain during his senior year, leading the team to a 25-2 record. 

The 2022-23 season marked the completion of Dan’s 14th season as head coach of the USAFA men’s tennis team. He led the Falcons to a 148-175 career record. Air Force is coming off its second straight winning season in 2023 and the third in the last four seasons. The Falcons earned a national ranking of 63 in February, 2023, tying for the highest ranking in program history.  Watch Dan's induction video.

USTA Colorado Annual Awards

On-Court Achievement: Ignatius Castelino (Male Player of the Year); Taylor Melville (Female Player of the Year); Hiko Fritz-Krockow (Senior Player of the Year).

Junior Sportsmanship, Leadership and Achievement: Malaika Chenyerere (Girls 14 & Under); Blake & Sebastian Wright (Boys 14 & Under); Quinn Bernthal (Girls 15-18); Trevor Hajek (Boys 15-18); Leslie Jimenez (Parks & Recreation Program Participant).

Service: Denver Tennis Park (Organization of the Year); Campos Family (Family of the Year); Cindy McLemore (Volunteer of the Year); Kendall Chitambar (Service to Under-Resourced Populations); Diane Westlind (Service to Recreational Players); Leanne Palmisano (Service to the Colorado Tennis Community).

Tennis Industry: Adam Burbary; CD Bodham.

Black Tie Colorado Event Wrap