HighFIVE: Alden Bock

Longtime volunteer Bock receives USTA League Volunteer of the Year Award

If you have played league tennis in Colorado at any point over the past 35 years, chances are you have seen Alden Bock. And while he is a familiar face at USTA League events, many players are unaware of the profound impact he has had on league tennis. But those who work behind the scenes recognize Alden’s contributions, most recently with him receiving the National USTA League Volunteer of the Year Award. 

“I have made many lifelong friendships and share this award with all the volunteers who have made USTA League Tennis the premier program it is today”, says Alden.

The Syracuse, New York native’s love of tennis started at seven when he was introduced to the sport by his dad. He moved to Colorado almost 50 years ago and has been a key figure in the Colorado tennis scene ever since. Alden has been a tournament director, played in leagues and tournaments and has been the Director of Tennis at Meadow Creek Tennis & Fitness in Denver for more than 20 years. Alden is still on the court five days a week!

While Alden has spent countless hours on the court both personally and professionally, it has been the time spent giving back to tennis that has been the most meaningful to him. Alden first started volunteering with USTA Colorado in the late 1980s as a District NTRP Verifier and began his journey as a national volunteer as a Verifier/Observer in 1993.

“I am passionate about USTA League tennis, the NTRP rating system and how it allows players of all skill levels to enjoy good and fair competition.”

Through 2023, Alden had volunteered at approximately 80 Adult and Junior National Championships in addition to working at least two USTA Intermountain Sectional Championships every year since his initial involvement. 

“I can't think of anyone in the USTA ecosystem that has given more of themselves to the Adult League Program than Alden,” say USTA Intermountain Executive Director Rob Scott. “He has worn ALL the hats: player, coach, director of tennis, district/section/national volunteer, national committee chair and frequent advisor and mentor to hundreds of other volunteers and staff over time. His passion for the USTA League Program is simply unmatched anywhere in the world.”

Alden’s recent recognition for his volunteer work is not the first time his contributions have been noticed. He is a two-time USTA Colorado service award winner being the recipient of the 2001 Jody Riser Knudsen Award for Volunteer of the Year and the 2014 Bud Robineau Award for Contributions to the Tennis Community, as well as being the recipient of the 2018 USTA Intermountain Section’s David Freed Award for Lifetime Service to Tennis.

Fritz Garger, USTA Colorado Executive Director, has worked extensively with Alden through the years with Alden’s involvement as a member of the USTA Colorado’s League Committee and Board of Directors.

“Alden is an institution. A remarkable person who has done so much for tennis Most will never know all the behind the scenes work he’s done – but it’s extensive and meaningful!”

With everything that Alden has given to tennis, he still feels that he has gotten more than he has given. It is the connections with people that has had the greatest impact him.

“I have most enjoyed being able to meet fellow volunteers from across the country who share my love for tennis as well as getting to watch the passion and excitement amongst players that comes during District, Sectional and National Championships.” 

In addition to the great memories that Alden has from his tennis volunteer experiences, he has also had a few moments with tennis greatness including being a ball boy for Don Budge, meeting Rod Laver and spending a few days with Martina Navratilova during a 2005 snowstorm.

Colorado is lucky to have Alden and all that he does for tennis. Jason Rogers, USTA Colorado League Programs Director, sums it up well when he says, “Alden's unwavering dedication and decades of volunteer service have enriched our USTA league programs both in Colorado and across the nation. His expertise in all aspects of tennis, coupled with his commitment, integrity and thoughtful nature, continue to inspire those who are fortunate to work with him. Alden is an invaluable asset to our tennis community, but more than that, he’s just an all-around great guy!” 

MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.