At the Heart of USTA Mid-Atlantic
Volunteers are at the heart of USTA Mid-Atlantic. As a nonprofit organization, our dedicated, passionate and tennis-loving volunteers are integral to succeeding on the mission and continue to make an impact beyond the net.
National Volunteer Week, celebrated annually in April, is an opportunity to recognize the vital role of volunteers and thank them for all that they do to support the growth of tennis in the Section.
One such volunteer who continues to make an impact on and off the court, while supporting the mission of growing the sport is Teresa Lemair. Teresa is a committed tournament director in the Section and has volunteered on multiple USTA Mid-Atlantic committees for the past seven years. Currently, she chairs the USTA Mid-Atlantic Youth Play Committee.
“The Committee provides feedback on the junior pathway, match play, player health, sportsmanship, growing the game, and rules and regulations” of tennis in the Mid Atlantic area,” Teresa said.
Additional responsibilities on this committee include providing recommendations to continually improve junior programs and events for all players in the Section. Ensuring tennis is accessible in the Mid-Atlantic and creating a positive environment for all is paramount.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Teresa to get her perspective on the importance of tennis and learn why she volunteers with USTA Mid-Atlantic.
USTA Mid-Atlantic: What drew you to tennis?
Teresa Lemair: I married a tennis pro and within a short time I was teaching tennis, stringing racquets, organizing lessons and running a small pro shop. I used to go to tournaments with my husband and watch him play. Once we started having children and they started playing, I was immersed completely. Tennis is truly life!
How has tennis become an important aspect in your life?
I love watching the positive impact of tennis on so many people around me. I can’t imagine a family vacation without my children running me to the ground on the court! And I think it’s great to see how every person enjoys the sport in some manner. People always ask me if my kids play tennis - they do, but each in a different way. Some liked to play on a super competitive level, some preferred to stick to drills and games, some liked to go out and hit with a friend, some have used it to meet new people, and some used it for exercise. And I have enjoyed getting to know so many people through tennis, some of my closest friends were ones I met through tennis.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with USTA Mid-Atlantic?
I enjoy working with people that bring different experiences. All of us on the committee are on different roads of tennis, but together we think through and help establish/improve programs for youth play in the Mid-Atlantic that take into consideration things like sportsmanship, the competitive pathway, and growing the game, and MORE.
What motivates you to volunteer with the Mid-Atlantic Section?
I like feeling like I can make an impact on tennis in the area. I have a unique perspective as a parent, provider, official, and the discussion I am a part of as a volunteer adds to that as well.
What do you think is the most important work you do for the tennis community through volunteering with USTA Mid-Atlantic?
Hopefully we are making the tennis experience in the Mid Atlantic a positive one for everyone. There are so many benefits of tennis for people of all ages, we want them to be a part of it.
Using three words, how would you describe tennis in the Mid-Atlantic?
Thriving, Opportunity, Fun
With passion, dedication, love for the game, and care for all players in the Section, volunteers in the Mid-Atlantic step up to serve others and we thank them for all that they do.
If you are looking to volunteer with tennis the USTA Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Program is your source for volunteer opportunities. Opportunities include volunteering at local tournaments, writing tennis articles and other content for USTA Mid-Atlantic’s blog, or supporting the strategic vision of the organization by serving on a committee.
The possibilities are endless, so become a USTA Mid-Atlantic volunteer today!
Stay up to date on USTA Mid-Atlantic by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and by subscribing to USTA Mid-Atlantic’s YouTube Channel.
USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.
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