2022 MS Hall of Fame Inductee: Berry Campagna

“Years ago, the US Open did not hire enough officials to call lines,” Cunningham explained. “There were times they would ask if any of the spectators were interested in taking a course and becoming an official. Berry raised her hand, took a one-hour course and started that day. For more than 30 years after that, she officiated all the tournaments in the Pittsburgh area.”

Campagna embraced her new role in the tennis world, making an immediate impact in AMD and Middle States. She organized the Allegheny Mountain District Umpire Association and served as the first chair, and later became the Association's President. She served as Middle States Girls Ranking Official for 14 years, chaired the Adult Competition Committee, and was the energy behind the first Middle States 2001 Extravaganza in Hershey, Pa.

“Anytime I had a question about a ruling I would go to her,” said Rochelle Seilhammer, a friend of Campagna’s and a longtime Pittsburgh area coach and official. “Everyone would go to her because she knew that book front to back. I wouldn’t have any other person help me with tournaments because when Berry was involved, everything ran like clockwork.”

Campagna was recognized for her impact. In 1999, she received the Nicholas E. Powel Award — the highest national award you can give to an official. This distinguished award recognizes outstanding officials at the local level, deeming them the backbone of officiating in the USTA. She received her award where it all began: at the US Open. 

Then in 2001, Campagna received the Mangan Award, which is USTA Middle States’ highest recognition of achievement and service. The award cites “her significant contributions to the game of tennis” and states that “her skill at interpreting and enforcing the rules of tennis is exceeded only by her love of the game itself.”

Campagna’s dedication to serving her community, and tennis, touched all who knew her. 

“There aren’t enough adjectives to describe her,” said Lois Huggins, an official and longtime friend of Campagna. “She was a friend to the tennis world, and to the umpire world.”

After battling breast cancer, Campagna actively raised funds and held events benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation for roughly 20 years. Campagna and her daughter sold tennis apparel and accessories, giving all of the proceeds to the foundation. She also organized a ProAm event, helping to benefit a cause so near and dear to her heart. 

Wheelchair tennis also became a passion of Campagna’s. She was the Wheelchair Tennis Committee chair in her district and organized numerous wheelchair tennis events in her area.  

Her selflessness, desire to see others succeed, and eagerness to give back are all ways people describe Campagna. Many also described her as “like a mother” because she was always there for them. Someone who always knew the answer, was easy to talk to, and could give the history of Pittsburgh tennis if you only had the time.

“She was dedicated to training officials and seeing that they learn how to do their job properly,” Huggins said. “Then she would monitor: making sure they got work, did it properly, and hired them when she was a referee.”

Seilhammer echoed those sentiments.

“She was kind of like a mother to me,” she said. “She was there for me when I needed help and I miss her dearly.”

“Berry was the heart and soul of officiating in Allegheny Mountain District,” Huggins added. “She was dedicated, professional, and truly cared about doing a good job. She always wanted to make sure things were being done right. She was the ultimate local official.”