2025 Midwest Awards

USTA League Volunteer of the Year Award

This award recognizes the USTA League Volunteer who has provided leadership and made a significant contribution to the growth and enhancement of USTA League play within their district and the USTA Midwest section.

2025 Recipient: Ann Taylor (Chicago District)

Ann Taylor has been playing tennis since she was 10 years old in Northern California. She has been part of the Chicago District since the late 1990s, where Taylor has captained several 5.0 and 9.0 USTA League teams. Since 2020, she has been a member of USTA Chicago's Adult Play Committee. Taylor has also volunteered on the National Women's Tennis Organization's Philanthropy Committee, where she contributes towards projects aimed at increasing the participation of tournament players in Level 1-4 tournaments. From 2003 to 2017, Taylor served as the executive director for the Chicagoland Indoor Tennis Association.

The Bender Family Wheelchair Performance Award

The Bender Family encompasses the dedication and true desire to develop the game of wheelchair tennis. This award recognizes a volunteer, wheelchair player, teaching professional or coach who has made outstanding contributions and has demonstrated excellence in the sport of wheelchair tennis. The recipient has shown evidence of dedication to improving, advancing and promoting wheelchair tennis in their community with the USTA Midwest. 

2025 Recipient: Valerie Wallace (Western Michigan District)

Valerie Wallace was introduced to wheelchair tennis in 1981, one year after she survived a car accident that resulted in the amputation of her right leg and multiple injuries to her left leg. She fell in love with tennis and became a trailblazer, becoming one of the first known female wheelchair tennis players in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Organization of the Year Award

Established in 1981 and presented annually by each Section, this award recognizes outstanding service by a Member Organization, its members and to the game of tennis.

2025 Recipient: Thrive Through Tennis (Northeastern Ohio District)

Wallace R. Holzman, Sr. - Junior Male Player Award 

This award recognizes an outstanding 16 or 18-and-under-age division male player from the Section for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship and amateurism.

2025 Recipient: Keenan Haws (Wisconsin District)

Keenan Haws has shown exceptional character, leadership and sportsmanship as part of the Cedarburg High School Bulldogs varsity tennis team. As a freshman, he set a goal to grow the tennis program by creating an Instagram account to raise awareness and invite students to try tennis. Off of social media, he gave free lessons and donated his own gear to other players. Thanks to his efforts, the program continues to thrive.

Cap Leighton – Teaching Professional Award

This award recognizes the teaching professional who contributes to tennis in his or her community beyond his or her livelihood. This person contributes freely to promote involvement in tennis for players of all levels and ages and assists in developing tennis programs and participation in these programs.

2025 Recipient: Basit Syed (Chicago District)

Basit Syed is the director of tennis at HealthTrack Sports Wellness and the owner of Baseline Racquet Sports, a local tennis store supporting the Chicago area's racquet sports needs. Syed became a tennis leader in high school; during his second year on the team, he was chosen to be captain. He also held that title during his university years, where he competed on a junior college team in 2013 and 2015, qualifying for nationals both years. From 2016 to 2021, he coached the same college’s boys and girls teams and led them to three national appearances.