USTA Awards Jonelle Smith - Leadership Award

 The USTA has announced that Jonelle Smith of Frankfort, Ind., was selected as the recipient of the Barbara Williams Leadership Award. Smith was honored at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in New York City.

Established in 2003, the award honors the late Barbara Williams, a longtime USTA volunteer who has devoted much of her time and energy to promote the sport of tennis. It recognizes a female volunteer who, through her leadership and by example, has encouraged and inspired others to become volunteers and assume leadership roles at the community, section and/or national levels of the USTA.

Smith began volunteering nearly 30 years ago on the Western Tennis Association Education and Recreation Committee. In 1992, Smith was named Outstanding League Director, one of two in the United States, by World Team Tennis for her work with adult leagues in Frankfort. She has served as the USTA/Midwest Section President, USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation President and USTA Schools Committee Chair.

Smith has promoted tennis and given back to the sport for many years, and working with junior players has been her passion. She has the best coaching record at Frankfort High School. In 2003, Smith was inducted into the Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame and received various awards while coaching.

“Smith has been a tireless worker for many years within the USTA,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, USTA. “Jonelle is a true ambassador of the game especially when it comes to motivating young players about all the great things the game has to offer.”

The USTA Semi-Annual Meeting and Conference brings together USTA Leadership, national staff, national committee members and section volunteers and staff in pursuit of the USTA mission: To promote and develop the growth of tennis. Along with leadership and committee meetings, the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting provides education opportunities for all attendees to develop and enhance their personal and professional skills and learn new ways to promote the game of tennis.