2023 District Awards

We were pleased to award the following:

Barbara S. Wynne Junior Sportsmanship Award

For a high degree of sportsmanship, playing ability and mental attitude

Caroline Robinson

Student at North Central High School

"My name is Caroline Robinson. I am a senior at North Central High School where I play on the varsity tennis team and manage the boys varsity tennis team. I began playing tennis at the age of six on the North Central High School tennis courts with Barbara Wynne. This is where my passion began. I currently play at Pearson Automotive with Smith Tennis and train individually with Dan Brunette. I compete in tennis tournaments in the Midwest year-round. Outside of playing tennis I also am passionate about mentoring and coaching younger athletes during the summer at the Indianapolis Community Tennis Program. During the summers I also have the opportunity to co-head coach for the Special Olympics Tennis Programs for Washington Township. This past spring season, I competed in the State Tournament with my doubles partner. Unfortunately, we lost in the finals, but this loss gave me a new perspective. I realized that through uncertainties, disappointments and even losses, I have learned many life lessons that will serve me in the future. As I look to my next chapter in life and in tennis, I know there will be more challenges and disappointments. I plan to play college tennis while pursuing a degree in nursing. The lessons I have learned about perseverance, the value of a team and gratitude will serve me, my teammates and my coworkers well. The best piece of advice I have received regarding tennis is that pressure is a privilege. I was told this frequently by my coach before high school matches. I will forever remember this because of the meaning behind it. To feel pressure, you as the player earn those situations. You are found in those situations when you put in the hard work and take nothing for granted. I have been fortunate enough to be in many of those high-pressure situations and I am thankful for that."

“Caroline is the heart and soul of the North Central High School girls tennis
team… She pushes and motivates her teammates to practice, play and improve,
and is the team's biggest cheerleader. She embodies everything that is good in
sports and competition.” — from the nomination

Wilbur Schumacher Junior Sportsmanship Memorial Award

For a high degree of sportsmanship, playing ability and mental attitude

Owen Schellhase
Student at University High School

"As a child, I had multiple athletic interests. Tennis was not initially one of them. Many start playing at a young age, building a base foundation. My journey, however, was not as straightforward. Being the quarterback on the football team was my passion until I broke my wrist. When this happened, my football career ended and I picked up a new sport, tennis. I showed up to the first day of tennis practice having zero knowledge about the sport, but I grew to love the independence. In this sport, no teammate can step in, and the mental challenge is unparalleled. I have learned to control what I can and not worry about anything else. My passion grew and I started training outside of school. I played in my first-ever USTA tournament. In high school, I attended University. Although I was not a perfect player, I won all my challenge matches my freshman year and was thrust into a 1-singles role, my spot all of high school. After this season, I met the most influential person in my career, Alex Wittenbaum, or Big A. He developed me as a player. He encouraged me to play as much tennis as I could while still balancing life. I have seen constant improvement and have only seen my passion for the game grow. My passion for tennis has grown beyond the game. I have started coaching as I feel it is a great way to give back. I have learned that it is not just about developing better tennis players; it's about nurturing the growth of individuals. During the pandemic, I taught myself how to string racquets and now do this for local players, keeping their racquets ready for match play. Tennis has been more than a sport in my life; it's been a source of inspiration and personal growth. It has shaped my character, equipped me with life skills and connected me to a wonderful community of people who share the same passion."

“Owen had done an amazing job over the years of not only excelling his game
on the court, but becoming a quality person off the court as well. Owen plays
number one singles for University High School and has excelled as a leader on
the team. He organizes drills and team bonding activities. Also, Owen has been
a Good Samaritan by staying after practice and hitting with lesser experienced
players on the team to help them get more invested in tennis. Thirdly, Owen
has put in countless hours of hard work in the early mornings, and late nights in
private sessions with me, while providing the utmost respect for his elders and
always asking great questions.” — from the nomination

Joe Graham Memorial Award

For the USTA League Captain of the Year

Lisa Nelson
Captain and Volunteer on the USTA Central Indiana Adult League Committee

"Growing up, I did not play sports. Around 30, I took a couple of lessons, then started playing occasionally with friends. I did not take tennis “seriously” until I was in my early forties and moved from the Chicago suburbs. I joined Carmel Racquet Club, started playing CIWITL and on USTA teams, and I was hooked! Once I found my love for tennis, I decided to take on the role of captain in 2007. I have been captaining teams every year since, with some combination of ladies, combo and mixed teams - for 16 years! I love playing as I am a competitive person by nature. I enjoy my teammates. It is great for my health and there is always something new to learn. As captain, I enjoy the challenge of keeping everything organized, “herding the cats,” and watching others enjoy the game as much as I do. Tennis has become a huge part of my life. Over the years I have met many wonderful people, and have been blessed with developing friendships that will last forever. I try to create an atmosphere on my teams that promotes good sportsmanship, respect and is low drama, while still being competitive and having fun! For the last couple of years, I have been volunteering on the USTA Central Indiana Adult League Committee, and have enjoyed learning about the challenges and what goes on in the background of our local leagues. When I am not playing tennis or working on my duties as captain, I love to garden and share my love of plants with others – I became a Master Gardener a couple of years ago. I also enjoy golfing with my 12-year-old grandson, and watching our two grandchildren grow! I am still holding out hope that I can encourage them both to take up tennis someday! Dan retired in 2022, and we hope there’s a lot of traveling in our future, including our goal of attending all four tennis majors - one down, three to go!"

“Lisa is the epitome of a true leader. Anyone fortunate enough to be on her
team can attest to that. She consistently gives her team unwavering support
whether they win or lose and she attends every game even if she is not playing.
Lisa follows all the rules and keeps everything extremely organized. She is a
top-notch communicator and this helps us improve and see how we can level
up our play. Lisa exemplifies the meaning of Captain- a true leader!”  — from the nomination

Brad Holmes Award

For volunteer service that promotes youth tennis at the local level

 
Libby Banet
USTA Junior Team Tennis Participant from Southern Indiana

"I started playing tennis around the age of five. I was active in both competitive softball and tennis until around age 15. After a shoulder injury, I had to make a choice and chose to pursue my passion and play tennis only. During my junior tennis career, I have won several USTA tournaments, including a win in Level 4. I am currently a senior at Floyd Central High School in Southern Indiana. During my time at Floyd Central, I have been selected for First Team All State Doubles, State Doubles Runner-Up, All District and All Conference for both singles and doubles. I have also been named News and Tribune Player of the Year. With these honors, I am excited to continue my tennis career at Kentucky Wesleyan College. In addition to playing tennis, I also enjoy coaching. After college, my dream would be to run a tennis club and coach a college or high school tennis team. Currently, I get to practice being a coach as the assistant for Highland Hills Middle School girls tennis team. During their season, I have found a passion for coaching them during their matches. In addition to coaching, I enjoy being involved in local tennis. I give lessons and have helped conduct summer match play programs to get local players more match experience. “It is just tennis!” My coach Rex Ecarma tells me this weekly. Hearing these words help me relax and enjoy the game more. Enjoying the game is important as I am in it daily. Playing and coaching tennis have taught me time management skills which are vital when managing school work, coaching, playing and wanting to be successful in all these areas. Thanks to tennis I have learned how to have a positive attitude even during losses, as I know each loss is an opportunity to learn."

“Libby is not just a talented player in USTA tournaments and high school tennis
but a hardworking volunteer. She has not only coached at the local level for
multiple years but has provided hours of one-on-one time with younger players.
She is passionate about growing the game and has helped develop a mentor
program for high school and middle school students. Libby also created a
match play program for kids giving them valuable court experience and
continues helping at clinics for kids of all ages in Southern Indiana." — from the nomination

(Libby Banet was not in attendance. Her award will be presented at a later date.)

Rick Van Horn Service Award

For continually striving to promote tennis on a local level

Jack Joyce
Head Professional Junior Coach at Tri-State Tennis Club in Evansville, Indiana

"I began playing tennis at the age of six, growing up in Bournemouth, England. My best friend at the time played tennis at a local club. I joined him one week and fell in love! I played competitively throughout my junior years with my county and high school team, competing in high-level tournaments within the United Kingdom and Europe. As a foreign exchange student, I played for the University of Southern Indiana from 2013 through 2016, where I was part of the conference and regional winning team in 2013, making the school’s first appearance at the national championships. Twenty-four years later, having found a career as a tennis professional, tennis is still a huge part of my life. The best advice I have received about tennis is, “Don’t take yourself too seriously and enjoy the moment.” This has helped me not only in competition but also in my career as a tennis coach and professional. On the court, it helped relieve high pressure. As a coach, it has enabled me to build better relationships with my students and enjoy my time with them. Tennis has taught me a number of skills including time management, patience and the importance of communication among other things. Additionally, I found that when I was competing it was only me out there. So having a sense of accountability while also being coached and corrected was paramount.
Much of my life has really been defined by the sport of tennis. I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have had. As I reflect now, I realize how much joy and meaning it has given to me and recognize the role it has played in the growing and shaping of my mind and character. Receiving this award came as a complete surprise. I am so sincerely humbled. Moreover, I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the lives of so many players."

“Jack Joyce works hard day in and day out so that his players can succeed on
the court… Every parent and kid at Tri-State Tennis Club loves him. He just
understands the importance of making everyone feel like they are a part of the
team. He not only improves the players’ tennis but also improves them as
people.” — from the nomination

Stan Malless Award

For great contributions through volunteering for five years or more

Gary Purlee
President of the Jeffersonville Community Tennis Association

"For the record, I am quite possibly the worst tennis player to ever receive an award from USTA Central Indiana. My tennis career began my junior year of high school when a friend insisted I join the tennis team which was short of players. He swore it would be fun, and that tennis was an easy sport to master. After much persuasion, I agreed to give it a try. I soon realized his advice was correct.

I can honestly say that joining the tennis team was one of the best experiences of my life. Many of my best friends came from that team. And it changed how I viewed myself when I was awarded a school athletic letter… more for persistence than anything, I suspect. I was no longer that nerdy kid but had earned the same recognition as that star football player. A half century later, when I had the opportunity to take the helm of our tennis booster club, I jumped at the opportunity. Looking back, we had inherited a mess. All of the clinics and tournaments which the school had once proudly hosted were past history and player enrollment had hit a low point. But I was fortunate. There was once again a good core team comprised of parents and coaches along with a delightful group of players. A year later we had added year-around clinics including a summer clinic with 150 participants from 20 schools, we reinstated our tournaments, brought back our eight-team high school invitational and developed key relationships with USTA. We are preparing to roll out a tennis program in our elementary schools later this year. It comes back to a great team bound by a common vision and held together by a sense of mission… and fun."

“Jeffersonville tennis has a long tradition of success, but the program had fallen
on hard times. Under Gary’s leadership, the program is back on the map, and
the groundwork has been laid for even greater growth and success in the
future.” — from the nomination

Congratulations to all of our award winners!