2026 Central Indiana District Awards

Our Board, Past Presidents, award recipients, along with their friends and family, all gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of the honorees. We were pleased to award the following:

 

Barbara Wynne Junior Sportsmanship Award

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

Isla Harvey

Isla Harvey is a senior at Westfield High School, where she has distinguished herself through excellence in athletics, academics, leadership and service. A four-year varsity tennis player, Isla has helped lead her team to sectional and regional championships, a Final Four appearance and multiple postseason runs. As Westfield's No. 1 singles player, she earned first-team All-State and first-team All-District honors in 2026, won the HCC No. 1 Singles Championship and Individual Sectional Championship, and was selected as HCC Athlete of the Year and Westfield Tennis MVP.

 

In the classroom, Isla has maintained a 4.1 GPA while actively participating in numerous academic and service organizations, including National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, DECA and peer tutoring. She advanced to DECA's International Career Development Conference in 2026 and plans to major in accounting in college.

 

Quote from nominator: 

“Isla is a leader on and off the court. As the team’s No. 1 singles player, she faced some of the state’s top players and consistently demonstrated composure and sportsmanship, even when opponents behaved poorly. She remained focused on her strategy and maintained a positive attitude throughout the season, including during the regional finals against the eventual state runner-up. After five years of team mental training, Isla has embraced these skills and become a player who represents herself and her team with pride.”

 

 

 

Willbur Schumacher Junior Sportsmanship Memorial Award

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

 

Samuel Robinson

Samuel Robinson is a junior at Zionsville Community High School, where he competes on the Zionsville Eagles’ varsity tennis team. Throughout high school, he has competed in both singles and doubles, developing into a well-rounded and experienced player. Through tennis, Samuel has learned valuable life lessons in discipline, perseverance, humility and respect for others.

 

Tennis has provided Samuel with opportunities to grow both on and off the court. Some of his most meaningful experiences include representing his faith through Zionsville High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and sharing his knowledge of the game by teaching private tennis lessons. These experiences have strengthened his appreciation for the sport and the positive impact it can have on others.

Samuel believes tennis is about more than winning matches. He values how players treat their opponents, respond to adversity and represent their school and community. He strives to compete with integrity and respect while continually growing as both a player and a student. For Samuel, good sportsmanship is demonstrated through personality, grit and the way he treats others, regardless of the outcome.

 

Outside of tennis and school, Samuel enjoys spending time with friends, fine-tuning his ping-pong skills, listening to country music and exploring the outdoors. Academically, he enjoys problem-solving in mathematics, speaking Spanish and learning about engineering.

Receiving the Wilbur Schumacher Junior Sportsmanship Award is a meaningful honor for Samuel. He is grateful for the opportunity to represent his school and community and to continue growing through the lessons the sport provides.

 

Quote from nominator: 

“Samuel Robinson is an excellent nominee for the USTA Sportsmanship Award. A junior at Zionsville Community High School, Sam demonstrates strong character on and off the court. He leads by example, inspires his teammates and consistently chooses to do what is right over what might help him win. His respect for others and commitment to making ethical decisions make him a deserving nominee.”

 

 

 

Joe Graham Memorial Award

For the USTA League Captain of the Year

 

Dennis Poe

Dennis graduated from Wes-Del High School in 1982 and then attended Ball State University. While there, he decided to take a tennis class, and that is when his love for tennis started. With a burning desire to become a better player, he soon started playing year-round at the Anderson Sports Center. He began teaching there and helping with kids’ clinics. He later coached at Frankton High School while his son Alex played there.

 

One of the people Dennis played regularly with was Joe Graham. This award means a lot to him because of the friendship he and Joe developed. They played with and against each other regularly long before either of them started playing USTA. Joe was a man of few words, but he let his actions speak for him. Joe did not like to lose, but he was always a good sport, whether he won or lost. That was something Dennis always admired about Joe.

 

Dennis started playing USTA in the early ’90s and began captaining in 1997. He has captained or played on nine teams that have gone on to play at nationals. He has even played USTA doubles matches with his son Alex. Alex also met his fiancée, Claire Liles, while they both played tennis at the University of Indianapolis. They have three children, Cadence, Lilah and Maddux.

 

Dennis feels very lucky that tennis has become a part of his life. He has met many friends through the sport and hopes to continue making more friends on and off the court while sharing his love for the game.

 

Quote from nominator: 

“Dennis is an excellent captain who balances team success with what’s best for the sport. He prioritizes fairness and sportsmanship, builds team chemistry and understands the role tennis plays in his players’ lives.”

 

 

 

Brad Holmes Award
For volunteer service that promotes youth tennis at the local level

 

Eva Herald

Eva started playing tennis at 15 when her school started a new tennis program. No one in the area played tennis, so everyone started by playing to enjoy it and have something to do outside of school. She soon fell in love with the sport and all facets of it. Everyone supported each other and learned to the best of their ability.

 

Now, at the age of 17, she has dedicated herself to the sport and has improved her game exponentially. She is a leader for the high school team and a coach at TCW tennis. Herald coaches to give kids in the area opportunities that she didn’t have. She believes that tennis impacts every area of someone’s life, and if she can help a child experience everything tennis has taught her, she will do everything in her power to do so.

 

Eva would like to thank her coaches who have shown her what it means to enjoy tennis. 

 

“Thank you to Coach Walke for teaching me the fundamentals and going out of your way to make sure I was having fun and not burning myself out. Thanks to Coach Rob for showing me that sometimes I just need a good laugh and that tennis is not just about winning and losing, but more about what you learn. And finally, thank you to Coach Alex Wittenbaum, who nominated me for this award. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have known how much tennis can impact my life. He has developed my game so much and taught me how to coach.”

 

Though her tennis journey is short, she believes God intended it that way. He gave me a unique view of tennis, and because of that, she can help kids in her area experience tennis as not just a sport, but a way of life that brings many challenges but also much joy.

 

Quote from nominator: 

“Eva demonstrates integrity in all aspects of her life, both on and off the court. She brings a positive attitude to tennis and welcomes students of all skill levels at the fieldhouse. She is always willing to help others improve, leading by example and inspiring younger players to follow her lead.”

 

 

 

Stan Malless Distinctive Service Award
For great contributions through volunteering for five years or more

 

James Garner

James Garner is a dedicated tennis coach, instructor and mentor whose passion for the sport is matched by a deep commitment to helping young people thrive. Inspired by the example of Arthur Ashe, James has introduced people of all ages and skill levels to the fundamentals and joy of tennis through patient instruction, encouragement and an emphasis on sportsmanship.

 

Beyond teaching technique, James creates a welcoming environment where every person can build confidence, resilience, teamwork and healthy habits. His thoughtful coaching and positive example have inspired young athletes to believe in themselves both on and off the court.

 

In recognition of his outstanding service and meaningful impact on youth through tennis, Garner is honored to receive the Stan Malless Distinctive Service Award. This award celebrates his dedication to expanding access to the game and using tennis as a powerful tool for growth, connection and equal opportunity for all to enjoy the benefits of our beautiful sport and the fellowship it promotes.

 

Garner has held USTA certifications as an umpire, referee and tournament director. He is also a PTR-certified tennis professional with more than 25 years of experience.

 

Quote from nominator: 

“James Garner has been involved in tennis for more than 50 years. From playing as a junior to coaching high school athletes, James has dedicated his life to growing the game. Today, he continues that work through free junior tennis clinics at Riverside Park, helping young players discover a love for tennis.”

 

 

 

Rick Van Horn Service Award
For continually striving to promote tennis on a local level

 

Alma Makurat

Alma was born and raised in South Bend, Ind. She graduated from Indiana University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and in 1975 with a master’s degree in reading education.

 

She married the love of her life, Steven Makurat, in 1974. They have lived in Bloomington since 1976 and have one daughter and four grandchildren.

 

Makurat taught in Monroe County Community School Corp. from 1978 to 2007. She began officiating for USTA and ITA in 1984, thinking it would be a good part-time job after retiring from teaching. Little did she know it would become almost a full-time job! Makurat also began scheduling for the USTA Central Indiana district in 2017. She was a tournament director for UIndy for six years and a tournament director for several regional ITA Division II tournaments hosted by UIndy.

 

She has enjoyed meeting so many wonderful officials, coaches, players and parents throughout the years and will deeply miss seeing them regularly. She looks forward to spending more time at home with her family and grandkids, with plenty of time to kick back in her recliner whenever she likes!

 

Quote from nominator: 

“Alma has coordinated USTA officials for Central Indiana tournaments for more than 10 years. Her year-round commitment and weekly coordination are essential to supporting officials and expanding tournament opportunities across the district, including some of the area’s largest events.”