Lynda Hinshaw receives Woodie Walker CARE Award

Lynda got her start in officiating, really on a lark with a tennis friend who responded to the USTA’s call out for ushers and line judges for the first US Clay Courts Tournament to be held at the Indianapolis Racquet Club, in 1973. Both ladies figured being a line judge would be more fun than an usher, so they signed up to be trained as line judges. Thus, that first step transformed her love of tennis into a career that spanned decades and impacted everyone in her orbit.

An early mentor and eventual friend, Woodie Walker says of Lynda, “She clearly demonstrated the integrity needed, and worked hard making people feel comfortable, was very organized and a true people person.” Lynda says fondly of Woodie, “She was so welcoming, and we were not made to feel like the rookies we were.” Lynda moved into the Umpire Chair, urged on by Rosemary Helton, tennis enthusiast from Danville, Indiana, who told her “It’s the best seat in the house.”  Once Lynda established herself in the officiating ranks, she was always quick to mentor new folks eager to work in the game they loved, just as Woodie did for Lynda. Lynda chalks it all up to “being in the right place at the right time with the RIGHT PEOPLE.” Lynda continued her service to USTA Central Indiana serving as Head Referee for the District Qualifier, now the District Closed Championship, for many previous years.

Woodie Walker and Lynda Hinshaw served as Presidents of the USTA Central Indiana Board of Directors, both proving to be steadfast and dedicated leaders. Their leadership bolstered four women from USTA Central Indiana to the US Open Women’s Finals as Chair Umpire: Woodie Walker, Joyce Johnson, Vicki Taylor and of course, Lynda Henshaw. Through their tenure as President and beyond, they have set the standard of excellence in service that is still felt today. As current Executive Director Judy Tilmont says, “This is not a job we HAVE to do, but a job we GET to do.” This legacy of excellence and the consistent pursuit to meet that expectation shapes the vision and execution of each event and playing experience for our USTA Central Indiana members.