Ethel Parker, Toledo's Can-Do Coach

When asked what her title is, Ethel Parker refers to herself as a delegate at large for the USTA. Ethel also coaches a 3.0 Women's League Team, and she's the founder of Parker's Tennis Camp in Ohio where the kids know her as Miss Ethel. 

Truly a go-getter, Miss Ethel has a long list of former titles all-deserving of a quick mention and long-lasting celebration. She's been a part of at least four USTA committees dating back to the 1980s. She's an award-winning tennis player, a National Senior Olympian, captain of several championship teams, the past president of three different tennis associations, and a retired softball coach. In summary, Ethel has devoted much of her life to tennis and anyone who wants to play, uplifting women and children across the Buckeye State, all while improving her own game.

Nearly 50 years later, she continues to prove him right. Ethel is 79 years old and plays tennis to win, earning more than 300 trophies since she started. She describes herself as having, "a competitive nature."

To be sure, Ethel is an outstanding athlete with a can-do attitude. And she does it all — women's doubles, mixed doubles and singles. By 2011, Ethel and her playing partner Horace Rice had won gold, silver, and bronze medals in State and National Senior Olympics play. As the first Black mixed doubles team to do so, they made history in their age division. And being a trailblazer herself, Ethel has worked alongside Billie Jean King on a tennis project here and there. But when Ethel talks about why she loves tennis, she brings it back to the kids.

More than 20 years ago, Ethel founded Parker's Tennis Camp, which takes place in neighborhood parks, like the one she used to pass on her way to softball.

"I want to give something back to the kids who had never played tennis at the clubs because they can’t afford it," Ethel explains. "They don’t have to own a racquet because I supply the racquets, and the balls, and even tennis clothes. I get donations from the club for tennis clothes so they don’t feel left out. When I spread those clothes out on the picnic table, they choose their outfits, and they’re happy. I like that… I like to see the kids with a smile on their faces."