2023 Annual Conference Recap

The 2023 USTA Missouri Valley Annual Conference, hosted November 30 - December 2, wrapped up yet another successful year in our section. The Olathe Conference Center hosted the event and provided a memorable experience for all attendees.

The conference culminated on day three with the unveiling of the 2023 USTA Missouri Valley Highlights Video. This year-end video highlighted the sights and sounds from around our section this year.

The conference looked a little different this year, with the return of programming and sessions beginning on Thursday, November 30. Another new aspect was that certified teaching professionals were able to earn Continuing Education (CE) credits for both the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR). Thursday was all about celebrating the continued surge in tennis participation under the theme of “Tennis is Booming.” Sessions throughout the day included a panel discussion on how to successfully keep up with tennis demand, rotating sessions covering advocating for tennis in your community, fundraising and technology and a kickoff rally led by president Alex Lee and Executive Director Mary Buschmann. Thursday’s festivities culminated with a "Red Ball for All” event at Overland Park Racquet Club where the courts were set up for attendees to play Red Ball Tennis matches.

Friday morning started with presentations from a variety of guest speakers, including representatives from USTA National and ClubSpark. Topics included technology updates for tennis providers, World Tennis Number updates and high school platform updates. The afternoon was full of committee meetings that covered everything from adult play to diversity, equity & inclusion. 

Friday's festivities concluded with a Welcome Reception, allowing guests to socialize over food and drinks. Raffle prizes were also handed out to some lucky winners.

Saturday morning kicked off with a sitdown conversation between Mary Buschmann and USTA National vice president Brian Vahaly to talk about the current state of tennis. Then came multiple committee meetings, including the officials committee and the junior play committee.

The conference continued at 11:30 a.m., with the Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Celebration emceed by Scott Hanover.

Shelley George of Bradenton, Florida (formerly Iowa City, Iowa) and Alex Lee of Wichita, Kansas were proudly inducted into the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame for their contributions to growing the game. Congratulations to these two for this incredible tennis accomplishment!

A highlight of the event was when the USTA Missouri Valley 2023 Award Winners were recognized during the program. Excellence was recognized for players, providers, facilities, organizations, diversity and sportsmanship. There were also a few surprise awards announced throughout the afternoon. Dwight Davis Tennis Center was announced as Racquet Sports Industry’s 2023 Public Tennis Facility of the Year and we were also thrilled to announce that USTA Missouri Valley was the 2023 USTA Section of the Year! Look for the official announcement in RSI’s “Champions of Tennis” issue soon.

The final surprise of the afternoon came with the announcement of the 2023 President's Award winner. Lee got the opportunity to give the award to his close friend and mentor Connie Robertson for her work as a community tennis organizer especially with Native American tribes in Kansas.

USTA Missouri Valley is grateful for all of those who’ve supported the section through the year and looks forward to what 2024 has in store.

Please click here to see the full photo gallery from the weekend.