Tulsa's Dean Richardville was recently named the winner of the 2022 USTA Nicholas E. Powel Award,. Given each year to a grass-roots official, the Powel Award recognizes the importance of officiating at the local level. Since 1990, the award has been given to officials who work primarily at section or amateur events, have a supportive attitude toward grass-roots programs, and are positive role models.
Richardville, has been an official for 13 years and currently serves as both the Chair of Officiating for USTA Oklahoma and the Vice Chair of Officiating for USTA Missouri Valley. He has worked local, district and Section events, while also officiating various levels of collegiate tennis. He has a sustained record of excellence at all levels of officiating, having been named the USTA Missouri Valley official of the year twice, most recently in 2021, and the Oklahoma Official of the Year multiple times.
"Dean Richardville is an outstanding community official who is dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly passionate about officiating, the rules, the players, and ensuring grassroots tennis events are staffed by the most qualified officials," said Anthony Montero, Head Referee NCAA DI Championships, Chair National ITA Officials Committee, Member USTA Officials Committee and USTA Educator & Trainer.
Richardville is currently certified as a USTA Rover, Academy Referee and F2 Chair. He makes a point to work all levels of events year in and year out. In 2021, he was the head official for the Level 1: USTA Girls' 16 Sections Invitational Championship at Racquet & Health 91 in Tulsa.
"Dean Richardville is in my opinion the hardest working official in Oklahoma," said USTA Oklahoma Executive Director David Minihan. "He is my go to referee for my events."
In 2022, Richardville roved at 29 days worth of events, including serving as an official for 10 of those tournaments. However, his work off the court is just as impactful as his work on it.
Richardville cosistently works with many newer officials on skill development and technique and assisting them with the certification process. He is also very active in helping recruit new officials by placing information cards at various locations about how to become an USTA Official and by having items in the monthly USTA Oklahoma newsletter.
He is in charge of recruiting, educating and organizing officials at every local and section tournament held in Oklahoma. He is passionate about making sure facilities have the appropriate quality and quantity of officials to make the tournament experience a positive and safe one for our players and their families. He is a blessing for any tournament director that has the honor of working with him.
"As a tournament director, I know when I have Dean on site I don't have to worry about anything on the court," Minihan said. "Dean will know what to do and handle it correctly."
He is compassionate and empathetic towards players without ever sacrificing his integrity or professionalism. He embodies what a referee should be and maintains the same attention to detail and passion regardless of the level of the tournament, from district tournaments up to NCAA Division I championships.
"he Nicholas E. Powel Award honors excellence in grassroots officiating. I cannot think of a person who embodies that description more than Dean Richardville," said Lisa Minihan, USTA Nominating Committee Member.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Sign up for our Newsletter
