In Retrospect: The Top Stories of 2023

“USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame inductee Dan Wellington on his Road to Tennis and Coaching the Next Generation”

USTA Heart of America Hall of Fame inductee Dan Wellington chats with me about his passion for tennis and his inspiring athletic background, and shares his thoughts on coaching junior players from childhood to college.

March

“USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame Member Terry Miller’s Tennis Journey”

In honor of Women’s History Month, we chronicled the tennis history of Terry Miller, a long-time USTA League captain, selfless volunteer, and member of the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame class of 2002.

April

“More Tri-Level Leagues This Summer”

In April, we were excited to share some big news: new Tri-Level Leagues were shaping up for the summer season!

May

“Getting to Know Genesis St. Joseph’s Tennis Director, Shashank Nautiyal”

During National Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, I was able to interview Genesis St. Joseph’s Tennis Director Shashank Nautiyal, who has been integral in bringing tennis back to the greater St. Joseph community.

June

“Stonewall Sports Kicks Off Tennis League During Pride Month”

Stonewall Sports Kansas City, a chapter of non-profit Stonewall Sports, kicked off an inclusive, LGBTQIA+ tennis league at the Plaza Tennis Center in Kansas City in June.

July

“Kansas City Open Brings the Heat to the Plaza Tennis Center”

The Kansas City Open, the third tournament of the MoKanNeb Adult Tournament Series, took over the courts at the Plaza Tennis Center in late June, and the competition was fierce.

August

“Local Teen Awarded Prestigious USTA Foundation Scholarship”

Local high school tennis standout Russell Lokko was awarded the $40,000 Donald Lawson Tisdel College Scholarship Award from the USTA Foundation. The scholarship would apply to his education at the University of Louisville, where he’s part of the school’s Division I tennis team.

September

“Hispanic Heritage Month: USTA, Stephanie Waterman Foundation Bring Tennis to KCK Public Schools”

USTA Missouri Valley has partnered with the Stephanie Waterman Foundation and Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools since 2021 to bring tennis to students who otherwise might not get introduced to the sport. This article includes insight into the program as it stands today.

October

“USTA Heart of America Awards”

This article shared the 2023 USTA Heart of America Award winners with our readers. Award winners were honored at the USTA Heart of America Annual Awards Dinner on November 8 at Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, KS.

November

“One Love Clinics Highlight Health Benefits of Tennis”

Ron Tankel and Michael-Ray Pallares are on a mission to use tennis as a tool to help individuals with mental health issues. Their One Love clinics brought that mission to Kansas City for a third straight year.

December

“Get to Know the Many Health Benefits of Tennis”

We wrapped up the year with an article that details the many health benefits of tennis, which is amplified by the inspiring messages of two players who credit tennis to helping them get–and remain–healthy.