Hines and Rasmussen Earn Champions of Tennis Awards

NEW YORK, NY — Jane Hines of Omaha, Neb., and Sara Rasmussen of Wichita, Kan., have both been named winners of Racquet Sports Industry magazine (formerly Tennis Industry magazine)’s 2019 Champions of Tennis Awards in the publication’s January 2020 issue. 

The world-leading tennis trade magazine’s 19th annual Champions of Tennis Awards are given with the purpose of honoring people, businesses and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis.

Hines was awarded Adaptive Tennis Champion of the Year, with Racquet Sports Industry publishing this paragraph in the magazine: 

“About 15 years ago, while working at a Nebraska Special Olympics tennis event, Jane Hines felt compelled to establish a year-round tennis program for adaptive athletes, so Special Olympians can play in organized programs for more than just the six weeks prior to the state event. Starting with seven athletes in 2005, Hines and colleague Tammy Hill created Omaha “Tennis Buddies,” which has now grown to 45 players. Just as importantly, Tennis Buddies programs have sprouted in other communities throughout USTA Missouri Valley. In getting Tennis Buddies o the ground, Hines assumed many roles, including grant writer, webmaster, photographer, mentor, tournament director and cheerleader. In 2011, she was on the steering committee that created an event for all these programs to come together for a friendly annual competition called the Fred Johnson ALL Stars Event, attracting more than 100 athletes. For her dedication to promoting tennis to the adaptive community, Hines is RSI’s 2019 Adaptive Tennis Champion of the Year.” (Paragraph written by Manon Eilts.)

 Rasmussen was honored as Youth Tennis Provider of the Year, with Racquet Sports Industry sharing this paragraph:

“Sara Rasmussen, RSI’s Youth Tennis Provider of the Year, personifies the servant-leadership philosophy, first exemplified in her role as director of local community centers, where she incorporated youth tennis instruction. In 2018, Rasmussen became director of the Ralph Wulz Riverside Tennis Center, an indoor/outdoor facility in Wichita, Kan. Under her direction and tireless work, Riverside serves all facets of community youth players. “Sara is incredibly patient with the kids and coaches,” says JTT Coordinator Janet Glaser. “She’s a real problem solver.” Rasmussen organizes USTA Smashers events, Team Challenges, Junior Tournaments, Junior Team Tennis, lessons and more. She helps with Net Generation events and organizes free community lessons. Riverside is now the largest Net Generation School Partner in USTA Kansas. “Sara’s energy and commitment to junior tennis show me the kids have a great future in the sport,” says former district president Ron Wherritt.” (Paragraph written by Manon Eilts.)

In the magazine feature, readers can find Hine’s recognition on page 14 and Rasmussen’s on page 16. 

Racquet Sports Industry (formerly Tennis Industry) has been covering the tennis business and the sport for 48 years. Available in both print and digital editions, RSI is the official publication of the Tennis Industry Association, U.S. Racquet Stringers Association and American Sports Builders Association. Visit www.tennisindustrymag.com.

Press release information credited to Peter Francesconi of Racquet Sports Industry magazine.