2022 Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship Recipients Announced

Two Iowa college students are the recipients of this year’s Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship. The scholarship was named on behalf of Fackel, who was active in the USTA at the state, section and national levels. Both students will receive $1,000 to use toward their college fees.

Tricia Veldhuizen of Runnels, Iowa, is one of the recipients, attending Iowa State University, majoring in Animal Science. She previously attended Iowa Central Community College and played for the women’s tennis team. She enjoys the fun atmosphere of tennis and the friends and coaches she’s met along the way.

“This scholarship means an opportunity to continue my education to improve my community and impact others in their tennis abilities,” she said. “After college I plan to find a career in swine genetics and look for potential coaching opportunities.”

Caroline Chandler of Iowa City is the second scholarship recipient. She is a sophomore at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she plays for the women’s tennis team. She is double-majoring in Communications and Political Science and hopes to someday work for an advertising agency or international organization.

Chandler is proud that she earned this scholarship, and said it’s proof that hard work pays off both in the classroom and on the tennis court.

“I think tennis is unique in the fact that players don’t get coaching at tournaments and thus learn how to problem solve, think quickly and have strong mental fortitude from a young age,” she said.

The Barbara J. Fackel Community Service/College Scholarship is available to applicants who have excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership, participated in various community service/volunteer groups and organized community tennis programs.

To apply for it, click on this link.