2024 Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship winners from Clinton and Waterloo

Now in its fifth year, Barbara J. Fackel Scholarships have given away $10,000 to Iowa students who play tennis. The scholarship was named on behalf of Fackel, who was active in the USTA at the state, section and national levels. Each year two students receive $1,000 to use toward their college fees. This year Grace Evers and Connor Heuthorst are the recipients for 2024. 

Grace Evers is from Clinton and attended Camanche High School. She is a sophomore at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where she plays on the tennis team. She is majoring in business marketing and management and multimedia journalism and mass communications. She has played tennis since she was seven years old.

“To be able to receive this scholarship, after listening to what Barbara Fackel has done for her own community, feels like such an honor and even encouragement to continue to be involved with my community and tennis,” Evers said. “Thank you to the committee and anyone else involved.”

Waterloo native Connor Heuthorst is the second recipient of the Barbara Fackel Scholarship. He is a freshman at Iowa State University studying industrial design. He plays on the club tennis team for the Cyclones. 

“This scholarship means a great deal to me, especially since it is associated with the USTA and my favorite sport. It makes me feel like my hard work as a tennis player and a student has paid off,” he said. “I’m very grateful to have been selected for it and the money from this scholarship will help me cover my tuition. 

Heuthorst took up tennis in eighth grade and said tennis has played a very important role in his life over the years.

“Not only has it helped me become a better athlete, but it has also helped me become a leader and develop strong friendships,”  he added. 

For more information on this scholarship or to apply for it, click here.