Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship

USTA Iowa has named a new scholarship in honor of the late Barbara J. Fackel, who was recognized by her peers and the USTA for her volunteer service, community service and love of education. She served in leadership positions in the United States Tennis Association (USTA), the USTA Missouri Valley section, the USTA Iowa district, and the Bi-State Community Tennis Association.  

She served as chair of both Player Development and the Nominating Committee of the USTA, organization president for both the USTA Missouri Valley section and the USTA Iowa district. 

In 1997, Barbara received the Eve Kraft Community Service Award for her work supporting community tennis.  She was also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2006. Barbara is also a member of the USTA Iowa Tennis Hall of Fame, as well as the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame. She also received the USTA Barbara Williams Leadership award in 2016.

A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one male and one female student attending a two-year or four-year college or university program, entering as a freshman or sophomore.  

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. The recipients of the Barbara J. Fackel Community Service/College Scholarship are eligible to receive a one-time $1,000 scholarship to contribute to the cost of tuition and/or educational materials.

Scholarship Guidelines

• Applicants living within the state of Iowa including Rock Island County, Illinois are eligible to apply.

• Applicants not of age 18 by the time he/she submits their application, will require the signature of a parent/guardian.

• Attach two letters of recommendations that notes the student’s strengths and weaknesses and any other additional notable comments.

  • One letter from a principal or guidance counselor

  • One letter from a teacher or tennis coach 

• Attach a list of high school organizations or activities that reflect community/volunteer service and community sport programs, including tennis.

• Applications open January 1 of each year.

• All applications and submitted materials become the property of USTA Iowa and will not be returned.

• Recipients will be selected by mid-October each year of award, notified via email and will be required to return an official acceptance form.

• Each recipient of a Barbara J. Fackel Community Service/College Scholarship is expected to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student defined by his/her undergraduate institution, no later than the opening fall semester or term after notice of selection for the scholarship.

Apply for the Barbara J. Fackel Scholarship.