Missouri Valley / Iowa

Mark Blume Named USPTA Iowa Professional of the Year

Andrea Gallagher | September 30, 2022


Mark Blume of Ankeny recently was named the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Professional of the Year for the state of Iowa. A native of Sioux City, Blume played tennis at North High School from 1991-1994. He attended the University of Iowa and has been teaching the sport since 1999.

 

“I enjoy the relationships that I've built over the years with both teaching and playing,” Blume said. “Most of my best friends are due to tennis, whether it’s coworkers, teammates, or students. I enjoy seeing the excitement when my students learn something new and are able to implement it in play.”

 

For the past five years, Blume has been the adult tennis director at Genesis Health Club in Ankeny. He is also the executive secretary for USTA Iowa. Blume said he is honored to be recognized for this award, and hopes he’s made an impact in people’s lives both on and off the courts.

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“I hope to be remembered by the people I've taught and the tennis communities that I've impacted and improved along the way. I want to continue to grow tennis in my city, state, and section.”

 

When he’s not teaching tennis, he’s playing competitively as a 4.5 rated USTA player. Upon receiving the award, he thanked his wife, Jen, and three children; Payton, Brynn and Jameson, for putting up with his irregular hours as a tennis coach and recreational player. 

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