Taking a look back at the stories of 2023

Ukrainian teens find refuge on Iowa courts: While bombs flew through the sky in a war-torn country last year, three Ukrainian teenagers were safe in Fairfield, Iowa. Thanks to a generous community outpouring, they were able to go to school at Maharishi School, an independent, non-denominational college-prep boarding school. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/iowa/ukrainian-teens-find-refuge-on-the-tennis-court-in-iowa.html#tab=tournaments

Drake tennis teams make history: For the first time in the history of Drake University tennis, the men’s and the women’s tennis teams both qualified for the NCAA tournament in the same season. The men’s team played North Carolina in the opening round of the NCAA tournament and lost 4-1. The women’s team battled it out with Iowa State as the Cyclones swept 4-0. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/iowa/drake-tennis-teams-have-record-year.html#tab=tournaments

Hawkeye player works at U.S. Open: Samantha Mannix recently wrapped up her college career playing tennis for the Iowa Hawkeyes, an experience she’ll never forget. As she talks about her time working at the U.S. Open, she looks ahead to her next adventure. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/nebraska-native--hawkeye-player--working-at-the-u-s--open.html#tab=tournaments

Quad Cities teen is one of the USA Today Players of the Year: 16-year old Nicholas Patrick has been playing tennis for as long as he can remember, and held a racquet in his hand as soon as he could walk. Being named by USA Today as the National Boys Tennis Player of the Year is one of his greatest achievements, he said. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/iowa/quad-cities-teen-is-usa-today-s-player-of-the-year.html#tab=tournaments

Official receives this year USTA Iowa President’s Award: USTA Iowa President Brenton Kuchera nominated Steve England for the USTA President’s Award for 2023. Not only for his work as an official, but also for his ideas on how to grow the sport of tennis in Iowa and beyond. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/iowa/officials-chair-steve-england-is-recipient-of-usta-iowa-presiden.html#tab=tournaments

USTA Iowa year-end awards: See who else won awards for best adult and junior players of the year, coach of the year and facility of the year among other things. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/usta-awards/missourivalley/iowa/iowa-awards.html