USTA Iowa Announces Four New Committee Chairs

USTA Iowa introduced four new committee chairs at its annual meeting and awards conference in October. These four individuals will be taking on roles on the awards committee, umpires committee, adult competition committee and collegiate committee. Learn more about each below.

Mike Conlon: Awards  

The Urbandale resident is a lifelong tennis player and grew up playing the sport in Fort Dodge.  He was the Iowa High School Class A state singles champion in 1979, and the runner-up in 1980. He played on the Iowa State’s men’s tennis team from 1982-85 and was the Big 8 runner up in doubles his final year. Conlan is currently the Valley High School girl’s tennis coach as well as Director of the Valley Summer Tennis Camp. He is USPTA-certified. 

“In my new role as chair of the awards program, I’m hoping to bring more recognition to deserving clubs, programs, and individuals that are playing, teaching, and promoting tennis around our state,” Conlon said.

Lindsay Bates: Umpires  

The Huxley resident has been an official for over five years and played tennis in college at the University of Nebraska - Omaha. She officiated for the Big 12, Big 10, Summit League, and Missouri Valley conferences. 

“I hope to gain new officials so there are officials at every tournament requested,” she said. 

Ann Simons-Burnett: Adult Competitions

Andrean Burnett represented the Bahamas as a junior and played ITF tournaments. She went on to play tennis at Iowa State University. She now lives in North Liberty and is a professor at the University of Iowa.

“I hope to help provide more opportunities for adult competition for all levels in a friendly environment,” Burnett said. 

Nick Petaros: Collegiate

Petaros will be the new Collegiate Chair. He attended Wartburg College and lives in Waterloo, and covers sports for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier.