Happy Thanksgiving

Dear USTA Kansas Membership:

During this Thanksgiving Season, I would like to take the opportunity to say “Thanks!” and recognize the hard-working USTA Kansas Leadership, staff, and volunteers. I am sincerely thankful for the group of amazing people that serve as Officers on the USTA Kansas Board. Specifically, President, Kate Foss, 1st Vice President, Joel Phelps, 2nd Vice President, Simon Norman, Secretary, Ken Brown, Treasurer, Archie Macias, At Large Directors, Shelia Checotah, and Nick Schulte.

USTA Kansas would not have the many options for Adult Leagues or the well run Sectional Tournaments without District League Coordinator, Amy Mathew. The Junior Team Tennis would not be national recognized without Junior Team Tennis Coordinator, Janet Glaser. Simon Norman pulls double duty, not only as 2nd Vice President of the Board, but he is also the Junior Competition Coordinator and has put in countless hours in coordinating junior tournaments with Kansas providers. The newest member of our Coordinator team is Whitney Richardson who will serve as the Youth Pathway Coordinator. These Coordinators work countless, thankless hours to bring new and exciting programming to adult and junior players alike, and I could not be prouder of their continued hard work.

Finally, I send my thanks and recognition to the USTA Kansas Committee Chairs and Committee Members. These individuals serve on Local, Sectional, and National Committees representing our District.  Sheila Checotah, Missouri Valley Adult Competition Committee, Ron Thompson and Grady Landrum, Diversity & Inclusion Co-Chairs, Connie Robertson, Grant Review Committee, Ken Brown and Alex Lee, Grant Committee Members, John Seal and J.K. Patel, Officials Co-Chairs, Ron Cox, Missouri Valley Grievance Committee, Tom Alderson, Missouri Valley Self-Rate Appeals Committee.

Because of these volunteer District Leaders, and because of the many other USTA Kansas members who volunteer their time to promote tennis, to support tennis, to coach tennis, and of course, to play tennis, USTA Kansas had a great “bounce-back” year in 2021 after the struggles that we faced during 2020. I sincerely thank each and every one of you and look forward to continuing to work with all of you in 2022. If you would like more information on how to help support USTA Kansas, or are interested in joining the USTA Kansas Leadership Team, please contact me at ustakansasdirector@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Becky Samaniego

Executive Director, USTA Kansas