Terry Neal's innovative programs, sponsorships fuel league and tourney growth

Growing the game of tennis is paramount to the success of USTA Kansas, and board member Terry Neal has made it his mission to do just that. Neal and his fellow USTA Kansas Executive Board members have helped increase league participation approximately 14%—including new players—during this tenure, an accomplishment he’s proud of.

“Since we’ve been on the board, we’ve really focused on bringing more fun into USTA leagues,” he said. “For the past two years, I’ve organized a summer program where I bring a group together during June, July and August. We play twice a week, and it’s fully sponsored. I cover part of it myself, and Mark Herzog (dealerships) and STA Group help out as well.”

To sweeten the deal, Neal shared that McAlister’s Deli graciously provides all the food for the program.

“I usually pick it up, and we have around 20 to 25 players each session,” Neal said.

Growth isn’t just limited to USTA Kansas leagues, either. Tournament participation is up across the district. Just last summer, Neal created a doubles tournament with a goal of giving back and bringing high-caliber tennis to his hometown of Salina.

“We had about 60 to 65 spectators come out to watch,” Neal said. “Players included the No. 1 player from Wichita State, a player from the University of Louisville out of Overland Park and the head coach from McPherson College. It was a really nice event, especially for a first-time tournament. We had eight teams participate.”

The winning team took home a $1,000 prize courtesy of sponsors Mark Herzog and the STA Group. Each company donated $500.

Connecting with local businesses and securing sponsorships has been another area where Neal has focused his energy. These sponsorships, he shared, not only help promote tennis. They aid in creating more opportunities for play and a fun, well-rounded tournament and league experience for players. So far, three businesses—including Neal’s detailing business—have come aboard.

In all, Neal has worked to make tennis less intimidating and more fun. An idea he’s working on is organizing cash-prize tournaments for 3.0- and 3.5-level players, not just open-level competitors.

“Those players rarely get opportunities like that, and it really helps remove intimidation,” he said.

He recounts that about five years ago, he and USTA Kansas Executive Director Amy Mathew hosted a tournament for teams with a combined rating ranging from 7.0 to 9.0. Nine teams competed in the event—the $2,500 certainly helped with participation.

“That’s an example of the kinds of ideas I try to bring in to keep things exciting,” Neal said.