Larry Haugness on the Centennial Community Campaign

We caught up with foundation President Larry Haugness to get his perspective on why it’s so important to give back to the sport of tennis. 

USTA.com: What has been your personal motivation as you continually give back to the tennis community?

Haugness: I’ve been involved in tennis my whole life basically; it’s been such a major part of my life. To me, it’s the best game in the world, and it’s so rewarding when you see people achieve their goals. Tennis has given me so much that I just want to give back to the game. 

USTA.com: Why does the tennis community need individuals who truly want to give back?

Haugness: The tennis community has changed through the years and, from my perspective, a lot of people now are not as passionate in the way they used to be. That passion and motivation is so important to energize the next generation to get going, get moving, and fall in love with the sport. That’s so important, it’s a huge part of growing the game. 

USTA.com: Who are we looking for to help grow the game?

Haugness: Firstly, the delivery system needs teaching pros. The tennis management course being offered through the USTA is really important. The delivery system is the most important thing because you’ve got to get people going. On those bad days, when your teaching pro is acting a cheerleader for you, that’s important. 

Number two is offering local community events. I grew up during the tennis boom. We didn’t even know about national tournaments. All we knew was the local play events in Boise, Idaho. It’s those local events that touch people personally. That’s the fun stuff. 

USTA.com: How do you hope to see the Centennial Community Campaign grants grow tennis?

Haugness: From my perspective, grants through foundations and nonprofit organizations are how we are going to grow the game of tennis. You can argue leagues, tournaments, and other things like that grow tennis, but those people are already tennis players. 

When I was running a foundation in El Paso, in my first year my staff used grants to see 22,000 kids that were not tennis players. We went to Boys & Girls clubs, YMCA’s, etc. Those are the communities you need to reach because tennis is not on their radar. Make them realize that “this is fun, let’s go play.”

Grants make it possible for more people to go out and play tennis. If you’re a qualified organization or individual, then that money is so well spent. So many people can be introduced to tennis, whether it’s through an individual or organizational grant. I hope a lot of our organizations take advantage of these Centennial Community Campaign grants. 

When I was at the foundation in Texas, 90 percent of our budget came from grants. I’m a believer in grants because I know that it works. 

USTA.com: Why is it important for our youth to be involved in tennis?

Haugness: To me, getting kids involved in tennis—and tennis has been proven to develop more life skills than any other sport—it’s about developing those life skills you need as an adult. Tennis is also a sport that you can play many more years than most other sports. 

Tennis gives kids something to do and something to work toward. They play, they go out, they have motivation. I have juniors that are out there playing outside with their parents right now [during the COVID-19 suspension]. Even during this crazy time, there’s positive energy out there as they play tennis with their families. 

USTA.com: How has your life been changed through tennis?

Haugness: I started playing tennis when I was fifteen because my best friend was a tennis player. I played in high school, D1 college at Boise State, I was a tennis pro...it’s my whole life.

I’ve made friendships all over the world. Right now, I’m sitting at my office sitting next to my racquets, equipment, tennis books...it’s a major part of my life and it has been for forever. It’s added so much value to my life with all the friendships, acquaintances, and the good times. My skill level isn’t where it used to be, but I’m still always having fun. 

Tennis is the best sport in the world. It’s probably the only sport I can think of where your opponent calls your shots. The integrity and nature of the sports, so much sportsmanship and camaraderie. It really is the best game in the world.