Q&A: New Lincoln Tennis Association president shares goals for 2025

USTA Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) serve as an important resource to grow the game of tennis through local communities. The Lincoln Tennis Association (LTA) is one of USTA Nebraska’s oldest CTAs and recently elected a new president, John Lefler, who succeeds Shalla Powell-Mandigo after her two-year term. Lefler recently talked about his goals for the LTA.

How did you get into tennis?

I have always been a huge fan of the sport but never played competitively. My good friend and tennis pro, Rick Stempson, got me started when I expressed interest in playing several years back. The bug bit, and I have been playing consistently for the past seven years.

What do you enjoy most about tennis?

I am very competitive, so in my view, it is the ultimate sport. More importantly, the people I have connected with through tennis have been amazing. It is a wonderful community.

What are your goals for the LTA?

To continue the great work that has been started by our most recent presidents. Our purpose is to connect the community with opportunities to play the sport we love. If you live in Lincoln and want to play tennis, we want to be part of helping you connect.

How do you hope to make a difference in this new role?

To continue to grow the collaborative environment we have to build our community of tennis players.

Why are CTAs like LTA important to the tennis community?

It provides a resource and a proactive entity that keeps us moving forward—fundraising, outreach and growing our sport through interaction with our community.

If you would like to learn more about Lincoln Tennis Association or join it, contact John Lefler at john.lefler.jr@gmail.com.