Josh Budler Grows The Game In Grand Island

To honor their 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing 100 deserving recipients with the Gold Star Award. This award recognizes contributions that recipients have made in growing the game of tennis in their community.

Josh Budler left Nebraska after college to coach tennis on the East Coast and later in Kansas City, but the state of Nebraska beckoned him home once again. Budler is now the Director and Head Pro at the Grand Island Tennis Center, and the latest USTA Missouri Valley Gold Star recipient.

“I'm really thankful for this award,” he said. “I work hard each day to grow this sport and it’s really nice to be recognized.”

The community of Grand Island is fortunate to have a tennis professional with Budler’s level of experience. The Grand Island Tennis Center consists of four indoor courts with adult leagues throughout the school year. Players of all levels play at the tennis center.

“I'm responsible for organizing and conducting all lessons for the Grand Island Tennis Center, there are kids from each of the Tri-Cities as well as York, Cairo, Columbus,” he explained. “I also organize adult and junior league play that consists of players from the Tri-Cities as well at the tennis center.  I'm also the Girl's Head Tennis Coach at Grand Island Senior High.  I also direct three-four junior tournaments each year.”

After growing up in York, he attended Concordia University in Seward and played both tennis and soccer. After coaching at his former high school, he left to coach tennis in Northeast Pennsylvania, and later at the K.C. Racquet Club. Budler and his family decided to come back to Nebraska to be closer to relatives.

Since coming back to his home state, he’s coached in Columbus, York, Norfolk and Grand Island. He’s been in Grand Island for the past three years.

“I just love the game of tennis,” he said. “The mix of power and quickness, coordination and timing.  The mental toughness required to win matches.  The competition, the pressure, the socializing, the sportsmanship, and the fun. I love that I'm able to share my love of the sport with these communities in the middle of Nebraska!”

Budler’s goals for the future are to continue to grow the game in the local area, and attract more people to the game of tennis.

“I plan on offering free classes after visiting elementary schools throughout Grand Island in hopes of increasing the exposure of more kids to tennis,” he said.

The recipients of the Gold Star Award will receive personal items, a plaque and a special gift. Congratulations to all of the Gold Star recipients.