Nebraska Players Earn Section-Level Awards

Congratulations to the players and contributors from Nebraska that have earned USTA Missouri Valley section-level awards. You have all represented USTA Nebraska exceptionally. 

Here are the three 2019 USTA Missouri Valley Award Winners from Nebraska. 

Award Winners: 

Adult Recreational Player of the Year (Male) — Chris Freeman

Freeman played on five USTA League teams in 2019, including Men’s, Mixed and Tri-Level, and helped his 18 & Over 4.0 men’s team capture its fourth consecutive district title and advance to the semifinals of the USTA Missouri Valley Section Championships. Freeman was a 4.0 doubles champion, semifinalist in 4.0 singles at the summer USTA Nebraska Adult Open, and 4.0 singles champion and 4.0 doubles semi-finalist at the Cornhusker State Games. Freeman is also notable a leader of Tennis Mafia, a USTA member organization that helps promote and grow tennis in the Lincoln area. 

Outstanding Contributor - Youth Tennis — Larry Newton 

Newton has served as the USTA National Committee Vice Chair for Local Play and Competition, USTA Missouri Valley Local Play and Competition Committee Chair, and the USTA Nebraska Tournament Sanction Chair. He is a Net Generation School Partner for three elementary schools, has conducted three Net Generation Team Tournament pilots with a total of 72 participants, and is a registered Net Generation provider. Newton also ran six USTA Missouri Valley Smashers tournaments and seven USTA Missouri Valley NET entry-level tournaments in 2019.

Junior Sportsmanship (Boys 12s) — Caden Haar

A player at Woods Tennis center, tennis is much more to Haar than a way to demonstrate his athletic talent. Haar always strives to keep a spirit of friendship when on the court. He will never humiliate a lesser player, and leaves every tournament having made new friends. He’s known for his willingness to help an opponent in any way, whether calling a time-out to comfort them, carrying their gear or sharing his ice towels and sports drink. Haar is also active in his student council, Campus Life, raising awareness for pancreatic cancer, supporting equality at school, and volunteering with Capital Humane Society and local tennis courts. 

These award winners along with all of the other USTA Missouri Valley award winners will be recognized at the Annual Awards and Hall of Fame Luncheon on Saturday, December 7, 2019, at the Olathe Conference Center in Olathe, Kansas.

Learn more about the Annual Conference.