Tennis enthusiast Kelly Nelson gives back by officiating

Women’s history month is March 1-31 and celebrates the contribution of women in American History. USTA Nebraska recognizes Kelly Nelson of Omaha for her contributions to the tennis community.

Growing up in Omaha, Kelly Nelson started playing tennis at the Dewey Courts through the Omaha Parks and Rec department when she was ten years old. Though she didn’t consider herself very good, she continued playing into adulthood and after having kids, exposed them to tennis as well. Both kids played varsity tennis for Elkhorn South. Fast forward to today, and she and her husband Greg are both USTA officials. 

“Greg and I became tennis officials together as a way to continue our involvement in tennis as our kids started to age out of it,” she said. “We decided it would be a great way to participate in tennis and support the sport as soon-to-be empty-nesters.”

When Nelson is not making line calls on the tennis courts, she’s in a classroom as a professor in the physical therapy program at Creighton University. She currently teaches the wound management coursework and serves as a mentor in the residency program, and provides pediatric services through Creighton Pediatric Therapy. 

When asked what Women’s History Month means to her, Nelson talked about her own profession and how it was forged primarily by women who served as reconstruction aides during World War I, as well as to combat the polio epidemic that began in 1916. A woman named Mary McMillan was the very first reconstruction aide (physical therapist) to promote function and mobility with these clients in the United States.

“I think Women's History Month provides that natural pause to remember and thank women who paved the way in any profession, sport, or activity,” she said. 

As for the future, Kelly said she might start playing recreational tennis again, when she is truly an empty-nester. 

If you are interested in becoming an official, fill out this form.