Dedication on display: Meet officials making a difference across the USTA Missouri Valley

Officiating Appreciation Week is taking place April 19-25, and to celebrate, the USTA Missouri Valley is spotlighting the individuals who ensure fair play and sustain the game throughout the section. Learn more about officiating by clicking here.

🎾 USTA Oklahoma's Jennifer Baines found a new way to stay connected to tennis with officiating. She said the blend of flexible hours, community impact and ongoing learning has been a great fit, and she's enjoyed guiding players through competition and sportsmanship. Learn more about how Baines was called to the court in this Q&A article.

🎾 While Jody Holsinger was undergoing cancer treatment in 2025, the sport of tennis and her supportive tennis community helped her stay strong in the journey. Holsinger, a USTA Heart of America certified official, USTA League player and vice president of adult tennis for the district, details all the sport has meant to her in this Q&A interview.

🎾 From small-town Iowa to now USTA St. Louis, certified official Megan Palmer brings a love-of-the-game mindset to her craft. Palmer helps young players learn the rules, build confidence and enjoy tennis beyond just winning. See how she's keeping the sport fun and fair in this story.

🎾 USTA Kansas' Jitesh Patel has worked as an official since 1995 and as the district's vice chair of officiating since 1999. Patel advocates for more individuals — particularly young tennis teaching professionals — to give officiating a try. Read more here.

🎾 Carol Rollins answers the call for USTA Missouri. Already involved as district league coordinator and as a USTA League player and captain, Rollins stepped up again by becoming a certified official. “Any position that I have time to do, where I can be a benefit to USTA, I’m willing to consider,” she said. Read more about Rollins' impact here.

🎾 After moving from China to Iowa, Huafeng 'Shirley' Shi found tennis later in life when her daughter began taking lessons. Shi joined a USTA Iowa league four years ago, and at the recommendation of one of her captains, became certified as an official. See how that fulfilled a childhood dream by checking out this article.

🎾 A dedicated group of 26 USTA Nebraska officials keeps matches fair, supports tournaments and grows the game. Read more about their shared passion for tennis and how demand for the game means opportunities remain for new officials to join their ranks; click here.