2020 Community Champions: Christine Costamagna receives Volunteer Exceptional Service Award

On Dec. 2, the USTA's Celebrating Community Champions virtual event honored 2020 award-winners in a variety of service-based categories. In the absence of a 2020 USTA Annual Meeting, each honoree received a surprise virtual call from a tennis legend as a thank-you for their contributions to growing the game of tennis.

Christine Costamagna of San Rafael, California, is the recipient of the USTA Volunteer Exceptional Service Award (up to 10 years of service) for her outstanding contribution in helping to grow the game of tennis.

Costamagna serves the USTA in numerous capacities both at the sectional and national level. She started her national service on the National Adult Tournament Committee as a member and now as the chair of that committee. In the USTA NorCal Section, Costamagna has served on the USTA NorCal Board of Directors and on the Executive Committee as Section Secretary, served numerous years on the NorCal Section Sanction & Scheduling Tournament Committee and serves as Chair of the Adult Tournament Committee. Costamagna is also the long-standing Tournament Director of the successful CAT II Marin Senior Championships in Mill Valley, California.

Additionally, her love for the game is evident inby her commitment to sharing the sport with Special Olympics athletes. For nearly two decades, her involvement with Special Olympics Northern California, including as a Head Tennis Coach, has been instrumental in bringing tennis to populations that might never otherwise have the opportunity to play. 

Her hard work and commitment have earned her numerous awards including, Bank of America Global Volunteer of the Year in 2015, Adult Tournament Volunteer of the Year from USTA NorCal, Diversity & Inclusion Award by USTA NorCal, Beyond the Baseline Award by USTA NorCal, Marin County Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017 and many others. 

“We are fortunate to have talented, passionate and dedicated people such as Christine focused on our mission, who continue to make our game great by giving up their time and volunteering so unselfishly,” said Craig Morris, USTA Chief Executive, Community Tennis. “Christine has made a true impact in our sport at both the local and national level and we are thrilled to honor her with this deserving recognition.” 

The Volunteer Exceptional Service Award (VESA) recognizes the most outstanding USTA vVolunteers. One volunteer with more than 10 years of service iswill be recognized each year, as well as one to a volunteer with up to 10 years of service. Nominees in each of these categories must currently be serving on a USTA National Committee.

WATCH: Mary Carillo honors Christine Costamagna (Volunteer Exceptional Service Award segment begins at 20:23)