Celebrating 2021 Community Champions

On Dec. 8, the USTA's Celebrating Community Champions virtual ceremony honored 2021 award-winners in a variety of service-based categories. During the live-streamed event, each honoree received a surprise virtual call from a tennis legend as a thank-you for their contributions to growing the game of tennis both locally and nationwide.

Great tennis champions like Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Jim Courier, Rajeev Ram, David Wagner, Dana Mathewson and MaliVai Washington were all a part of the event, which was hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager of the NBC's "Today," with a special appearance from Al Roker.

“We are proud to celebrate these outstanding individuals and organizations for their ongoing efforts to help grow the game of tennis across the country,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “From adaptive tennis and stellar leadership to volunteers and community outreach in under-served communities, each awardee has truly made a difference in their communities through their passion and commitment. We applaud all of you for this well-deserved recognition.”

For more on each recipient, including a video presentation, follow the links below.

National Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award: Dream Court (Montgomery, Ala.)

Barbara Williams Service Award: Jodie Adams (Springfield, Mo.) 

Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship Award: Valencia Xu (Livingston, N.J.) and Patrick Toman (Pleasant Hill, Calif.)

NJTL Chapter of the Year: Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center (Boston)

Outstanding Featured Facility: Barnes Tennis Center (San Diego)

USTA League Volunteer Award: James (Bud) Spencer (Mt. Pleasant, S.C.)