In their own words: Angela Finan on the tennis community

We’ve now lived in beautiful Broomfield, Colo., for nearly 20 years, and I’ve been an active volunteer in this sport since then. Currently, I serve as the treasurer on the board of the USTA Colorado District, as the vice-president on the board of the USTA Intermountain Section and as a member of the USTA National Advocacy Committee. I enjoy chairing our district’s Awards Committee and lending a hand with our annual Hall of Fame and Awards Gala. The work is deeply fulfilling due in large part to the talented and supportive group of volunteers and staff I have the privilege to work with. [Editor’s note: In recognition of her volunteer contributions, Angela received the Heart of Broomfield Education Award in 2018.]

I grew up in Chicago, and volunteering has been a part of my life thanks to my mother’s influence. Since my experience with tennis in Michigan had been exceptionally positive, when we moved to Colorado in 2006, I phoned the local USTA office to find out more about junior tennis and how things worked, tennis-wise, in the Centennial State. I reached out to the Executive Director, Fritz Garger, sharing that if he needed a volunteer, I would be happy to help.

It wasn't long before Fritz asked me to join a committee. That marked the start of my journey as a volunteer with USTA. Being part of something greater than myself and seeing the impact on people and our community is motivating and makes the time and effort worth it. Ultimately my goal is to do everything I can to promote the benefits of tennis and help the sport grow. I would like to mentor others and I hope to inspire our community to get involved.

For me, early on, a tennis mentor who shaped my USTA journey was Taryn Archer. Serving the tennis community in numerous roles, Taryn was the past president and delegate of the Intermountain Section. She fostered an inclusive environment that modeled authentic, thoughtful leadership. Coming from a corporate tech background and then working with schools, Taryn’s approach to leadership stood out to me in a meaningful way.

I remember our district embarking on a groundbreaking project and Taryn literally and figuratively grabbed me, connecting me with other volunteers and staff, which I quickly discovered is her super power. It was an experience I will never forget. She is quick to celebrate others’ talents and accomplishments while giving so much of her time and talents to ensure all have access to this amazing sport.

In the context of tennis, Black history is especially important. Like other sports, tennis had a history of exclusion. It was vital for my children to know from a young age about the tremendous accomplishments of black tennis players and their important work toward allowing all people to cultivate a love for tennis, including one of my sports heroes and inspirations, Althea Gibson. Players like Serena and Venus Williams and Katrina Adams and now Coco Gauff, Francis Tiafoe and Sloane Stevens quickly became role models for my children.

Black History Month provides an opportunity to recognize, reflect on and celebrate the countless achievements and contributions of people of color, who have often been overlooked or marginalized in broader historical narratives. It is thanks to many black tennis players who fought for their rights and love of the game that my family is now able to nurture our own passion for tennis. Yet the work toward equal opportunity in tennis, sports and so many other fields is not done. Black History Month in tennis, therefore, serves as a reminder of the barriers that have been overcome and the need to continue pushing for diversity, representation and inclusion.

For me, through volunteering with the USTA, I’ve learned to appreciate the diverse challenges people face and how much we can grow when we come together to support one another. It’s inspired me to approach life with a greater sense of gratitude and a stronger commitment to making a positive impact wherever I am.