USTA section members honored as “champions of equality” at 2023 US Open

During the 2023 US Open’s inaugural “Champions of Equality” event, members of 16 USTA sections were honored for their contributions at the grassroots level put toward the ongoing effort of leveling the playing field for all. 

The event took place shortly before the women’s singles semifinals, and was a celebration of the fight for equality and the pioneering women who have led the way, and acknowledged the effort of tennis’ foremost trailblazers at both the professional and grassroots levels. The “Be Open” event was presented by Cadillac, which also sponsored the broadcast of the iconic Battle of the Sexes match in September 1973.

The legendary Billie Jean King received the night’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the iconic Venus Williams received the first US Open Billie Jean King Champion of Equality Award. The section honorees were nominated and chosen earlier in the summer, and were able to meet King before a dynamic conversation between her and Williams, who have been at the forefront of the fight for equal pay in tennis, alongside Telva McGruder, the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at General Motors, and award-winning broadcast journalist Christiane Amanpour, who moderated.

"It's at the sectional level where we promote and develop tennis. But why?" USTA Chairman of the Board and President Brian Hainline said at the event. "To inspire healthy people and communities everywhere. If we're going to inspire healthy people and communities, we also have to inspire and fight for equality of access.

"We're just going to continue the journey forward. We're truly inspired and will continue to be inspired."

USTA Section Champions of Equality:

USTA Eastern - Lorraine Rohlsen-Alexander

USTA Florida - Dana Andrews

USTA Hawaii Pacific - Madeleine Dreith

USTA Intermountain - Glen Alex

USTA Mid-Atlantic - Brenda Gilmore

USTA Middle States - Nancy Wilkins

USTA Midwest - Joy Albi

USTA Missouri Valley - Kim Hughes Gill

USTA New England - Judy Dixon

USTA Northern - Dr. Nicole Lavoi

USTA Northern California - Andrea Barnes

USTA Pacific Northwest - Shalini Hanstand

USTA Southern - Beth Hopkins

USTA Southern California - Doris Obih

USTA Texas - Kathleen Wu

USTA Southwest - Leslie Banks