Heather Anastos Leaving USTA New England
USTA New England Announces Departure of Heather Anastos, Longtime Director of Competitive Tennis
Westborough, MA - It is with tremendous gratitude for her work over the last 20 years that USTA New England announces Heather Anastos will be leaving the organization at the end of 2020.
It is hard to capture the impact Heather has made on the organization in a few words. When she first became the Director of Competitive Tennis Development twenty years ago, the overall registrations for New England USTA Adult League tennis were around 14,000. By the end of Championship year 2019, league participation had grown to 34,610.
While the majority of the sections showed a drop in unique league participation from 2010 to 2019, there were seven sections that showed positive growth and under Heather’s leadership, New England was third in the country. The section grew participation from 14,448 unique players in 2010 to 15,440 players in 2019.
She has also delivered more than 200 championships with the support of many league players, captains and tennis enthusiasts who annually volunteered their time to make New England League championships the best event to attend.
Over the last several years she led the transition of Local League Coordinators from volunteers and independent contractors to paid employees within the department.
“Heather has spent the past two decades showing a tireless passion and dedication to all things USTA League tennis. She not only cares about the program but more importantly the players, captains, volunteers and facilities who've hosted league matches and championships. We wish Heather all the best in the next adventure in her career,” said USTA New England Executive Director and COO, Matt Olson.
Prior to becoming an employee, she was a passionate volunteer for the organization for many years. She has served on many USTA National Committees. Heather’s dedication and commitment to leagues and our customers will be missed. USTA New England staff, board of directors and volunteers wish her the best in her next adventure.
“The USTA New England segment of my career life has spanned over a quarter of a century during which time I’ve had the pleasure to work with many passionate, energetic, and committed people. Our successes are the result of building a collaborative team of amazing volunteers and staff. It is with a heavy heart that I leave USTA and thank you all for your friendship and for sharing the vision to make a difference in people’s lives through tennis,” said Heather.
Former USTA New England Tennis Service Representative, Christy Bennett has accepted the position of Section League Coordinator and will be transitioning into the USTA League Department.
Bennett is a longtime USTA League player and former captain who plays in New England and formerly played in Southern. She is also a certified official and Vice President of the USPTA New England Board of Directors.
In addition, she is an Assistant Professor and Curriculum Consultant at Bridgewater State University’s Professional Tennis Management Program.
Bennett will begin a five-month training program with all staff and volunteers associated with our USTA League Program in August.
"Heather's tenacious dedication for the success of leagues has produced positive increases in our flagship program during her 20-year tenure. As Christy transitions to her new role, we are grateful she has the opportunity to learn from Heather for the next several months. I look forward to seeing Christy's contributions in the years to come with the USTA League program,”' said Peter Parrotta, USTA New England President and CEO.
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