USTA NEW ENGLAND ANNOUNCES 2025 AWARD WINNERS

NINE ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS TO BE CELEBRATED IN OCTOBER AT TENNIS WEEKEND

WESTBOROUGH, MA – USTA New England is proud to announce its nine annual award winners to be honored at Tennis Weekend on October 4, 2025 in Milford, NH. 

The 2025 winners are individual players and coaches, organizations and families, whose contributions exemplify leadership, sportsmanship, and a passion for growing the game of tennis throughout New England.

“Each year, we are inspired by the incredible people and organizations who dedicate themselves to making tennis more welcoming, inclusive and impactful,” said Deb LaPress, Chair of the USTA New England Awards Committee. “This year’s award winners represent the very best of New England tennis, from grassroots leaders and family champions to young innovators shaping the future of the sport.”

2025 USTA New England Award Winners

Organization of the Year – Midcoast Recreation Center (Rockport, ME)

Midcoast Recreation Center (MRC) is more than a facility, it’s a community hub. Offering programs for all ages and levels, from free youth red ball clinics to USTA leagues, MRC emphasizes accessibility through financial aid, adaptive programs, and impactful fundraising events. The center is expanding with four new outdoor courts by 2026 to meet growing demand.

NJTL Chapter of the Year – Moving On Up with Tennis and Education (Springfield, MA)

Founded in 2016, Moving On Up has brought meaningful tennis and educational opportunities to Springfield youth. The program combines instruction, academic support, and nutrition guidance while fostering growth and inclusion. Thanks to the leadership of Melvin Murry Jr., the NJTL has been able to secure grants and build partnerships that expand access well beyond the court.

Diversity Champion of the Year – Melvin Murry Jr. (Springfield, MA)

As president of Moving On Up with Tennis and Education, Murry has dedicated himself to creating inclusive programs that empower underserved youth in the Springfield area. His leadership, rooted in equity and access, ensures that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to grow on and off the court.

Community Tennis Association (CTA) of the Year – Granite State Kids (Bedford, NH)

Now in its 23rd year, Granite State Kids engages more than 600 juniors annually across three seasons of play. The program provides grassroots instruction, jobs for local teens, and a pathway to competitive opportunities like Junior Team Tennis Sectionals.

Edwin Goodman Family of the Year – The Woodard/Irving Family (Cohasset, MA)

This multi-generational family exemplifies a lifelong love of tennis. Led by grandmother Kathy Irving and mother Elizabeth Woodard, the family has fostered a culture of competition, character, and community. Kids Ani, Duncan, and Isla are all competitive players and great sports as well! 

Coaching Professional of the Year – Adult Category – Jason Terry (Brunswick, ME)

With more than 30 years of experience, Jason Terry has built thriving adult programs at Maine Pines Racquet and Fitness. Known for his welcoming approach and technical expertise, he has grown adult participation across New England while mentoring future coaches and fostering community through tennis.

Coaching Professional of the Year – Junior Category – Diane Phelps (Goffstown, NH)

Diane Phelps has been the driving force behind Granite State Kids for nearly 25 years, dedicating countless hours to youth development. She organizes clinics, mini tournaments, and mentorship opportunities, inspiring young players to stay active, confident, and connected through tennis. She’s truly ensuring tennis thrives in Southern New Hampshire and beyond!

Good Sport of the Year – Anna Dauerman (Shelburne, VT)

A standout Vermont high school player, Anna Dauerman is celebrated for her humility, character, and balanced approach to competition. Known for her sportsmanship as much as her skill, she is respected by coaches, teammates and opponents alike.

Junior Community Impact Award – Tanner Oberg (Weston, MA)

Through his leadership of Rally for Tennis (RFT), Tanner Oberg has helped expand access to the sport for thousands of youth. A top-ranked USTA junior, Oberg empowers students to mentor peers and younger players while raising funds for NJTL chapters. The fundraising efforts have raised more than $300,000, and RFT has served 10,000 kids since 2021.

The USTA New England Annual Awards winners are nominated by the New England tennis community and then voted on by the Awards Committee. 

USTA New England’s Tennis Weekend is the annual conference geared toward tennis coaches, offering a mix of educational workshops, on-court clinics, networking opportunities. A highlight of the weekend is the Annual Awards Luncheon, where the winners will be formally recognized.

To learn more and register for Tennis Weekend, click here. 

About USTA New England

USTA New England, one of 17 regional sections across the country that comprise the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and developing the growth of tennis and increasing participation in the sport in New England by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit usta.com/newengland.