USTA NEW ENGLAND ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARD WINNERS

2026 USTA New England Award Winners

Organization of the Year – Racquets For Life Simsbury (Simsbury, CT)

NJTL Chapter of the Year – Serving Stars (Lawrence, MA)

Community Tennis Association (CTA) of the Year – Friends of Newton Tennis (Newton, MA)

Edwin Goodman Family of the Year – The Moe Family (Avon, CT)

Coaching Professional of the Year – Adult Category – Barbara Delmondes de Oliveira (Newport, RI)

Coaching Professional of the Year – Junior Category – Santiago Perez (Essex, MA)

Junior Good Sport of the Year – Jack Mountford (New Canaan, CT)

Junior Community Impact Award – Jiwon Lee (Wellesley, MA)

Organization of the Year – Racquets For Life Simsbury

Racquets For Life (RFL) Simsbury is a leader in inclusion and community growth. In just two years, its junior program has skyrocketed from 40 to over 150 participants, ranging from beginners to nationally ranked players. 

RFL supports more than 20 adult and Junior Team Tennis teams and has hosted multiple USTA League events and junior tournaments, further strengthening competitive opportunities in the region.

Beyond high-performance training, RFL houses a 501(c)(3) foundation that provides equipment, coaching, and access to tennis for more than 250 underserved youth, while also offering specialized instruction for players with special needs. The facility’s commitment to education and professional development is reflected in its designation as one of only two USTA Coaching Education Centers in New England, where it plays a key role in advancing coaching standards across the region.

With a diverse coaching staff representing a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and teaching styles, plus a strong commitment to access, outreach and player development, RFL serves as a model for growing the game across all ages and abilities.

NJTL Chapter of the Year – Serving Stars

Serving Stars of Lawrence, MA has created meaningful opportunities for hundreds of young people through tennis, education, and mentorship. In just six years, the program has evolved from a small pilot into a cornerstone of the Lawrence area, now serving more than 600 students annually through summer programming, school-year cohorts, and district-wide physical education initiatives. 

By combining tennis instruction with academic support and the dedication of a passionate volunteer base, Serving Stars has created a safe, welcoming environment where youth can thrive. 

Even in its early days, the program’s impact was evident, with committed mentors fostering confidence and opportunity despite limited resources. Today, that same spirit continues to drive its growth, empowering students to succeed both on and off the court while serving as a model for similar programs across the region.

Community Tennis Association (CTA) of the Year – Friends of Newton Tennis

Led by longtime volunteer President Thomas Friedman, Friends of Newton Tennis (FoNT) has played a major role in growing and improving public tennis in Newton through a strong partnership with the Parks & Recreation Department.

Each spring, FoNT helps assess around 65 public courts and works with the city to prioritize repairs and upgrades. Through fundraising from corporate sponsors, individual donors, and player fees, the group has helped raise over $120,000 to resurface and restore 34 public courts.

Beyond court improvements, FoNT has expanded access to the game through its Junior Challenger program and its popular Garden City Tennis Series, which has helped build a “zero-to-hero” pathway for new players. That program has grown from 114 participants in 2021 to 276 in 2025.

The group’s impact on both facilities and participation has earned recognition from local leadership as a standout example of community-driven tennis growth.

Edwin Goodman Family of the Year – The Moe Family

The Moe family has made a lasting impact on tennis in New England through a combination of leadership, competitive success and service to the sport. Erika Moe, a former No. 1-ranked New England adult doubles player and Tennis Director at Racquets For Life (RFL) Simsbury, has significantly expanded junior participation while coaching USTA teams and leading community outreach through the RFL Foundation and local school programs. Despite a life-changing spinal cord injury, she has remained deeply involved in the game, continuing to grow access and opportunity for players of all ages and abilities.

Her daughters, Kaya and Karina, are among the top junior players in New England with national rankings and experience competing at elite levels. Both also give back as volunteer coaches and mentors supporting grassroots programs and underserved youth. Their father, Jeff, contributes through volunteer work with the RFL Foundation and supports the family’s national tournament travel. Together, the Moe family exemplifies a shared commitment to performance, service, and growing the game.

Coaching Professional of the Year – Adult Category – Barbara Delmondes de Oliveira

Barbara Delmondes de Oliveira is recognized for her outstanding leadership and lasting impact on players, clubs, and the broader tennis community throughout New England. A former professional player and Director of Tennis at Spouting Rock Beach Association, she brings a deep understanding of the game and a consistently player-centered approach to her coaching. Across every club she has led, Barbara has elevated programming and delivered steady year-over-year growth in participation, while enhancing the overall player experience through thoughtful instruction and creative, engaging programming.

Her coaching influence extends well beyond the club level. Barbara notably represented the United States at the ITF Masters World Team Championships in Manavgat, Turkey, showcasing her continued excellence as both a player and ambassador for the sport.

Above all, she is known for her ability to connect with players, build confidence, and foster a long-term enjoyment of tennis, making her a standout coaching professional.

Coaching Professional of the Year – Junior Category – Santiago Perez

Santiago “Santi” Perez is a New England junior tennis coach known for his process-driven approach and focus on long-term player development. A former collegiate athlete and national champion, he achieved a No. 1 ranking in both NAIA and NCAA Division II tennis, and brings that high-level playing experience into his coaching.

In recent years, Santi has coached several top New England juniors through the transition to Division I college programs, while also working with a range of emerging younger players. He is known for creating structured, high-intensity training environments that balance accountability with player growth.

Santi also serves as a coach at USTA Regional Training Camps, competes in men’s open events, and has worked as a hitting partner for professional players including Coco Gauff. He is consistently noted for his ability to connect with players and support both their development and confidence on court.

Junior Good Sport of the Year – Jack Mountford

Jack Mountford is recognized for an outstanding junior career defined by both high-level performance and exemplary sportsmanship. A consistent top-ranked player in New England across multiple age groups, he finished 2025 as the Boys’ 18s Sectional Champion.

Beyond his competitive results, Jack distinguished himself through consistent respect for opponents, officials and the game. He represented USTA New England at national events including Zonals and the Battle of the Sections, where he was noted for his professionalism and conduct on court. His sportsmanship was recognized by tournament officials at multiple events throughout his junior career.

Jack will continue his tennis career at Georgetown University, beginning in September.

Junior Community Impact Award – Jiwon Lee

Jiwon Lee is recognized for her strong commitment to both competitive tennis and meaningful community impact. Alongside her high-level junior playing career, she has consistently dedicated time to service, leadership, and expanding access to the sport.

As a Junior Ambassador for Rally for Tennis, Jiwon led highly effective fundraising efforts, securing the most unique donors in the program through outreach to her network and peers. She also serves in leadership roles with the New England Player Council, contributing to player initiatives and supporting the Sportsmanship Subcommittee.

In addition, Jiwon has volunteered extensively with the Sportsmen’s Tennis and Enrichment Center, supporting youth programs and serving as a mentor to younger players. Her work reflects a consistent commitment to inclusion, leadership, and growing the game beyond competition.

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

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.