USTA New England Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2023

Karen O’Sullivan – Quincy, MA (Hometown – South Boston, MA)

Karen O’Sullivan is a former New England junior and collegiate star who continues to make an impact on the game she loves.

On the New England junior circuit, she ranked No. 1 from the 10 and unders all the way through the 16s division. She also worked her way to a top-20 national ranking in both Girls’ 16s and 18s.

Upon graduation, O’Sullivan went on to play at Duke University, where she was a two-year captain, two-time All-American and elected to three ACC All-Conference Teams. As a college athlete, she racked up more than 100 career victories.

Following her time at Duke, O’Sullivan participated in the Professional Women’s Tour in Europe.

As a New England adult tournament player, she has captained and played for both the Sears and Addie Cups.

O’Sullivan is still extremely active in tennis, serving on the USTA National Collegiate Committee. Over the years, she has held numerous volunteer roles including on the USTA National Awards Committee and the USTA New England Board of Directors.

This induction adds to O’Sullivan’s impressive legacy in tennis. She is an inductee in the South Boston Hall of Fame as well as the Newton Country Day School Hall of Fame for her achievements.

“At the age of five, in the basement of our triple decker in South Boston, my immigrant father put a racquet in my hand. Over 40 years later, it is amazing to receive this unbelievable honor and to be recognized and acknowledged for my accomplishments and involvement in tennis, a sport that provided me incredible opportunities and experiences throughout my life,” O’Sullivan said.

Harlan Stone – Darien, CT

Harlan Stone has been involved in tennis for more than 50 years as a player, volunteer and businessman.

As a junior, he worked his way to a top-10 singles ranking and top-5 doubles rankings in New England. He also reached the Connecticut High School State Finals.

Following high school, Stone attended the University of Virginia, where he became captain and team MVP. He earned a number of school and conference accolades, including three-time All-ACC Academic honors and the UVA student-athlete sportsmanship award.

Post-college, Stone has thrived as a USTA adult tournament player. He’s held more than a dozen New England top rankings as a singles player and with partner Jon Bates (NE Hall of Fame Class of 2018), and the duo reached as high as No. 6 in the nation in doubles. Stone achieved one of the top prizes in adult USTA tennis in 2022 when he and Bates won a Gold Ball at the 65s Grass Court Championship.

Stone has also been part of more than 10 Atlantic Coast Cup teams representing New England.

Off the court, Stone has created a heralded tennis business career. He was hired as the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s first national fund raiser in 1981, and his passion grew from there. He later started Stone Sports, which founded and served as the tournament director for more than 25 legends events.

He worked as the president of Advantage International, one of the largest global sports and tennis marketing agencies, which signed top players like Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi and Tracy Austin. He also personally represented the ATP and WTA Tours for sponsorship sales.

From 2008-2011, Stone worked as the Chief Marketing and Business Officer for USTA National, leading all commercial aspects of the US Open. He later started the SJX marketing agency, which continued to represent the US Open for sponsorship and TV rights.

Stone has served on the Board of Directors or Advisory Board at Grassroots Tennis and Education (Norwalk/Stamford) since 1999. He started and chaired their largest annual fundraiser, which is now in its 25th year and has raised more than $1 million to date.

Stone has won multiple awards for his lifelong career in tennis, including the Art Goldblatt Impact Award, for his ongoing service to Grassroots Tennis & Education.

“It’s very gratifying to be inducted into the New England Hall of Fame. Tennis has brought such joy and opportunity to me, both on the court and off, and it’s a wonderful recognition that my love for the sport has not gone unnoticed,” Stone said. “Next to my three kids and my wife, tennis is the love of my life. It has opened every door of my career, and I’m super excited and proud.”

The USTA New England Hall of Fame exists to recognize and honor New England tennis players and non-players whose achievements or volunteer contributions in tennis-related activities have been outstanding over a significant period of time. 

To learn more about the Hall of Fame, 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.