USTA Northern Day With the Minnesota Twins

It was a beautiful sunny day blending two sport communities together and celebrating our third annual USTA Northern Day with the Minnesota Twins in honor of May as National Tennis Month. In 2025, the occasion coincided with Mother's Day, and USTA Northern was privileged to recognize Marcia Bach, a distinguished individual who has made significant contributions to our tennis community.

Marcia Bach is a trailblazer for women in sports following in the steps of colleague and friend Billie Jean King. Marcia has volunteered with the National Public Parks Tennis Association for 48 years, beginning in 1977 when she boldly questioned the lack of women on the board and was immediately elected. Since then, she has been the association's heart beat and voice for the tennis community.

Marcia went on to work as the executive director of the United States Tennis Association  Northern Section from 1989-2002, providing access to communities where tennis was not always the available sport. Marcia’s dedication to the sport allowed her to grow the game of tennis in the Northern Section exponentially inspiring healthier people and communities everywhere.

Marcia's work with NPPTA, USTA parks, and USTA Northern made her an easy selection for the Jean & Hollis Smith Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to her at the National Public Parks Tennis Association's 100th Anniversary in 2024. In addition, she is also the winner of the Billie Jean King Public Parks Tennis Person of the Year in 2025."

Marcia's longstanding dedication to the Minnesota Twins made her an ideal candidate for the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch this year.

Regarding her experience, she expressed profound gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored. This has been a life highlight for me for sure. Being a lifetime Twins fan, the opportunity to be present on the field, throw out the first pitch, and share this moment with my family on Mother’s Day is truly an experience that cannot get better than this. It’s just the best!”