2025 USTA Texas Awards Winners Announced

AUSTIN, Texas – USTA Texas will celebrate thirteen individuals and organizations from across Texas that made a significant contribution to the sport of tennis in Texas on Saturday, Feb. 8 in Plano.

The honorees will be highlighted during the 2025 USTA Texas Awards Luncheon held at the USTA Texas Annual Meeting.

The USTA Texas awards committee received more nominations than usual, an indication that the tennis boom in Texas is continuing. Marketing and Communications Manager for USTA Texas, Kyle Wrather, said the awards show the impact and diversity of tennis organizers in the state.

“These awards are among our most historic and prestigious,” he said. “With winners from across the state, this year’s honorees represent the many different ways our grassroots players, coaches and organizers are sharing the fun and accessibility of our sport.” 

This year also sees the introduction of the USTA Texas NJTL Impact Award, given to Corpus Christi’s Tennis Success, Inc. The National Junior Tennis & Learning network was co-founded by Arthur Ashe and is composed of chapters across the state. These organizations are particularly focused on combining tennis and educational programs to help youth succeed. 

Tennis Success Executive Director, Cher-ri Peña, said winning this award re-affirms the difference her organization makes in its community. 

“It highlights the dedication of our coaches, staff, volunteers, and community partners who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of at-risk youth,” she said. “It inspires us to continue growing our mission, reaching more students, and strengthening our programs to create lasting change.”

This is also the first year the USTA Texas Junior Sportsmanship Awards have been integrated into the USTA Texas Awards cycle. Daniel Carmona of San Antonio was awarded the John McFarlin Outstanding Sportsmanship Award and Rayna Li was awarded the Mary Lowdon Outstanding Sportsmanship Award. They will be publicly recognized at the US Men's Clay Court Championship and ATX Open pro tournaments, respectively.  

The Chuck McKinley Outstanding Player Award for the Texas junior player with the most year-end national ranking points was earned by Enya Hamilton of Addison.