2026 Julius Zinn Seniors' Service Award
What does receiving this award mean to you?
"It is an honor to receive this special award and join the prestigious group of prior recipients. I look forward to continuing my work in promoting the game of tennis at all levels, both on and off the court."
– Fernando Velasco
About the winner:
While many spend their careers looking toward the next trophy, Fernando Velasco has spent over fifty years looking toward the next generation of players and the enduring health of the senior game. He is a leader who doesn't just work in tennis; he lives as one of its most dedicated and humble ambassadors.
Fernando’s impact on Texas tennis is a storied legacy that began when he moved to the states in 1974. Over the last five decades, he has held nearly every major leadership role in the industry, including a transformative tenure as the Executive Director of the Capital Area Tennis Association. His resume reads like a history of the sport in Texas, from directing tennis at iconic facilities like Brookhaven Country Club and Grey Rock Tennis Club, to shaping the professional standards of the game as President of RSPA Texas. Currently, he continues his lifelong service as a consultant and volunteer.
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His commitment to the senior community is defined by his belief that tennis is the ultimate tool for a high quality of life. Much like the award’s namesake, Julius Zinn—who was celebrated for his selfless dedication to the "longevity" of the sport—Fernando has been a zealous advocate for adult and senior programming, ensuring that competitive opportunities remain robust for players of all ages. He is widely respected not just for his technical expertise, but for his "service-first" mentality, often spending his own time mentoring young professionals on how to lead with the same integrity and class he has displayed for half a century.
Fernando reflects the spirit of this honor through his unwavering professionalism and his reputation as a true gentleman of the courts. Whether he was steering the administrative growth of CATA or simply offering a word of encouragement to a league player, he has always treated every individual with the same level of respect and dignity. By championing the physical and social benefits of the game, he has ensured that the senior tennis community in Texas is not just active, but thriving with a sense of camaraderie and purpose.
Fernando Velasco stands as a legendary pillar of the Texas tennis community, proving that a life dedicated to the service of others is the greatest victory one can achieve on or off the court.
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