2026 USTA Texas Large CTA of the Year Award
What does receiving this award mean to you?
“It's an honor to receive this award in recognition of the work we do within our community. Our organization has overcome many obstacles in the post-pandemic years, but we focused on rebuilding with a strong foundation this past year. We have an amazing staff and board who have worked together to refocus on our organization's mission and our community has responded favorably. We appreciate the continuous support we receive from our members and from the USTA.”
– Veronica Bellard, Executive Director
About the winner:
For nearly eight decades, the San Antonio Tennis Association has been championing the sport, proving that even as a city grows to become the seventh largest in the nation, its heart for community remains the same. As it prepares to celebrate its milestone 80th anniversary, this organization stands as a pillar of resilience and excellence in the heart of Texas.
Founded in 1946, the San Antonio Tennis Association (SATA) has evolved from a small member organization into a powerhouse that serves thousands of players across the greater San Antonio area. Today, it manages a robust slate of programming that includes USTA League, Junior Team Tennis, and a year-round NJTL program that provides a vital pathway for young athletes. By successfully navigating the challenges of recent years, SATA has refocused on its core mission, rebuilding with a strong foundation of dedicated staff and board members who work in lockstep to elevate the game for more than 3,000 active members.
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The organization’s impact is defined by its unwavering commitment to making tennis accessible and equitable for everyone, regardless of their background or ability. From providing equipment to schools in low socioeconomic areas to partnering with Child Protective Services for NJTL scholarships, SATA ensures that the "sport for a lifetime" reaches those who need it most. Its spirit of inclusivity was on full display during the 2025 National Tennis Month play day, an event that brought together able-bodied and adaptive athletes for a day of shared play that culminated in the entire community gathering to cheer on local wheelchair athletes.
By championing diverse initiatives like the South Texas Regional Adaptive & Para Sports (STRAPS) adaptive clinics at Morgan’s Wonderland and supporting regional programs in rural areas, SATA fulfills the USTA mission to grow the game in every corner of its community. Whether hosting clinics for senior players or organizing youth camps for the Boys & Girls Club, the association consistently lives by its mantra to "make the right call, even when no one is watching.”
Through this legacy of service, SATA has cultivated a vibrant tennis culture where the social and physical benefits of the game are a resource for all.
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