2026 Ray Delcastillo Official of the Year Award
What does receiving this award mean to you?
“Knowing how many great officials are out there, it is quite an honor to receive this award. When I decide to do something, I am typically all in. I appreciate the acknowledgment and validation of a job well done. My peers respect the work I do and likewise.”
– Tammy Gendron
About the winner:
For some, the call to officiate is about maintaining order, but for Tammy Gendron, it is a call to mentorship and education. After a distinguished career as a classroom teacher, she traded her lesson plans for a rulebook, bringing a teacher’s heart to the tennis courts of Texas.
Tammy’s deep-seated involvement in Texas tennis began as a dedicated "tennis mom" and the official district chaperone for the Flower Mound High School tennis team. Her transition to officiating ten years ago was a natural step, joining her husband Larry and sons Aaron and Ben in what has truly become a family legacy of service to the section. Today, she is recognized as one of the strongest officials in North Texas, serving with the Metroplex Tennis Officials Association (MTOA) and holding certifications as a Referee, Roving Official, and Chair Umpire.
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Tammy is defined by her tireless work ethic and her commitment to the professional development of others. Much like the award’s namesake, Ray Delcastillo—who was a leader in strengthening the officiating community—Tammy is a prolific recruiter and trainer who is known for being patient with her trainees and guiding them as they move up the ranks. She believes that being an official is about more than just "clocking in and out." It is about protecting the integrity of the sport through the constant education of players and parents alike.
She embodies the spirit of this award by prioritizing the balance of fairness and empathy in every match she oversees. Whether she is managing a complex tournament or providing one-on-one guidance to a new recruit, her focus remains on ensuring that players leave the court having learned something new about the game. By treating the rules of tennis as a tool for growth rather than just a means of reprimand, she ensures a better environment for every athlete and family involved in Texas tennis.
With a firm hand and a mentor’s soul, Tammy Gendron is the pinnacle of professionalism and integrity on the court.
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