2026 W. T. Caswell Lifetime Service Award
What does receiving this award mean to you?
“This award embodies a milestone that acknowledges my hard work, perseverance, and the positive influence I have had on others. It serves as both an honor and a motivation to continue striving for higher standards, fostering innovation, and inspiring future generations. This award represents a meaningful validation of my journey and a call to uphold the values and legacy associated with the award’s namesake.”
– Becki Wortham
About the winner:
They say it’s never too late to find your passion, but for Becki Wortham, picking up a racquet in her 40s wasn't just the start of a new hobby—it was the beginning of a transformative journey for Texas tennis. What started as a competitive spark on the league courts of San Antonio quickly evolved into a lifetime of service that has reached every corner of the state.
Becki’s involvement in the USTA framework spans nearly two decades, characterized by a transition from an "instantly hooked" league player to one of the section’s most vital leaders. She has served as a USTA Official since 2008 and a dedicated volunteer for the San Antonio Tennis Association (SATA) since 2012, where she rose from an Assistant League Coordinator to eventually serving as the organization's Interim President and longtime member of its Board of Directors. Her early visionary work led to the highest league participation increase in the country in 2016, earning her national recognition and setting the stage for her extensive service on the USTA Texas Board of Directors and Management Committee.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
Currently, Becki chairs the Volunteer Development Committee for USTA Texas and serves as a pivotal mentor for the National Emerging Leaders program. Her resume is a masterclass in versatility, having held roles as USTA Texas Secretary, Vice President of Administration, and chair or lead of multiple committees at the section and national level, particularly in the facilities, advocacy and leadership spaces. Whether she is championing the San Pedro Park Renovation Project, advocating for Hispanic engagement, or volunteering for the Special Olympics and Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, her focus remains steadfast on creating an inclusive and professional environment for all tennis players.
In the spirit of the award’s namesake, W. T. Caswell—a visionary who built the foundations of the game in Texas—Becki is a "builder" of the people who make the sport possible. Her commitment to leadership coaching and volunteer mentorship mirrors Caswell’s legacy of establishing the structures necessary for the sport to thrive long-term. By treating the volunteer pathway as the "lifeblood" of the section, she ensures that the next generation of Texas tennis organizers is supported, motivated, and empowered to lead.
Guided by her mantra to "focus on the process, not the outcome," Becki has proven that the true victory in tennis lies in the community you build and the leaders you inspire along the way.