Officials Appreciation Week: Kevin Foster Spotlights the Vital Role of Officials

WACO, Texas — For Kevin Foster, tennis has never just been about the scoreline. It is a lifelong ecosystem.

The former Baylor University men’s tennis coach, longtime instructor, and Texas Tennis Hall of Famer has worn nearly every hat in the sport, from business owner to parent of competitive players. But in his latest chapter as a tennis official, Foster has found a new perspective on the game that defines Texas grit and community.

As the tennis community celebrates Officials Appreciation Week, Foster is speaking out about the growth, patience, and "competitive rush" that comes with wearing the official’s uniform.

USTA Texas: How has being a tennis official helped you grow outside the court?

Foster: In more ways than I can count. From the years my wife, Leni, and I owned a Little Caesars franchise to my 30-plus years of instructing tennis, I thought I understood customer service. Then I became an official. It’s grown my patience, leadership, and ability to stay calm when everyone else might be melting down. The biggest growth, though, has come from the friendships and the doors it opens to community events, Para Standing Tennis, and IDD programs. It’s shaped my own family; it gave me a front-row seat to the character this sport builds: resilience, respect, and the right way to compete.

USTA Texas: Why should future generations or current players get certified as USTA Officials?

Foster: First of all, we need quality, community-engaged officials! Getting certified helps young players see the game from the other side. They learn how much work goes into keeping tennis running smoothly, and they come back to playing with more respect and maturity. It teaches them that tennis is about more than winning—it’s about keeping both sides of the court fair.

USTA Texas: What’s your secret for staying focused all day during a long tournament?

Foster: The secret is 100% customer service. Every kid, parent, and coach deserves our full attention, whether it’s 8 a.m. or 7 p.m. I also strongly recommend that Tournament Directors offer shift options for our aging officials—nobody needs to be out there from sunrise to sunset! You don’t do it alone; your officiating crew keeps you sharp. We lean on each other.

USTA Texas: How does officiating give former players that same “competitive rush”?

Foster: I know what it feels like to be in the middle of a big point with everything on the line. Officiating brings a version of that back. You still feel the pressure and the tension in the air with everyone watching you. You’re part of the moment in a different way—the non-emotional, steady part. It’s a different kind of "match rush," and for me, it’s just as meaningful without the wear and tear on the body.

USTA Texas: How do you see your role as more than a rule-enforcer in Texas?

Foster: In Texas, we take sportsmanship seriously. I see myself as much a teacher as an official. Sometimes you’re explaining a rule, sometimes you’re calming someone down, but you’re always helping them "tennis grow." We’re building Texas tennis families, not just competitors.

USTA Texas: What’s it like officiating in smaller Texas hubs compared to big cities?

Foster: Smaller hubs like Waco, Laredo, Abilene, Tyler, and Amarillo feel like family. People truly appreciate you. But I also love the big cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio for the high-level competition that sharpens your skills. Our Texas officials give a tremendous amount of time to adaptive and community programs. They show up with a Texas-sized heart and make a difference in places most people never see. Both settings matter, and both make you a better official.