Texas

Texas Tennis Leaders Honored With Inaugural USTA 35 X 35 President's Impact Award

October 02, 2026


The USTA announced the recipients of the inaugural 35 x 35 President’s Impact Award, shining a national spotlight on Texas tennis leaders whose extraordinary contributions are driving the growth of the sport across the Lone Star State.

 

The President’s Impact Award directly supports the USTA’s bold 35 x 35 strategic initiative, which aims to make the United States the world’s leading tennis-playing nation by expanding the player base to 35 million by 2035. The efforts of these Texas recipients are vital to this mission—inspiring healthier communities by maximizing court availability, enhancing coaching quality, and introducing new generations to the court.

 

Honored for making a transformative impact over the past two years across local and sectional levels, these leaders represent the backbone of Texas tennis. Whether launching local youth programs, volunteering endless hours, or championing public facilities, their work expands the game’s footprint state-wide.

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“The growth of tennis happens every day in communities across the country because of people who care deeply about our sport and work tirelessly to share it with others,” said Brian Vahaly, USTA President and Chairman of the Board. “The President’s Impact Award is our opportunity to say thank you, recognize the difference they are making and celebrate the role they play in shaping the future of tennis.”

 

To celebrate their outstanding achievements, the Texas honorees were recognized at the 2026 US Open and hosted in the USTA President’s Suite during Fan Week in Flushing Meadows.

 

Eighteen exceptional individuals from the USTA Texas Section were honored among the inaugural class for their dedication to expanding access, fostering local communities, and building the future of the game:

  • Adrienne Bransky

  • Angela Sexton

  • Cheryl Halpern

  • Dart Bebel

  • Dave Ware

  • David Anderson

  • Denise Lytle

  • Erinn Murray

  • Gerry Maingot

  • Grant Chambers

  • Jennifer Powell

  • Keith Christman

  • Kelly McCullough

  • Kynna Sullivan

  • Mary Lynn Gayler

  • Mike Haynes

  • Veronica Bellard

  • Zachary Williams

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