During its annual awards breakfast, Sept. 22 at the USPTA World Conference on Tennis held at the Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla., the United States Professional Tennis Association recognized those members who make education a priority. The Association honored Ian Thomson from Duluth, Ga., as the top credit earner in USPTA's Career Development Program.

Thomson earned the most continuing education credits in the 2010 program with 47 education credits.

Thomson, a USPTA-certified P-1, is a Specialist in Sports Science. He is the director of tennis at Medlock Bridge Tennis Center in Alpharetta, Ga. He has previously received the Industry Excellence Award from the USPTA Georgia Chapter and the Program of the Year Award for his efforts at the Atlanta Athletic Club from the Georgia Professional Tennis Association.

Education has always been one of the most important benefits of USPTA membership. Today, USPTA offers more opportunities than ever before for teaching professionals to gain more knowledge about tennis and specialized areas within the sport. Members earning top education honors have shown a commitment to continuing education in the USPTA through attendance at seminars and specialty courses and through distance learning opportunities. Those members honored at the annual awards breakfast have logged the most education hours and credits in the Association. Below are some of those who have clearly taken advantage of this benefit.

Top education participants for 2010 include:

David Hardy

Warren Lem

Bill Mecca

Pat Whitworth

Joe Roediger

Fernando Mateau

Craig Wells

Ron Woods

Simon Harrington

Education merit awards for 10 years of continuing-education participation went to the following USPTA members:

Avis Murray

Nancy Tielke