George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award

Alan Cutler - Las Vegas, Nevada

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the George Bacso Lifetime Achievement Award to Alan Cutler of Las Vegas, NV (Intermountain Division). Throughout his 42-year teaching career, Alan worked for numerous cities, country clubs and homeowner’s associations. He taught at the City of Whittier for more than a decade helping to develop more than two thousand young athletes. During his years as a teaching pro, he held just about every position from junior professional to general manger, working his way through nine different facilities. Alan is also a USPTA Master Professional having amassed more than 3,000 education credits, far more than the required amount. Over his 29 years as a certified USPTA professional, Alan’s averaged just over 105 hours of continuing education each year. He’s taken more than 40 specialty courses, completed two specialist degrees and co-authored both the USPTA Computer Specialist degree and the USPTA Leadership Academy. Alan has served more than 15-years on the education committee, helped developed numerous specialty courses and lobbied for expanded continuing education for members. He’s the former chairperson of USPTA’s Tennis Across America and a longtime USPTA Southern California Division Board Member. He is a former division Professional of the Year and has presented at dozens of USPTA conferences. He has written more than 20 articles for ADDvantage Magazine and has been published more than 50-times nationally and internationally. He also helped to develop and implement USPTA monthly educational webinars and helped to initiate live streaming for USPTA World Conferences.

National Awards

Alex Gordon Professional of the Year

Carrie Zarraonandia - San Rafael, California

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the 2022 USPTA Alex Gordon Professional of the Year Award to Carrie Zarraonandia of San Rafael, CA (Northern California Division). From serving on the Northern California Board of Directors, to being a certified trainer for Positive Coaching Alliance, Carrie has had one of the most dedicated and productive years of her career. When she was asked to serve on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee in 2021, Carrie jumped at the chance. “As an openly gay teaching professional, I took pride in taking part of the productive conversations, SWOT analyses, and helping put together some achievable goals for our division,” Carrie said. When asked to help, Carrie takes on every role with enthusiasm and a thirst to learn. This past year, she also stepped up and jumped into the IFPA (International Federation Pickleball Academy) training to represent Northern California as the Head Pickleball Coach Developer. As the Vice President of the Northern California Board of Directors, Carrie spearheaded an extremely successful fall division conference – the division’s first in-person event since the pandemic hit. Not only did she arrange the guest speakers, but she presented Northern California division’s first Pickleball demo session. Carrie has been an inspirational leader for women throughout the USPTA.

National Awards

President’s Paul Waldman Award

John Gerard -National Staff

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the 2022 President’s Paul Waldman Award to John Gerard from our USPTA National Staff. John served as USPTA National's Director of Multimedia for five years and recently relocated. During that time, he made numerous contributions on the media side of the USPTA. In appreciation of his dedicated service to the USPTA, the Association’s President Rich Slivocka presented John with the President’s Paul Waldman Award. The award recipient is selected at the discretion of the USPTA President. Each year it is given to a USPTA member that has made an outstanding and significant contribution to the USPTA. In John’s case, for his creativity, can-do attitude and support of both the multimedia and other departments at National. Thank you, John, for your hard work and dedication to the USPTA.

National Awards

Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year Award

Jay Gooding - Orlando, Florida

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to name Jay Gooding of Orlando, FL (Florida Division), the 2022 USPTA Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year. The award is selected based on the recipient’s work with a playing professional on the ATP World Tour, the WTA Tour and/or touring juniors. Jay is a former ATP Tour Professional and veteran tour coach with more than 20 years of professional tennis experience. The Australian native is currently coaching Daria Saville and Aleks Vukic, both Australian players. Under Gooding’s tutelage, Dasha made the quarterfinals of Guadalajara WTA 250, the fourth round of Indian Wells 1000 and the quarterfinals at Miami 1000. Jay’s other student, Vukic, made the quarterfinals of the Adelaide ATP 250, reached the second round at the Australian Open and on top of those successes, Vukic was the winner of the ATP challenger in Bengaluru, India. As a touring coach, Jay has had many success stories and only more to come.

National Awards

Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year Award

C.J. Weber - Fort Myers, Florida

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to name C.J. Weber from Fort Myers, FL (Florida Division), the 2022 USPTA Steve Wilkinson College Coach of the Year. This award recognizes a USPTA certified professional who coaches college tennis for their achievements that include, among other things, their coaching impact on student-athletes, community involvement, season records, and team and individual player accomplishments. C.J. recently entered his 12th season as head coach of the Florida Gulf Coast University men’s tennis program. The Eagles ended 2021 ranked number 65, the highest in program history. In 2022, Weber led FGCU to the ASUN regular season title for the fourth time in program history, finishing the season with a 15-7 record and going 7-1 in ASUN play. The Eagles number one player, Magnus Johnson, won ASUN Player of the Year for the second straight season.  C.J.’s also assisted in raising tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships- including $24,000 raised through the Tom Manring Foundation and he received over $50,000 in pledged money for the construction of a scoreboard for the FGCU Tennis Complex. Coach C.J.’s team helped feed the needy in the Ft. Myers area, members took part in multiple exhibitions at local country clubs and they hosted the FGCU Collegiate Open at the Bonita Bay Club, bringing college tennis to a clay court. We look forward to seeing more success for C.J. and FGCU. 

National Awards

Laurie Martin High School Coach of the Year Award

Sally Frame - Richardson, Texas

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to name Sally Frame of Richardson, TX (Texas Division) the 2022 USPTA High School Coach of the Year. The USPTA High School Coach of the Year Award recognizes USPTA certified professionals for their achievements as high school tennis coaches. In her first year as Head Coach in 2021, Sally transformed the tennis program at John Paul II High School. She immediately beefed up the tournament and match play schedule, which led to improved individual and team success. Her boys team went undefeated in district play, took 1st place at district, and won 4th place at State. Sally’s girls team finished 4th at State. In addition, JPII HS players took home 3rd place in both boys singles and doubles at State. However, Coach Frame’s greatest success was dramatically improving the overall tennis experience for players and parents. A few examples include starting a weekly coach info blast, building team spirit, meeting with each player individually to set goals, and emphasizing sportsmanship, education and community service. Frame added fun events like the Family Fall Kick-Off, trips to watch college matches and a holiday party. She even formed a first ever tennis booster club! Sally used her magic touch, lots of hard work, and connections in the tennis community to create the foundation for a top-notch High School program—one that will continue to grow and flourish for many years to come.

National Awards

Large Facility Manager of the Year Award

Hagen Cleek - San Antonio, Texas

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to name Hagen Cleek of San Antonio, TX (Texas Division), the 2022 USPTA Large Facility Manager of the Year. The award recognizes facility managers who encourage and develop their staff, hire and support USPTA-certified Professionals, and contribute to the tennis community. Hagen has served as General Manager at the Club at Sonterra in San Antonio for five years. He leads a 31-court tennis facility with 1,600 members with his assistant GM Nathan Gillespy. Together they manage a location that has the second largest private club tennis programs in Texas. Hagen leads with grace and pride and trusts the department heads to run their departments. He’s also supportive and encouraging of staff to be affiliated with the USPTA and to volunteer for division and national boards. In 2021, Hagen and the club hosted events like the USPTA Texas Summer Retreat, and allowed staff to waive their strict non-member policy to raise money for charity- last October they were able to raise $14,000 for Susan G. Komen of Texas. Hagen’s spearheaded projects including clay court resurfacing, others converted into pickleball courts, and the resurfacing of 7 hard courts. Under his leadership, the Club at Sonterra has grown and prospered!

National Awards

Small Facility Manager of the Year Award

Chris Bowen - Austin, Texas

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to name Chris Bowen of Austin, TX (Texas Division) the 2022 USPTA Small Facility Manager of the Year. The award recognizes facility managers who encourage and develop their staff, hire and support USPTA-certified Professionals, and contribute to the tennis community. As General Manager of Onion Creek Country Club in Austin, Chris hired several tennis professionals to help restart the tennis program and supported many open play nights to promote tennis to the public. Chris oversaw the enhancement of the facility with new windscreens, nets and much needed equipment, allowing the six-court club to increase its programming to a lesson revenue of over $60k/month. The club hosted the USPTA Gran Prix’s, has stayed busy with many program offerings and hosted a USPTA Pickleball Certification. Chris has been instrumental in getting corporate funding to promote and grow tennis, resurface clay courts, and to champion the game of tennis and pickleball overall.

National Awards

Industry Excellence Award

Amy Badger - Albuquerque, New Mexico

National Awards

George Bacso Coach Developer of the Year Award

Simon Paek - Mission Viejo, California

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to name Simon Paek of Mission Viejo, CA (Southern California Division), the 2022 George Bacso Coach Developer of the Year. The Coach Developer of the Year award recognizes the USPTA coach developer or tester who does the most to advance certification opportunities and the certification process. “Simon led the way in SoCal division in delivering the certification workshop entitled TE3,” said Sid Newcomb, USPTA National Head Tester and Director of Certification. “He was instrumental in helping to design our current pickleball certification program and Simon has been a mentor to many pros entering the Association in tennis.”

National Awards

USPTA Elevate Award

Travis Tressler - Fort Walton Beach, Florida

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the 2022 USPTA Elevate Award to Travis Tressler of Fort Walton Beach, FL (Florida Division). The Elevate Award recognizes the achievements of USPTA certified professionals with five or fewer years of service, which, through tennis-teaching and volunteerism, have increased opportunities for others to participate in tennis. This member exemplifies and emphasizes individual achievement and sportsmanship, along with teaching the physical attributes of the sport. Travis has been part of the USPTA for the last two years as Florida’s Region 1 President, which covers the Florida panhandle. Working at a public facility in a park, Travis aims to offer low-cost lessons to grow the game and introduce people to tennis. He says he believes he’s there to serve his community and help provide them with a high-quality public tennis center. In 2021, as an employee for USTA Florida in the Tennis Management Division, he hosted Special Olympics practices, middle school and high school practices and matches, ran junior and adult tournaments and clinics, and introduced 25+ adults to tennis through Love 2 Learn classes. He also helped reintroduce adult mixers to the community post-COVID. Travis has spent a lot of his time growing tennis, but his plans don’t stop there. In the future, he hopes to utilize the high school team and mentor younger players to get them involved with coaching and the USPTA.

National Awards

USPTA Star Award

Scott Potter - Missoula, Montana

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the 2022 USPTA Star Award to Scott Potter from Missoula, MT (Intermountain Division). The USPTA Star Award recognizes certified professionals that have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis while incorporating multicultural and inclusive aspects to bring tennis and good sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits make them stars in their community. As tennis director at PEAK Health and Wellness, Scott set out to create an inclusive event where you can potentially play with a pro, watch a pro or just merely being in the presence of a pro, while also linking it to a charity. Scott started the Watson Children’s Shelter Tennis Pro-Am back in 2011. The annual event donates one hundred percent of its profits to the Watson Children’s Shelter, which helps more than 100 children with a home, clothing, supplies, counseling, and meals, each year. Now, the Watson Shelter Tennis Pro-Am has grown to incorporate 32 different pros who are auctioned off and the successful bidders play five pro set matches with their professional. The event includes the pro auction, a silent auction, Pro Exhibition, Junior and Adult Clinics, and a tour of the shelter. In 2021 alone, the Pro-Am raised $107,000 for Watson Children’s Shelter. Through the help of sponsors and huge support from its community every year, this event has proven to be a gigantic success.

National Awards

USPTA Star Award

Leslie Banks - Phoenix, Arizona

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the 2022 USPTA Star Award to Leslie Banks from Phoenix, AZ (Southwest Division). The USPTA Star Award recognizes certified professionals that have dedicated many years to volunteering in grassroots tennis while incorporating multicultural and inclusive aspects to bring tennis and good sportsmanship to the players they touch. Their giving spirits make them stars in their community. After relocating to the Phoenix area in 2019, Leslie began to dedicate her time to under-privileged children wanting to learn how to play tennis. Last year, Leslie founded the non-profit ‘LoveAll10s’, holding weekly private and group lessons for high school students. She also directed and administered a No-Cost summer camp that was attended by over 40 underserved students. Leslie had recent high school grads who had been in the program help coach and campers also received a nutrition presentation. Leslie worked throughout the year holding fundraising events for the non-profit and ‘LoveAll10s’ received several grants and sponsorships. Through these tennis camps, Leslie’s become even more passionate about creating a more encompassing program that’s now called ‘Serve The Future’ to help elevate those hardworking and inspiring teenagers through the game of tennis.

National Awards

Bob Ryland Diversity Award

Brian Dean - Tipp City, Ohio

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the 2022 USPTA Bob Ryland Diversity Award to Brian Dean from Tipp City, OH (Midwest Division). The USPTA Bob Ryland Diversity Award recognizes certified professionals that demonstrated an outstanding ability to use tennis to unite diverse populations within their community. As a coach, one has the responsibility to include people from any background. Brian has done exactly that by ensuring wheelchair players in his community can feel the joy we all feel when playing tennis. Brian had “the vision to do, and the heart to share.” Brian’s coached several wheelchair tennis events and camps, including one in Columbus with 20 wheelchair players and one at Holland, Michigan with 25 junior tennis players. In 2021, Brian introduced the A.H. Sports/Hunter Heck/Lynn Bender Junior Wheelchair Tennis Grant- named in part honoring fellow USPTA member Lynn Bender. Brian organized a fundraiser for the grant that raised close to $15,000.  The grant gives out $1,000 awards to a junior wheelchair tennis player. Four of those grants were handed out last year. The group also awarded one new sports chair, valued at $4,000. Through Brian’s efforts, many players are finding new ways to enjoy tennis.

National Awards

USTA/USPTA Community Service Award

Anne Davis - Tallahassee, Florida

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present Anne Davis of Tallahassee, FL (Florida Division) with the 2022 USTA/USPTA Community Service Award. The USTA/USPTA Community Service Award is presented to a USPTA member who used the power of tennis over the past year to improve their community. “Anne has made a valuable contribution to our new applicants joining the USPTA and has improved the quality of applicants joining the USPTA,” John Embree, USPTA CEO expressed.

National Awards

Top Education Credit Earner

Michael Friedman - Highland Park, IL

The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to recognize Michael Friedman of Highland Park, IL (Midwest Division), as the 2021 Top Education Credit Earner. If you recognize his name, it’s because this is a 4-peat for Mike. In 2021, he earned an impressive 501 credits- that’s more than double any other member. Mike continues to set the bar high for the rest of us. Also recognized for their pursuit of continuing education were Jennifer Gelhaus, Jason Joseph, Doug Eng, Rick Willett, Jing (Amy) Nestle, Elliott James, Frank Seitz, Stephane Lin, and Dany Couture.

National Awards