LAKE NONA, Fla. – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) is proud to present the USPTA Bob Ryland Diversity Award to Andy Rodriguez Nerger of Toledo, Ohio.
“Ed has been an exemplary member for nearly 50 years,” USPTA CEO John Embree said. “He has dedicated his life to our sport and his philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of so many people across multiple generations.”
Under Andy Rodriguez Nerger’s leadership, the Twos Athletic Club started a wheelchair tennis program for up to a dozen players. The club also installed ramps for easy access to the courts. After many wheelchair tennis clinics, the club hosts socials with drinks and pizza for wheelchair and able body players to enjoy together. He was also presented the Wheelchair Performance Award by the USTA Midwest Section. Rodriguez Nerger is a USPTA Professional and has been a member for one year.
The USPTA Board of Directors named the Diversity Award after the late Bob Ryland, the first African-American man to play professional tennis in the United States and a 62-year member. Ryland was this year’s lone inductee into the USPTA Hall of Fame.
About the USPTA: Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development. With more than 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions nationwide, the Association’s mission is to raise the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and to promote a greater awareness of the sport.