ORLANDO, FLA., APRIL 15, 2024 - The USTA Florida Orlando Regional Event celebrated the past, present, and future of the organization. From honoring the first women president, Marian Green to looking ahead to future industry leaders, it was a celebration to remember.  As honoring achievements was a common theme, USTA Florida was honored to award people, organizations, and families for their outstanding work in the tennis community. Look at the newest hall of fame member, Merit Award, Family, and Organization of the Year.  [caption id="attachment_97612" width="900"] Robert Hollis was ..read more

ORLANDO, FLA., APRIL 15, 2024 – USTA Florida welcomed more than 250 guests to "Sunshine City" at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts to celebrate the past, present, and future of the sport.  Florida tennis has a rich history and back in March, the organization honored the past at the Biltmore Hotel, honoring legends of the game and past leaders. One leader, Marian Green, the first women President of USTA Florida, was in attendance in Orlando and recognized for her achievements and leadership. Green played a large role in driving USTA Florida forward and today the organization is ..read more

During National Volunteer Month, USTA Florida recognizes and honors volunteers and their invaluable work within the tennis community.  Charlotte Stark is a shining example of the impact one person can make through volunteering in the tennis community. From her early years as a player to her current volunteer roles, Charlotte has dedicated herself to giving back and making a difference.  Her journey with tennis began at the age of 7, evolving from a player to a passionate volunteer. Inspired by her parents' dedication to community service, Charlotte started volunteering in high schoo ..read more

In a continued effort to advance gender equity and inclusivity in tennis, USTA Florida has been evolving its Women in Tennis initiative to reshape the landscape. With Women in Tennis data, provided by Clarity Writing & Research, the organization is already helping create more opportunities for girls and women in the sport.  The Women in Tennis research, a comprehensive breakdown of the barriers and opportunities for female participation in the sport, has provided USTA Florida with the information to make a difference. One key area of focus was calling out a study done by the Departme ..read more

The NTRP 18+, 40+, and 55+ Singles National Championships was hosted across the country bringing together some of the best tennis players from across the nation for a thrilling showcase of skill and competition.  Representing the Florida Section with pride and intensity, the Sunshine state’s players delivered outstanding performances, capturing a total of 8 Nationals Championship titles and securing 3 Finalist positions across the different divisions. Their achievements emphasized the talent and dedication within Florida's tennis community, showing why Florida tennis is at the top of its ..read more

The 2024 Miami Open has come to a close and the Sunshine State, once again, showed its legacy of building champions.  St. Petersburg native, Danielle Collins, who announced her retirement earlier this year, won the biggest tournament of her career, defeating World No. 4 Elena Rybakina, a former Grand Slam Champion, to capture the Women’s Singles Miami Open Championship.  Collins got her start in tennis in the Sunshine state, having grown up in Junior Team Tennis, to winning our most prestigious Junior title, the Bobby Curtis Junior State Championship, which she won three times (200 ..read more

In the world of tennis, certain individuals shine bright with their dedication, passion, and selflessness. This month, USTA Florida is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Judith Kolbert, a remarkable volunteer from Palm Beach County, whose commitment to the sport is creating a positive impact on her community.   For over a decade, Judith has been a driving force behind the scenes, contributing her time and energy to various tennis events across both Florida and North Carolina. Prior to becoming vital in Delray Beach, Judith was helping communities in North Carolina enjoy the game of tenni ..read more

MIAMI, Fla. -- March 27, 2024 - Tennis is the healthiest sport in the world and today the United States Tennis Association (USTA), alongside Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff and special guests from the White House, announced that the USTA is the first National Governing Body (NGB) to partner with the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (PCSFN). The PCSFN is a federal advisory committee that aims to promote nutrition and physical activity for all people, regardless of background or ability. Tennis is also the first racquet sport to make this commitment. As part of the agreemen ..read more

USTA Florida is saddened by the recent passing of volunteer and league captain Gwendolyn Berestecki. She was a beloved member of the USTA Florida family, especially in her community of Lee County.  Born in 1952, in Flint, Michigan, Gwendolyn, also known as Gwen to her peers, has been giving back to her community and helping others for decades. She earned a radiologic technologist certification and worked in a few hospitals. She worked at Hurley Hospital in Flint and then spent 20 years at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.  In recent years, Gwen and her husband, John, move ..read more

During Women’s History Month, USTA Florida is highlighting women that showcase what it means to have passion for tennis. This includes families, coaches, players, volunteers, generational stories, and much more.  With Florida being one of the largest tennis sections in the country, there is a need for organizers so every community can enjoy the thrills of playing the sport. For Jane Forman, Director of Racquet Sports at Riviera Tennis Center in Miami, helping everyone feel included in the sport is one of her greatest joys.  Jane's journey with tennis began at the age of 6, as h ..read more