Below is a description of each award. Click on the category for a complete history of recipients.
Carol Strasser Memorial League Service Award*
The award is named in memory of Carol Ann Strasser, who was a longtime player, captain, verifier and coordinator in the league program. One of the first league coordinators in the Allegheny Mountain district, Strasser was instrumental in the growth of league tennis on many fronts. It is awarded annually to an individual who has given extraordinary service to USTA League Tennis. To nominate your own choice for the Strasser Award please, e-mail Sally Baird at baird@ms.usta.com.
Presented annually to both a high school and college coach who either resides or coaches in the Section or is a USTA Middle States member. Named after Edwin J. Faulkner, the legendary Swarthmore College and Davis Cup coach, and member of the MS Hall of Fame. This award is for a coach who demonstrates enthusiasm, a sense of true team camraderie, and has brought success to the community.
Presented annually to a family, residing in the Section, to honor them for their contribution to USTA Middle States tennis. The family represents the development and promotion of tennis on and off the court at the local and/or Section level.
Awarded to an organization or individual active in print, television, radio or Web site media. Nominee must live and/or work (contribute) in the Section. Coverage of local USTA events, scholastic and community tennis are equally considered, as well as coverage of National events and stories.
Potential nominees include: USTA Middle States member schools, community tennis associations, park and recreation centers, and other non-profit organizations. Nominee must be located in or provide service to the Section. Previous winners are eligible for re-nomination five (5) years after intially receiving the award. This award is for organizations that offer a wide range of tennis opportunities, and go above and beyond in customer service, community work, and developing both junior and adult players.
Potential nominees include: USTA Middle States member clubs or commercial organizations. Nominee must be located in or provide service to the Section. Previous winners are eligible for re-nomination seven (7) years after initially receiving the award. This award is for organizations that offer a wide range of tennis opportunities, and go above and beyond in customer service, community work, and developing both junior and adult players.
Presented annually to a tennis teaching professional who is presently active as an instructor and demonstrates a significant contribution to the game of tennis through their promotion of USTA programs, service to the community and their support of the USTA mission. This person has demonstrated a true dedication to teaching the game to juniors and/or adults. They are a true component of growing the game of tennis.
Presented to a tournament director who manages and runs USTA-sanctioned tournaments in the Section while providing participants, officials and spectators a quality experience. Those who run multiple events, community-friendly events and/or display innovation and creativity are strongly considered. This person is known for putting on an excellent tournament and understanding the whole process from TDM/TennisLink management to making the event a great experience for players.
Presented to an individual who has made valuable contributions to the growth and development of tennis in USTA Middle States by working as a volunteer at the District and/or Section level. This person has demonstrated a passion in giving back to the community through tennis by starting a new program, such as 10 and Under Tennis, or a helping one strive.
Presented to an individual 18 years of age or younger who has made valuable contributions to the growth and development of tennis in USTA Middle States through volunteer efforts in their school and/or community. This person has demonstrated a passion in giving back to the community through tennis by starting a new program, such as 10 and Under Tennis, or a helping one strive.
This award is presented to an individual who delivers USTA Jr. Team Tennis to their community and embodies the true meaning of having a positive impact on children.
*The Carol Strasser Memorial League Service Award and the Jr. Team Tennis Organizer Award recipients are selected by a committee and nominations forms are not accepted.
The Mangan Award is the honor award of USTA MS and was established by the family of Thomas J. Mangan to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of tennis and Middle States. In doing so, these individuals demonstrate unselfish devotion and a spirit of cooperation. Barbara, the wife of the late Thomas J. Mangan, and his daughter, Elsie Pitocchelli, present the award each year.