2024 District Awards

"Ever since I was little, I loved playing sports—gymnastics, golf, volleyball, basketball and tennis. As I got older, I faced the tough decision of which sport to pursue seriously. In the end, I chose tennis. I spent every night on the courts, improving my skills and competing with other high-level juniors. During this time I met my coach, Karl Krauter. Karl was a stern yet motivating coach, which was a bit intimidating for a 9-year-old girl. There was an implicit no-nonsense policy we all followed during practices, and I secretly admired that. After practice one night, Karl asked my mother if he could coach me. When she asked what I thought, I responded with an energetic, 'Yes!'

Since that day, Karl has been my biggest supporter and mentor. He has taught me numerous lessons that have influenced both my play and my life. One of the most important pieces of advice he gave me was, 'You learn nothing from success. You learn everything from failure. Success happens from failing hundreds of times.' This mindset has been essential for me, as tennis is an emotional, physical and mental rollercoaster. I’ve faced many losses and painful injuries, but these experiences have made my victories that much sweeter. Each setback has taught me the importance of resilience and the joy that comes from the freedom to exercise your own body and mind.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized how important it is to have fun playing tennis. It’s easy to get wrapped up in competition and doubt whether all those hours of practice will pay off. Recently, I’ve tried to laugh and smile more during practices, which not only helps me play better but also lifts the spirits of those around me.

Tennis is extremely competitive, and it’s sometimes hard to be kind to opponents. However, I strive to show respect and sportsmanship, knowing that today’s rival might end up being tomorrow’s teammate.

I am forever grateful to my family and Coach Karl for believing in me. They have played a vital role in my journey, reminding me that while not everyone may support me, the special people in my life will always be there. I look forward to continuing my tennis journey, eager to make positive changes both on and off the court."

Willbur Schumacher Junior Sportsmanship Memorial Award

For a high degree of sportsmanship, playing ability and mental attitude

Jose De Andrade
USTA Junior Player and State Finalist

'Control what you can control.; This advice from Big A initially confused me, but as I grew, it became a guiding principle in my life. I started
playing tennis in Venezuela when I was around 6 years old. It wasn’t my first interest. One day, while playing soccer in my backyard, my neighbor, who happened to be a tennis coach, approached me and asked if I wanted to try tennis. Out of politeness, I agreed, not wanting to hurt his feelings. Little did I know that this one 'yes' would change my life.

I fell in love with tennis and it became my sole focus. I signed up for every class at the academy where I trained, Escuela de Tenis Hermanos Utrera. I met my first coach, Omar Utrera, who placed immense trust in my abilities. He taught me the foundations of tennis, and under his guidance, I achieved success early on, ranking among the top players in Venezuela’s 10-and-under category.

Fast forward to 2017. My mom and I moved to the United States due to the challenging situations in Venezuela. My mom wanted to provide me with better opportunities. However, being new to the country made it difficult for her to afford my training. I couldn’t fully engage in my passion until 2021 when Tyler Witsken at Pearson Automotive Tennis Club (PATC) helped me. After being away from the sport for a few years, I was a bit rusty, but I knew my passion would help me regain my skills.

At PATC, I met my coach, Alex Wittenbaum, or as some of us call him, 'Big A.' From the beginning, he placed his trust in me. Big A taught me to find the good in tough situations. That’s when 'control what you can control,' clicked in my mind. It has many interpretations. On difficult days on the court, while I can’t control the way I’m playing, I can control my footwork to improve my game. Similarly, I couldn’t control our move from Venezuela to the U.S., but I could control how I responded to change.

Tennis has taught me valuable lessons. In tennis, just like in life, there are many highs and lows. It’s essential to maintain balance, to avoid getting too infatuated with success or too upset with failures. Whether on the court or in life, staying balanced no matter the circumstances is crucial."

Joe Graham Memorial Award

For the USTA League Captain of the Year

Dan Nelson
Adult 40 & Over 4.0 USTA League Captain

"I started playing tennis in eighth grade, inspired by Jimmy Connors and Björn Borg. I played throughout high school at East Aurora High School, where I was the team captain and played number one singles during my senior year.

After high school, I put my racquet away for about 15 years before starting to play again. At that time, I was working with my future wife, Lisa, at McDonald's Corporation in Oak Brook, Ill. There was a group of guys who played tennis every week and I began playing with them for a couple of years.

Lisa and I married in 2001, and around that time, we moved to Carmel, Ind., as I took a new position with McDonald's in our Indianapolis regional office. Lisa stopped working full-time and got into tennis. She joined a team at the Carmel Racquet Club and formed a USTA mixed doubles team in 2006, which brought me back to tennis.

In the summer of 2007, I was fortunate to join a men's team that was playing out of the Bridgewater Club. It was a great experience, as we had spirited weekly Thursday night team practices, after which we usually hung out. I was asked to take over as team captain in 2014, and I have been doing it ever since.

This year, we had our greatest season ever, winning the state championship in the Adult 40 & Over 4.0 USTA League and finishing in a tie for first place at the USTA Midwest Sectional Championship. I also recently ventured into coaching tennis. For the past couple of summers, I have helped run a weekly practice for an 18 & Over Women’s USTA team, and this summer, I became an assistant coach for the boys’ tennis team at Westfield High School.

Tennis has given me so much since I started playing again. Lisa and I have made an incredible number of friends through the teams we captain. While I strive for a competitive team, the camaraderie, teamwork and enjoyment of playing the sport are more important. I try to create a fun environment for the teams I lead. My teenage self could never have imagined what a big part of my life tennis would ultimately become. I hope to continue playing this great sport for as long as I can!"

Joe Graham Memorial Award
For the USTA League Captain of the Year

Kathy Ryan
14-year USTA Captain

Kathy Ryan has been playing and captaining USTA teams for more than 14 years. She has led seven teams to the USTA National Championships, bringing her strong organizational and communication skills to the role. She treats her teammates with respect and kindness, educating new players on the rules and guidelines of USTA tennis by mentoring other captains and players throughout their tennis journeys.

Players consistently receive advice on how to improve their game, and Kathy has gathered many valuable insights over her 14 years. One of the best pieces of advice she received was to keep her head up when serving to avoid hitting the ball into the net. This advice is also relevant during a match, reminding players to maintain their composure even in challenging situations.

When asked, “What has tennis taught you?” Kathy reflects that tennis has taught her patience, but more importantly, it has given her lifelong friends. The sport fosters a sense of community both on and off the court. We have to be patient, during tennis matches and in life. That is a winning strategy.

Brad Holmes Award
For volunteer service that promotes youth tennis at the local level

Ellery Walpole
Student Tennis Coach and Assistant Developer of the "Eagle Club"

"I started playing tennis at 7 years old, taking lessons with my neighborhood friends just for fun. Around that time, I also began Irish dancing, which quickly became a major commitment. As I grew more competitive in dance, I had to set tennis aside.

Years later, I began to miss the sport and wanted to play again. In fifth grade, I took some lessons, and my love for tennis reignited. I joined my middle school team for the first time, which only solidified my passion for the game. The following year, I decided to quit dancing to focus entirely on tennis. My first year on the high school team was unforgettable. The supportive environment of my team and the uplifting energy of such a close-knit group made all the difference. Throughout my three years on the team, I’ve formed countless cherished memories and friendships for which I am forever grateful. Tennis is rewarding not just because of the successes and victories, but also for the bonds and experiences it fosters. While winning a match brings joy, I feel my happiest when hitting with my best friend, whom I met through this sport. Tennis has taught me that these connections matter the most, and this realization inspires me to share the sport with my community.

I assist in coaching youth clinics at my local tennis club, Pearson Automotive Tennis Club. Additionally, I strive to act as a mentor for the younger generation of Zionsville Girls’ Tennis, planning team events and promoting inclusivity so everyone can experience just how unforgettable and unique being on a team is.

My years on the high school tennis team also led me to meet my coach, Alex Wittenbaum. He has been instrumental in my development as both a player and a person. The best advice I’ve received from him is to stay the course and do the right thing, even when it’s tough; this approach will ultimately lead you to where you want to be. Those who trust the process and work hard will find the most success. I apply this wisdom not only to tennis but to my everyday life. Coach Alex has taught me valuable lessons about the sport and the broader picture of life, for which I will be forever grateful."

Stan Malless Distinctive Service Award
For great contributions through volunteering for five years or more

Tiffany Squires
Past President of the USTA Central Indiana Board of Directors

Tiffany learned tennis from her husband, Jamey, who has played competitively since he was young. She began playing competitively in 2009 as a 2.5 and is currently a 4.5, having participated several times in USTA Midwest Sectional matches and the NTRP National Singles Championships. For the past 12 years, she has continuously captained various USTA League teams. As a captain, she helped establish a USTA 40 & Over 9.0 Mixed League, which facilitated the implementation of several singles leagues in the district. Tiffany also serves as a mentor for new captains and won the Joe Graham Memorial Award in 2021.

She is the immediate past president of the USTA Central Indiana Board of Directors. During her time on the board, she served on several committees, including chair of the Awards Committee, Nominating Committee, Management Committee and Adult Tennis Committee. She was also a long-standing board member at Five Seasons.

Currently, she is a USTA Midwest Delegate-at-Large and is slated to serve as chair next year. Previously, she served on the USTA Midwest Social Committee and the Tennis On Campus Committee. She participated in a USTA National project to design adult programming that launched in 2018. Additionally, Tiffany has volunteered for the past seven years in the Special Olympics of Hamilton County tennis program.