USTA Middle States

Ever met someone who completely embodies tennis? Cindy Mable is certainly on that list. Mable (far right), who lives in Central Pennsylvania, is one of the most active tennis volunteers in the state. She first became involved with USTA volunteering in 1995, serving on what was then the Marketing, Public Relations and Membership Committee. Since then, her volunteering journey has led her to the Middle States Board of Directors, as well as the USTA National Awards Committee. P...robably the most enjoyable aspect of my time on the various committees has been the wide range of people with whom I have worked in the tennis community, she said. These include the current leaders of tennis in the Middle States section, as well as past leaders who laid the foundation for the current success of tennis here. Applications for Middle States Committees are open through November 15. Apply today at the link below. https://netplaymag.com/2020/09/28/middle-states-committees/ Also pictured above: Amy Myers (left) Joan Schneikart (center)

It would be an understatement to say that David Killian is simply "involved" with tennis. Killian began playing tennis at 8 years old, and 30-plus years later has become known around Philadelphia running professional tennis events, as well as for serving as President and Tournament Director at Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association (PLTA). Killian is involved with USTA Middle States Diversity Immersion for Volunteer Engagement (DIVE) Initiative, working to bring a more div...erse population of volunteers into the organization. Now, Killian is helping to lead a team coordinating the international Gay Games which will next take place in Hong Kong in 2022. Who out there has had the pleasure of meeting with this local leader? Read the full feature at the link below: https://www.usta.com//middlestat/a-man-with-many-hats.html

We promise that behind the masks, there are smiles! It's been a joy to get our USTA Junior Team Tennis players back on the court this fall. These teams, from the Pittsburgh area, came together to make a great fall season. Interested in junior playing opportunities this year or next? If so, let us know at the link below: https://docs.google.com//1FAIpQLSfXiTXkSKo4pWu8uY/viewform

Since Frianna Alexa Farfan first picked up a tennis racquet six years ago, she's been hooked. Playing mostly at Hampden Park in Reading, Pa., she's competed in everything from tournaments to team-based play. "My favorite thing about tennis is making new friends and playing doubles," she said. "Some of my favorite tennis memories are playing father/daughter tournaments, and playing with my friends."... Farfan has had plenty of success in recent years, earning top-rankings for her age category in the Eastern Pennsylvania District. She was born in Queens, and is proud of her Hispanic heritage. She competes in plenty of other sports, including volleyball, softball and basketball. "What makes me most proud is having our language and our culture being passed down to me by my parents," she said.

Tennis coach Board member Local volunteer USTA Middle States Committee member ... Jim Flesch does it all, and then some. In recent years, his involvement as a USTA Middle States Committee member has helped grow tennis throughout the local section and beyond. The most enjoyable part is working with an incredible group of volunteers, Flesch said. The dedication, expertise, and their love for the game has made the work so very rewarding and fun. It has always made me a better leader in my district, sharing the wealth of knowledge that comes from being engaged with such great advocates for the game. Applications for Middle States Committees are open through November 15. Apply today at the link below: https://netplaymag.com/2020/09/28/middle-states-committees/

Growing up in Puerto Rico, Gigi Fernandez says she did not have very many role models who were female athletes. I had nobody to look up to and say ‘I want to be like her’, and there were very few hispanic tennis players, she said. She took it into her own hands to change that for future generations. ... Fernandez compiled a Hall of Fame career with 17 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles and two Olympic gold medals. She became one of the most recognizable tennis athletes of her generation. Shoutout to Gigi for all of her great work on and off the court! Read more at the link below: https://www.usta.com//a-role-model-for-future-generations-