The USTA Southwest Section hosted its annual Tux & Tennies Award Social on November 2nd in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event brought together players, tennis enthusiasts, and community leaders from Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting tennis in the Southwest.

Highlights of the Evening

• Fundraising Social: The evening kicked off with a lively social and fundraising event, featuring an auction with a diverse range of items donated from across the Southwest. Proceeds from the auction benefited the Southwest Tennis Foundation (STF), a non-profit organization dedicated to growing the game of tennis and providing support to those in need within the tennis community.
• Awards Ceremony and Dinner: Over 250 tennis enthusiasts enjoyed a delicious three-course meal while the awards ceremony recognized outstanding contributions to tennis in various categories.

Notable Northern Arizona Awardees

• Missy Townsend (Prescott): Missy Townsend, the Athletic Director at Prescott High School, received the League Facility of the Year award for her efforts in maintaining and promoting the use of the school’s tennis courts by the community.
• Jake Worseldine (Sedona): Jake Worseldine was named Tournament Director of the Year, acknowledging his exceptional skills and leadership in organizing successful tennis events.
• Chris Howard (Prescott): Chris Howard was honored with the prestigious President’s Award for his remarkable dedication and over 40 years of service in promoting tennis in the region.
• Craig Abney (Flagstaff): Craig Abney received the award for Male Leaue Player of the Year. He captains and competes on numerous successful league teams between both Flagstaff and Phoenix.
• Andrea Meyer (Clarkdale): Andrea Meyer was recognized for her National Award for Inclusion, which she received earlier this year at the US Open, highlighting her commitment to making tennis accessible to all.

A Celebration of Tennis in the Southwest

The USTA Southwest Annual Awards Tennis Social was a resounding success, showcasing the passion, dedication, and achievements of the tennis community in the region. The event served as a reminder of the positive impact that tennis can have on individuals and communities and reinforced the USTA Southwest’s commitment to growing the sport and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all!

Event Photos