Pat Devoto, center, receives her award from USTA Awards Committee Chair Nancy Alfano, left, and USTA President and CEO Katrina Adams. |
The USTA announced that Pat Devoto of Decatur, Ga., was honored with the USTA League Volunteer Award. Devoto was recognized at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting, Sept. 3-6 in New York City.
The award, established in 2015, recognizes and honors the many volunteers who have provided leadership and made significant contributions to the growth and enhancement of USTA Leagues, both in their section and nationally.
Devoto has been a part of the USTA since 1978, helping get the cities of Macon, Ga., Rome, Ga., Birmingham, Ala., and Greenville, S.C., off and running with its USTA League programs. She was an integral member of the USTA League Committee from the beginning, serving many years while also serving as the League Coordinator for USTA Southern. She single-handedly built USTA Southern League Tennis into the most popular league tennis program in the country with the highest participation.
“Since day one, Pat has been a visionary and pioneer with the USTA League program, helping create opportunities for tennis players across the board,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “Pat is the epitome of what a USTA volunteer represents and we are appreciative of her dedication. Her passion for the sport is second to none and we are honored to present her with this award.”
Today, USTA League provides play opportunities for hundreds of thousands of adult participants. USTA League is the country's largest recreational tennis league, helping players nationwide enjoy the thrill of competition while making friends, improving skills and staying active. USTA League offers several league programs throughout the year that vary by gender, age and skill level divisions. Division formats also vary by offering singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
The USTA Semi-Annual Meeting and Conference brings together USTA Leadership, national staff, national committee members and section volunteers and staff in pursuit of the USTA mission: To promote and develop the growth of tennis. Along with leadership and committee meetings, the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting provides education opportunities for all attendees to develop and enhance their personal and professional skills and learn new ways to promote the game of tennis.