By J. Fred Sidhu, special to USTA.com
RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF. – Head Penn Racquet Sports has been a proud sponsor for nearly three decades, celebrating its 29th year as official ball of USTA League in 2016.
This weekend, Head Penn was well-represented at the USTA League Adult 18 & Over 4.5 National Championships at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa as District Sales Manager (Mid-Atlantic) Ray Stewart not only attended the National Championships, but participated as a competitor.
The 54-year-old Stewart is a member of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section men’s team, which is based at the East Potomac Tennis Center in Washington, D.C.
As a USTA League player, Stewart, a resident of Annapolis, Md., has had an opportunity to hear what players think about Penn tennis balls.
“I like hearing what players have to say about the ball,” he said. “Everything I’ve heard has been very positive. I think everyone is very happy that Penn is the official ball.”
According to Stewart, the long-term sponsorship as the official ball of USTA League has helped Head Penn Racquet Sports succeed in the business world.
“The sponsorship with the USTA has been fabulous,” he said. “It’s really contributed to our success. Right now we’re right around 63 percent market share and we’re the No. 1 selling ball in the United States. Being the official ball of USTA League is great for the brand and great for our reputation and our credibility.”
Stewart has had many years of experience using the Penn ball. He has played on USTA League teams for 15 years and is playing in his fourth National Championships.
“It’s great playing in the USTA League,” Stewart said. “I still like to compete. I love being on a team and the camaraderie. I love the competition. It’s just fun. I’ve always been fortunate to be with good guys. It’s been really enjoyable."