2018 Program GOLD SPONSORS
2018 Program
Violet M. Clark
Junior Player of the Year (Male) Dominick Cuchran Junior Player of the Year (Female) Kolie Allen Junior Recreational Player of the Year Yaxi Marchan League Player of the Year Erica Eisner Kosova Coach of the Year Kamau Murray Facility of the Year Schaumburg Tennis Plus Tennis Official of the Year Charles N. Granville III
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2002 Marvin Cohen 2004 Alan Brodsky 2005 Robert Zumph 2006 Larry Levin 2007 Mike Gorski 2009 Roger E. Allen 2010 Stephen Weinstein 2011 Steve Haas 2012 Greg Franzo 2013 William Ferguson 2014 Peter Ketcham 2015 Anthony Balzano 2016 Christopher Springer Lifetime Achievement Award 1997 Mary Seelig 2001 Melvin E. Timmons 2002 Janet French 2003 Richard Bradley 2004 Nelson Campbell 2005 Art Leighton 2006 Sylvia Gothard 2007 Denny Schackter 2009 LaMont Bryant 2010 Rod Schroeder 2011 Ronald Mitchell 2014 Scott Suloway Member Organization of the Year 1976 Arlington Tennis Club 1977 Waveland Tennis Club 1979 Westchester Tennis Club 1980 Winnetka Tennis Asso. 1981 Downers Grove Tennis 1982 Chicago Park District 1983 Winnetka Tennis Asso. 1984 Chicago Prairie Tennis C. 1985 Des Plaines Tennis Club 1986 Mid-Town Tennis Club 1987 River Trails Tennis Club 1988 Beverly Hills Tennis Club 1989 River Forest Tennis Club 1990 Daley Bicentennial Plaza Chicago Park District 1991 Homewood-Flossmoor Park District 1992 W. Suburb. Tennis Patrons 1993 Woodfield Racquet Club 1994 The Meadow Club Member Organization of the Year-CrossCourt News Award 1995 Tennis Opportunity Prog. 1996 Love To Serve, Inc. 1997 Stony Island Tennis Club
1998 Oak Park Tennis Club 1999 Love To Serve, Inc. 2000 Love To Serve, Inc. 2001 Love To Serve, Inc. 2002 Chicago Prairie Tennis C 2003 Tennis Opportunity P 2004 Oak Park Tennis Club 2005 W Suburb. Tennis Patrons 2006 Glenbrook Racquet Club 2007 Maywood Tennis Asso. 2008 W Suburban Tennis Patron 2009 Love To Serve 2011 Love To Serve, Tennis 2012 Chicago Prairie Tennis Club (100th Year!) 2013 Southside Junior Tennis 2014 The ACE Project 2015 Barrington Area Tennis 2016 Love To Serve, Inc. Tournament Director of the Year 1976 Walter Piekarski 1977 Marla Ward 1978 Tom Pitchford 1979 Carol Lieberman & Joan Goldberg 1980 Mary Berg 1981 Dave Williams & Martha Williams 1982 Lyden & Workman Fam. 1983 Mary Seelig 1984 Patricia Freebody 1985 Tom Lutze 1986 Marsha Marchese 1987 Grace Rimkunas 1988 Janet Murtaugh 1989 Sonja Fischer 1990 Jim Gelhaar 1991 Mary Seelig 1992 Sylvia Gothard 1993 Jerry Morse-Karzen & Mark Baladad 1994 Lyn Bruner 1995 Mary Seelig Tournament Director of the Year-Mary Seelig Award 1996 Nancy Watland 1997 Sylvia Gothard 1998 Dave Evans 1999 Sylvia Gothard 2000 Marcy Hendricks 2001 Jim Musgrave 2002 Paul Burrus
2003 Julia Steele 2004 Nancy Watland 2005 Paul MacDonald 2006 Patty Lambropoulos 2007 Mary Shepherd 2008 Patricia Marshall 2009 Sylvia Gothard & Nancy Watland 2012 Alin Pop 2014 P. MacDonald, Alex Shusis 2015 Morrie Marino 2016 Steve Haas Tennis Official of the Year 1996 Tom Patterson 1997 Joy Duerr 1998 Mike Sutko 1999 Charles Cunningham 2003 Sherry & Bob Sanford 2004 Pam Delnagro 2005 Janice Lumpkin 2006 Steve Menoff 2007 Joy Duerr 2008 Tina Herrera-Richards 2009 John Coleman 2010 Arnie Villagomez 2011 Wendy Kaegi 2012 Chuck Cunningham 2013 Nancy Hoekstra 2014 Janice Lumpkin 2015 John Coleman 2016 Marilyn Goldman Volunteer of the Year 1992 Barry Batson 1993 Bill Lange 1994 Mary Seelig 1995 Julia Steele 1996 Judy Roller 1997 Richard Bradley 1998 Maggie Robinson 1999 Judy Willoughby 2000 Lynn Maloney 2001 Stephen Butzlaff 2002 Jon Vegosen 2003 Lori James 2004 Charles Granville 2005 Shirley Roach 2006 Mary Jo Schuler 2007 Constance Turner Burkes 2008 Ron Mitchell 2009 Julia Steele 2011 Don Walton 2013 Fely Ong 2016 Patty Lambropoulos
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Adult Player of the Year 1998 Bill Lange 1999 Michael Benson 2000 Christine Mott 2001 Bobby Hampton 2002 Marvin Cohen 2003 Christy Wing 2004 Jerry Morse-Karzen 2006 Bill Johnston 2010 Jerry, Brett & Becky Morse -Karzen 2011 Becky & Jerry MorseKarzen 2012 Gabrielle Clark Coach of the Year 2005 Dave Muir 2006 Mark Bey 2007 Nancy Hoekstra 2008 Tyrone Mason 2009 Barry King 2010 Manny Velasco 2011 Greg Contro 2012 Luke Bagos 2014 Bartosz Jozwiak 2015 Barb Rueth 2016 Marcy Hendricks Facility of the Year 2000 H-F Racquet & Fitness 2001 North Shore Racquet Club 2002 Mid-Town Tennis Club 2003 Mid-Town Tennis Club 2004 East Bank Club 2005 Libertyville Tennis & Fitness 2006 Glenbrook Racquet Club 2007 Score Tennis & Fitness 2008 H-F Racquet & Fitness Club 2009 Heritage Tennis Club 2010 Oak Park Tennis Center 2011 H-F Racquet & Fitness 2012 Wheaton Sport Center 2013 Oak Brook Tennis Center 2014 Glenview Tennis Club 2016 Naperville Tennis Club Family of the Year 1990 Bufford Family 1991 Watson Family 1992 Trantor Family 1993 Schoenly Family 1994 Kmiec Family 1995 Nasser Family 1996 Beverley Family 1997 Rose Family 1998 Adams Family 1999 Butzlaff Family 2000 Little Family
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2001 Morse-Karzen Family 2002 Donald Young Family 2003 Jon Vegosen Family 2004 Stecko Family 2005 Sonkin Family 2010 The Stephen Bonner Fam. 2012 Zazove Family 2016 Balon Family Junior Player of the Year-F 1976 Amy Williams 1982 Michelle Torres 1983 Katrina Adams 1985 Julie McKeon 1986 Stacey Berg 1987 Anne Mall 1989 Jennifer Nasser 1990 Jennifer Nasser 1991 Margie Lepsi 1992 Wendy Fix 1993 Margie Lepsi Helen Shockley Memorial Award 1995 Laura Granville 1996 Michelle Dasso 1997 Christine Nolan 1998 Laura Granville 1999 Christine Nolan 2000 Elizabeth Lumpkin 2001 Elizabeth Lumpkin 2002 Alexis Prousis 2003 Elizabeth Lumpkin 2004 Monica Milewski 2005 Taylor Marable 2006 Elizabeth Epstein 2007 Gia McKnight 2008 Hanna Mar 2009 Nida Hamilton 2010 Jasmine Minor 2011 Jerrika Boone 2012 Keisha Clousing 2013 Carol Finke 2014 Brienne Minor 2016 Lahari Yelamanchili Junior Player of the Year-Male 1977 Paul Wei 1978 Mike Martin 1979 Ron Kowal 1980 Danny Arends 1981 Michael Kures 1984 Lee Hardman 1988 John James 1994 Martel Bufford Kevie Schwartz Memorial A. 1995 Andrew Witt 1996 Thomas Hanus 1997 Conner Murnighan 1998 Russell Bennett
1999 Matt Bruch 2000 Thomas Hanus 2001 Colin Foster 2002 Ryan Heller 2003 Donald Young, Jr. 2004 Spencer Vegosen 2005 Dennis Nevolo 2006 Evan King 2007 Denis Bogatov 2008 Michael Moore 2009 Robert Stineman 2010 Michael Redlicki 2012 Michael Sellitto 2013 Martin Joyce 2014 Gianni Ross 2016 Jacob Edelchik Junior Recreational Players 2007 Jazmin Hall & Kasey Burns 2008 Caitlyn Schaffer-Harris 2009 Jaleyah Walker & Khari Sanchez 2011 Keenan Lee & Richelle Edwards 2012 Oni Jones 2013 Kenya Hill 2016 Jaylon Ford & Meisha Daniels League Player of the Year-F 1992 Gillian McDonnell 1993 Lyn Tietz 1994 Nancy Watland 1996 Julie Roth 1997 Sharon Welch 1998 Marina Vecci 2000 Atsuko Kumagai 2001 Elvira Cridland 2003 Lisa Culp 2004 Lynn Daggett 2005 Mary Gallagher 2006 Dawn McMillin 2007 Dena Balzano 2008 Janelle Lobmier 2009 Colleen Lehman 2010 Leslie Trantor 2012 Alison Miller 2013 Janine Stalcup 2014 Mary Ann Sharpe 2015 Georgene Ross 2016 Fra Angelica Wright League Player of the Year-M 1995 Robert Zumph 1996 Norm Anderson 1997 Jerry Peel 1999 Bill Johnston 2000 John Wentworth 2001 Dave Stefan
2018 Program
The proceeds from our Annual “Evening of Champions” as well as any contributions you wish to make will benefit the many junior tennis programs supported by the Chicago Tennis Patrons & The Chicago District Tennis Association,.
GOLD SPONSORS Midtown Athletic Clubs USTA Midwest Section Good Heart Work Smart Foundation
SILVER SPONSORS William T. Barry Ernst & Young, LLP Joan & Bill Dutton
BRONZE SPONSORS Wilson Sporting Goods Hinsdale Bank and Trust (A Wintrust Community Bank)
McCarthy & Trinka, Inc.
Trudy Brahin Family CrossCourt News Paul Dean Family Midtown Athletic Clubs Tom Patterson Family Alan G. Schwartz Family
Mary Seelig Family Helen Shockley Family John Shostrom Family Mel Timmons Family Jon Vegosen Family
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2018 Program
David Martin (President) Mark Revermann (Vice President) Renier Soto (Secretary) Dorothy Paige (Treasurer) Executive Director Mark Przepiorski Directors: John Griffin Lori James Kelly Johnson John O'Driscoll Tom Patterson Sanjiv Pillai
Bob Raidt Julie Roth Christine M. Smith Natalie Soto Julia Steele Jennifer Thomas Honorary Directors: Donald Kempster James Zagel
Who We Are Chicago Tennis Patrons is the fund raising arm of the Chicago District Tennis Association. As a separate not-for-profit tax-exempt corporation, the CTP may accept tax-deductible contributions. The CTP is a 100% volunteer organization whose primary focus is helping kids in the greater Chicago area through the sport of tennis. Our programs are funded by contributions from generous individuals and organizations. Virtually all (approximately 96%) of the funds contributed by our sponsors are re-invested in the youth programs and the scholarships we support.
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2018 Program Mission & Values Our mission is to positively impact the lives of kids in the greater Chicago area by providing access to tennis programs that help kids develop a healthy, active lifestyle while learning values and life skills necessary to be successful in life and a positive contributor in their communities. The youth programs we support provide a safe and positive environment that helps kids by: encouraging a healthy / active lifestyle promoting values, such as confidence, sportsmanship and respect teaching life skills, such as leadership, responsibility and managing emotions developing athletic skills that open opportunities for scholarships ... and a lifetime of fun creating social opportunities that result in a broad network of lifetime friendships exposing kids to diversity which provides them with a broader life perspective engaging parents to become involved with their kids & their local communities
What We Do The Chicago Tennis Patrons offers grants and scholarships to support tennis programs for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to develop their talents and potential.
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Our programs provide all children regardless of income, race, gender or ability the opportunity develop athletic and social skills in a safe and positive environment. Grants and scholarships are also provided to support high performance tennis programs and individual junior tennis players who have shown promise and potential. 5
Past Hall of Fame Inductees
2200 East Devon, Des Plaines, IL
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he Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame was created by the Chicago Tennis Patrons, Inc. on August 23, 2004. The purpose is to honor Chicago area tennis players who have contributed to the game as a player, coach, administrator, or in another manner that has benefited the game. The foundation of the Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame, and the men and women to be so honored, are the following who have been inducted since the inception date. They are as follows: 2004 Marian Baird 2004 George E. Barnes 2004 Gene Buwick 2004 Joseph E. Carrico 2004 Patricia Freebody 2004 Grant Golden 2004 Seymour Greenberg 2004 Andrea Jaeger 2004 George M. Lott, Jr. 2004 Frank Parker 2004 Marty Reissen 2004 Helen Shockley 2004 James C. Stewart 2005 Alan G. Schwartz 2006 Billie Jean King 2006 Jay Kramer 2008 Katrina Adams 2009 George J. Jennings, Jr.
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2009 Melvin E. Timmons 2010 Janet French 2010 Dave Muir 2010 Mary Seelig 2011 Thomas Patterson 2011 Chris Scott 2012 Billy Martin 2012 John & Tolly Shostrom 2013 Stephen H. Butzlaff 2014 Sylvia Gothard 2014 Jon Vegosen 2015 Nancy Hoekstra 2015 Wally Piekarski 2015 Jack Sharpe 2016 Richard Bradley 2016 Karzen Family 2017 Ronald Mitchell
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2018 Hall of Fame Inductee
Violet M. Clark
V
iolet served on The Board of Chicago District from 1997 until 2007. During that time she served as Treasurer, 2 nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President and Immediate Past President. Violet was the 47th CDTA President since 1915, the 4th woman and 1st African-American to serve as President. During the time she was on the Board, she served on the Budget & Finance Committee as Chair, Public Parks/NJTL Committee Chair, Qualifier Site Director/Volunteer and Nominating Committee Chair. Violet also served on the Chicago Tennis Patron’s Board from 2002 until 2012. Violet served with the USTA/Midwest Section from 2007 until the present. She was Board Vice President, Board Executive Vice President and Section President. In addition, during that time she served on many committees; Nominating Committee, Investments Committee, Tennis Industry & Education Committee Board Rep, Tennis Innovations Committee Board Rep, Diversity Committee Board Rep, Hall of Fame Committee, Audit Committee Chair, Budget Committee and many more. Violet currently serves as the President of the USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation and has previously served as Vice President of the Foundation. Violet volunteered with USTA National from 2007 until the present. During that time she served on the Collegiate Committee, Junior Competition Committee, 10 and Under Tennis Committee, Community Tennis Association Committee, and Strategic and Creative Planning Committee. In December 2007, Violet along with Meghan Schmidt, founded the Friends of Chicago International Charter School Tennis which is a Community Tennis Association. Over the years, Friends of CICS Tennis has sponsored after school tennis programs at CICS campuses including CICS Prairie, Basil, Avalon, Wrightwood, Bucktown, West Belden, Longwood and Lloyd Bond. Another program of Friends of CICS has been South Side Junior Tennis Camp. Since 2012, South Side Junior Tennis Camp has provided a 10 week beginning tennis camp experience for more than 350 children at the University of Chicago Lab School tennis courts in Hyde Park. Several of our campers have been awarded scholarships by TOP and USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation to further their tennis aspirations. Violet was a long time member of the Board and eventually the President of The Board of Love to Serve Tennis and Education Foundation. Violet was a tennis mom of three beautiful girls before becoming a tennis volunteer. It began with Adrienne as she began playing tennis with Love to Serve. Camille and Gabbie followed her. All played Midtac and ATA tournaments and achieved USTA Midwest ranking and in Camille and Gabbie’s cases National rankings. Gabbie went on to be the first African American female to win a NCAA individual championship (DIII) in any Division. She was a two time winner. And yes, Violet does play tennis as well as running 5k races for charity.
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2017 Junior Player of the Year-Male Kevie Schwartz Memorial Award
Dominick Cuchran The Kevie Schwartz Memorial Award recognizes an outstanding boy in any junior division for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship and demeanor. Kevie Schwartz founded Tennis Corporation of America (TCA) and built the Midtown Tennis Club.
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ominick is a very talented player, and despite only being a freshman at Lyons Township High School he has been playing up and having success in the Boys 16s for over a year. His tournament schedule is a healthy mix of district, sectional and national tournaments. In January of 2017, Dominick went into the Boys 18s Level 4 at Hanover Park’s Centre Court Athletic Club unseeded and finished in first place. Dominick went on to win the Boys 16s Chicago District Qualifier and have a fantastic summer winning five rounds in the main draw at the Midwest Closed, four rounds in the main draw at Clay Courts, and three rounds in the main draw at Hard Courts. Dominick also won the Midwest Open Level 2 and wrapped up his summer at home winning the Hinsdale Challenge. A true student-athlete Dominick had a strong first quarter at LT, and his UTR is currently 11.61. For 2017 rankings, Dominick is #13 in Midwest B16 singles, #11 in B16 doubles, and in Chicago, #3 in B16 singles and #1 in B16 doubles. Dominick has an outstanding work ethic and is always willing to come in early, stay late, and train with whoever is available.
Sylvia Gothard, Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame 2014. Nancy Watland, USPTA Elite Professional.
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2017 Junior Player of the Year-Female Helen Shockley Memorial Award
Kolie Allen The Helen Shockley Memorial Award is presented to an outstanding girl in any junior division for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship and demeanor. Helen Shockley was a fine player who contributed much to tennis in Chicago, including her invention of the “feed-in” consolation.
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olie Genee' Allen was born March 17th, 2000 and currently resides in Lombard, IL. Kolie is a senior at Glenbard East High school in which she carries a 4.5 GPA and was the Co-Captain of the 8th place State girls Rams Tennis team; Kolie captured the 2017 (2A) singles State title with a record of 33-0, a perfect season. She finished her 3year High School tennis career with a record of 100 – 6. Kolie Allen, a Blue Chip senior has signed a National Letter of Intent to play her collegiate tennis at “The Ohio State University” in the fall of 2018. Kolie attends Tip Top Training for her fitness with Mindee Epstein. Over the last five years, Kolie has been working with her Coach Mark Bey at the Championship Tennis Academy, Glenview Tennis Club, Glenview, IL. Kolie has many major accomplishments during her USTA, ITF career. Below are a few from 2017. 2017 National Selection Doubles G18 Champion 2017 National Selection G18 Singles 3rd Place 2017 Midwest Closed G18 Doubles Champion 2017 National Level 3 Singles G18 Singles Champion 2017 Fed Cup G18 Midwest 4th place 2017 IHSA Class 2A Girls State Tennis Champion 2017 Midwest Sweet 16 G18 Champion 2017 Winter Nationals G18 Doubles Champion GOLD Ball 2017 CDTA #1 Singles G18 Ranking 24
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2017 Junior Rec. Player of the Year Chicago Tennis Patrons Award
Yaxi Marchan This award recognizes the outstanding junior recreational players, who exhibits the love of the lifetime sport of tennis through their passion, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and strong level of participation in a Patrons-sponsored program.
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axi always had a love for the game of tennis but was never affiliated with a structured program until this summer. She plays on her high school team but never got the proper tennis instruction until this past summer. As a direct result of funding from a grant from the Patrons and Midwest, Love To Serve was able to implement a program that would get Hispanic teens interested in this wonderful game of tennis. Yaxi has been excited about learning the proper way to play tennis and is committed to improving her skills each and every day that she is on the court. She is a senior in high school and would love to play tennis in college if she could develop her skills to make the team. Even if that does not happen, Yaxi has blossomed as a leader and an Ambassador for the game of tennis in her community. Yaxi joined the tennis program at Solorio High School as a freshmen and was a leader in turning the program from a club of just a few girls, to a legitimate team in Chicago Public Schools with over 20 girls practicing daily, and finishing with a winning dual record for the first time in school history. Yaxi played 4 years at Solorio High School, #1 singles as a Senior and way team captain her junior and senior year. Yaxi's love for the game of tennis was contagious, not only when competing with her senior teammates, but it could also be seen as she helped teach novice freshmen the game for the first time. Her positive daily energy and enthusiasm made her indefensible for a young program with many first time players, but more importantly as a leader and teammate in her high school program.
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2017 League Player of the Year Trudy Brahin Memorial Award
Erica Eisner Kosova The Trudy Brahin Memorial Award is presented to an active and talented female league player in USTA Tennis or local club leagues. The award is based on participation, attitude and sportsmanship. Trudy Brahin played both league and tournament tennis in the Chicago District and is honored with a memorial fund established in 1992 by her family and friends.
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rica Eisner Kosova has been playing tennis since the age of 13, playing on her high school and college teams, then joining the USTA in 1991. She is currently captaining a CDTA 18+ 4.0 ladies team from Midtown Athletic Club Palatine and plays on 40+ 4.0, 55+ 8.0, 18+ 4.5 throughout the Northwest suburbs, as well as NITA 7.5 and 8.5 combo teams. Her team has reached flight playoffs many times and one season was undefeated. Erica has been captain of the Midtown Palatine ladies 4.0 team for the past 3 years which has developed into a serious competitive team thanks to her extraordinary leadership skills. She organizes team fun play/practices to keep the team motivated which has also resulted in the players forming friendships off the court as well. She will call or text a player with words of encouragement if they've felt badly about a match loss. Through these teams (and over time) Erica has met and gotten to know players from all over the Chicago land area. Originally from New York, Erica moved to Chicago in 2002 and now resides in Palatine with her husband, Ira since 2009.
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2017 Coach of the Year Vegosen Family Award
Kamau Murray The Vegosen Family Award recognizes a teaching professional/coach who contributes to tennis in the community and the District by promoting and developing programs and players. This Award is sponsored by the Jon Vegosen Family.
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amau Murray, the founder of the XS Tennis and Education Foundation. As a graduate of the Chicago Public Schools, Kamau knows first-hand how athletic programs are crucial to Chicago’s youth during the most critical stages in their life. Kamau participated in Chicago Park District tennis programs as a child and subsequently was awarded a tennis scholarship to Florida A&M University where he received a full scholarship earning his BA and MBA. Kamau says that one of the most gratifying things he has witnessed is watching the students as they learn a multitude of life lessons alongside their tennis training, including tenacity, sportsmanship, the importance of a strong work ethic, self-confidence, and how to interact with and support their peers. Kamau Murray began offering tennis coaching to 5 children in 2004. As the need for a program of its type became increasingly evident, XS Tennis was founded in 2008. The organization’s successes have been remarkable. Murray’s initial five students have gone on to win national championships, IHSA state championships, two Junior Olympic Gold medals. Today, all of the “first five” have graduated college from Harvard University, West Point, Northern Illinois, University of Illinois, and Emory. As XS Tennis has grown, the record of successes – both athletic and academic has not diminished. The average ACT scores of XS graduating seniors is an impressive 26. From 2008 -2017, 100% of graduating seniors have received college tennis scholarships to prestigious universities such as Duke, University of Illinois, Howard, Iowa, DePaul, Florida A&M, Harvard, and the University of Chicago. With the support of Ariel Investments, the XS Tennis & Education Foundation offers free afterschool tennis lessons in 10 Chicago Public Schools in many of Chicago’s most impoverished neighborhoods. The program keeps the children active and safe during those times when they are most likely to be idle, unattended, and victims of crime or involved in criminal activity. Currently, approximately 2,000 students take advantage of the Tennis XSpress program. As a child Kamau dreamed of going to the US Open. Although he never got that chance, for the past 6 years Kamau has given 40 children the opportunity of a lifetime as they their first plane rides to New York City. In an unlikely sequence of events, Kamau’s community work and reputation for transforming tough, inner city kids into college tennis players caught the eye of WTA touring professional Sloane Stephens. This year those 40 children not only got a chance to attend the US Open, they got a chance to witness Kamau coaching Sloane Stephens to her historic 2017 US Open title, and see their south side coach become only the 3rd African-American coach to win a grand slam in its 95 year history.
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2017 Facility of the Year Midtown Award
Schaumburg Tennis Plus The Midtown Award is presented to an outstanding tennis facility that has supported & promoted the overall growth of the game. This award is sponsored by Midtown Athletic Clubs.
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chaumburg Tennis Plus is home to over 18 USTA Adult League Teams, junior Team Tennis team and hosts 11 USTA Junior Tournaments including Orange, Green, Level 4 tournaments and a Midwest Championship. Schaumburg Tennis Plus also is the indoor Backup for a Midwest Level 2, Ten and Under Green ball tournament and three divisions of the Chicago Championships Boys 12s and Boys and Girls 14s. Schaumburg Tennis Plus also gives back to the community by donating to Hurricane Relief Fund, the Wellness with Water (which builds new wells in Africa) Food Bank and many more. The tennis professional staff gives back by volunteering at USTA; Early Development Camps, ILLINOIS State Camps, Regional Training Centers, CDTA Board of Directors, Chairing USTA Midwest Junior Competition Committee, National Junior Competition Committee and attending and speaking at USPTA Educational Events.
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2017 Tennis Official of the Year Chicago Tennis Patrons Award
Charles N. Granville III The Tennis Official of the Year Award honors an active and highly rated tennis official working District, Sectional or National events. This award is sponsored by Tom Patterson.
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harles (Skip) Granville has served in many capacities in his years as a USTA tennis official and worked exceptionally well both on and off the court in support of tennis. As the father of Laura Granville, former NCAA and WTA tennis champion and currently the Women’s Head Tennis Coach for Princeton University, Skip has demonstrated his support of tennis by working as both a USTA and ITA tennis official and serving on the Boards of the CDTA and CTUC in multiple capacities. Skip has been an active member within the Chicago and Northern IL USTA districts as a tennis official working grass root tennis tournaments from juniors to college events. He served as a Director on the CTUC Board, attending monthly meetings and functioning as the Board’s Scheduler for years. Skip is certified at the USTA level as roving and chair umpire as well as a fully certified ITA official. Skip was awarded the prestigious Paul Bennett Umpire of the Year Award in 2009 for his outstanding college officiating. His dedication, service, technical proficiency, resourcefulness, and positive rolemodel relationships with all involved in tennis make Skip an ideal candidate to receive this award.
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Violet M. Clark Congratulations on Being Inducted into the
2018 Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame
We admire and appreciate the work you do. We are honored and privileged to be associated with you. Laner Muchin Ltd. 515 North State Street – Suite 2800 Chicago, IL 60654 312-467-9800 www.lanermuchin.com Counselors to employers in labor/employee relations, employment litigation, business immigration and employee benefits matters. 18
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Congratulations to Charles (Skip) N. Granville III for the 2017 Tennis Official of the Year The Chicago Tennis Umpires wish to thank the Chicago Tennis Patrons for their support of junior tennis programs in the District.
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Violet M. Clark
Junior Player of the Year (Male) Dominick Cuchran Junior Player of the Year (Female) Kolie Allen Junior Recreational Player of the Year Yaxi Marchan League Player of the Year Erica Eisner Kosova Coach of the Year Kamau Murray Facility of the Year Schaumburg Tennis Plus Tennis Official of the Year Charles N. Granville III
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2002 Marvin Cohen 2004 Alan Brodsky 2005 Robert Zumph 2006 Larry Levin 2007 Mike Gorski 2009 Roger E. Allen 2010 Stephen Weinstein 2011 Steve Haas 2012 Greg Franzo 2013 William Ferguson 2014 Peter Ketcham 2015 Anthony Balzano 2016 Christopher Springer Lifetime Achievement Award 1997 Mary Seelig 2001 Melvin E. Timmons 2002 Janet French 2003 Richard Bradley 2004 Nelson Campbell 2005 Art Leighton 2006 Sylvia Gothard 2007 Denny Schackter 2009 LaMont Bryant 2010 Rod Schroeder 2011 Ronald Mitchell 2014 Scott Suloway Member Organization of the Year 1976 Arlington Tennis Club 1977 Waveland Tennis Club 1979 Westchester Tennis Club 1980 Winnetka Tennis Asso. 1981 Downers Grove Tennis 1982 Chicago Park District 1983 Winnetka Tennis Asso. 1984 Chicago Prairie Tennis C. 1985 Des Plaines Tennis Club 1986 Mid-Town Tennis Club 1987 River Trails Tennis Club 1988 Beverly Hills Tennis Club 1989 River Forest Tennis Club 1990 Daley Bicentennial Plaza Chicago Park District 1991 Homewood-Flossmoor Park District 1992 W. Suburb. Tennis Patrons 1993 Woodfield Racquet Club 1994 The Meadow Club Member Organization of the Year-CrossCourt News Award 1995 Tennis Opportunity Prog. 1996 Love To Serve, Inc. 1997 Stony Island Tennis Club
1998 Oak Park Tennis Club 1999 Love To Serve, Inc. 2000 Love To Serve, Inc. 2001 Love To Serve, Inc. 2002 Chicago Prairie Tennis C 2003 Tennis Opportunity P 2004 Oak Park Tennis Club 2005 W Suburb. Tennis Patrons 2006 Glenbrook Racquet Club 2007 Maywood Tennis Asso. 2008 W Suburban Tennis Patron 2009 Love To Serve 2011 Love To Serve, Tennis 2012 Chicago Prairie Tennis Club (100th Year!) 2013 Southside Junior Tennis 2014 The ACE Project 2015 Barrington Area Tennis 2016 Love To Serve, Inc. Tournament Director of the Year 1976 Walter Piekarski 1977 Marla Ward 1978 Tom Pitchford 1979 Carol Lieberman & Joan Goldberg 1980 Mary Berg 1981 Dave Williams & Martha Williams 1982 Lyden & Workman Fam. 1983 Mary Seelig 1984 Patricia Freebody 1985 Tom Lutze 1986 Marsha Marchese 1987 Grace Rimkunas 1988 Janet Murtaugh 1989 Sonja Fischer 1990 Jim Gelhaar 1991 Mary Seelig 1992 Sylvia Gothard 1993 Jerry Morse-Karzen & Mark Baladad 1994 Lyn Bruner 1995 Mary Seelig Tournament Director of the Year-Mary Seelig Award 1996 Nancy Watland 1997 Sylvia Gothard 1998 Dave Evans 1999 Sylvia Gothard 2000 Marcy Hendricks 2001 Jim Musgrave 2002 Paul Burrus
2003 Julia Steele 2004 Nancy Watland 2005 Paul MacDonald 2006 Patty Lambropoulos 2007 Mary Shepherd 2008 Patricia Marshall 2009 Sylvia Gothard & Nancy Watland 2012 Alin Pop 2014 P. MacDonald, Alex Shusis 2015 Morrie Marino 2016 Steve Haas Tennis Official of the Year 1996 Tom Patterson 1997 Joy Duerr 1998 Mike Sutko 1999 Charles Cunningham 2003 Sherry & Bob Sanford 2004 Pam Delnagro 2005 Janice Lumpkin 2006 Steve Menoff 2007 Joy Duerr 2008 Tina Herrera-Richards 2009 John Coleman 2010 Arnie Villagomez 2011 Wendy Kaegi 2012 Chuck Cunningham 2013 Nancy Hoekstra 2014 Janice Lumpkin 2015 John Coleman 2016 Marilyn Goldman Volunteer of the Year 1992 Barry Batson 1993 Bill Lange 1994 Mary Seelig 1995 Julia Steele 1996 Judy Roller 1997 Richard Bradley 1998 Maggie Robinson 1999 Judy Willoughby 2000 Lynn Maloney 2001 Stephen Butzlaff 2002 Jon Vegosen 2003 Lori James 2004 Charles Granville 2005 Shirley Roach 2006 Mary Jo Schuler 2007 Constance Turner Burkes 2008 Ron Mitchell 2009 Julia Steele 2011 Don Walton 2013 Fely Ong 2016 Patty Lambropoulos
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Adult Player of the Year 1998 Bill Lange 1999 Michael Benson 2000 Christine Mott 2001 Bobby Hampton 2002 Marvin Cohen 2003 Christy Wing 2004 Jerry Morse-Karzen 2006 Bill Johnston 2010 Jerry, Brett & Becky Morse -Karzen 2011 Becky & Jerry MorseKarzen 2012 Gabrielle Clark Coach of the Year 2005 Dave Muir 2006 Mark Bey 2007 Nancy Hoekstra 2008 Tyrone Mason 2009 Barry King 2010 Manny Velasco 2011 Greg Contro 2012 Luke Bagos 2014 Bartosz Jozwiak 2015 Barb Rueth 2016 Marcy Hendricks Facility of the Year 2000 H-F Racquet & Fitness 2001 North Shore Racquet Club 2002 Mid-Town Tennis Club 2003 Mid-Town Tennis Club 2004 East Bank Club 2005 Libertyville Tennis & Fitness 2006 Glenbrook Racquet Club 2007 Score Tennis & Fitness 2008 H-F Racquet & Fitness Club 2009 Heritage Tennis Club 2010 Oak Park Tennis Center 2011 H-F Racquet & Fitness 2012 Wheaton Sport Center 2013 Oak Brook Tennis Center 2014 Glenview Tennis Club 2016 Naperville Tennis Club Family of the Year 1990 Bufford Family 1991 Watson Family 1992 Trantor Family 1993 Schoenly Family 1994 Kmiec Family 1995 Nasser Family 1996 Beverley Family 1997 Rose Family 1998 Adams Family 1999 Butzlaff Family 2000 Little Family
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2001 Morse-Karzen Family 2002 Donald Young Family 2003 Jon Vegosen Family 2004 Stecko Family 2005 Sonkin Family 2010 The Stephen Bonner Fam. 2012 Zazove Family 2016 Balon Family Junior Player of the Year-F 1976 Amy Williams 1982 Michelle Torres 1983 Katrina Adams 1985 Julie McKeon 1986 Stacey Berg 1987 Anne Mall 1989 Jennifer Nasser 1990 Jennifer Nasser 1991 Margie Lepsi 1992 Wendy Fix 1993 Margie Lepsi Helen Shockley Memorial Award 1995 Laura Granville 1996 Michelle Dasso 1997 Christine Nolan 1998 Laura Granville 1999 Christine Nolan 2000 Elizabeth Lumpkin 2001 Elizabeth Lumpkin 2002 Alexis Prousis 2003 Elizabeth Lumpkin 2004 Monica Milewski 2005 Taylor Marable 2006 Elizabeth Epstein 2007 Gia McKnight 2008 Hanna Mar 2009 Nida Hamilton 2010 Jasmine Minor 2011 Jerrika Boone 2012 Keisha Clousing 2013 Carol Finke 2014 Brienne Minor 2016 Lahari Yelamanchili Junior Player of the Year-Male 1977 Paul Wei 1978 Mike Martin 1979 Ron Kowal 1980 Danny Arends 1981 Michael Kures 1984 Lee Hardman 1988 John James 1994 Martel Bufford Kevie Schwartz Memorial A. 1995 Andrew Witt 1996 Thomas Hanus 1997 Conner Murnighan 1998 Russell Bennett
1999 Matt Bruch 2000 Thomas Hanus 2001 Colin Foster 2002 Ryan Heller 2003 Donald Young, Jr. 2004 Spencer Vegosen 2005 Dennis Nevolo 2006 Evan King 2007 Denis Bogatov 2008 Michael Moore 2009 Robert Stineman 2010 Michael Redlicki 2012 Michael Sellitto 2013 Martin Joyce 2014 Gianni Ross 2016 Jacob Edelchik Junior Recreational Players 2007 Jazmin Hall & Kasey Burns 2008 Caitlyn Schaffer-Harris 2009 Jaleyah Walker & Khari Sanchez 2011 Keenan Lee & Richelle Edwards 2012 Oni Jones 2013 Kenya Hill 2016 Jaylon Ford & Meisha Daniels League Player of the Year-F 1992 Gillian McDonnell 1993 Lyn Tietz 1994 Nancy Watland 1996 Julie Roth 1997 Sharon Welch 1998 Marina Vecci 2000 Atsuko Kumagai 2001 Elvira Cridland 2003 Lisa Culp 2004 Lynn Daggett 2005 Mary Gallagher 2006 Dawn McMillin 2007 Dena Balzano 2008 Janelle Lobmier 2009 Colleen Lehman 2010 Leslie Trantor 2012 Alison Miller 2013 Janine Stalcup 2014 Mary Ann Sharpe 2015 Georgene Ross 2016 Fra Angelica Wright League Player of the Year-M 1995 Robert Zumph 1996 Norm Anderson 1997 Jerry Peel 1999 Bill Johnston 2000 John Wentworth 2001 Dave Stefan
2018 Program
The proceeds from our Annual “Evening of Champions” as well as any contributions you wish to make will benefit the many junior tennis programs supported by the Chicago Tennis Patrons & The Chicago District Tennis Association,.
GOLD SPONSORS Midtown Athletic Clubs USTA Midwest Section Good Heart Work Smart Foundation
SILVER SPONSORS William T. Barry Ernst & Young, LLP Joan & Bill Dutton
BRONZE SPONSORS Wilson Sporting Goods Hinsdale Bank and Trust (A Wintrust Community Bank)
McCarthy & Trinka, Inc.
Trudy Brahin Family CrossCourt News Paul Dean Family Midtown Athletic Clubs Tom Patterson Family Alan G. Schwartz Family
Mary Seelig Family Helen Shockley Family John Shostrom Family Mel Timmons Family Jon Vegosen Family
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2018 Program
David Martin (President) Mark Revermann (Vice President) Renier Soto (Secretary) Dorothy Paige (Treasurer) Executive Director Mark Przepiorski Directors: John Griffin Lori James Kelly Johnson John O'Driscoll Tom Patterson Sanjiv Pillai
Bob Raidt Julie Roth Christine M. Smith Natalie Soto Julia Steele Jennifer Thomas Honorary Directors: Donald Kempster James Zagel
Who We Are Chicago Tennis Patrons is the fund raising arm of the Chicago District Tennis Association. As a separate not-for-profit tax-exempt corporation, the CTP may accept tax-deductible contributions. The CTP is a 100% volunteer organization whose primary focus is helping kids in the greater Chicago area through the sport of tennis. Our programs are funded by contributions from generous individuals and organizations. Virtually all (approximately 96%) of the funds contributed by our sponsors are re-invested in the youth programs and the scholarships we support.
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2018 Program Mission & Values Our mission is to positively impact the lives of kids in the greater Chicago area by providing access to tennis programs that help kids develop a healthy, active lifestyle while learning values and life skills necessary to be successful in life and a positive contributor in their communities. The youth programs we support provide a safe and positive environment that helps kids by: encouraging a healthy / active lifestyle promoting values, such as confidence, sportsmanship and respect teaching life skills, such as leadership, responsibility and managing emotions developing athletic skills that open opportunities for scholarships ... and a lifetime of fun creating social opportunities that result in a broad network of lifetime friendships exposing kids to diversity which provides them with a broader life perspective engaging parents to become involved with their kids & their local communities
What We Do The Chicago Tennis Patrons offers grants and scholarships to support tennis programs for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to develop their talents and potential.
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Our programs provide all children regardless of income, race, gender or ability the opportunity develop athletic and social skills in a safe and positive environment. Grants and scholarships are also provided to support high performance tennis programs and individual junior tennis players who have shown promise and potential. 5
Past Hall of Fame Inductees
2200 East Devon, Des Plaines, IL
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he Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame was created by the Chicago Tennis Patrons, Inc. on August 23, 2004. The purpose is to honor Chicago area tennis players who have contributed to the game as a player, coach, administrator, or in another manner that has benefited the game. The foundation of the Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame, and the men and women to be so honored, are the following who have been inducted since the inception date. They are as follows: 2004 Marian Baird 2004 George E. Barnes 2004 Gene Buwick 2004 Joseph E. Carrico 2004 Patricia Freebody 2004 Grant Golden 2004 Seymour Greenberg 2004 Andrea Jaeger 2004 George M. Lott, Jr. 2004 Frank Parker 2004 Marty Reissen 2004 Helen Shockley 2004 James C. Stewart 2005 Alan G. Schwartz 2006 Billie Jean King 2006 Jay Kramer 2008 Katrina Adams 2009 George J. Jennings, Jr.
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2009 Melvin E. Timmons 2010 Janet French 2010 Dave Muir 2010 Mary Seelig 2011 Thomas Patterson 2011 Chris Scott 2012 Billy Martin 2012 John & Tolly Shostrom 2013 Stephen H. Butzlaff 2014 Sylvia Gothard 2014 Jon Vegosen 2015 Nancy Hoekstra 2015 Wally Piekarski 2015 Jack Sharpe 2016 Richard Bradley 2016 Karzen Family 2017 Ronald Mitchell
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2018 Hall of Fame Inductee
Violet M. Clark
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iolet served on The Board of Chicago District from 1997 until 2007. During that time she served as Treasurer, 2 nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President and Immediate Past President. Violet was the 47th CDTA President since 1915, the 4th woman and 1st African-American to serve as President. During the time she was on the Board, she served on the Budget & Finance Committee as Chair, Public Parks/NJTL Committee Chair, Qualifier Site Director/Volunteer and Nominating Committee Chair. Violet also served on the Chicago Tennis Patron’s Board from 2002 until 2012. Violet served with the USTA/Midwest Section from 2007 until the present. She was Board Vice President, Board Executive Vice President and Section President. In addition, during that time she served on many committees; Nominating Committee, Investments Committee, Tennis Industry & Education Committee Board Rep, Tennis Innovations Committee Board Rep, Diversity Committee Board Rep, Hall of Fame Committee, Audit Committee Chair, Budget Committee and many more. Violet currently serves as the President of the USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation and has previously served as Vice President of the Foundation. Violet volunteered with USTA National from 2007 until the present. During that time she served on the Collegiate Committee, Junior Competition Committee, 10 and Under Tennis Committee, Community Tennis Association Committee, and Strategic and Creative Planning Committee. In December 2007, Violet along with Meghan Schmidt, founded the Friends of Chicago International Charter School Tennis which is a Community Tennis Association. Over the years, Friends of CICS Tennis has sponsored after school tennis programs at CICS campuses including CICS Prairie, Basil, Avalon, Wrightwood, Bucktown, West Belden, Longwood and Lloyd Bond. Another program of Friends of CICS has been South Side Junior Tennis Camp. Since 2012, South Side Junior Tennis Camp has provided a 10 week beginning tennis camp experience for more than 350 children at the University of Chicago Lab School tennis courts in Hyde Park. Several of our campers have been awarded scholarships by TOP and USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation to further their tennis aspirations. Violet was a long time member of the Board and eventually the President of The Board of Love to Serve Tennis and Education Foundation. Violet was a tennis mom of three beautiful girls before becoming a tennis volunteer. It began with Adrienne as she began playing tennis with Love to Serve. Camille and Gabbie followed her. All played Midtac and ATA tournaments and achieved USTA Midwest ranking and in Camille and Gabbie’s cases National rankings. Gabbie went on to be the first African American female to win a NCAA individual championship (DIII) in any Division. She was a two time winner. And yes, Violet does play tennis as well as running 5k races for charity.
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2017 Junior Player of the Year-Male Kevie Schwartz Memorial Award
Dominick Cuchran The Kevie Schwartz Memorial Award recognizes an outstanding boy in any junior division for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship and demeanor. Kevie Schwartz founded Tennis Corporation of America (TCA) and built the Midtown Tennis Club.
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ominick is a very talented player, and despite only being a freshman at Lyons Township High School he has been playing up and having success in the Boys 16s for over a year. His tournament schedule is a healthy mix of district, sectional and national tournaments. In January of 2017, Dominick went into the Boys 18s Level 4 at Hanover Park’s Centre Court Athletic Club unseeded and finished in first place. Dominick went on to win the Boys 16s Chicago District Qualifier and have a fantastic summer winning five rounds in the main draw at the Midwest Closed, four rounds in the main draw at Clay Courts, and three rounds in the main draw at Hard Courts. Dominick also won the Midwest Open Level 2 and wrapped up his summer at home winning the Hinsdale Challenge. A true student-athlete Dominick had a strong first quarter at LT, and his UTR is currently 11.61. For 2017 rankings, Dominick is #13 in Midwest B16 singles, #11 in B16 doubles, and in Chicago, #3 in B16 singles and #1 in B16 doubles. Dominick has an outstanding work ethic and is always willing to come in early, stay late, and train with whoever is available.
Sylvia Gothard, Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame 2014. Nancy Watland, USPTA Elite Professional.
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2017 Junior Player of the Year-Female Helen Shockley Memorial Award
Kolie Allen The Helen Shockley Memorial Award is presented to an outstanding girl in any junior division for the highest standards of tennis accomplishments, character, conduct, sportsmanship and demeanor. Helen Shockley was a fine player who contributed much to tennis in Chicago, including her invention of the “feed-in” consolation.
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olie Genee' Allen was born March 17th, 2000 and currently resides in Lombard, IL. Kolie is a senior at Glenbard East High school in which she carries a 4.5 GPA and was the Co-Captain of the 8th place State girls Rams Tennis team; Kolie captured the 2017 (2A) singles State title with a record of 33-0, a perfect season. She finished her 3year High School tennis career with a record of 100 – 6. Kolie Allen, a Blue Chip senior has signed a National Letter of Intent to play her collegiate tennis at “The Ohio State University” in the fall of 2018. Kolie attends Tip Top Training for her fitness with Mindee Epstein. Over the last five years, Kolie has been working with her Coach Mark Bey at the Championship Tennis Academy, Glenview Tennis Club, Glenview, IL. Kolie has many major accomplishments during her USTA, ITF career. Below are a few from 2017. 2017 National Selection Doubles G18 Champion 2017 National Selection G18 Singles 3rd Place 2017 Midwest Closed G18 Doubles Champion 2017 National Level 3 Singles G18 Singles Champion 2017 Fed Cup G18 Midwest 4th place 2017 IHSA Class 2A Girls State Tennis Champion 2017 Midwest Sweet 16 G18 Champion 2017 Winter Nationals G18 Doubles Champion GOLD Ball 2017 CDTA #1 Singles G18 Ranking 24
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2017 Junior Rec. Player of the Year Chicago Tennis Patrons Award
Yaxi Marchan This award recognizes the outstanding junior recreational players, who exhibits the love of the lifetime sport of tennis through their passion, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and strong level of participation in a Patrons-sponsored program.
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axi always had a love for the game of tennis but was never affiliated with a structured program until this summer. She plays on her high school team but never got the proper tennis instruction until this past summer. As a direct result of funding from a grant from the Patrons and Midwest, Love To Serve was able to implement a program that would get Hispanic teens interested in this wonderful game of tennis. Yaxi has been excited about learning the proper way to play tennis and is committed to improving her skills each and every day that she is on the court. She is a senior in high school and would love to play tennis in college if she could develop her skills to make the team. Even if that does not happen, Yaxi has blossomed as a leader and an Ambassador for the game of tennis in her community. Yaxi joined the tennis program at Solorio High School as a freshmen and was a leader in turning the program from a club of just a few girls, to a legitimate team in Chicago Public Schools with over 20 girls practicing daily, and finishing with a winning dual record for the first time in school history. Yaxi played 4 years at Solorio High School, #1 singles as a Senior and way team captain her junior and senior year. Yaxi's love for the game of tennis was contagious, not only when competing with her senior teammates, but it could also be seen as she helped teach novice freshmen the game for the first time. Her positive daily energy and enthusiasm made her indefensible for a young program with many first time players, but more importantly as a leader and teammate in her high school program.
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2017 League Player of the Year Trudy Brahin Memorial Award
Erica Eisner Kosova The Trudy Brahin Memorial Award is presented to an active and talented female league player in USTA Tennis or local club leagues. The award is based on participation, attitude and sportsmanship. Trudy Brahin played both league and tournament tennis in the Chicago District and is honored with a memorial fund established in 1992 by her family and friends.
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rica Eisner Kosova has been playing tennis since the age of 13, playing on her high school and college teams, then joining the USTA in 1991. She is currently captaining a CDTA 18+ 4.0 ladies team from Midtown Athletic Club Palatine and plays on 40+ 4.0, 55+ 8.0, 18+ 4.5 throughout the Northwest suburbs, as well as NITA 7.5 and 8.5 combo teams. Her team has reached flight playoffs many times and one season was undefeated. Erica has been captain of the Midtown Palatine ladies 4.0 team for the past 3 years which has developed into a serious competitive team thanks to her extraordinary leadership skills. She organizes team fun play/practices to keep the team motivated which has also resulted in the players forming friendships off the court as well. She will call or text a player with words of encouragement if they've felt badly about a match loss. Through these teams (and over time) Erica has met and gotten to know players from all over the Chicago land area. Originally from New York, Erica moved to Chicago in 2002 and now resides in Palatine with her husband, Ira since 2009.
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2017 Coach of the Year Vegosen Family Award
Kamau Murray The Vegosen Family Award recognizes a teaching professional/coach who contributes to tennis in the community and the District by promoting and developing programs and players. This Award is sponsored by the Jon Vegosen Family.
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amau Murray, the founder of the XS Tennis and Education Foundation. As a graduate of the Chicago Public Schools, Kamau knows first-hand how athletic programs are crucial to Chicago’s youth during the most critical stages in their life. Kamau participated in Chicago Park District tennis programs as a child and subsequently was awarded a tennis scholarship to Florida A&M University where he received a full scholarship earning his BA and MBA. Kamau says that one of the most gratifying things he has witnessed is watching the students as they learn a multitude of life lessons alongside their tennis training, including tenacity, sportsmanship, the importance of a strong work ethic, self-confidence, and how to interact with and support their peers. Kamau Murray began offering tennis coaching to 5 children in 2004. As the need for a program of its type became increasingly evident, XS Tennis was founded in 2008. The organization’s successes have been remarkable. Murray’s initial five students have gone on to win national championships, IHSA state championships, two Junior Olympic Gold medals. Today, all of the “first five” have graduated college from Harvard University, West Point, Northern Illinois, University of Illinois, and Emory. As XS Tennis has grown, the record of successes – both athletic and academic has not diminished. The average ACT scores of XS graduating seniors is an impressive 26. From 2008 -2017, 100% of graduating seniors have received college tennis scholarships to prestigious universities such as Duke, University of Illinois, Howard, Iowa, DePaul, Florida A&M, Harvard, and the University of Chicago. With the support of Ariel Investments, the XS Tennis & Education Foundation offers free afterschool tennis lessons in 10 Chicago Public Schools in many of Chicago’s most impoverished neighborhoods. The program keeps the children active and safe during those times when they are most likely to be idle, unattended, and victims of crime or involved in criminal activity. Currently, approximately 2,000 students take advantage of the Tennis XSpress program. As a child Kamau dreamed of going to the US Open. Although he never got that chance, for the past 6 years Kamau has given 40 children the opportunity of a lifetime as they their first plane rides to New York City. In an unlikely sequence of events, Kamau’s community work and reputation for transforming tough, inner city kids into college tennis players caught the eye of WTA touring professional Sloane Stephens. This year those 40 children not only got a chance to attend the US Open, they got a chance to witness Kamau coaching Sloane Stephens to her historic 2017 US Open title, and see their south side coach become only the 3rd African-American coach to win a grand slam in its 95 year history.
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2017 Facility of the Year Midtown Award
Schaumburg Tennis Plus The Midtown Award is presented to an outstanding tennis facility that has supported & promoted the overall growth of the game. This award is sponsored by Midtown Athletic Clubs.
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chaumburg Tennis Plus is home to over 18 USTA Adult League Teams, junior Team Tennis team and hosts 11 USTA Junior Tournaments including Orange, Green, Level 4 tournaments and a Midwest Championship. Schaumburg Tennis Plus also is the indoor Backup for a Midwest Level 2, Ten and Under Green ball tournament and three divisions of the Chicago Championships Boys 12s and Boys and Girls 14s. Schaumburg Tennis Plus also gives back to the community by donating to Hurricane Relief Fund, the Wellness with Water (which builds new wells in Africa) Food Bank and many more. The tennis professional staff gives back by volunteering at USTA; Early Development Camps, ILLINOIS State Camps, Regional Training Centers, CDTA Board of Directors, Chairing USTA Midwest Junior Competition Committee, National Junior Competition Committee and attending and speaking at USPTA Educational Events.
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2017 Tennis Official of the Year Chicago Tennis Patrons Award
Charles N. Granville III The Tennis Official of the Year Award honors an active and highly rated tennis official working District, Sectional or National events. This award is sponsored by Tom Patterson.
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harles (Skip) Granville has served in many capacities in his years as a USTA tennis official and worked exceptionally well both on and off the court in support of tennis. As the father of Laura Granville, former NCAA and WTA tennis champion and currently the Women’s Head Tennis Coach for Princeton University, Skip has demonstrated his support of tennis by working as both a USTA and ITA tennis official and serving on the Boards of the CDTA and CTUC in multiple capacities. Skip has been an active member within the Chicago and Northern IL USTA districts as a tennis official working grass root tennis tournaments from juniors to college events. He served as a Director on the CTUC Board, attending monthly meetings and functioning as the Board’s Scheduler for years. Skip is certified at the USTA level as roving and chair umpire as well as a fully certified ITA official. Skip was awarded the prestigious Paul Bennett Umpire of the Year Award in 2009 for his outstanding college officiating. His dedication, service, technical proficiency, resourcefulness, and positive rolemodel relationships with all involved in tennis make Skip an ideal candidate to receive this award.
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Violet M. Clark Congratulations on Being Inducted into the
2018 Chicago Tennis Hall of Fame
We admire and appreciate the work you do. We are honored and privileged to be associated with you. Laner Muchin Ltd. 515 North State Street – Suite 2800 Chicago, IL 60654 312-467-9800 www.lanermuchin.com Counselors to employers in labor/employee relations, employment litigation, business immigration and employee benefits matters. 18
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Congratulations to Charles (Skip) N. Granville III for the 2017 Tennis Official of the Year The Chicago Tennis Umpires wish to thank the Chicago Tennis Patrons for their support of junior tennis programs in the District.
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