Each year, award nominations are solicited for various categories (see below). Please nominate those you see in our tennis community who exemplify the qualities necessary for these categories. Nominations are received and reviewed by the Awards committee. Once awardees are selected, they are notified and will be put in touch with a videographer to record their acceptance speech for the virtual meeting. If you have any questions about the award process, please contact the CATA office at 512-443-1342.
Nominations for 2020 close on October 13th 2020
A list and description of the Annual Awards are as follows:
The Sportsmanship Award (Male and Female)
This award honors a person who exemplifies good sportsmanship, a competitive spirit and fair play on and off the court.
Pro of the Year (Male and Female)
These awards are given to a male and female USPTA/PTR tennis professional for outstanding teaching abilities at a professional level in building stronger tennis players at all levels of skill. To qualify, an individual must be a resident of the Capital area. He/she may be a teacher on the staff of an educational institution, a staff member of a city recreation department, a teaching pro or in some comparable employment. He/she should work cooperatively with CATA to promote, grow and develop tennis in the Capital Area.
Player of the Year (Male and Female Open, Senior)
These awards are given to a male and female tennis player at the OPEN, SENIOR, and RISING STAR levels, for outstanding play.
OPEN: Recipients aged 19-54 who are highly ranked, statewide or nationally, in their skill or age division.
SENIOR: Recipients aged 55+ who are actively engaged in USTA leagues and/or tournaments.
Partner/Sponsor of the Year
This award is selected by the CATA Awards Committee and given to a business or organization which has partnered with CATA by sponsoring or conducting events and/or programs that contribute to the growth and development of tennis in the Capital Area.
Captain of the Year
This award is given to captains who exemplify outstanding leadership through their contributions as the captain of a league team. These individuals are responsible, respectful of others, knowledgeable about and followers of league rules, good communicators with their team and with CATA, and promoters of fair play for the betterment and furtherance of an enjoyable league play experience.
Family of the Year
This award is given to a family who resides in the Capital Area and whose members have made valuable contributions to the growth and development of tennis. The family represents the development and promotion of tennis on and off the court on a local, state or national level. The recipient of this award is then nominated for the USTA Texas Section Family of the Year Award.
Volunteer of the Year
This award is selected by the CATA Awards Committee and is given to an individual or individuals who have made valuable contributions to CATA through volunteer work during the year in which the award is given.
CATA Inspirational Award
This award is given to an individual or individuals who inspires the desire of tennis in others.
CATA Dedication to Tennis Award
This award is given to an individual or individuals who contribute to the success of tennis through promotion of tournaments, league play, or events that encourage tennis in the CATA footprint.
Carol Welder Contribution to Tennis Award
This award is selected by the CATA Awards Committee and given to the outstanding individual who is widely known to devote numerous voluntary hours, time and energy to the growth of tennis at all levels and is recognized by their tennis community for their exceptional and selfless dedication and devotion to tennis.
2019 Award Winners
| CATEGORY | WINNER |
| Sportsmanship Award | Pete Polkinghorn |
| Pro of the Year | Alejandro Ahuja |
| Male Player of the Year | Kalim Sawires |
| Male Senior Player of the Year | Larry Eichenbaum & Steve Thurber |
| Female Player of the Year | Darya Karoukina |
| Female Senior Player of the Year | Kristi Guszak |
| Organization of the Year | Austin Tennis Center |
| Volunteer of the Year | Jenny Isenberg |
| Female Captain of the Year | Laney Bevill |
| Male Captain of the Year | Greg Rychlik |
| Family of the Year | The Creel Family |
| CATA’s 2019 Inspirational Award | Genie Kilpatrick |
| Carol Welder Contribution to Tennis Award | Jack Newman & Brian Notis |
| 2019 Service Award | John Weber |
Past Award Winners:
| 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
| 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 |
| 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 |
| 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 |
| 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 |
| 1998 | 1997 | 1996 | 1995 |
| 1994 | 1993 | 1992 | 1991 |
| 1990 | 1989 | 1988 | 1987 |
| 1986 |
