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. If you have any questions about the award process, please contact the CATA office at 512-443-1342.
Nominations for 2022 are CLOSED. Thank you for your nominations. We had a great ceremony and are proud of our awardees. We are looking forward to more success next year.
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.
2022 Award Winners
| CATEGORY | WINNER |
| Sportsmanship Award | Jessie Rupert |
| Pro of the Year | Matt Bong |
| Pro of the Year | Meredith Geiger-Walton |
| Player of the Year | Alina Mihaeilescu |
| Player of the Year | Julie Thu |
| Organization of the Year | Courtyard Tennis Club |
| Volunteer of the Year | Gina Whittington |
| Captain of the Year | Jamie Allen |
| Captain of the Year | Melanie Brent |
| Family of the Year | The Wasserman Family |
| Family Players of the Year | Ellen Dick and Alex Hirt |
| CATA’s 2022 Inspirational Award | Dustin Strelsky |
| 2022 Service Award | Phil King |
| Senior Player of the Year | Kimm Ketelson |
| Senior Player of the Year | Julie Cass |
| Carol Welder Contribution to Tennis Award | Fernando Velasco |
Past Award Winners:
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| 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 |
