Congratulations to CATA on 50 years!!! What a milestone with thousands of people benefitting from the programs and services that our staff and volunteers have provided over the years. When I reflect on my more than 40 years with CATA, my greatest memories include all the wonderful relationships that I have had. Whether it be those who I played against or with or the many CATA volunteers and staff that I have had the pleasure of working with. These dedicated people have helped earn CATA the Organization of the Year several times at the national and section levels. I became the Executive Director in 1986 and served for 9 years in that position. During that time, CATA grew from a few hundred members, primarily playing in our tournaments, to many thousands today playing in tournaments, USTA Adult Leagues, Junior Team Tennis and Gran Prix events. I continue to serve our local communities because I believe in our vision that the entire CATA-wide community will have access to the sport of tennis.
When I first joined CATA, we ran about 6 tournaments a year, all done by hand, and had a newsletter that was mailed to each member. It wasn’t until the USTA Leagues and Junior Team Tennis came under the CATA umbrella that we really grew in serving tennis to the capital area tennis community. In addition to the adult and junior leagues, we started the CATA Tour, now the Gran Prix, local tournaments for beginner to intermediate players. In 1995, we had our first Annual Junior Awards Banquet held at the Onion Creek Country Club on an icy night in February. It is so rewarding to see that the Junior Banquet has become the highlight of the year for our juniors, their families and coaches. Two years ago, we had a record 600+ attendees.
In 2025, we will celebrate 30 years of hosting the Junior Awards Banquet
at The Doubletree Hotel on May 4 th . With the internet and online registrations, programming became more efficient for players and staff (once the bugs were worked out). In the late 80’s/early 90’s, one of our board members had the foresight to register our web domain as austintennis.org. We developed a website which has evolved into a highly relevant site with the help of our current President, Grant Chambers. Social media has also become a great way to promote tennis opportunities for all.
There have been many changes over the last 50 years, but one thing still remains the same – CATA ‘s mission “To promote and develop the lifetime sport of tennis for all in order to have a happier, healthier community.”
Carol J. Welder
CATA Executive Director 1986-1995
CATA President 1997-2000
CATA Board Member 1996-2024