Each year, the USTA Long Island region honors the achievements of individuals, facilities and organizations who have gone above and beyond, both on and off the court, to impact tennis in our area.
Some will be honored because of their on-court play and rankings, while the Prestigious and Excellence Award Winners are nominated by their peers in the Long Island tennis community.
Click Here to see a list of past winners.
Nominations are now open, and can be e-mailed to ustalongisland@gmail.com and include the following:
►Nominee Name
►Nominee’s Address, E-Mail Address and Phone Number
►Award Being Nominated For
►Short Paragraph on Why Nominee is Deserving of Award
►Your Contact Info (Name and E-Mail Address)
Please remember that awardees should be USTA members or member organizations. Nominations will close on Monday, January 21, 2019, and can be made in the following categories:
Prestigious Awards
Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award – This award recognizes a lifetime of achievement both on and off the tennis court on Long Island. It is given in memory of Mr. Zausner, the founder of the Port Washington Tennis Academy in 1966. A former Boy Scout leader, he believed in the philosophy of giving back to others and built his tennis academy to give the community an activity, keep children out of trouble and steer them away from alcohol and drugs. Hy Zausner passed away in 1992.
Vitas Gerulaitis “For the Love of Tennis” Award – The award honors an individual who demonstrates his or her love of the game through volunteering, supporting tennis programs and helping grow tennis throughout Long Island. It is given in recognition of Long Island tennis supporter and former world #3 professional tennis player Vitas Gerulaitis, who passed away at the age of 40 in 1994.
Arthur Ashe Multi-Cultural Award – This award is given to a tennis player who embraces diversity, serves as an ambassador for the game of tennis, exhibits unmatched sportsmanship and shares his or her love of the game with others. It is given in memory of former world #1 player Arthur Ashe, the first African American player selected to the US Davis Cup Team.
Rose Buck Scalamandre Tennis Family of the Year Award – This award recognizes a family whose members foster the love of the game among new generations and support the game of tennis on Long Island by either playing tennis or volunteering their time and abilities to grow the game and serve the community. Ms. Scalamandre, the owner of Freeport Indoor Tennis, was an avid supporter of the USTA Long Island Region and, for many years, donated court time free of charge to the Nassau County high school counties’ tennis tournament in case of inclement weather.
Excellence Awards
Adult Volunteer of the Year: Recognizing an adult whose volunteerism on behalf of Long Island tennis has been exemplary
Charles Karp Memorial Award for Overcoming Adversity: Given to a tennis player who has overcome a serious medical condition or disability, this award was created in memory of Mr. Karp, an avid supporter of tennis on Long Island and the USTA Long Island Region. Mr. Karp overcame adversity by returning to the courts to enjoy his favorite sport after suffering a heart attack while playing tennis.
Community Service Award: Given to an individual, group or organization whose dedication to serving the tennis community is outstanding and unique
Corporate/Retail/Press Service Award: Given to an individual, company, retailer or news organization that has gone above and beyond to support LI tennis
Good Samaritan Award: Given to an individual or organization that has done something above and beyond to help a tennis player, facility or the general tennis community
Innovative Tennis Program of the Year: Given to a new, unique or unusual tennis program
Junior Team Tennis Award: Recognizing a junior team tennis program for its achievements both on and off the court
Junior Volunteer of the Year: Recognizing a young adult whose volunteerism on behalf of tennis has been exemplary
Madeline Zausner Junior Tournament Director Award: This award recognizes a junior tournament director for outstanding service and effort. It is given to someone who goes above and beyond to schedule and run junior tournaments and make sure they operate smoothly and with a focus on sportsmanship. Mrs. Zausner, the most familiar face at the Port Washington Tennis Academy for 40 years, was the tournament director at hundreds of Eastern Tennis Association tournaments for l8-and-under players.
Outdoor Tennis Site of the Year: Given to an outdoor public tennis facility that has demonstrated its support for growing the game
Private Club of the Year: Given to a private tennis facility that has demonstrated its support for growing the game
10-and-Under Tennis Award: Recognition of an individual or program that is focused on introducing tennis to young children
Tennis Club of the Year: Given to a public or private indoor tennis facility that has demonstrated its support for growing the game
Tennis Professional of the Year (Adult): Recognizing an outstanding teaching pro for their teaching of Adults
Tennis Professional of the Year (Junior): Recognizing an outstanding teaching pro for their teaching of Juniors
USTA School/Child Care Tennis Program: Recognizing a unique school or child care tennis program that brings tennis learning into the community or schools
Long Island High School Tennis Team of the Year: Given to a public or private high school on Long Island that exemplifies sportsmanship and encourages the growth of the game by ensuring that young players experience the fun of representing their school tennis teams and participating in community service events.
Birdie Tarulli League Captain Sportsmanship Award: This award is given to a female USTA League Captain who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship both on the court and off. Ms. Tarulli was an active USTA League captain for many years, leading both adult and senior teams out of Rockville Racquet Club in Rockville Centre, as well as participating in the North Shore Tennis League out of Hempstead Country Club. As a captain, she always played her teammates first; she would put herself in the line-up only if needed. She could always be seen at the window cheering on her teammates.
Blane Magee League Captain Sportsmanship Award: This award is given to a male USTA League Captain who exhibits outstanding sportsmanship both on the court and off. Blane Magee loved playing tennis throughout his life. He was a member of several USTA League teams over the years and was a dedicated and unselfish captain at Rockville Racquet Club for almost two decades. He also enjoyed playing in Rockville’s Sunday morning “Ego League” for many years.
