ORLANDO – The United States Professional Tennis Association honored those who stand out and go above and beyond in all aspects of the tennis industry at the annual USPTA World Conference on Friday. USPTA, the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals, recognized tennis coaches, players and volunteers during its annual national awards presentation at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando.
Mark Faber of Toledo, Ohio, is the recipient of the USTA/USPTA Community Service Award for his contributions to his community through tennis, presented annually by the United States Tennis Association as part of the USPTA’s awards program. In his 20 years as a USPTA member, Faber has contributed to several charities, including the American Cancer Society Make-A-Wish Foundation. He helped a local non-profit community mental health center establish a summer tennis program and an after-school program, exposing more than 250 children to tennis. Faber is also a three-time High School Coach of the Year award winner.
Nick Bollettieri, Vic Braden and Steve Wilkinson also joined the ranks of only 13 others when they were inducted into the USPTA Hall of Fame. The association’s highest honor recognizes excellence in the tennis profession and commitment to USPTA.
Mark Faber, USTA/USPTA Community Service Award Biography
Mark Faber has been in the tennis industry since graduating from Methodist College (now, Methodist University) in 1994, and has been a USPTA member since the year prior. He is currently the Director of Tennis at Laurel Hill Swim and Tennis Club in Toledo, Ohio. In his 19 years as a high school tennis coach, Faber has coached teams to state team and individual championships and amassed more than 300 wins. His success was recognized when he was named the USPTA Midwest High School Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2002, and USPTA Boys’ National High School Coach of the Year in 2003.
As a USPTA specialist in high performance coaching, Faber has developed players that went on to become collegiate All-Americans with some later playing on the professional tour. Faber is the USPTA Midwest Regional Vice President, chairman of the USTA/Midwest Coaches Commission and an Ohio Tennis Coaches Association Vice President.
2013 USPTA Annual Awards
Nick Bollettieri, Vic Braden, Steve Wilkinson; USPTA Tim Heckler Hall of Fame Award
Avis Murray, Alex Gordon Award for the USPTA Professional of the Year
Mark Faber, USTA/USPTA Community Service Award
Gerry Maingot, USPTA Industry Excellence Award
David Pack, USPTA Star
Matt Grayson, Lessons for Life Individual Award
John McWilliams, Tennis Across America Individual Award
Cindy Benzon, USPTA Diversity Award
Fernando Velasco, Manager of the Year Award – Small Facility
Tom Sweitzer, Manager of the Year Award – Large Facility
Philip Farmer, Tim Gullikson Touring Coach of the Year
Randy Stephens, High School Coach of the Year
Paul Settles, College Coach of the Year
Jack Foster, George Basco Tester of the Year
USPTA divisions receiving awards are:
USPTA Southwest Division – Small Division of the Year
USPTA Texas Division – Large Division of the Year
USPTA Midwest Division – Newsletter of the Year
Founded in 1927, USPTA strives to raise the standards of the tennis profession while promoting greater awareness of the sport. USPTA offers nearly 70 professional benefits to its more than 15,000 members worldwide, including certification and professional development. With more than 300 days of educational opportunities throughout the year, USPTA offers the most comprehensive continuing education program in the tennis industry. For more information, call 800-877-8248 or visit www.uspta.com.
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CONTACT:
Christiana Johns, Communications Coordinator
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