Labor Day is about honoring the work that so often goes unseen. In tennis, there may be no greater example than the vast army of volunteers who keep the sport running. From local tournament officials and league coordinators to those serving on district boards and USTA committees at the Section and National levels, tennis relies on their efforts. Without them, the structure that allows players to compete and connect would collapse.
My relationship with the volunteer side of tennis, however, is complicated. I am a volunteer myself, both with USTA Texas and a national advocacy group, and I know firsthand that it’s a lot of hard work. It takes persistence to stick with it when it seems like your efforts aren’t making a difference. As an example, my first foray into that world was on an “Action Team” within USTA Texas, which was essentially a subcommittee. Two other avid tournament players were named to that team with me that term. The experience was so frustrating and demotivating that my colleagues swore off volunteering with the USTA forever. It’s a shame because they are smart, capable people who could have made a difference.
I stuck with it only because I had an agenda. Agendas are complicated.
My overarching objective for my volunteer work in tennis is to foster a healthier competitive adult ecosystem. Some assume that my advocacy for tournaments is the agenda itself, but in reality, it’s a strategy for achieving the broader goal. For players at the highest rungs of the competitive ladder, league play alone doesn’t work because there aren’t enough players. Tournaments have to exist to fill that gap. Doing something about it is the hill I am trying to climb as a volunteer in tennis.
Over time, I’ve come to believe that many people who spend years in the USTA volunteer structure share a similar, deep purpose. Most of us want what’s best for the sport, even if our visions differ or collide. That’s where debate and dialogue can sharpen ideas and push tennis to a better place. Unfortunately, not everyone is in it for the right reasons. A few volunteers seem more interested in climbing the organizational ladder for the sake of power itself. Ambition isn’t bad, as tennis needs strong leadership. However, it only works if the ambition is rooted in love for the sport rather than self-interest.
That brings me back full circle to the importance of volunteers. The more people who step up, the better the odds that those truly dedicated to tennis will prevail. The sport can only reach its full potential when its volunteer ranks are filled with people acting in good faith, with good intentions.
So this Labor Day, thank a volunteer in your orbit and let them know their work matters. And if you’ve ever thought about giving back to the game, consider raising your hand. Tennis needs you.
