New Sonesta on Hilton Head Island to Host PTR Awards

Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) will present its annual awards this week during the 2013 PTR International Tennis Symposium.  The event, which includes 50-plus on court and classroom presentations for tennis teachers and coaches, a trade show and tournament, is being held May 2-5 at the new Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Leah Friedman, of Chicago, Illinois, has been named PTR Member of the Year for the state.  This award is presented to a PTR member in the United States who has shown dedication and diligence in promoting and supporting tennis and PTR. 

She has also been selected to receive the PTR/USTA Community Service Award. Friedman selected to receive this award by the USTA (United States Tennis Association).  This is a national recognition for the PTR member who has demonstrated exceptional skill and loyalty in his/her efforts to support and implement programs of PTR and USTA. 

Friedman is the 10 and Under Tennis/USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator for the Chicago District of the USTA Midwest Section.  She is truly dedicated to expanding opportunities for all children by working with community centers, schools, religious centers, and tennis clubs to develop and enhance their 10 and Under Programs. 

Friedman organized and directed a Community Day with a program that had the children and staff work together to build and paint the lines of four 36' tennis courts.  Friedman has developed tennis programs in some of Chicago's roughest neighborhoods, as well as for disabled children, adults and youth cancer foundations. 

She is a PTR 10 & Under Tennis Clinician, a USTA National Trainer, and serves on the Wilson 10 and Under Advisory Team.  She has presented at the USTA Tennis Teachers Conference, PTR International Symposium and various Midwest conferences. 

Her dedication to the game and passion for helping others inspires those around her.  Friedman will continue to drive her motto - Tennis Anywhere, Anyhow.

Marcy Bruce, of McMurray, Pennsylvania, was presented the PTR/TIA Commitment to the Industry Award.   Bruce is a PTR Clinician and Tester in both Adult Development and 10 & Under Tennis.  She is also the TRX Cardio Tennis Director for the Upper Saint Clair Tennis Development Program.

TRX Cardio Tennis is a TIA initiative that combines tennis and a fitness workout.  The Tennis Industry Association (TIA) is the not-for-profit trade association for the sport that promotes the growth of tennis and the economic vitality of the industry.  

About PTR: PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 14,000 members in 117 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization.  PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game. Learn more at its website, www.ptrtennis.org