Nominations Open For USTA Eastern Long Island Region Annual Awards Event

The USTA Eastern Long Island Region will hold its annual awards event on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Sea Cliff Manor in Sea Cliff, N.Y.

The Region is looking for your help to prepare for what promises to be a great evening, and encourages nomination submissions for worthy awardees.

Send an email with each nominee’s name, contact information, name of award for which you are nominating them, and a short write-up of why they deserve the award to ustaonlongisland@gmail.com.

Nominations must be received by September 1st, 2025.

Click here to see a list of past award winners.

See below for a complete list of the awards and a description of each.

Prestigious Awards

Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award: Recognizing a lifetime of achievement both on and off the tennis court on Long Island

Vitas Gerulaitis “For the Love of Tennis” Award: Honoring an individual who demonstrates his or her love of the game through volunteering, supporting tennis programs and helping grow tennis throughout Long Island

Arthur Ashe Multicultural Award: Given to an Organization/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

Tennis Family of the Year: Honoring a family whose members support the game of tennis on Long Island by playing tennis as well as volunteering their time and abilities to grow the game and serve the community

Excellence Awards

Charles Karp Memorial Award for Overcoming Adversity: Given to a tennis player who has overcome a serious medical condition or disability

Madeline Zausner Tennis Director of the Year Award:  Recognizing 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.

Tennis Professional of the Year: Recognizing an outstanding teaching pro.

Adult Volunteer of the Year: For an adult whose volunteerism on behalf of tennis has been exemplary.

Junior Volunteer of the Year: For a young adult whose volunteerism on behalf of tennis has been exemplary.

The Daniel Burgess Sr. Community Service Award: Given to an individual, group, or organization whose dedication to serving the tennis community is outstanding and unique.

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: 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.

10 and Under Tennis Award: Recognition of an individual or program that has focused on introducing tennis to young children.

USTA Afterschool Tennis Program: Recognizing a unique school or child care tennis program that brings tennis learning into the community or schools.

Tennis Club of the Year: Given to a public or private indoor 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.

Outdoor Tennis Site of the Year: Given to a public or private tennis facility that has demonstrated its support for growing the game.

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.

Corporate Award of the Year: Given to an individual, company, or organization that has gone above and beyond to support tennis on Long Island.

Retail Facility of the Year: Recognition of a retailer who has gone above and beyond.

Press Service Award: Given to a news media organization or individual for their coverage and ongoing support of tennis.