Nuestra historia
“Success is a journey, not a destination.” – Arthur Ashe
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USTA Florida
Nuestra historia
At USTA Florida, our history is more than a timeline—it’s the foundation of who we are and where we’re going. Since our inception, we’ve been committed to growing the game of tennis across the state by making it more accessible, inclusive, and community-driven.
Our legacy reflects decades of impact, from supporting public parks and schools to empowering volunteers, coaches, and players of all ages and backgrounds. This history has earned us the trust of communities, partners, and tennis enthusiasts throughout Florida.
Understanding our past helps guide our future. It reminds us of the values we stand for and inspires the bold moves we continue to make to grow the game. As we look ahead, we remain rooted in our mission to Change Lives Through Tennis—building on a proud tradition of service, innovation, and leadership.
The 1940s
1947
Prominent Florida players and organizers Eddie Herr, Gardnar Mulloy, Edward Turville, and Clarence Varner plant seeds for Florida tennis independence; also among the founders are Marion Huey, Mrs. Grant Shaffer and Catharine Sample
1948
Florida upon request is made a separate district of the Southern Lawn Tennis Association
1949
Florida secedes from Southern Lawn Tennis Association to form the Florida Lawn Tennis Association; Edward Turville is named the first FLTA president
The 1950s
1950
The Florida Lawn Tennis Association had an operating budget of $1,150, and sanctions nine junior and 12 adult tournaments
1956
The FLTA is organized by the creation of more than 15 all-volunteer committees
1958
Four awards are presented annually by the FLTA: The J.E. “Doc” Webb Awards to the man and woman who have done the most for tennis in Florida, and boys’ and girls’ sportsmanship awards
The 1960s
1960
The Special Awards Committee changes the name of the J.E. “Doc” Webb Awards to the Merit Awards
1961
Yearly registration in Florida for United States Lawn Tennis Association membership is $3 for adults and $1 for juniors
1966
The FLTA is incorporated; the print publication FLTA News and Tournament Results is offered at a $5 subscription rate per year
1969
The FLTA records a membership of 2,343; and a 14-year-old Chris Evert wins the state women’s Open Singles title
The 1970s
1972
Helen Darress becomes the FLTA’s first paid employee as secretary, with the association headquartered out of her house in Biscayne Park
1973
The WATCH Circuit (World Association of Tennis Champions) debuts in Florida, eventually adopted nationally as the USTA Pro Circuit
1978
The Amateur Sports Act recognizes the USTA as the national official governing body for amateur tennis; Florida membership tops 10,000 for the first time due to the ’70s tennis boom
1979
The FTA celebrates its 30th anniversary
The 1980s
1980
Helen Darress becomes the FLTA’s first paid employee as secretary, with the association headquartered out of her house in Biscayne Park
1981
The WATCH Circuit (World Association of Tennis Champions) debuts in Florida, eventually adopted nationally as the USTA Pro Circuit
1981
The Amateur Sports Act recognizes the USTA as the national official governing body for amateur tennis; Florida membership tops 10,000 for the first time due to the ’70s tennis boom
1983
The FTA celebrates its 30th anniversary
1984
First year of junior rankings compiled by computer
1985
Marian Green of Orlando is named the first woman president of the FTA
1986
The FTA relocates to its second office location in North Miami Beach
The 1990s
1990
Junior Team Tennis is introduced as an official state-wide program
1993
The FTA and its 12-member staff move to its third office location in Pompano Beach
1994
Name change to USTA/Florida Section; organization tops revenue and expenses of more than $1 million
1999
USTA/Florida celebrated 50 years with a gala celebration honoring the section founders and inducting Jim Courier, Kathy Rinaldi and Mary Joe Fernandez into the Florida Tennis Hall of Fame; The USTA national body adopts Florida’s Junior Team Tennis as a national program
The 2000s
2001
Name change to USA Tennis Florida; move to fourth office location at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach
2004
The USTA Florida Section Foundation is created
2005
Name change to USTA Florida; Section makes a $350,000 commitment to repair, expand and build new public tennis facilities in Florida
2008
The “Play Tennis” specialty license plate is approved for the USTA Florida Section Foundation
2009
Bobby Curtis, the “father” of junior tennis in Florida, officially retires from USTA Florida after 30+ years of service to the game
The 2010s
2010
USTA Florida “Share the Love” initiative offers $500,000 in grants for community tennis
2012
USTA Florida renames its junior state championships after Bobby Curtis
2013
The Tennis para Todos Hispanic initiative is launched
2015
USTA Florida Section named USTA Section of the Year by Tennis Industry magazine for the 3rd time in 10 years
2016
USTA Florida eliminates its executive committee and streamlines its board to nine members
2017
USTA Florida moves to its fifth office location at the Lake Nona Sports & Performance District in Orlando next to the new USTA National Campus; the USTA Florida Board approves the new Tennis Management Division
