January 31st, 2025

Collier County’s Paula Crane named USTA Florida Tennis Volunteer of the Month

Volunteer Aces General News Volunteer Of The Month

For Paula Crane, tennis has become more than just a sport, it’s her passion and a way to give back to the community. After a 40-year career in retail, Paula found herself drawn to the tennis courts, where she not only discovered her love for the game but also a deep appreciation for the friendships and life lessons it brings.  

Over the past five years, she has captained multiple teams, inspiring players, building camaraderie, and leading teams to success. Her dedication and leadership have earned her the honor of being named USTA Florida Volunteer of the Month. 

Paula’s commitment to the sport extends beyond just competition. As a captain, she has worked tirelessly to motivate players, foster teamwork, and encourage personal growth through tennis. She understands that success on the court isn’t just about winning but also about enjoying the process of pushing through adversity. 

Paula’s love for tennis has been even more meaningful as she has overcome personal health challenges, proving that resilience and determination can lead to new opportunities. Her ability to balance her own growth as a player while also mentoring and supporting others makes her a true leader in Florida’s tennis community. 

“Paula Crane has been our captain for the past 5 years. She has always gone above and beyond with her excellent communication skills, pairing us with compatible partners and reminding us of our matches in a timely manner,” one of her players said. “She has had the ability to keep us all challenged, supplying us with wonderful inspirational quotes, which has enabled her players to strive to be their best. Paula has always led with integrity and compassion; always taking the high road, if there were any complications or disagreements on or off court.” 

While tennis is a major part of Paula’s life, she wears many hats outside of the game. Recently, she has taken on one of her most cherished roles, becoming a grandmother. 

When she’s not on the tennis courts, Paula enjoys a variety of hobbies, including cooking, reading, painting, solving puzzles, needlepoint, boating, and listening to music. She describes herself as someone who is “always busy doing something.” 

For Paula, volunteering in tennis is deeply fulfilling. She believes in the power of the sport to bring people together, create lasting friendships, and promote personal well-being.  

Her exceptional leadership, and efforts in making tennis accessible for all in her community, USTA Florida is proud to recognize Paula Crane as the January Volunteer of the Month. Whether she’s organizing teams, supporting fellow players, or simply sharing her love for the game, Paula exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated volunteer. 

Interested in volunteering in tennis? Visit ustaflorida.com/volunteers to learn more about available opportunities.       

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