Longtime USTA Florida Volunteer Jim Tierney Receives Brad Parks Awards

Longtime USTA Florida volunteer Jim Tierney was honored with the Brad Parks Award at the 2026 USTA Annual Meeting & Conference, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the growth and development of wheelchair tennis. 

The Brad Parks Award, established in 2002 and named after the pioneer of wheelchair tennis and the sport’s first tournament champion, is presented annually to an individual or group that has been instrumental in providing opportunities to wheelchair players through the development of programs that promote the growth of wheelchair tennis at the sectional or national level. 

Tierney’s involvement with wheelchair tennis dates back to when he stepped up to coach a wheelchair tennis clinic at the Patch Reef Tennis Center in Boca Raton after the previous coach departed.  

That moment sparked a deep commitment to giving back to the sport, leading him to volunteer extensively across Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties. Over the years, Tierney has organized wheelchair tennis exhibitions at prestigious events including the Delray Beach Open and the Miami Open, helping bring greater visibility to the sport. 

Beyond wheelchair tennis, Tierney has served on numerous USTA Florida committees including Diversity & Inclusion, Adult Competition, Public Parks, Community Outreach and Wheelchair. His versatility and willingness to contribute wherever needed have made him one of USTA Florida’s most valued volunteers. 

Tierney’s name will forever be linked to the Brad Parks Award. USTA Florida congratulates and thanks him for his years of service and dedication to tennis.