The WTTA President's Award

On Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, the West Texas Tennis Association officially presented the WTTA President’s Award to Michael (Mike) Doty, USPTA and Director of Tennis for Midland Country Club.

Receiving the President’s Award is the highest honor given by the WTTA. This special award honors a local, West Texas individual who excels in working to support and grow the game of tennis in the Permian Basin. 

“Mike has worked extremely hard to build tennis for athletes, of all ages, throughout the West Texas area. In addition to rebuilding the entire tennis structure of a local facility over the last few years, this past year, he brought the USPTA Junior Circuit to West Texas, which introduced tennis to nearly 100 junior athletes,” Heidi Winkler, WTTA president, said. 

The USPTA Junior Circuit is a series of tournaments designed to make competitive play accessible to the West Texas area juniors. These one-day tournaments are created to introduce less experienced junior players to competition and allow them to prepare for higher-level tournament play (USTA, junior high school and high school tennis). The tournaments are hosted by area club professionals in an effort to develop junior tennis in our area. 

The USPTA Junior Circuit builds a positive tennis experience and enthusiasm for our sport of tennis. Tournament site areas included Midland Country Club, Bush Tennis Center, Odessa Country Club and Racquet Club. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, the West Texas Tennis Association officially presented the WTTA President’s Award to Amanda Friday - local tennis advocate, nonprofit volunteer and coach for Midland Christian School. The ceremony took place at Midland Country Club during the SWOTT (Southwest Oilman’s Tennis Tournament) meeting. 

Receiving the President’s Award is the highest honor given by the WTTA. This special award honors a  local, West Texas individual who excels in working to support and grow the game of tennis for our area.  

Friday currently serves as the assistant coach for Midland Christian School. Prior to coaching, she served as the USTA (United States Tennis Association) representative for the west Texas area, covering matches, tournaments, seminars and much more across the west Texas area. Friday currently serves on the WTTA board as the league coordinator. 

“Amanda has done countless activities to support the game of tennis throughout her years with USTA and now as a local coach. She is truly a star both on and off the tennis court and has set the standard for volunteerism. It is an absolute honor to have her here, continuously supporting the WTTA and tennis throughout the Permian Basin area,” said Heidi Winkler,  WTTA president.  

The WTTA officially presented the President’s Award to Laura Moss, tennis advocate and nonprofit volunteer, at Mulberry Café on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2019.

Receiving the President’s Award is the highest honor given by the West Texas Tennis Association. This special award honors excellence to a local, West Texas individual working to support growing the game of tennis, as well as giving back to the community.

Moss has been active in numerous West Texas events, including tennis, for many years. Along with the Midland Women's Tennis Association, she recently served on the WTTA Board of Directors and helped tlaunch the new WTTA website.  

“Laura is a star both on and off the tennis court and has set the standard for volunteerism. She helped identify the missing key component to launching our new website late last year. It is an honor to present this special award to her,” said Heidi Winkler, WTTA president. “Thank you, Laura, for being a true West Texas hero.”