USTA’s Katrina Adams Inducted Into Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame

May 4, 2016 | By New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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The USTA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) have announced that Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Katrina Adams will be inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame during a ceremony in New Orleans. Adams will become the first individual, on or off the court, to represent the sport of tennis in the Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Fame.

To celebrate the accomplishments of former Boys & Girls Club members, BGCA annually recognizes distinguished alumni during the organization’s annual National Conference, to be held this year from May 11 to May 13. The event will be hosted by actor Courtney B. Vance and will honor eight distinguished alumni, including Adams, who have also gone on to make major contributions in their fields, including sports, entertainment and business.

Since its inception more than 100 years ago, BGCA has provided kids and teens of all backgrounds with the opportunity to grow and achieve a great future. Adams joined the formerly known Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys Club, located in the East Garfield Park community of Chicago, in the summer of 1975. It was there that she picked up her first racquet at the age of 6. As a participant, Adams competed and won several youth tennis tournaments and was an active member prior to attending Whitney Young High School.

Along with Adams, the BGCA Alumni Hall of Fame “Class of 2016” inductees are: Louisiana State University President F. King Alexander, Anthem Inc. Chief Financial Officer Wayne DeVeydt, NBA head coach Alvin Gentry, drummer Jim Keltner, professional model Damaris Lewis, retired NBA player Willie Naulls and comedian JB Smoove.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of America is where my journey in tennis began, and I owe the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys Club a great deal of gratitude for giving me an opportunity to play, have fun and succeed,” said Adams. “My tennis roots are derived from their programming, and I am grateful for this very significant induction. Aside from the sport of tennis, through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America I learned the true essence of giving back to the community, honed my leadership skills and learned sportsmanship and camaraderie, all of which are important to me in my role as head of the USTA.

“Congratulations to my fellow inductees for their years of success, and I’m honored to join them as this year’s class. I want to thank BGCA for this honor and wish the entire organization continued success in serving and positively impacting youth throughout our country.”


New York Tennis Magazine Staff
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