CONWAY, Ark. - Hendrix College
head men's and women's tennis coach Harold Henderson was named
winner of the Arkansas United States Professional Tennis
Association (USPTA) Professional of the Year on August 23 at the
annual meeting of the USPTA Arkansas Chapter.
The award was voted upon by the USPTA Arkansas Chapter's Board of
Directors Selection Committee. Henderson earned the award by
dedicating himself to the growth of tennis in Faulkner County and
Arkansas over the past 10 years.
"I am very grateful for this award," Henderson stated. "I am
honored just to be a part of the USPTA and certainly for any type
recognition from them."
Henderson has been a certified USPTA Professional since 1995. His
contribution to tennis also includes 14 years on the Executive
Committee of the Board of Directors for the Arkansas District of
the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
The Little Rock, Ark. native played a vital role in creating an
annual USPTA Certification Weekend in 1998 that has helped add over
60 new members to the USPTA. It is the only event of its kind in
the state of Arkansas and is held at Hendrix College during the
month of May. This unique opportunity has helped facilitate the
growth of tennis in Conway and in Arkansas. It has enabled many
college graduates and members of the Arkansas tennis community to
help grow tennis upon their certification.
Henderson was also presented the Henry Doyle Outstanding Senior
Award in 1997 by the USTA Arkansas District. This award is given in
recognition of leadership and personal example throughout the
tennis community of Arkansas. He has been an active tournament
player for 30 years and is most proud of having captained senior
teams in 1998 and 2001 that finished third and second in the
nation, respectively.