In their own words: Becki Wortham on providing opportunities for others

My mentor, Margaret Canby, then asked me to assist her with running leagues in San Antonio. A few years later, I became the San Antonio Tennis Association (SATA) League Coordinator. I must have been doing something right, because in 2016, I received the National USTA Coordinator of the Year Award for having the highest growth—and I received a trip to the US Open!

I also volunteer with the Special Olympics, tennis after school programs, NJTL, home-school tennis programs, and donate my time as an official to many tournaments, including events for men, women, kids and the LGBTQ community. Seeing the joy in kids' faces is priceless. I truly believe in helping to instill the element of sportsmanship in players, especially at a young age. [Editor’s note: Earlier this year, Wortham received the 2025 USTA Texas Senior Sportsmanship Award.]

Through all of this—as a player, as a parent of players, as a team captain and League coordinator, and as a section and community volunteer—I wanted to get more involved. I wanted to continue to help guide and influence the direction of the sport, and I became interested in leadership within the USTA. 

I’ve now served in leadership positions in the USTA Texas Section and with USTA National, and I’m currently the chair of the National Facility Grants Task Force, a new group charged with assisting with grants to help save and grow vital tennis infrastructure. 

As a Hispanic female, I believe in representing our culture with pride, and of offering the opportunity to others that I never had as a child. It all begins with us giving back. 

Tennis has expanded my connections with individuals all over the U.S. It has allowed me to stay fit and healthy, and it’s a great sport to talk to others about (especially when they notice my sock line, which has happened a number of times at airports!). I love the strategy and the competition, and my love of the game allows me to educate others, as I am frequently asked about rules. (In 2024, I received my USTA Officials Pin for 20 years of service.) 

This sport has given me the opportunity to give back in many ways to my community, to kids, to my section and at the national level. It has enriched me with great possibilities that I never could have imagined. 

I believe a true reflection of one’s dedication is the example they set, and I’d like to think my priorities are clear in representing solid values and building collaborations on and off the court. Tennis should be FUN, and I love seeing all who play—regardless of age or ability or circumstances—having FUN.

For me, this sport is a calling—and time and again, I’m thrilled to respond.