Waco Tennis Association wins 2025 National Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award
Thirteen advocates for the sport of tennis at the grassroots and local levels were honored with national awards at the 2025 USTA Annual Meeting and Conference in Carlsbad, Calif.
WATCH: Waco Tennis Association honored with Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award
Waco Tennis Association (WTA) of Waco, Texas, was awarded the USTA National Adaptive Tennis Community Service Award at the 2025 USTA Annual Meeting and Conference. The USTA annually bestows this recognition upon a program that has demonstrated continued excellence, dedication and service in tennis for an adaptive tennis community.
Since 2003, the USTA has awarded the Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award to an individual or a program that has demonstrated excellence, dedication, and service related to tennis for an adaptive community.
For nearly 100 years, The WTA has served the Waco and Central Texas area, making it the oldest Community Tennis Association in Texas. The organization’s dedication and impact on adaptive tennis have helped many IDD, wheelchair, para-standing, veterans, and blind and visually impaired players throughout the years.
The most notable of the WTA’s efforts is its Unified Tennis Competitions, allowing players of all backgrounds and levels to compete in the tournament. Furthermore, the organization’s program provides disabled athletes an opportunity to play tennis year-round with weekly practices led by Claire McFarren, coach and director of outreach for WTA.
Through its programming, the Waco Tennis Association regularly shows its commitment to increasing the growth of tennis and helping players who want to break into the sport.
USTA Chairman of the Board and President Brian Vahaly poses with Claire McFerran and her trophy for the Adaptive Tennis Award at the 2025 Annual Meeting & Conference. Photo by Michael Le Brecht/USTA.
“The efforts that are being done by the Waco Tennis Association are truly amazing as they continue to be the leaders in the adaptive tennis space. It takes a whole community to make these types of programs a success, and that’s just what has happened in the Central Texas area,” said Brian Vahaly, USTA President and Chairman of the Board.
“I also have to commend Director and Coach Claire McFarren on her vision and amazing work in this program, which allows even more individuals to pick up a racquet and enjoy the sport of a lifetime. This program’s success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.”
The WTA has shown its extensive support, inclusive programs, and unwavering commitment to adaptive tennis. They have continued to impact lives in the Central Texas community with its programs, tournaments, practices, and dedication to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities.
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