Holland Christian girls tennis coach Lynn Bender has been named United States Professional Tennis Association Midwest Division Pro of the Year by the USPTA.
But it was not for her work at Holland Christian that the honor was bestowed. Bender, of Zeeland, does a lot of work within the sport - especially with wheelchair events and inclusivity - and still competes as well.
In 2023, Bender hosted wheelchair events at the Cincinnati Open for kid’s day, singles/doubles and run/roll competition highlighting the top wheelchair athletes in the Midwest section. She created an all-female high school girls coach’s symposium prior to girls High School tennis season with five speakers on various topics to help prep girls for their season – 37 girls in attendance hearing five speakers from USPTA professionals to college players discussing their experiences and motivation to young girls. She also hosted several adaptive/wheelchair events in her community this year.
More: UTSA Midwest to host sixth annual junior wheelchair tennis camp
Bender has had a busy year implementing these very dear to her heart programs after she attended the USTA national youth provider regional training workshop. Lynn held a first ever zoom call for all junior wheelchair players in the Midwest with parents to discuss the pathway for youth wheelchair players junior to collegiate to pro timeline.
She also directed the 5 th annual USTA Midwest junior wheelchair tennis all comers camp with highest numbers ever with 27 kids from across the Midwest at Hope College with 3 USPTA professionals on staff, plus PTM students, college players as coaches.
Bender included wheelchair and para standing players in the annual Meijer State Games division inclusivity for all and directed wheelchair training camps across the Midwest section to grow and start new programs at various clubs, colleges for education.
On the court, Bender is a 4.5 rated player that has advanced to the several state, sectional and national championships.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland Christian coach Lynn Bender is USPTA Midwest Division Michigan State Pro of Year
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