The new year is upon us and volunteers such as USTA Florida January Volunteer of the Month, Brenda Shields, are making a massive impact on the tennis community. 

For over 10 years, Brenda has been giving back to Florida. Whether organizing USTA League teams or starting her own program, Brenda has been an incredible asset to Sarasota, especially at Arlington Park. 

During the peak of Covid, Brenda launched a Tennis for Fun program out in Sarasota County. Tennis for fun was created back in 2000 to create a fun and positive tennis atmosphere for special needs athletes and it’s all free. “Within these programs, we have taken many athletes to districts, regionals, and state events to compete,” she said. 

Tennis for Fun is completely volunteer-based, and Brenda is very involved with the program. “I love watching my athletes at State competitions cheer for their teammates and other opponents with such love and sportsmanship,” Brenda said. “There’s nothing more pure!” She is now the Director of the program and Head Coach of the Special Olympics tennis team out of Sarasota. 

Brenda didn’t learn how to play tennis until she was 50, but it was easily one of the best decisions she made. From leading USTA Adult League teams through Sectionals to seeing her Special Olympic athletes shine on the brightest stage. 

She has been volunteering for more than a decade because of the people she gets to mentor, and watch grow. “My athletes give me the true perspective on life, love, and what is important,” she added.  

Her peers are super appreciative for what she has done for the Sarasota tennis community. “She has done an amazing job organizing and running the program. She coaches over 20 Intellectually Disabled athletes teaching them basic tennis skills,” they said. “They feel the joy of being tennis players! Brenda gives much time, energy and love to the Special Needs Community. The athletes love her, and she has been instrumental in getting new tennis shoes donated to all her athletes.” 

As USTA Florida’s January Volunteer of the Month, the organization thanks Brenda for helping the county of Sarasota give tennis to special needs athletes and watching them grow through the joys of tennis.   

Interested in volunteering in tennis? Visit www.USTAFlorida.com/Volunteers to learn more about available opportunities.