Leadership and Executive Development for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds
Issue link: https://diversitywoman.epubxp.com/i/510478
T E N N I S E V E R Y O N E ? d i v e r s i t y w o m a n . c o m S u m m e r 2 0 1 5 D I V E R S I T Y W O M A N 29 B y J a c k i e k r e n t z m a n K atrina Adams, the new chair of the board, CEO, and presi- dent of the United States Ten- nis Association—and a former tour player—doesn't play tennis regularly anymore. It's not because she is too old (she's 46) or has any physical ailments that keep her from playing. Tese days, she doesn't pick up a racquet because she's too competitive and refuses to lose even a friendly match. "People say all the time, 'Hey, Kat, let's go out and hit!'" she says. "I'm like, 'Dude, I haven't played. I'm not get- ting on the court with you!' I can't go on the court with all these people when I'm not ready to roll." Tat competitiveness and perfectionism should serve her well. Adams is the frst former professional tennis player and frst African American to lead the USTA. Based in White Plains, a suburb north of New York City, the USTA is the national nonproft governing body for the sport of tennis and owns and operates the U.S. Open, one of the four grand-slam tournaments. Its mission is to sup- port and promote the game, from regional junior tourna- ments to the national team. Adams's task is daunting. In recent years, the reputa- tion of the United States on the international circuit has taken a hit, as other countries have passed it by, placing more players in the top hundred rankings. Talk about a competitive challenge—Adams's charge is no less than bringing the United States back to, or at least into volley range of, its elevated perch during the glory years of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s. Tis is a lofty goal, and believe it or not, serving as the head of the USTA is a volun- teer position. Given her pedigree as a former tour player who has garnered the respect of her peers, her posi- tion as head of the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program, and her fnely honed leadership skills, Adams has a fghting chance. "Katrina has a temperament that is perfect for the job," says former New York Mayor David Dinkins, who served on the USTA board for 12 years. "Troughout her career, she has successfully worked with people from diverse backgrounds. She has the perfect combination—consen- sus builder with the vision." In reality, no one is expecting Adams, the youngest CEO in the 134-year history of USTA, to develop the next Chris Evert, John McEnroe, or Venus and Serena Williams. Her term is for just two years, and it would be impossible to nurture the next American Wimbledon champ in such a short span. Her foremost responsibility is cultivating the long-term health of tennis, from the bottom up. Te USTA is responsible for player development in 17 sections across the United States. Tat means not only providing facilities and training and sometimes fnancial support for promising players, but, most importantly, making tennis relevant and even sexy again. "When I was growing up in the '70s, you played tennis and you loved tennis, and you just went out and played and trained, and that was it," she says. "But nowadays kids in America have so many other opportunities for activities that you have to compete for their attention and free time. Tese kids are on tablets and computers and phones and KATRINA ADAMS, THE NEW CHIEF OF THE USTA AND THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN IN THAT ROLE, FACES CHALLENGES GALORE IN GROWING THE SPORT. THE BALL IS IN HER COURT. T E N N I S E V E R Y O N E ? PHOTOGRAPHY BY FABIOCAMARASTUDIOS.COM