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Kathy Miller, winner of the Hy Zausner Lifetime Achievement Award
This humble dedicated Long Island Club manager started working at the Carefree Racket Club as a league coordinator in 1980. She assumed the position of manager in 1993.
In 1986 she started to coordinate the USTA league then known as the Volvo Tennis league. The league had less than 50 teams and 500 players. With diligent planning and organization the league has ballooned to 260 teams which include Mixed doubles, Adults, Master, and Grand master divisions. The Long Island Region now boasts over 3,500 players. Kathy Miller was on the USTA National League Committee from 1996-2000, and has been a part of the USTA Eastern League Committee for the last 15 years. She has successfully chaired the committee for ten of those years.
Earlier this year Kathy received the league Volunteer Award for the Eastern section of the USTA. She is my friend and assistant. (presenter, Marlene Beckenstein) | ||
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Phil Stevanovic, winner of The Charles Karp Memorial Award For Overcoming Adversity
Phil Stevanovic is a construction manager who builds airports in the metropolitan area. He was
diagnosed in 1975 at age 2 and a half with Cystic Fibrosis, a degenerative genetic disease that affect the lungs and digestive systems.
At the time Doctors told him he wouldn't live past 18 years of age.
With the assistance of medication and extensive chest physical therapy, Phil was able to beat the odds. Doctors prescribed lots of exercise as a way to clear the lungs of thick sticky mucus that is the breading ground for lung infections and the hallmark of Cystic Fibrosis. Tennis was a natural fit. Phil started playing tennis at the age of 12 as tennis was the perfect form of exercise. He played singles and doubles for his high school tennis team. In 2004, Cystic Fibrosis caught up with him and his health started to decline. He was listed for a double lung transplant in 2006 as the last option to save his life. During the nine month wait on the transplant list, Phil continued to play tennis with a 10 pound oxygen tank strapped to his back. Phil was one of 66 surgeries in New York State, which was done at Columbia University Medical Center in NY City. Phil is very grateful for receiving the greatest gift on earth, the gift of life, two lungs from an anonymous donor. The recuperation period was only three months, instead of the normal six, due to the fact that hes was in such good shape from playing tennis two to three times per week prior to his surgery. Phil's first question after surgery was "How long before I can get back on the tennis court, Doc?" The Doctor laughed but was optimistic because of Phil's determination to continue a challenging road to successful recovery. All of this was accomplished only with the assistance of a loving wife, Jennifer, and kids, Derek and Ryan who help put a smile on his face everyday. | ||
