NTM: Greg Lappin and junior sportsmanship with Ernie James

Talking Tennis Southern Style

USTA Delivery Council Chair Greg Lappin promotes National Tennis Month, a national initiative coming in May. Lappin champions the health benefits of tennis that increases your life by 9.7 years, clearly more than any other sport. He applauds USTA volunteers who are “creating positive healthy lifestyles.” Additionally, he cites tennis participation has skyrocketed, adding 5.9 million Americans, a 33% increase since 2020 nationally. USTA Southern Board Member Ernie James, of Florence, S.C., is heading up a new initiative: Good Chase. The nomination process, starting May 1, will reward juniors who exhibit exemplary sportsmanship and contribute to a more positive and respectful tournament environment. The top award will be a trip to this year’s US Open! We highlight junior Hadley Appling, of Louisville, Ky., and Ozaki-Hastings Sportsmanship Award winner Parker Jacques, of Huntsville, Ala. Major props go out to our “Talking Tennis Southern Style” podcast team member Darren Potkey, who was honored as the 2022 Mac MacDougal Official of the Year.