WTA icon Rosie Casals hosted her annual Annalee Thurston Award Reception at the Palm Valley Country Club during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Pam Shriver emceed the event, and Billie Jean King was among the attendees.
This year`s charity event successfully raised approximately $100,000 for the Love & Love Tennis Foundation. Founded in 2015 by Casals and former player Tory Fretz, the foundation aims to support grassroots tennis and provide opportunities for young people in the Coachella Valley.
The Annalee Thurston Award, established in memory of a respected former WTA marketing executive who passed away in 2007, recognizes outstanding women who have significantly contributed to tennis. Tracy Austin was honored as this year`s recipient.
Beyond her Hall of Fame career as a player and former World No. 1, Austin has remained a dedicated advocate for tennis. She is well-known for her broadcasting work with Tennis Channel and other networks, as well as her philanthropic endeavors.
“I am grateful to Rosie, Billie Jean, and the Original 9 for paving the way for me and subsequent generations,” Austin expressed upon receiving her award. “I was part of the first generation to directly benefit from their pioneering efforts.”
The two-time US Open champion added, “The WTA promoters and staff, like Annalee, were instrumental in making my career possible. I am eternally thankful for their courage in promoting what has become the world`s leading women`s sport.”
“I have always strived to give back to the sport as a way to express my gratitude. I eagerly anticipate many more years enjoying time with my tennis family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Honoring Pioneers
Another notable moment of the evening was the WTA Foundation’s Champions for Change Award presentation to Connie Spooner, a pioneer in sports health. Spooner was the first woman athletic trainer in professional sports over 50 years ago.
The Champions for Change Award acknowledges individuals and organizations that have had a transformative impact on tennis.
In the early 1970s, Spooner graduated from San Diego State University with degrees in Physical Education and English and earned certification from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA). She was one of only 10 certified women athletic trainers in the United States at the time.
Recommended by Original 9 member Valerie Ziegenfuss, Spooner, a long-time friend from junior high, was offered a position by the WTA in 1974 to become the first trainer for the Virginia Slims Circuit. Initially planned as a short-term assignment, it evolved into a decade-long career on the global tour.
Introducing Spooner, Kathleen Stroia, WTA’s current Senior Vice President, Performance Health, stated, “Today’s players benefit from the foundation laid by Connie during her time with the WTA Tour. She passed the torch to Donna Pallulat, who is with us today, and then to me.”
“When I joined, the WTA had four athletic trainers for the entire tour,” Stroia explained. “Currently, we have 16 full-time and 30 part-time certified athletic physical therapists, along with massage therapists and mental health care providers at every tournament. Players also have access to dietitians and women’s health specialists.”
“We owe our current position to Connie’s ambition and determination to enter sports medicine.”
Upon each Champion for Change recipient`s recognition, a $10,000 donation is made to a nonprofit organization chosen jointly with the WTA Foundation. Spooner’s donation was directed to the Love & Love Foundation.
Former WTA players enjoying the celebration included Tracy’s sister Pam Austin, Diane Desfor, Raquel Giscafre, Barbara Jordan, Robin Tenney, Heather Ludloff, and Mariaan de Swardt.
