WTA icon Rosie Casals hosted her yearly Annalee Thurston Award Reception at Palm Valley Country Club during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Pam Shriver was the emcee, and Billie Jean King also attended.
This popular annual 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, commemorating a much-loved former WTA marketing executive who passed away in 2007, acknowledges outstanding women who have significantly contributed to tennis within their respective fields. This year, Tracy Austin was honored with the award.
Beyond her Hall of Fame playing career, former World No. 1 Tracy Austin has remained a dedicated advocate for tennis. She is well-known for her work as a commentator for Tennis Channel and other networks, as well as her charitable 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 belong to the first generation that reaped the rewards of their pioneering efforts.”
The two-time US Open champion added, “WTA promoters and staff, such as Annalee, made my career possible. I am eternally thankful to these individuals who took the initiative to promote what has become the world`s leading women`s sport.”
“I have consistently strived to give back to tennis as a way to express my gratitude. I eagerly anticipate many more years enjoying time with my tennis family. Thank you sincerely.”
Another notable moment of the evening was the presentation of the WTA Foundation’s Champions for Change Award to Connie Spooner. Spooner is a pioneer in sports health, recognized as the first female athletic trainer in professional sports over half a century ago.
The Champions for Change Award was established to honor individuals and organizations that have had a transformative influence on tennis.
In the early 1970s, Spooner graduated from San Diego State University with degrees in Physical Education and English, along with a certification from the National Athletic Trainer’s Association (NATA). She was among only ten certified female athletic trainers in the United States at that time.
Upon the recommendation of Original 9 member Valerie Ziegenfuss, a close friend since childhood, Spooner was invited by the WTA in 1974 to become the inaugural trainer for the Virginia Slims Circuit. This initial three to four-month commitment evolved into a decade-long career on the international tour.
Introducing Spooner, Kathleen Stroia, the current WTA Senior Vice President, Performance Health, noted: “The players of today directly benefit from the foundation laid by Connie during her time with the WTA Tour. She passed the torch to Donna Pallulat, who is present with us today, and subsequently to me.”
“When I joined the WTA, there were only four athletic trainers for the entire tour,” Stroia explained. “Currently, we have 16 full-time and 30 part-time certified athletic physical therapists, as well as massage therapists and mental health providers at every tournament. Furthermore, players have access to dieticians and women’s health specialists.”
“We would not be where we are today without Connie’s initiative and dedication to entering the field of sports medicine.”
Each time a recipient is named a Champion for Change, a $10,000 donation is made to a non-profit organization chosen jointly with the WTA Foundation`s mission. Spooner`s donation was directed to the Love & Love Foundation.
Former WTA players who enjoyed the celebration in the desert included Tracy’s sister Pam Austin, Diane Desfor, Raquel Giscafre, Barbara Jordan, Robin Tenney, Heather Ludloff, and Mariaan de Swardt.
