Wheaton Sport Center Received the 2025 United States Tennis Association Outstanding Facility Award

Wheaton Sport Center recently announced that it is one of the winners of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) annual Outstanding Facility Awards program, which recognizes excellence in the construction and/or renovation of tennis facilities throughout the country. The Wheaton Sport Center has been recognized by the USTA as the Private Large Facility of the Year, a prestigious honor that highlights excellence in programming, community impact and commitment to the sport of tennis. Wheaton Sport Center General Manager Dawn Szumski and Wheaton Sport Center Tennis Director Lori Mills, represented the Wheaton Sport Center and joined other award recipients at an August 26 reception held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York as part of the 2025 US Open. For more information on Wheaton Sport Center and its offerings go to WheatonSportCenter.com.

The award recognizes the Wheaton Sport Center’s long-standing dedication to growing the game of tennis at every level—from youth development through the Evolution Kids Tennis and Junior Academy programs, to adult leagues, cardio tennis and competitive travel teams. With 12 year-round courts, a nationally certified team of tennis professionals and programming designed to welcome players of all ages and skill levels, Wheaton Sport Center has established itself as a premier destination for tennis in the Midwest.

Beyond its on-court offerings, Wheaton Sport Center has distinguished itself through outreach and community partnerships, making tennis more accessible while fostering sportsmanship, teamwork and a love of the game.

The USTA’s recognition reinforces Wheaton Sport Center’s role as both a competitive hub and a welcoming community for recreational players. As tennis continues to grow in popularity nationwide, the WSC remains at the forefront of innovation, instruction and player development.

"Outstanding tennis facilities like the Wheaton Sport Center help us to grow the game at the grassroots level and we are proud to recognize them for their ongoing impact on the sport of tennis,” said Theodore Loehrke, Managing Director, Section Partnerships, USTA. “The great work of WSC continues to support our shared mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere."

“This award is a reflection of our entire community—our talented pros, dedicated staff and, most importantly, the players and families who bring their passion for tennis through our doors every day,” said Lori Mills, Tennis Director at Wheaton Sport Center. “We are honored to be recognized by the USTA and remain committed to growing the game for future generations.”

Facilities were judged on the following criteria: overall layout and adaptation to site; excellence of court surface and lights; ease of maintenance; accommodations for players, spectators and press/officials; aesthetics; graphics (including the use of signs and landscaping); amenities such as casual seating for spectators, food services and social areas and the facilities’ participation in grassroots tennis programs.

Nominated facilities were voted on in the following categories: Public Courts that are either small tennis centers with 2-11 courts or large tennis centers with 12 or more courts; Private Facilities that offer both USTA and public programming designed to help grow tennis (small: 2-11 courts; large: 12 or more courts); and Educational Institutions such as colleges, universities, public and private grade schools, middle schools, or high schools. A new category, Innovation, was added this year to recognize facilities that have been particularly innovative when it comes to delivering tennis. All 2025 award winners will receive a wall plaque and an all-weather sign, which can be mounted at the facility.