USTA honors Toledo's Lawrence

NEW YORK -- The United States Tennis Association today announced that Barbara Lawrence of Toledo has been honored with the 2012 Service Bowl Award.

“It is an honor to be associated with this award.” said Lawrence. “Everyone who has received it in past has done groundbreaking things for the sport.”

For 68 years, the USTA has honored an outstanding female player who has made notable contributions to the sportsmanship, fellowship, and service of tennis. Lawrence joins a list of past award honorees that includes Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Barbara Williams, Pam Shriver and Mary Joe Fernandez.

Since receiving her first tennis racquet as a high school graduation gift, Lawrence has been heavily involved in the game. In 2006, she was part of the No. 1-ranked women’s over 65 doubles team in the Midwest. In addition, as a USTA League volunteer, Lawrence progressed from being the northwest Ohio-League district coordinator, to overseeing the USTA League Advisory Committee at the national level.

Lawrence’s many contributions to tennis have come over 25 years of service as a USTA volunteer. During that time, she worked hard to make the league fair and professional, both on court as well as in the organizational level.

“I was fortunate to serve with her in several capacities,” said her friend, Yvonne Garton. “She was always level-headed and fair-minded”

Lawrence is currently working to get a community tennis association started in the Toledo metro area.