United States Tennis Association honors Toledoan

Barbara Lawrence Enlarge

Toledoan Barbara Lawrence joined the likes of tennis greats Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Pam Shriver, and Mary Joe Fernandez.

Lawrence was recently presented with the United States Tennis Association's 2012 Service Bowl Award, which is given to "an outstanding female player who has made notable contributions to the sportsmanship, fellowship, and service of tennis."

Lawrence became the latest recipient of the 68-year-old award.

"It is an honor to be associated with this award," Lawrence said.

"Everyone who has received it in the past has done groundbreaking things for the sport."

Lawrence's recognition comes after spending more than 25 years serving as a USTA volunteer.

As a USTA volunteer, she has worked as the northwest Ohio league district coordinator, and she also served on the national level as a member of the USTA League Advisory Committee.

On the court, Lawrence was part of the 2006 Midwest region's No. 1-ranked women's over-65 doubles team.

Lawrence remains active trying to establish a community tennis association in the Toledo area.

The USTA is the governing body for tennis and is a leader in promoting tennis at all levels. The nonprofit organization has more than 785,000 members.