MARIETTA, GA – USTA Georgia is pleased to announce that Sara Dismuke of the Columbus Regional Tennis Association (CORTA) is the 2025 recipient of the prestigious John Callen “Excellence in Leadership” Award. The award is named after longtime USTA Southern Executive Director and USTA Georgia Past President John Callen, who passed away in April 2022. The award recognizes a USTA, Community Tennis Association or NJTL staff member who exemplifies leadership and excellence in their organization.
Sara currently serves as the Adult League Coordinator for CORTA, where she oversees all CORTA’s league offerings. This includes adult age levels, combo, mixed and tri-level programming. Through her efforts, players of all backgrounds, ages and abilities have the opportunity to enjoy the sport in an organized, team-based environment.
In addition, Sara serves as tournament director of all USTA Georgia State League Championships held in Columbus (40 & Over, 55 & Over, 55 & Over Combo and Tri-Level). She is a current member of the USTA Georgia Adult League Committee. She was previously recognized by USTA Georgia as the 2022 Local League Coordinator of the Year award.
As a product of her endeavors, CORTA’s core value of promotion, growth and development of tennis contributing to good health, character and responsible citizenship is being fulfilled.
“What an incredible honor and delightful surprise to receive the John Callen Excellence in Leadership Award for doing something I love,” Sara expressed. “Connecting people to and through tennis is at the core of what we do at CORTA.”
Sara (along with other USTA Georgia annual awards winners) will be recognized at the USTA Georgia Community Tennis Development Workshop the evening of Saturday February 7th at the JW Marriott Buckhead.
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