Katrina Makes Tennis History

Katrina Adams is the new leader of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). A former pro and longtime tennis advocate, Katrina was nominated to assume the post of Chairman, CEO and President on Jan. 1, 2015. She is slated to serve a two-year term, succeeding outgoing president Dave Haggerty. Adams makes history with her nomination. She will be the first African-American president of the USTA and the first former tour pro to assume the position.

Adams, 46, played professionally for 12 years, peaking at No. 8 in the world in doubles and No. 67 in singles while winning 20 career doubles titles. She also served on the board of directors of the WTA as a player representative and was honored with the WTA’s Player Service Award in 1996 and 1997. Adams served as the USTA’s first vice president after previously serving as vice president, 2011-12, and as a director at large on the USTA board of directors, 2005-10.

“Katrina has experience at every level and in every facet of the game, along with the passion and know how to guide the association in the years to come,” said Haggerty. “She is an inspired, deserving selection – and the right choice to continue the advancement we have made as an in recent years.”

A Chicago native, Adams was a college star at Northwestern University before turning pro. She was NCAA All-American in 1986 and in 1987, when she became the first African-American to win the NCAA doubles title.

In addition to her role with the USTA, Adams is a contributor on CBS Sports Network’s first all-female sports show, “We Need to Talk,” and serves as a television analyst for Tennis Channel. She also is a contributor to Tennis magazine and tennis.com, providing instruction articles and videos, and is the executive director of the

Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program in New York.

A member of the USTA Eastern Section, Adams lives in White Plains, N.Y., and Lakewood Ranch, Fla.