news: Get to know the teams

Former Louisiana President In New Role

coaching team & granddaughter in championships

By Bekah Harris, USTA Southern volunteer

Yuki Watanuki/USTA Southern volunteer

Diane Simpson has been dedicated to the sport of tennis for the last 53 years. The former USTA Louisiana president was in Mobile in an important but slightly less conspicuous role: 12-year-old Intermediate coach.

Simpson has also been the coach for Jr. Team Tennis the last three years. She has instilled in her players the same dedicated spirit she has. Although the team based in New Orleans, has changed faces over the last three years, the team unity has stayed the same. “The kids are all hard workers, and are having a great time together,” she said.

She’s also coaching her granddaughter on this team.

Since starting when she was 10 years old, Diane has fought several injuries resulting in knee, elbow and heel surgery. But Diane hasn’t let these injuries stop her from playing the sport she loves. “I don’t care, I’m still going to play,” she explained.

Simpson is very involved in her tennis community in Louisiana. She has been on the Awards Committee, the Community Tennis Committee along with heading the Louisiana Tennis Association. A major advocate for Jr. Team Tennis and the QuickStart format, Diane has been meeting with coaches and parents to increase the number of players for their state.

Simpson’s passion for the sport is inspiring and her encouragement for others to begin playing is something as tennis players, we can appreciate.