Blog Archives

06 Feb

Igniting the Future: 2026 Colorado Business Hall of Fame

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With its mix of up-and-coming student ambassadors and longtime business luminaries, plus a spectrum of host staff and supporters, the Colorado Business Hall of Fame annually continues to be a bright light on a February night in downtown Denver. This year was no exception, amped by an energy-inducing “Igniting the Future” theme.

Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain board chair Darrin Foster, with President and CEO Robin Wise

On Thursday, Feb. 5, around 1,000 guests descended on the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center for the festivities. Co-hosted by Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, the evening began with a VIP reception for this year’s laureates, past Hall of Fame inductees, and family and friends. It was followed by an open, mix-and-mingle gathering before dinner with dance-inducing music by Groove Machine as guests found their tables in the Centennial Ballroom. The colorful, energetic dinner program, emceed by former 9News business reporter Gregg Moss, featured uplifting success stories from around the region. The evening ended with a “Toast to Success” dessert buffet.

2026 LAUREATES

Dad and daughters (l to r): Isabel Morris, Chuck Morris, Brittany Morris Saunders, Kolby Morris Dahary

Elaine Appel (center), matriarch of 2026 laureate Appel family, with daughter Amy and son-in-law Daniel Feldman

Representatives from Cherokee Ranch & Castle accept the historic Pioneer Laureate award on behalf of founder Tweet Kimball

Family of 2026 in memoriam laureate Buz Koelbel (l to r): daughers Fallon and Laura, son Walt and wife Sherri Koelbel

2026 laureate Blair and Kristin Richardson

(l to r): J. J. Ament, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce President and CEO; 2026 laureate George Solich, past inductee Jim Johnson

The Appel Family – Founders, Orange Glo International
Buz Koelbel – Former President, Koelbel and Company
Chuck Morris – Former President/CEO, AEG Presents Rocky Mountains
Blair Richardson – Founder and CEO, Bow River Capital
George Solich – Chairman and CEO, FourPoint Resources LLC
Tweet Kimball (Pioneer Laureate) – Founder, Cherokee Ranch

From the Hall of Fame website: “Since 1990, Junior Achievement and the Denver Metro Chamber of commerce have paid tribute to Colorado’s most distinguished business leaders of yesterday and today for their commitment to and investment in the community. The Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. They have experience a lifetime of business success and have set powerful examples for others to follow.”

To learn more about Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, go to: https://www.jarockymountain.org/ . Get details about Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce at: https://denverchamber.org/ .

 

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10 Nov

2025 USTA Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala & Annual Awards

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Where in Colorado can you attend a formal ballroom event wearing a business suit or cocktail dress with tennis shoes? For that you would have had to attended the 2025 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala and Annual Awards Celebration at the Infinity Park Event Center in Glendale. The USTA Colorado event blends the formal with the casual.

Player of the Year Mitch Stewart and CYTF President Dietz Fry

After a year of sweat, tears and a few blisters, the USTA Colorado folks of all ages gather to have a little fun! Here, Colorado tennis royalty recognize their top players, industry leaders, volunteers, and sportsmanship while staying casually comfortable in sneakers to enjoy the camaraderie of the evening.

Emceed by Christine Chang Gillette and Andy Zodin, the event highlighted two Hall of Fame inductees this year: Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker and CD Bodam. This is the USTA Colorado’s 25th class of inductees. Several past USTA Colorado Hall of Fame alumni were on hand to honor this year’s 2025 inductees.

The 25th Annual Hall of Fame Gala attracked more than 300 guests

Dr. Sheila Ohlsson Walker is recognized as one of Colorado’s most accomplished junior tennis players. She competed at Ohio State University before transferring to the University of Colorado, where she played for three seasons. She then spent three years competing for a German team and playing satellite tournaments in Europe. Later, she earned a doctorate in Behavioral Genetics from King’s College London. Her research brings together neuroscience, genetics, psychology, and social science to promote positive youth development. She co-authored “Wise Decisions: A Science-Based Approach to Making Better Choices” with Dr. Jim Loehr and serves on several boards including the International Tennis Hall of Fame. She is a Senior Scientist at Tufts University’s Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development.

Rob and Heidi Bodam; Joyce Bodam; Petra Bodam, Aubrey Gibson

If you’ve ever played tennis chances are that you’ve used a product introduced, marketed, distributed and sold by CD Bodam. As an entrepreneur he co-founded Rocky Mountain Sports in 1971 with Mike Sprengelmeyer. Together they revolutionized early outbound telemarketing. They also introduced the popular terry cloth towel grip and one of the first graphite tennis rackets. Bodam was instrumental in partnering with Babolat to bring the brand to the U.S. He also helped develop the Wilson NXT tennis string and popularized the ASICS tennis shoe. A standout athlete, CD played both tennis and basketball for the University of Colorado and won multiple Denver City Open and Intermountain titles. He also coached tennis at CU, where he led the team to a winning record.

Proceeds benefit the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF) which provides Colorado youth the opportunity to thrive through the lifetime sport of tennis.

Below is a list of the USTA Colorado 2025 Award Winners in various categories.

ON-COURT ACHIEVEMENT
Male Player of the Year: Mitch Stewart
Female Player of the Year: Andra Burguete Beltran
Senior Player of the Year: Chris Bailey

SPORTSMANSHIP
Margaret Rogers Phipps: Lynnsey Lu
John Hough Award: Lucas Celechovsky
Phyllis Lockwood Award: Kasia Chen
Mike, Gene & Maurice Reidy Award: Will Moldenhauer
Charlie & Ira Brown Award: Maximus Kintz

SERVICE AWARDS
Organization of the Year: Lebsack Tennis Center
Volunteer of the Year: Tom Van De Hey
Family of the Year: The Martinez Family
Arthur Ashe Award: Ann Coon
Clyde Rogers Award: Linda Schley
Bud Robineau Award: Eileen Pero

For information on the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation please visit cytf.net

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08 Feb

Colorado Business HOF Honors 2025 Icons of Innovation

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Colorado Business Hall of Fame event planners annually put together all the right ingredients for a posh, fun and memorable evening, as evidenced by its latest event to induct six accomplished individuals into the fold. Area business stars were out in force Thursday night, all shining brightly, some with addition of a little extra sparkle in the form of the golden stole worn by previous CBHOF inductees.

(l to r): Kenneth Floyd, committee member Rose Andom, Leslie Spencer

On Thursday, Feb. 6, the evening began with a special reception for this year’s laureates, followed up by a larger pre-dinner gathering outside the Centennial Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. A live performance by dynamic Groove Machine had everyone bouncing as guests made their way to their dinner seats. The dinner program was emceed by Lisa Hidalgo, Denver7’s weekday morning meteorologist, and began with the energetic Laureate Procession. Speaking to the crowd: Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s President & CEO J.J. Ament and board chair Maureen Tarrant; Jeffrey Lenches, from sponsor UMB Bank; and Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain’s President & CEO Robin Wise and board chair Darrin Foster. Post-program, guests caught up with friends at the dessert reception.

2025 laureate Charlie and Judy McNeil

2025 Laureates:
Walter Isenberg, CEO of Sage Hospitality
Kim Jordan, Co-Founder of Belgium Brewing Company
Charles (Charlie) S. McNeil, CEO of NexGen Resources
Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald, Founder/CEO of MegaStar Financial Corp
Earl Wright, CEO/Board Chairman of AMG (Asset Management Group)
Winfield Scott Stratton, (Pioneer Laureate), first millionaire of the Cripple Creek Gold Rush in 1891

Junior Ambassadors helped greet guests.

Since 1990, Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce have paid tribute to Colorado’s most distinguished business leaders of yesterday and today for their commitment to and investment in the community. The Colorado Business Hall of Fame laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system. They have experienced a lifetime of business success and have set powerful examples for others to follow. To learn more, go to: https://www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.org/ .

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13 Nov

Top Players and Contributors Honored at 2024 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala

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Colorado’s most talented tennis players and supporters took center stage on November 9 to be honored for their skills, talent and contributions to the game as part of the 2024 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala and Annual Awards Celebration.

Special Thanks to Subaru– a long-term sponsor of USTA Colorado and CYTF- and their rep JD Goodwin

 

Emceed by Christine Chang Gillette and Andy Zodin, this year’s event inducted Julie Anthony and Andy Zurcher at the Infinity Park Events Center in Glendale, Colorado.

Each year, members of the Colorado tennis community gather to commemorate the induction of a new class to the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame, and to celebrate the achievements of players, organizations, volunteers and others who have distinguished themselves through their dedication and commitment to tennis.

 

 

Intermountain Executive Director Rob Scott toasts the award winners

All proceeds benefit the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF) which promotes the physical, emotional and social development of all youth to aspire to become active, productive and responsible citizens.

California native Julie Anthony played for Stanford University and won the national collegiate doubles crown in 1967. She made appearances at Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the U.S. and earned a Ph.D while competing in the women’s pro circuit. She played doubles with Billie Jean King in the inaugural year of World Team Tennis, and in the 1980s she relocated to Colorado and was co-owner of the Aspen Club and later founded the Fitness and Sports Medicine Institute. From 1989 to 1994 she coached Gigi Fernandez (2019 inductee) to an Olympic gold medal and 11 Grand Slam doubles titles.

More than 300 attended this year

Colorado native Andy Zurcher was among the nation’s top collegiate players and two-time captain at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated as an All-American and Academic All-American and was presented with the Dan Magill Award in 1994 for his performance and contributions to collegiate tennis. While at Notre Dame he achieved NCAA career high rankings of No. 19 in singles and No. 7 in doubles. From 1995 to 1997 he served as Notre Dame’s Assistant Men’s Tennis Coach and was recognized as the Midwest Assistant Coach of the Year in 1997. Most recently he has won more than a dozen combined titles at the Denver City Open and Colorado Tennis Championships.

Below is a list of the USTA Colorado Annual Award Winners in various categories.

ON COURT ACHIEVEMENT
Male Player: Nicholas Herrero Cuesta (Denver)
Female Player: Lucy Lu (Broomfield)
Senior Player: Richard Best (Denver)

SPORTSMANSHIP, LEADERSHIP AND ACHIEVEMENT
Boys’ 14U: Braylon Desquitado (Colorado Springs)
Boys’ 15-18: Tyler Van Tassell (Ft. Collins)
Girls’ 14U: Anna Curran (Golden)
Girls’ 15-18: Sabina Czauz (Thornton)
Parks Player: Samantha Garcia Lucero (Denver)

SERVICE – OF THE YEAR
Organization of the Year: Springs Tennis – Rep-Patrick Ramirez (CO Springs)
Volunteer of the Year: Alden Bock (Golden)
Family of the Year: Bernthal Family (Boulder)

SERVICE – LONGTIME
Service to under-served populations: Tom Talmadge (Centennial)
Service to recreational players: Jason Bolton (Arvada)
Service to the tennis community: Mike Phillips (Erie)

For information on the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation please visit their website at: cytf.net

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18 Feb

Colorado Business Hall of Fame Inducts Five Leaders

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Colorado consistently remains in the Top 15 among business-friendly states and among the best for starting a small business. This is not news or a surprise at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce or Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, organizations with a mission to support Colorado business expansion and to teach young students how to be entrepreneurs.

This 2024 Colorado Business Hall of Fame was held on Thursday, Feb 15 at the Hyatt Regency Denver at the Colorado Convention Center with 800 guests in attendance.

Hosted by the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain, the event is an annual gathering of Colorado’s most prominent and accomplished business movers and shakers.

Junior Achievement’s proven lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship are shown to positively impact students’ lives. JA lessons align with national and state educational standards and are delivered to millions of students nationwide with the help of education partners and volunteers.

This year’s Hall of Fame induction featured the theme – “Vision Illuminated.” Each year the Denver Metro Chamber and Junior Achievement honor and showcase the state’s past and current business pioneers and innovators. This year’s event showcased some of Colorado’s top business leaders and philanthropists representing home building and ski industries, and entrepreneurs in the franchise and banking sectors. Presenting Sponsor was UMB Bank.

Allison Kinsley, Toti Cadavid, Luella Chavez D’Angelo, Nancy Baca Watters

One of the highlights of the annual event is hearing from young Junior Achievement student ambassadors who announce the inductees with cleverly scripted biographies, special themes, and sometimes even some on-stage props. This year Denver7 Anchor Brian Sanders served as dinner program emcee with live music provided by Groove Machine.

The Hall of Fame Inductees of 2024 are Rose Andom, entrepreneur and McDonald’s franchisee; Pat Hamill, founder of Oakwood Homes; John A. Ikard, retired CEO of FirstBank Holding Co.; Rob Katz, CEO of Vail Resorts; Steve Schuck, founder of Schuck Communities (now Schuck Chapman Companies); and Pioneer Laureate, Elizabeth Hickok Robbins Stone who in 1862 arrived in Colorado and helped found what became the City of Fort Collins. For more information on the 2024 inductees please visit the Colorado Business Hall of Fame web site: ColoradoBusinessHallofFame.org

Junior Achievement Ambassadors

For more information on these business-oriented organizations please visit JARockyMountain.org and denverchamber.org

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08 Feb

2023 Colorado Business Hall of Fame Inducts Five Laureates

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From the youngest Junior Achievement ambassadors to seasoned inductees, the Colorado Business Hall of Fame induction celebration annually represents a spectrum of extraordinary people, expertise and ideas. If we could somehow bottle the energy generated from this annual celebration of business enterprise, it would be priceless.

(l to r): Charles O’Donnell, 2023 laureate Mary Pat Link, and sisters Hadley and Reese Gentry

Hosted by Junior Achievement-Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, on Monday, Feb. 6, honorees and supporters gathered at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center to celebrate five respected business icons inducted into this year’s Hall of Fame. Laureates are part of a league of outstanding individuals who have made legendary contributions to the free enterprise system.

The 2023 laureates are: Mary Pat Link, founder of Interlink Group and noted nonprofits supporter; Jay Anthony Precourt, oil-and-gas guru and philanthropist; Mark Smith, real estate developer and founder of area youth foundations. Additionally mutual funds manager Bill Berger, founder of Berger Associates and arts supporter, and Frederick Ross, of real estate’s Frederick Ross & Company, were both honored posthumously. Berger’s daughter Katherine was on hand to accept her father’s award. To read complete biographies about this year’s class, as well as past inductees, click here.

The evening began with a VIP reception at Former Saint, tucked away next to the Hyatt’s expansive lobby area, where friends old and new had a chance to chat. Guests then made their way upstairs for the general reception held outside the Centennial Ballroom.

2023 HOF inductee Jay Precourt (center), with son Anthony and daughter Amanda

Denver 7 anchor Brian Sanders served as emcee for the dinner program that included a procession of former inductees and Groove Machine provided musical entertainment. The Denver North Junior ROTC Color Guard. conducted the flag presentation. With Junior Achievement ambassadors in attendance, this year’s inductees took the time to not only express gratitude for the recognition, but also to offer their personal advice for success in business and in life.

Gail Klapper with 2023 HOF inductee Mark Smith and his son Josh Smith

Also speaking onstage: J.J. Ament, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president; Caleb Hester, senior vice president from presenting sponsor UMB; Junior Achievement President & CEO Robin Wise; and Lori Davis, JA board president. The evening ended with a dessert reception created by Hyatt catering.

Junior Achievement prepares young people to thrive in the 21st century workplace and global economy by inspiring a passion in free enterprise and entrepreneurship, and instilling an understanding of personal financial literacy. On average, Junior Achievement serves 100,000 each year in Colorado and Wyoming. These programs are always free to schools, thanks to thousands of volunteers and the generous support of donors. For more information visit: www.JAColorado.org

This JA ambassador recognizes event sponsors.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is Colorado’s largest business organization and has been a leading voice for the Metro Denver business community for nearly 150 years—bringing a history of finding pragmatic solutions, using data and facts to establish goals and aligning Colorado’s most diverse views to map a path forward. For more information please visit: www.denverchamber.org.

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14 Nov

USTA Colorado honors Tennis Hall of Fame inductees, champions

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This year’s Colorado Hall of Fame Gala 2022 was held at The Cable Center and hosted by tennis radio host Andy Zodin and past Denver morning news anchor, Christine Chang Gillette.

Among the USTA Colorado’s award winners were 14 recipients who received the annual awards celebrating on and off-court accomplishments and service to the tennis community.

Zodin is Director of Tennis at Columbine Country Club in Denver, CO. President, USPTA Intermountain Division and s sports talk radio host on Mile High Sports Radio. Christine Chang Gillette is past weekend morning anchor for The Denver Channel-KMGH and is a book consultant and media trainer.

The Colorado Tennis community celebrates the induction of Luke and Clancy Shields, alongside Virginia Dunn Smith Kraut, and the many accomplishments of USTA Colorado’s Annual Award Winners. (entire list found here).

The Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame was established in 2000 to recognize Colorado’s rich tennis heritage. Brothers Luke and Clancy Shields (Grand Junction, CO) and Virginia Dunn Smith Kraut (Denver, CO) were all inducted Saturday, January 12 at the  Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala,

This year’s annual event was held at the The Cable Center, located adjacent to the University of Denver campus. This annual event supports the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (www.cytf.net) and their many youth programs supporting outreach and greater diversity in the sport.

Through the lifetime sport of tennis, the CYTF promotes the physical, emotional and social development of all youth to aspire to become active, productive and responsible citizens. The Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation is a fundraising arm of USTA Colorado.

Luke Shields and Clancy Shields were born and raised in Grand Junction, CO. Both enjoyed tremendous success on the junior circuit and in NCAA competition, and have gone on to become highly decorated collegiate coaches. Dozens of other awards were awarded for community service, volunteerism an contributions to tennis in Colorado.

For more information visit www.usta.com

 

 

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03 May

Six Inducted into 2022 Colorado Business Hall of Fame

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Six influential entrepreneurs and community pioneers were inducted to the Colorado Business Hall of Fame on May 3 to a full house of some of Denver’s top community leaders representing the civic and corporate elite.  This year’s inductees are: Robert L. Albin; Clara Brown (1800-1885); Tim Gill; Robert Newman; Nancy and Curt Richardson; and Donald L. Sturm.

Due to the pandemic it’s been two years since the Business Hall of Fame has been held in person. This year’s event–sponsored by UMB Bank–was held at the Hyatt Regency Denver Convention Center.

Emcee Brian Sanders, morning anchor for The Denver Channel-KMGH, introduced the evening with a celebration of several past inductees representing Denver’s top business leaders and innovators. He was joined on stage by Junior Achievement student ambassadors who introduced video bios of new inductees and other program segments. The laureates were selected “for their enduring and innovative professional contributions to Colorado, inspirational and ethical acumen, and philanthropic endeavors.”

Philanthropist Donald L. Sturm, a banker, real estate investor and longtime supporter of the University of Denver, thanked his family and guests for the Business Hall of Fame honor.

Each year the event is organized by Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. The six inductees thanked their loved ones, partners, business associates and the audience for the recognition and support.

The 2022 Inductees are:

Robert L. Albin
Albin co-founded American Salesmasters, Ltd., a world-wide sales and management training firm. The company presented large sales rallies annually in 35 major cities throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia, featuring world-famous authors and speakers from the business industry. As the company expanded into 18 countries around the world, the demand for American sales expertise led the company to also produce and market audio tapes, films, and videos.

Clara Brown (1800-1885)
Clara Brown was a formerly enslaved woman from Virginia who became an entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist. She aided with the settlement of newly freed slaves during the time of Colorado’s Gold Rush. She is known as the “Angel of the Rockies” and is recognized as was one of Colorado’s first African American pioneers.

Tim Gill
Perhaps best known as the developer/founder of desktop publishing software Quark,  Gill is a computer programmer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and nationally-recognized leader in the advancement of LGBTQ rights and equality. In 1999 he sold his 50 percent stake in the company in 1999 for $500 million, setting aside $300 million for causes that advanced rights and inclusion for LGBTQ people. In 2015, Gill co-founded the smart home technology start-up JStar LLC and is now the chief technology officer.

Robert Newman
Robert “Bob” Newman is an entrepreneur and, along with his wife, Judi, is a major philanthropist for Denver arts and education institutions. He manages a venture capital company called Greenwood Gulch Ventures, investing primarily in tech startups. Together, Mr. and Mrs. Newman are key supporters of the Newman Center for Performing Arts at the University of Denver, the Newman Center for Arts Education at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and the Freyer-Newman Center at Denver Botanic Gardens.

Nancy and Curt Richardson
Formally trained as a designer, Nancy Richardson helped develop the award-winning design for the OtterBox headquarters and Canyon Place in Fort Collins. She also founded and serves on the board of OtterCares Foundation. Curt Richardson is the founder of OtterBox, a Fort Collins-based innovator of protective smartphone cases and many other wireless tech accessories. He began his entrepreneurial journey in seventh grade, starting Curt’s Lawn Service before owning and running Genie Plastic Tooling at just 21 years old. Together the couple oversee The Richardson Foundation.

Donald L. Sturm
Donald L. Sturm and his family currently own ANB Bank with branches in Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas, and Colorado real estate statewide. Through the Sturm Family Foundation, he and his wife, Susan, help fund and support charter schools to benefit economically disadvantaged children. A former trustee of the University of Denver, he is now serving as an Honorary Life Trustee, and two facilities on the DU campus bear the family name.

Junior Achievement (JA) was founded to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a 21st century global economy. JA serves roughly 100K students annually via programs that provide practical career readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship for K-12 students. Programs are offered at no cost to schools or families thanks to donor support and a network of 5,300 volunteers. For more information, visit www.JAColorado.org.

For more than 150 years, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has been a leading voice for Colorado’s business community. With a statewide membership representing businesses of all sizes, the Chamber advocates for small and large businesses.

For more information on this event please visit www.coloradobusinesshalloffame.com

 

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08 Feb

2020 Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala

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For tennis fans throughout Colorado the USTA Tennis Hall of Fame Gala is a must-attend fundraising dinner honoring the best, most talented and generous past and present members of Colorado’s tennis community. The event–benefiting the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF)– honors a Hall of Fame inductee and Colorado youth and adult players and organizations in several categories including sportsmanship, community service and competitive skills. In fact, Colorado USTA league players have sent many teams to the national competition and the Denver-based organization remains the nation’s 2nd largest division.

Andrew Sidel, Scott Thompson, JD Goodwin of Subaru of America

USTA Board President Angela Finan began the evening with a welcome and thanks to guests, sponsors and honorees before introducing the guest of honor and 2020 Hall of Fame inductee: Gigi Fernandez, one of the top doubles tennis players in U.S. history with a career spanning more than 25 years.

Fernandez thanked guests and acknowledged the hard work of Executive Director Fritz Garger, Associate Director Lisa Schaefer, and USTA staff & volunteers for successfully organizing the annual gala year after year. Later, Fernandez, CYTF Board President Cindy McLemore, and youth player Lyric Newsome assisted with the live auction led by Shelly St. John of the Auction Divas. After the award presentation, guests enjoyed live music by The Saddle Rockers. This HOF Gala sponsors this year were: Subaru, MidFirst Bank, LINE 3 and Sprouts Farmers Market.

Fernandez, who lived in Colorado in the 1990s, summarized her tennis career and urged guests to share their talents on behalf of others.  Fernandez turned pro in 1983 to become Puerto Rico’s first female professional athlete, in any sport. She went on to win 17 U.S. Open championship titles and moved to Aspen in 1989. Later, she represented the U.S at the Olympics and won 2 Olympic Gold Medals in doubles with Mary Joe Fernandez (no relation) and 16 additional Grand Slam doubles titles. In 2000, she was honored as the Puerto Rican Athlete of the Century and in 2019 was inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Her former Colorado coach, Randy Crawford, was inducted in 2019.

Tennis player Lyric is the daughter of Metheia and Quentin Newsome


The gala, held Saturday, February 8 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center, benefits the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation (CYTF), which was founded in 1961 by the USTA to develop the next generation of U.S. tennis players. The event recognizes Colorado’s high school state champions and USTA league teams that advanced to national championships. The Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame display is permanently housed on the first floor of Denver’s Gates Tennis Center in Cherry Creek and is open to the public during normal hours of operation.

The Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation offers financial assistance to organizations that reach youth across Colorado through tennis programming. Grants range between $100 and $1,000. To download an application for the CYTF scholarships due March 1, 2019 visit: http://www.colorado.usta.com/cta/resources/financial_assistance/program_grants/

Colorado 2020 Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Gigi Fernandez urged guests to contribute and share their skills with others.To view past HOF honorees visit the CYTF web site here: https://cytf.net/events/

For more info on Colorado USTA visit: www.colorado.usta.com

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