USTA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & PRESIDENT HEADED USTA SOUTHERN & FOUNDATION
The Southern Tennis Foundation (STF), the charitable affiliate of USTA Southern, is proud to announce the establishment of the Mike McNulty Endowed Scholarship Fund to provide college scholarships to deserving students across the South. To create the necessary endowment, the foundation will conduct a nationwide fundraising campaign between April 1 and November 15, 2022.
The McNulty Scholarships, worth $1,000 per year for four years, will go to worthy students who have been involved in tennis during their high school careers. The primary selection criteria will be academic achievement and promise, civic involvement and character.
Former USTA Southern President Michael J. McNulty III is currently serving as USTA Chairman of the Board of Directors and President. He is only the fourth volunteer from USTA Southern to serve in this national leadership position. He has been a member of the USTA Board for eight years and previously served as First Vice President.
As a national leader, he has been a strong advocate of sound business practices and grassroots tennis. During his presidency, he is emphasizing tennis in the parks, frequently noting that 70 percent of American tennis is played in public parks. He has also highlighted the need to further the mission of Tennis Industry United and increase outreach to the entire tennis community.
McNulty has a long history of volunteerism at the local, state, section, national and international levels. He was a founder of the Lake Charles (La.) Tennis Association, and later served on the board and was president of both USTA Louisiana and USTA Southern. He also chaired the STF Board of Trustees. He was elected to the USTA Nominating Committee for four years before his terms on the USTA Board, which started in 2014. He serves as the chairman of the US Open.
He is the recipient of the 2012 USTA Southern Jacobs Bowl and the 2015 Charlie B. Morris Service Award, the highest volunteer service awards given by USTA Southern, as well as the President’s Award. He is a member of the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame in 2021.
For McNulty, tennis is in the genes. The USTA Southern Family of the Year Award is named for his father, Mickey, who was also USTA Louisiana president and a key figure in Southern tennis. McNulty fondly recalls his father encouraging him to become a tennis volunteer, “I think you can make a difference. You will make friends for a lifetime.” It was great advice. He has used the family’s penchant for leadership and his own winning personality to advance the cause of tennis from the grassroots to the national and international levels.
McNulty, a New Orleans resident, was a partner with the law firm of Plauche, Smith & Nieset, LLC.
The STF is an independent all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization that provides needs-based scholarships, grants to assist competitive junior players, grants for youth-oriented programs, and emergency assistance to programs, pros and players. Donations are tax-exempt, and every dollar donated to the STF goes back to programs and players in the Southern states.
To donate to the Mike McNulty Scholarship Fund, click here for an online donation or send your check to Southern Tennis Foundation/USTA Southern/5685 Spalding Drive/Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. If you want to make a multi-year pledge or some other special arrangement, contact USTA Southern Executive Director & COO Matt Olson.