Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards during the 2012 PTR International Tennis Symposium. The event, which includes 50-plus on-court and classroom presentations for tennis teachers and coaches, a tennis trade show and tournament, was held Feb. 24-28 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, in Orlando, Fla.
Joanne Moore Wallen of Nicholasville was named PTR Newcomer of the Year.
A native of England, Jo Wallen started playing tennis at just 4 years old and went on to become one of the country’s top junior players. In 1988, she came to the United States on a six-year scholarship to the Bollettieri Tennis Academy. That same year, Wallen signed with sports marketing giant IMG, the youngest player ever to do so at the time. She played for 14 years on the ITF and WTA tours, winning 15 events.
Wallen started working at Lexington Tennis Club in 2005 as director of junior development. By 2009, she was promoted to general manager. Today, Wallen oversees the club’s daily operations and directs its junior programs.
