The USTA announced that high school tennis coaches David Steinbach from Brookfield Central High School in Brookfield, Wis., and Bill Wagstaff from Mead High School in Spokane, Wash., have been selected as the 2010 USTA

Starfish Award winners. This national award recognizes high school coaches who implement a"No-Cut" policy for their tennis teams.

 

The USTA will recognize the two national winners at the 40th annual USTA Tennis Teachers Conference on August 30 in New York City. The Starfish Award is in its sixth year of existenceand has honored ten winners since 2005.

 

A No-Cut policy means that every student who wishes to play a sport is welcomed as a member of their high school team. Some programs have more than 100 official tennis team members. Since its inception in 2005, the USTA’s No-Cut program has been embraced by coaches across the country. The program began with 998 coaches registering in the first year, and has swelled to more than 3,400 coaches at present—and that number is growing every day.

 

The coaches of these teams serve as positive role models and make a difference by spending the extra time and effort to ensure that thousands of young players experience the fun of being on a high school tennis team and representing their schools as a student-athlete.

 

"David Steinbach and Bill Wagstaff are perfect examples of the essence of a No-Cut coach and the USTA is proud to honor them," said Kirk Anderson, Director of Recreational Coaches and Programs, USTA. "As accomplished and experienced coaches, these two men have made a positive impact on their schools, as well as on the sport of tennis."

 

Steinbach has been coaching tennis for 29 years. This season, his Brookfield High School team consisted of 107 girls and 97 boys. Throughout Steinbach’s coaching career, he has won more than 400 dual matches with his girls’ team and 390 dual matches with his boys’ team, and has coached both of his teams to 13 state titles and 13 runner-up finishes in Wisconsin.

 

Aside from his varsity coaching duties, Steinbach is an active member of several tennis organizations, including the Wisconsin High School Coaches Association and the USTA No-Cut Advisory Group, and also serves as a USTA official. Additionally, Steinbach conducts theWhitewater Tennis Camp, and has been an instructor at the University of Wisconsin –Milwaukee for the last eight years.

 

"I am honored to accept the USTA Starfish Award on behalf of the players, coaches and parents of all the Brookfield Central tennis teams, past and present," said Steinbach. "Coaching has always been a part of my life and giving everyone the opportunity to play has always been a priority for me."

Wagstaff has been coaching tennis for 33 years. In past years, his Mead High School tennis team consisted of nearly 160 boys and girls combined. Throughout his career, Wagstaff has received numerous coaching awards. Most recently, he received the 2009 USTA/PNW Outstanding Contribution to Community award, which is one of the most prestigious awards presented by the USTA Pacific Northwest Section. Wagstaff also has received the 2009

Greater Spokane League Coach of the Year.

 

"I am truly honored to receive this award and recognition from the USTA," said Wagstaff. "I have always considered it a privilege to be able to coach and share my love of tennis. To be nominated by former players, colleagues, and coaches for this award is the highlight of my career."

 

To qualify as a Starfish Award winner, coaches must have implemented the No-Cut program at a high school and must be nominated by USTA Sectional Coordinators. Final winners were determined by a select panel of USTA committee members, staff, volunteers and career No-Cut coaches.

 

All registered No-Cut coaches receive a recognition certificate for incorporating a No-Cut policy.for their team. In addition, the USTA sends a letter to their school principal and athletic director acknowledging the coach’s dedication to their students. Coaches also receive a No-Cut Tennis Team banner, a USTA No-Cut Coach Cap, a one-year subscription to Racquet Sports Industry magazine, and access to coaching resources for working with large numbers of players.