Dan James named recipient of 2022 Brad Parks Award
Dan James of USA, the USTA’s former Wheelchair Tennis Manager and Head Coach, has been named as the recipient of the Brad Parks Award for 2022.
The Brad Parks award is presented every year to an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to wheelchair tennis on an international basis and it represents the highest honour in the game.
During his accomplished coaching career, during which he served as USTA’s Manager and Head Coach, including roles as a grassroots coach and high performance coach, James was Head of USA’s Paralympic and Parapan Am delegations for five Paralympic Games and four Parapan Am Games, and was a World Team Cup Captain for 19 years.
He has played a key role in the growth and development of wheelchair tennis, both in the USA and at an international level and was Tournament Director of the US Open Wheelchair Tennis Competition from 2013-2015.
After 13 years with the USTA James stepped down in late 2016 but remains a staunch advocate for wheelchair tennis.
He also served on the ITF’s Wheelchair Tennis Advisory Panel for 11 years and the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Committee recognise that in his multiple roles as a coach education instructor, wheelchair tennis commentator and keynote speaker he been a tireless, passionate and dedicated voice for wheelchair tennis who has inspired many individuals to begin the sport and pursue it to high levels.
James was also recognised by the International Tennis Hall of Fame with a Tennis Educational Merit Award in 2017 and he was instrumental in the inclusion of wheelchair tennis inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, an advancement which began in 2010.
"Winning the Brad Parks Award from the International Tennis Federation is, in my opinion, the ultimate honour," said James. "It encapsulates what has been a career of passion and dedication. But for me, more importantly, it represents its namesake, who was one of my original mentors and an incredible man. To be recognised in this fashion is the highest honour I could possibly ask for. I'm incredibly grateful."