Pelham Racquet Club Receives Prestigious National Award
Recognized as One of the Top 12 Public Tennis Centers in the U.S.
The Pelham Racquet Club has long been a jewel in the City of Pelham’s recreational offerings, and now it has received national recognition for its excellence. This year, the club was honored with the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Outstanding Facility Award for a Large Public Tennis Center. The award, presented at the 2024 U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York, celebrates the top public tennis facilities in the country, and Pelham Racquet Club was one of only 12 facilities selected for the honor.
To be eligible for the award, public tennis centers must meet the USTA's stringent criteria, including the quality of their court surfaces, enclosures, lighting, overall layout, and amenities. For the Pelham Racquet Club, which boasts more than 12 courts, this recognition is a testament to years of hard work and dedication from its entire staff.
Chaney Mills, Director of the Pelham Racquet Club, accepted the award at the ceremony, but she was quick to give credit to her team. “This award reflects the combined efforts and hard work of our entire team,” Mills said. “We wouldn’t have received this recognition without the contributions of everyone who works tirelessly to make Pelham Racquet Club one of the top facilities in the United States.”
That team-first mentality is echoed throughout the club’s staff. Grant Sasser, Parks and Racquet Club Superintendent, shared his pride in the team's dedication. “The USTA Outstanding Facility Award is rewarding to me personally for those who come in daily and are behind the scenes, so to speak,” Sasser said. “From the crew members who arrive in the pre-dawn hours to prepare the grounds to the staff members who close the facility at all hours of the night during events—they are the true glue that makes our facility what it is.”
Sasser also emphasized the importance of a well-maintained facility, which extends beyond aesthetics. “A strong plan for facility upkeep improves production, solidifies equipment reliability, and allows our team to focus on our members’ needs,” he said.
Chris Byrd, Pelham Parks & Racquet Club Supervisor, takes pride in seeing the courts and grounds in pristine condition every day. “Motivation for me is seeing the grounds and courts looking great and knowing I’m contributing to a great experience for everyone who uses them, whether it’s a citizen of Pelham or a visitor for one of our events,” Byrd explained. “This award helps us realize what we have at the Pelham Racquet Club, and it encourages us to keep improving. We want to maintain—and even surpass—the high standards we’ve set.”
Ryen Valentine, PRC’s Head Tennis Professional, leads a team of five pros who help players of all ages and abilities improve their game. He noted that the USTA has strict criteria for the Large Public Facility Award, and the Pelham Racquet Club met nearly all of them. “We are a large facility that services the community. The facility is beautifully laid out with viewing for nearly every court, and the maintenance staff does an amazing job keeping everything in top condition. We also offer a wide array of programming for all ages and skill levels to grow the game of tennis.”
Valentine also shared the team's pride in the facility, highlighting its beauty and the staff’s commitment to ensuring every player has a positive experience. “We’re fortunate to have a great full-time maintenance staff that keeps our courts and landscaping looking beautiful. Our pros are dedicated to player development and instruction, and our leadership fosters a team and family atmosphere. We regularly plan new and fun events for our community and club members.”
David Brainerd, who runs the front desk and pro shop, has been with the club since 2018 and was Chaney Mills' first hire after she became Director. “Our team is truly like a family, and everyone enjoys working together,” Brainerd said. “Good customer service is the key to making people happy when they come to Pelham Racquet Club to play a sport they enjoy. I try to treat our customers as if they’re my friends, which they are.”
While the staff's dedication is one part of the equation, the club’s members also play a vital role in its success. Chelsea resident Robyn Lyons, a three-year Pelham Racquet Club member, nominated PRC for the Outstanding Facility Award after receiving an email from the USTA encouraging nominations. "It was a no-brainer to choose PRC as my tennis home,” Lyons said. “The Pelham Racquet Club’s staff and leadership consistently strive to ensure that its members and visitors have excellent facilities and top-notch staff and feel welcomed."
Lyons highlighted the many improvements she’s seen as a member. “Since I joined in 2021, PRC has continued to improve its functionality and appearance.” She said among the improvements are updated walkway lighting, a new concrete walking path to the bottom courts, a more functional lobby and bathrooms, and an expanded pro shop. “Pelham Racquet Club continues to set the standard for tennis facilities not only in the Birmingham area but throughout Alabama. By far, PRC is the best I have ever experienced.”
When Pelham Racquet Club won the award, Lyons was thrilled. "I knew it was deserved but didn't know if I was just being biased. I guess now we know I wasn't!" she laughed.
This award highlights the City of Pelham's ongoing commitment to providing residents and visitors with top-tier recreational facilities and opportunities.
For more information about the Pelham Racquet Club and its offerings, visit the Pelham Racquet Club website.