Trailblazing Tennis Leadership: Cynthia Neiman Makes History
In an unprecedented move, Cynthia Neiman, a distinguished member of Newport Beach’s Palisades Tennis Club, has shattered barriers by becoming the first female president of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for Southern California in its 138-year history. Neiman’s unexpected election promises to usher in a new era of leadership that celebrates both tradition and innovation within the tennis community.
From Court to Club
Neiman’s journey in tennis began in the 1980s as a UCLA walk-on player. Her commitment to the sport has never wavered, even as she played to reach the third spot in senior women’s doubles. At the core of Neiman’s life, tennis isn’t just a game but a community builder—a sentiment echoed in her leadership focus.
A Career Beyond the Court
Neiman brings a wealth of experience beyond the tennis court. She served at renowned firms like Mattel and Ikea before taking her current role as chief experience officer at Rady Children’s Health. Her marketing insights and dedication to community impact significantly benefit her vision for Southern California tennis.
Community-Centric Vision
Neiman’s involvement with the Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program for underserved youth led her to the USTA Southern California board in 2020. With passion and purpose, she aims to support community-driven aspects of tennis, breaking down barriers through credit initiatives like “Taking it to the Streets,” with a recent $70,000 grant geared towards grassroots engagement.
Inspiring Initiative: “35 by ‘35”
The USTA’s “35 by ‘35” initiative is ambitious, aiming to cultivate 35 million tennis players nationwide over a decade. As stated in Los Angeles Times, Neiman embraces this vision, focusing on bringing newcomers to the sport in innovative ways, like impromptu street tennis programs that make the sport accessible and fun.
A Legacy of Resilience and Partnership
Neiman’s journey is one of resilience and collaboration. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, her determination inspires those around her. She shares a synergistic relationship with the Southern California board and its executive director, Trevor Kronemann, who supports her visionary approach to expanding tennis’s reach.
A United Team of Visionaries
Alongside Neiman are newly elected officers like Neel Grover, adding depth to an already formidable leadership team. Together, they represent a collaborative force making bold strides in transforming the tennis landscape, driven by stories of community engagement rather than championship titles.
Under Neiman’s unprecedented leadership, Southern California can expect a flourishing tennis culture, ensuring the sport remains vibrant and accessible for generations. Her journey exemplifies the empowering nature of sports leadership, fostering a community where everyone can rally.
