Our Mission
To grow and promote the lifetime sport of tennis for all to enjoy a happier, healthier community.
About The Billings Tennis Association
Formed in the early 1950s, the Billings Tennis Association (BTA) began as a social club. By 1986 the club attained its 501 (c)(4) status and has grown to become the catalyst of the Eastern Montana tennis community. Although its primary focus was social tennis, the BTA began hosting tournaments and expanded our focus to include youth, junior and adult programs and assistance to outlying communities. The USTA and TIA (Tennis Industry Association) national grant funds have historically been matched locally with multi-media, corporate and individual sponsorships.
The Billings Tennis Association works to introduce and provide quality structured programs in parks, schools, and The Elks Tennis Center. Our greatest challenge is to provide organized and affordable tennis programs for all ages and abilities.
Collaborating with the Billings Parks and Recreation Department, we offer Summer Tennis lesson programs at public parks for beginning, intermediate, and advanced youth, as well as beginning adults. In addition, the BTA works with The Elks Tennis Center (the only indoor facility available in Billings) to provide junior lesson programs and Adult League for women, men, and mixed doubles. Additionally, The Billings Tennis Association provides tennis socials for all BTA members in the summer. The BTA was instrumental in raising money for the installation of lights to the upper courts at Pioneer Park as well as resurfacing of the courts. The BTA volunteers help with court clean up and maintenance of city courts.
The BTA worked to get the Big Sky State Games Junior's tournament sanctioned in 2003. Billings is the only sanctioned tournament site in Eastern Montana, encompassing 70,000 square miles. We attract a considerable number of participants from surrounding states and Canada. Big Sky State Games, the largest tennis tournament in the state.
The BTA and many of its members contributed substantially of their time, talent, and money to make the Elks Tennis Center a reality.
BTA Board of Directors 2023:
- Cyndy Desin - President
- Kellie Saville - Vice-President
- Brenda Dugas - Treasurer
- Carol VanTuinen - Website
- Sarah Bach - Socials
- Eileen Pinkerton - Past President
- Laurie Riley - Sponsorships
- Kristi Hepburn - Scholarships
- Shannon Burns Johnson - At Large
- Emma Larson - At Large
- Amber Hari - At Large
- Jodie Adams - At Large
Secretary for the Board: Amber Sparks