Hickory honors Greater Hickory Tennis Association; group plans scholarships and new courts

The Hickory City Council on Jan. 6 recognized the Greater Hickory Tennis Association for volunteer leadership maintaining and promoting local tennis facilities and programs.

Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Director Mark Seaman said the GHTA, governed by a volunteer board, “donate thousands of hours of volunteer time each year” and has partnered with the city to keep Hickory’s tennis courts among the best in the area. He noted GHTA was named member organization of the year by the North Carolina Tennis Association in 2025.

GHTA president Allen Finley said the group hosts tournaments that draw regional participants — including a 40‑and‑over state event that brought about 900 players to Hickory last year — and runs large junior tournaments with “over a 100 registrants.” He announced the association’s first tennis scholarship: $1,500 a year each for one male and one female Hickory high‑school senior, and said the scholarship will continue going forward.

Finley described a long‑range planning committee working “on plans for two more courts at Hickory City Park,” and said the organization is committed to growing tennis while supporting existing players. Past president Hanni Nassar highlighted GHTA’s inclusive programs, including wheelchair tennis, programs for people who are blind or vision impaired, and coaching for people with intellectual disabilities.

Council members and the mayor thanked GHTA for its economic and recreational contributions to the city and for the partnership with Parks and Recreation.

No formal council action was taken on the presentation. The meeting proceeded to other agenda items after the recognition.