Almost 40 years ago, the Dubbo RSL sponsored a young tennis player named Gary Trost with a cheque that has paid dividends.
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That cheque assisted the fund-raising effort necessary to allow Gary to travel to the United States as part of the Australian Combined High Schools Tennis Team, playing the best and brightest stars across the USA.
He was named the Most Valuable Player on that tour.
From that small beginning, 38 years later, the former South Dubbo High School student is now the National President of the United States Professional Tennis Association.
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Founded in 1927, the USPTA is the world’s oldest and largest association of tennis-teaching professionals and a global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development.
With more than 15,000 members worldwide, the association raises the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches, and promotes a greater awareness of the sport.
He commenced a tennis scholarship at Oklahoma City University in 1981 and went on to be a successful tennis coach and Director of Tennis and Athletics at prestigious country clubs in Florida and Oklahoma.
As a player, Gary was Oklahoma State Open Champion in 1983, 1984 and 1985.
As a coach, Gary was named Missouri Valley Pro of the year in 2004 and 2006 as well as Oklahoma Pro of the Year in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2006. Also in 2006, Gary won the George Bacso National Tester of the year award.
Gary currently resides in Oklahoma City with his wife Carrie and their four children, Mackenzie, Hannah, Rhys and Wyatt, all of whom play tennis.
Gary is the Director of Tennis and Athletics at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club.
He was recently in New York with the USPTA, preparing for the US Open.
That kind sponsorship cheque from the Dubbo RSL in 1980 changed his life.
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