Local Tennis Director awarded USTA/NE Family of the Year

Shartons - Tennis Family of the Year
Tennis Director at Thoreau Club and his family awarded USTA/NE recognition.

Concord, MA - February 2014 - The Thoreau Club congratulates Tennis Director, Rick Sharton and his family, for being awarded the 2013 USTA New England Family of the Year. The award is very fitting for the Sharton family as they have all played and promoted the sport of tennis throughout their lives. Tennis racket in hand and a smile on his face, Rick comments, “We believe tennis is a great game and a multi-generational activity that encourages sportsmanship, values and skills that transfer to everyday life.” 

Officially the Edwin Goodman Family of the Year award, this recognition is for the USTA New England family that has contributed the most to supporting tennis. For the Shartons, this has been demonstrated through volunteering, competing, serving on the board and enriching the game of tennis over a number of years. 

Rick has been involved in New England tennis for over 35 years. An extremely successful tennis coach, Rick has coached and guided hundreds of nationally ranked juniors and many Division 1 college players, many who have continued on to play professionally. Rick’s top student was ranked #90 in the world on the ATP tour.

Mr. Sharton has served as USPTA/NE President and as a board member for over ten years. He has been a member of the USTA/NE junior competition committee for 20 years and served as the National Selection Chair for 10 years. Currently, Rick serves as Chair of the Player Development Committee and has been instrumental in leading the committee during these last few years of change in the tournament structure.

Rick’s wife, Brenda, is a former highly ranked New England and National junior player and was a scholarship tennis player at Rice University. She was the NE Women’s Champion in 1983. She currently serves as Legal Counsel for USTA/NE. Brenda’s lifelong passion for tennis was almost inevitable: her mother was inducted into the New England Tennis Hall of Fame.

Rick and Brenda have, in turn, instilled this passion in their two teenage sons. Will and Charlie are both highly ranked junior players and each played in over 20 tournaments last year. Will is currently ranked #1 in NE Boys 16 singles and has a National ranking of 85. Charlie is currently ranked #3 in USTA/NE Boys 14 singles. He has a National ranking of 87. Both boys attend Wayland High School. 

The Thoreau Club is situated on 70 acres in Concord, MA and features a year round wellness center, tennis and aquatic complex, children’s summer day camp, and an outdoor corporate outing facility. Members can enjoy swimming, tennis and fitness activities and programs designed for all ages and athletic levels. Our knowledgeable staff engage you and your family in fun ways so wellness is an easy part of your lifestyle.