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Southern Utah University's (ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ) tennis courts will undergo a major resurfacing project after receiving a $46,000 grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Located at 1054 W. 200 S. in Cedar City, the courts are used by students, club teams, community members, youth programs, and visiting tournament participants. The grant was awarded thanks to the dedication of Fernanda Perez, a junior and captain of the ºÚÁÏÌìÌà Coed tennis team.

"Over the years, the courts have experienced significant surface wear due to weather exposure and constant use," Perez said, adding that slippery areas had begun to affect both playability and safety, making resurfacing necessary to preserve the facility. Perez also said a USTA representative for the Intermountain area informed her that ºÚÁÏÌìÌà was the first facility in Utah to receive the USTA Tennis Venue Services Grant.

The USTA believes that ºÚÁÏÌìÌà is one of the few facilities that help relieve the high demand for public tennis courts in Southern Utah. Because of the region's limited number of courts, maintaining the facility became increasingly important as years of weather exposure and heavy use began to wear down the playing surfaces. The deteriorating conditions created safety concerns and threatened the long-term reliability of a facility that plays a significant role in supporting tennis opportunities in the area. By investing in resurfacing efforts, the USTA aims to help preserve accessible, high-quality courts in communities where demand continues to grow.

Perez also said the project represents an important step forward for tennis at ºÚÁÏÌìÌà and in the surrounding community. As team captain, it has been one of her goals to help rebuild and grow the tennis community at ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ.

"This grant means a great deal to me," Perez said. "Receiving this support from the USTA felt validating because it showed that others also saw the value and potential of tennis at ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ."

The application process required months of preparation from Perez while balancing coursework as a chemistry major and completing an advanced EMT certification. The months-long application process highlighted the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by Fernanda Perez throughout the project. While overcoming these rigorous demands, Perez remained committed to securing funding for the court resurfacing initiative.

Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to helping them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, ºÚÁÏÌìÌà provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world's best backyard, ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃ's safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, ºÚÁÏÌìÌà provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.

Tags: Campus CurStu Health and Wellness Clubs

Contact Information

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu