Mobile Tennis Center team members honored by USTA Alabama

Feb 20th, 2026

Posted in: Press Release

Mobile, Ala. - Several members of Mobile Tennis Center (MTC) family earned statewide recognition earlier this month for their outstanding contributions and years of dedication to the game of tennis.

On Feb. 7, General Manager Scott Novak and his wife, Lorraine Novak, were inducted into the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Alabama Hall of Fame. For more than 25 years, the Novaks have played a critical role in the growth and success of the MTC through Scott's role as the MTC's manager and Lorraine's role as a MTC partner and the managing director of the Mobile Area Tennis Association.

Together, they've helped develop the MTC into a world-class public tennis venue. With 60 courts, it is one of the premier public tennis facilities in the South and the largest municipal complex in the U.S. As the facility grown, so has a reputation in the tennis world. Under the Novaks leadership, the MTC has expanded the number of tournaments it hosts from five to about 30 competitions every year. These events bring thousands of annual visitors to Mobile and positively impact the economy and tourism industry.

"It is a tremendous honor for Lorraine and me to be recognized in this way," Scott Novak said. "For 25 years, we have proudly organized tournaments at the Mobile Tennis Center, bringing prestigious USTA national events to our city."

In addition to honoring the Novaks, USTA Alabama also named MTC Head Teaching Professional Jonathan Ames as its 2025 Tennis Professional of the Year during the 2025 USTA Alabama Awards. With an intentional focus on community outreach, Ames and his staff have helped expand the game of tennis across the City of Mobile. By removing barriers and meeting kids where they are, Ames has introduced more than 3,500 local children to the tennis, many for the first time.

"What the Mobile Tennis Center team is building here in Mobile is truly special," Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said. "They're not just bringing world-class tennis events to our city - they're opening the door for kids and families across our community to experience the game for themselves. That kind of impact reverberates well beyond the court. These honors reflect years of hard work and passion, and they're well deserved. Congratulations to Scott, Lorraine, Jonathan and everyone at MTC!"