The Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation announced Director of Tennis, Alison Mays as the newly appointed Executive Director.
Mays comes with 15 years of hands on tennis experience as a USPTA (United States Professional Teaching Association) certified professional. Mays played both tennis and volleyball for Northeastern University in Boston, MA where she earned a BS degree in Physical Therapy. Alison has been an active Physical Therapist in the community since moving to Vero Beach post graduation. Mays has been a part of the MFCF team since October, 2009, becoming Director of Tennis in April, 2014. Since her directorship, she has added and upgraded several programs, including After School Tennis for the Indian River Home School Association, Saturday Match Play, and Friday Night Fish. She has cultivated and grown tennis programs with The Dasie Hope Center, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, and a pilot program with the Boys and Girls Club of Vero Beach. May’s leadership as Director of Tennis also facilitated the growth of the MFCF Middle School Club Tennis program to include six of the IRC middle schools along with the home schooled population.
In 2016 Mays became a certified Health Coach, she looks forward to blending her skills as a Health Care Professional with her experience as Director of Tennis and Operations for the MFCF, to develop a strong organization providing opportunity to children. “I am committed to providing children the opportunity to learn to love being active and living a healthy lifestyle.” Said Mays. “We have a fantastic administrative team and Board of Directors who share the same vision, as well as an on-court staff that is second to none in their commitment to the children. I am honored to be a part of this team, and excited to make a difference for the children.”
In her new role as Executive Director, Mays will continue to lead the “Kids on Courts” after-school tennis program in the elementary schools, middle schools and partnering children’s youth organizations, as well as other Kids on Courts year-round programming. In addition to managing staff and volunteers, she will be representing the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation at community events, working with the Board of Directors and Financial Director with budget management, strategic planning, and outcome evaluation/need assessment for this growing children’s Foundation. Mays is optimistic the MFCF Team Fish Community Outreach program will also be an asset to the community. Children and their families are encouraged to participate together as a part of Team Fish, to participate in community workdays and fundraising activities.
“We feel confident that Allison will grow and maintain not only our programs but also our organization as a whole,” said Tom Fish, Chairman for MFCF. “ As we strive to provide the children of Indian River County with health, fitness and nutrition programs to develop a healthy lifestyle there is no doubt Alison is the person to lead our team.”
Recreationally, Mays continues to be active in the tennis community teaching and playing, living and leading by example. She is currently ranked 3rd in the USPTA Grand Prix standings for women’s singles. Mays is married to Dean Mays of Vero Beach and has two sons, Jay Schulte FGCU graduate, in Exercise Physiologist at IRMC and Eric Schulte, baseball player for South Florida State College. Jay and Eric have both been involved as program volunteers for MFCF summer camp, FNF and after school tennis.
The Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation has taken over the management of the $10,000 “Futures” tennis tournament – one of the longest-running and best-attended events on the U.S. Tennis Association Pro Circuit. The Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Tennis Championships
Mardy Fish is a top-ranked U.S. tennis professional dedicated to supporting the youth in his hometown of Vero Beach, FL. Started in 2007, the non-profit Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation currently supports over 2100 children in 13 elementary schools, six middle schools, IRC Homeschool Association and two afterschool centers in Indian River County, FL by providing after-school exercise, nutritional and enrichment programs in a safe environment to prepare them for healthy, productive and successful lives. The Foundation introduced the “Six Healthy Habits” in 2012 which are Get Sleep; Drink Water; Exercise Daily, Eat Healthy; Brush and Floss; Make Friends.”
