Luther College Tennis Receives $5,000 Donation to Expand Local Playing Opportunities

Our newsroom runs on more than coffee and craft beer — it runs on you. Support Decorah News' local reporting today. DECORAH — Luther College Tennis has received a $5,000 donation to help expand affordable tennis opportunities for children and adults in the community. The donation was made possible through Gallagher Vice President of Employee Benefits Brian Huinker's recognition as a 2025 Promise Award recipient through Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. The award provides selected agents with $5,000 to donate to a qualifying charitable or civic organization of their choice. Brian Huinker Huinker chose Luther College Tennis as the recipient, supporting efforts to increase access to tennis and promote physical activity opportunities in the community. "We are excited to donate the $5,000 to Luther College Tennis," Huinker said. The funding will support a new program designed to create more skill-appropriate tennis practice and match play opportunities outside of traditional sanctioned tournaments. Through the donation, Luther Tennis will work with organizations including the United States Tennis Association, Intercollegiate Tennis Association, Volee app and Universal Tennis Rating to establish and promote opportunities for players of varying skill levels. "The goal of this program will be to promote affordable opportunities for children and adults to play tennis matches without the cost and travel expense of official sanctioned tournaments," Huinker said. Huinker said lower-level players often have limited opportunities to compete against others with similar skill levels. "Often lower-level players have no opportunities to play matches against similar skilled players," Huinker said. The program aims to reduce barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for youth and adult players to develop their skills while enjoying the sport. Make your inbox your go-to for local news! Sign up for the free newsletter and get timely updates, special features, and more.