The dedication of the first annual USTA Alabama Hubert Kessler Service Award was presented during the 2013 Alabama Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame ceremony at Vestavia Country Club February 16, 2013. Mark Kessler, Hubert's son, presented the inaugural award to Tuscaloosa's crown jewel Emily Baker. The Hubert Kessler Service Award is the most prestigious award given by USTA Alabama each year and will be awarded annually at the Hall of Fame induction.
Hubert was a tireless volunteer and supporter of tennis in Alabama. He held numerous positions within the tennis community: member of USTA Southern Board of Directors, President of the Alabama Tennis Association for two terms, co-founder of the Tuscaloosa Tennis Association, two term President of the TTA, elected to the Alabama Tennis Hall of Fame in 2005, Indian Hills Country Club: Board member, Tennis committee chairman, Tournament director of Pritchett-Moore Men's City Invitational for 16 years and member or chairman of various committees for tennis throughout the South. As a player, Hubert was ranked #1 in the South in doubles with Barry Shollenberger, #1 in Alabama, won seven doubles titles in Pritchett-Moore Men's City with 3 different partners and finished second at the U.S. Open Father-Son championships in 1984 with his son Mark.
The Hubert Kessler Service Award was donated by Cindy Kessler, Libba Kessler Tubbs and Mark Kessler with special thanks to Brombergs and Award Company of America.
Congratulations Emily. Hubert would have been so proud to have you win this special award. No one embodies his spirit of giving of oneself better than you. No one deserves it more.
