Built a few miles down the road from the country’s largest VA medical center in Lake Nona, the USTA National Campus has always had an inherent connection to the military.
One of the campus’ most impactful programs is its free weekly military clinic for veterans and active duty military personnel, which, over the years, has formed an incredible bond between the USTA staff and local veterans.
One particular participant, Broderick “Brody” Singletery, fit into both categories as both a USTA National Campus staff member and U.S. Navy veteran. He was a regular participant in the program and a familiar face to all of those who worked at or patronized the campus.
A 10-year Navy veteran who was honorably discharged, Brody relished the opportunity to spend Monday nights with his fellow veterans, sharing the sport that he loved with those who were either rediscovering the game or picking up the sport for the first time.
Brody began his USTA career in New York, working various roles for the U.S. Open, including player security. He moved to Orlando in 2016, joining the USTA staff full-time as part of the team that opened the USTA National Campus.
In his role overseeing the front desk staff, Brody was often the first person campus guests saw and heard when they came through the door. From his knack for remembering everyone’s name to getting to know something about each person that he met to his huge smile, Brody made visiting the USTA National Campus more than just arriving at a beautiful facility; he made each visitor and staff member feel like they were family.
On Dec. 8, the USTA lost a member of its family as Brody lost his hard-fought battle with leukemia, leaving behind a legacy of passion and enthusiasm. His personal motto was “Create a Great Day,” which is something the campus staff will carry on in Brody’s memory every day at USTA National Campus.
There are always “Great Days” at the campus as the military clinic is just one of the many examples of the USTA National Campus giving back to the local community. The campus often hosts groups from local elementary schools for free clinics during major events and has partnered with the Orlando Police Department to host its summer teen program each year. The campus and its staff have also helped grow the USTA Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning chapters in Orlando.
The campus truly has something for everyone as it also offers programming for players of all ages and abilities, including weekly wheelchair tennis clinics. The campus has also hosted clinics run by Buddy Up Tennis, a program designed for athletes with Down syndrome, as well as ACEing Autism, a program for athletes with autism. Additionally, the campus has hosted numerous Special Olympics Florida events and is scheduled to be the host of the tennis portion of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
