Four standout tennis advocates with Philadelphia Area ties were inducted into the Middle States Hall of Fame on Thursday, Oct. 19th. The group includes D.A. Abrams (Philadelphia/New York), Connie Ebert (Abington, Pa.), Jeff Harrison (Wilmington, Del.) and Julian Krinsky (Radnor, Pa.).

The 23rd annual Middle States Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Auction took place at the Rivercrest Golf Club in Phoenixville, Pa. The Golf Club is located 25 miles outside of downtown Philadelphia.

The event drew more than 250 attendees.

The USTA Middle States Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Auction takes place every two years and rotates each year among the six Middle States Districts.

Funds raised benefit the United States Tennis Association Foundation, which supports junior tennis programs around the country, in the Middle States section and in the Philadelphia area.

Established in 1994, the prestigious Hall now boasts 107 inductees, including tennis legend and women’s rights pioneer Billie Jean King, and former USTA Presidents Jane Brown Grimes, Merv Heller, Judy Levering, Dave Haggerty and Martin Tressel. The event provides an opportunity for all who love the game of tennis to celebrate the past and support the future.

Those interested in more information about the event should contact Middle States by emailing communications@ms.usta.com. Media inquiries and requests should be sent to the same address.

2017 Middle States Hall of Fame Photo Gallery 

Middle States Hall of Fame | Inductee Information

David Anthony Abrams

Currently the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the United States Tennis Association, Abrams has been with the USTA for 20 years on both national and section levels. Abrams was born and raised in Philadelphia, where he served as Director of Recruitment for the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center.

Connie Ebert

Ebert’s life-long dedication for tennis has influenced thousands to try tennis, volunteer and stay involved. As a player and volunteer herself, she epitomizes tennis as a lifetime sport.  Many of her tournament successes have occurred during her golden years, and she was recently award with the USTA Seniors’ Service Award.

Jeff Harrison

As an exceptional college player at the University of Delaware, a promoter who broke new ground bringing elite players to our area and as a dedicated volunteer, Harrison has motivated kids and adults alike to engage in the sport of tennis. He has served the game, and the USTA, on all levels, including as Delaware District President, Middle States Section President and USTA Chair of Delegates.

Julian Krinsky

Julian Krinsky has not made waste of his 48 years since playing at Wimbledon and Roland-Garros. Having incubated more than 500 tennis professionals and educated more than 100,000 students, The Julian Krinsky School of Tennis has bloomed into a mighty behemoth from a seed that was planted by an enduring lifelong passion. Today, Julian enjoys utilizing the game of tennis as a vehicle for teaching young people about the game of life.