WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University men's tennis head coach Alex Lee has made history as being selected as the first black president of the USTA Missouri Valley Board of Directors.

Lee had been serving in the role of first vice president prior to President Steve Henry's untimely passing.

"We are proud that Alex has been appointed to serve in this historic role," said Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University VP of Athletics & Strategic Expansion. "He has a passion to grow the game of tennis both locally and regionally."

Having just wrapped up his eighth season coaching on campus, Lee has amassed over 30 years of experience in tennis that includes teaching and competitive play.

Lee has a 19-year tenure on the USTA MV Executive Board and is a PTR Certified Professional and a USPTA Certified Elite Professional.

He is also the Executive Director of the McAdams NJTL Tennis Foundation, a non-profit tennis education organization aimed at combining tennis and education for youth of all backgrounds. The organization has received several recognitions from USTA Kansas and the USTA MV Section for its work with youth.

"Becoming the President of the Board of Directors for the USTA Missouri Valley Section (KS, OK, NE, MO, IA) has been a dream come true for me," said Lee.  "I started this journey 18 years ago but I kept running into roadblocks.  When the interview committee is all white and you are the only black applicant, you start to realize it's going to take a little longer to change some people.  Sometimes you have to do twice as much as everyone else to get your due.  A couple of friends pushed me to not give up. And I thank them for helping me persevere."

For more information on the USTA Missouri Valley and what they have to offer, click HERE to visit their official website.