Robin Robertson of the Bellingham Training and Tennis Club, located in the Historic Fairhaven District, was selected as “Manager of the Year” for Large Facility by the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) announced during their World Conference, held virtually this year from September 21-23, 2020. She was selected from a field of the 17 different regions across the USA.
“Twenty years ago, we started with an aging, run-down facility. My husband and I invested everything we had into the Club and knew that if it failed it would mean no more indoor tennis in our area and personal financial ruin. Having the advantage of no other tennis clubs within 80 miles could have made us lazy. Just because we are tucked away in the Northwest corner of the country doesn’t mean we can’t offer world-class service and facility.” Says Robin Robertson, Club Owner and Manager while thinking about where they started.
Robertson was honored as she was selected as the Pacific Northwest Division Manager of the Year and forwarded on to nationals.
“This award is a really big deal in the tennis world. It’s a recognition that our club has transformed from a sleepy, quaint tennis club to a world-class training and tennis facility.” says Robertson. In 20 years under Robin’s ownership and management, the club has grown in size and talent, now with 5 indoor courts, 2 workout areas, an indoor cycle studio. “We have a superb, highly trained team to give an excellent experience to everyone who enters the club.“ remarked Robertson “You don’t have to be a tennis player to enjoy the Club since we now offer such a wide variety of fitness.”
“Robin was nominated by several regional USPTA members, because the Tennis Pros and board members saw that every time they visited the club over the years there were significant improvements. One of the Club’s core values is to ‘always improve’ and Robin means it not just for the facility, but for us as a team, and for all of our members and guests.” says Matthew Iwersen, BTTC Tennis Director, USPTA PNW Board President, and 19 year employee at BTTC. The Club recently completed a $2 million dollar renovation and expansion which shows Robertson’s commitment to improvement and excellence.
When asked about receiving the prestigious national award, Robertson said “There so many other amazing tennis facilities across USA. I am so honored to receive this recognition and understand that it is not just for me, but for our whole team and our club community. When you walk into the Club, you can see why it is so special.”
To learn more about Robin Robertson and the Bellingham Training & Tennis Club, go to www.betrainingtennis.com or stop in for a visit. You will receive a complimentary fitness day pass to give the club a try. The club is located at 800 McKenzie Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
About Bellingham Training & Tennis ClubThe club opened in 1973 and was purchased as a failing business by the Robertsons in 2000. Robin serves as the General Manager. The club offers options for fitness or tennis memberships. Non-members have options for instruction through group tennis, strength, and cycling programs and private instruction with personal training and tennis lessons. Their motto is to “Achieve the Fitness you Want in the Place that You’ll Love.”