Awards Index

The Heart Trophy Award

The Heart Trophy is awarded each year to the UTC team player who best exemplifies "heart". Sportsmanship, team spirit, dedication, camaraderie, and pure enjoyment of the game are all qualities that demonstrate heart.

The Trophy was donated by Mike Schwertner in memory of his daughter, Nicole, who was an active and popular UTC member and club monitor. Nicole was a young lady who was always a great competitor who never failed to demonstrate true sportsmanship, determination and team spirit in all of her many sporting activities. An excellent athlete in multiple sports, she was many times Club Champion and Finalist in singles, womens' doubles and mixed doubles. However, in spite of her achievements, Nicole is remembered as an always gracious and humble winner.

Nicole died tragically after being in a lengthy coma which resulted from a cycling accident. She was a spirited competitor who played with an enormous heart. The Heart Trophy is rightfully awarded to the player best exhibiting these special qualities.

Winners of The Heart Trophy Award:

• 1997: Ilias Jatz
• 1998: Angela Maclean
• 1999: David Li
• 2000: Patrick Wong
• 2001: John Tse
• 2002: Silvana Sciotti
• 2003: Mike Schwertner
• 2004: Noble Tan
• 2005: Maureen MacDonald
• 2006: Aditi Krishnan
• 2007: Cameron Lore
• 2008: Sherwin Mendes

[ Left to right: Mike and Nicole Schwertner (finalists), Greg Smith and Elsa Volkens (champions), Mike Knapp and Alan Care (pros). They are accepting awards for Mixed A Doubles at the 1990 Year-end Party (Hawaiian theme). ]

Awards Index