Buccaneer Resort Tennis Facility Wins USTA National Honor

The tennis facility at The Buccaneer Resort on St. Croix has received a 2026 USTA Outstanding Facility Award from the United States Tennis Association. The resort was one of only 41 venues across the country to earn the honor this year, and the sole recipient from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The facility qualified in the Small Private Facilities division, which encompasses private tennis centers operating between two and 11 courts that participate in USTA initiatives and help grow participation in the sport. On August 31, the award was presented during a ceremony at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, held as part of the 2026 US Open.

The Buccaneer maintains eight courts at its St. Croix location: six Plexipave courts and two Tedelgrass courts, with two equipped for nighttime play. The USTA assessment process examines court surfaces, enclosures and lighting, facility layout and design, amenities and accessibility, plus the breadth of programming available to players of all ages and skill levels.

The resort welcomes both guests and community members through private lessons, group classes, adult drills, doubles matches, round robins and youth instruction. Programming spans beginners through advanced competitive players.

Dena Coe, Director of Tennis, emphasized that the award reflects collective effort. "This award belongs to all of us," Coe said, acknowledging The Buccaneer, Warren Mosler, local families and players, and the broader community for backing the program. Coe holds credentials as an RSPA Elite Certified Teaching Professional, USTA Net Generation coach and USTA Professional Coach, and serves as a Tennis Service Representative for the USTA Caribbean Section. She previously led tennis operations at The Lakes Tennis Academy in Texas.

Elizabeth Armstrong, president and owner of The Buccaneer, noted that both Mosler and Coe have been instrumental in advancing the resort's tennis operation. Armstrong highlighted the significance of watching "young Virgin Islanders discovering tennis here" and building competence and friendships through the game.

The USTA recognition program aims to set high benchmarks for tennis facility construction and renovation while honoring venues that meaningfully contribute to the sport's growth.