We are honored to welcome Craig Tiley, Chief Executive Officer of the USTA, as our keynote speaker. He previously served as CEO of Tennis Australia (2013-2026) and Tournament Director of the Australian Open (2006-2026). Under his leadership, grassroots tennis in Australia grew to become the country's second most-played sport after soccer, with participation up more than 30 percent since 2021, and the Australian Open reached record attendance and revenue.

A native of Durban, South Africa, Tiley captained the South African Davis Cup team from 1998-2001. He also has deep roots in American tennis: as head coach of the University of Illinois men's team (1994-2005), he won the 2003 NCAA Division I national championship and was named Big Ten Coach of the Year eight times. He was inducted into the ITA Men's Collegiate Hall of Fame in 2010. Tiley is based in Orlando, Florida.

The Section Connection is day of inspiration, skill-building and community for everyone interested in or involved in tennis.