Conan Lorenzo Honored with
2026 Dave Borelli Leadership Award

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Director of Tennis Conan Lorenzo has been named the recipient of the 2026 Dave Borelli Leadership Award, presented by the Orange County Community Tennis Association (OCCTA) and USTA Southern California.

Named in honor of the late University of Southern California (USC) Women’s Tennis Coach Dave Borelli, the award recognizes tennis professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, coaching excellence, mentorship, and service to the Southern California tennis community.

For more than two decades, Lorenzo has played a significant role in growing and strengthening tennis throughout Southern California. Since becoming Director of Tennis at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in 2006, he has overseen one of Southern California’s premier tennis programs, helping create opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels while fostering a culture centered on sportsmanship, player development, and community engagement.

Beyond his current role at the Club, Lorenzo has made a lasting impact on tennis throughout the region through his involvement with USTA Southern California programs. He currently serves as the Junior Team Tennis San Diego Area League Coordinator (ALC), helping provide competitive and developmental opportunities for hundreds of young players throughout San Diego County.

Under Lorenzo’s leadership, San Diego’s Junior Team Tennis (JTT) program has experienced remarkable growth since the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. After participation numbers declined significantly in 2021, the program has rebounded across every major category. Unique registrants have grown from 224 players in 2021 to a record 874 in 2026, while total registrations have increased to 1,100. The number of teams has climbed to 138 and captains have grown to 36, reflecting not only increased participation but also a stronger foundation of coaches and volunteers supporting the program. Across all age divisions, participation numbers are now at or near historic highs.

“Conan has been a mainstay of our tennis JTT Leagues for as long as I can remember,” explained Jeanette Lee, Conan’s colleague and fellow JTT ALC. “Driven by a true love for the game and a deep commitment to the San Diego tennis community, his tireless dedication has been instrumental in growing our programs. We are incredibly grateful for his passion and leadership.”

Lorenzo’s commitment to junior tennis has defined much of his career. Before joining La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, he spent five years as Director of Junior Programs at the George Barnes Junior Tennis Center in San Diego, where he helped develop young players and led multiple teams to sectional competition. He later coached and managed World Team Tennis teams at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, guiding two teams to national championship titles.

His contributions to youth tennis have earned recognition at both the sectional and national level. In 2019, Lorenzo received the USTA Janet Lauer National Organizer of the Year Award for his work expanding and supporting JTT opportunities.

His impact can also be seen through the coaches and programs he has helped support throughout San Diego County.

“Conan Lorenzo is the primary reason JTT is so successful in San Diego and continues to grow,” said Stephen Thom, a JTT coach in San Diego. “His organization, communication, and passion for involving kids in the sport are truly amazing. He is always welcoming to new coaches and teams, and he consistently accommodates various special requests from clubs throughout the season. Conan helped grow my own program five years ago by introducing us to JTT. Because of his support, our club now has five teams competing every season.”

Those who know Lorenzo often point to his ability to develop not only tennis players, but also confident young people. His coaching philosophy reflects that approach: “Become the best person possible, on and off the court, and turning into a great tennis player will follow.”

“Anyone who has worked with Conan knows that this recognition is incredibly well deserved,” said Michael O’Donohue, Managing Director of La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club. “His leadership, professionalism and commitment to our members, guests, staff and the tennis community have made a lasting impact.”

Lorenzo said he was honored to receive the award and credited the players, families, and coaches he has worked alongside throughout his career.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible players, families, and coaches over the years, and it’s been rewarding to be part of their growth both on and off the court,” Lorenzo said.

The Dave Borelli Leadership Award honors individuals whose influence reaches far beyond wins and losses. Through his leadership at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, his dedication to JTT, and his commitment to mentoring players and coaches throughout Southern California, Lorenzo has spent decades helping build stronger pathways into the sport.

His selection for the 2026 Dave Borelli Leadership Award reflects a career dedicated to growing tennis, developing future generations of players, and strengthening the Southern California tennis community.