L.J. Allara – Coordinator Youth Tennis Programs
About Me
My name is LJ Allara. I’m 25 years old and grew up in Pikeville, KY. I’ve been playing sports non-stop since I was 3, so when I found out I could have a career working in sports I knew I found my passion. Working behind the scenes and giving back to the sport that has offered me numerous opportunities is something I look forward to accomplishing with USTA Kentucky.
How I Got Here
I attended Bellarmine University where I majored in Sports Administration. In addition to playing tennis for Bellarmine, I spent 4 years as an intern in the Athletic Department. Here I learned how to manage athletic events and operations.
However, I knew there was more to the sports industry than just college athletics. During the summer of 2017, I interned for USTA Kentucky and truly understood what it meant to give back to the communities of Kentucky and offer opportunities to kids in a sport they had just recently discovered.
Shortly after graduating from Bellarmine, I attended Carson-Newman University where I graduated this spring with my Master of Business Administration. While at Carson-Newman I worked in the Athletic Department and learned more about athletic operations, working with local schools and communities, and how to fundraise for a non-profit organization.
Marcia Littlefield – Coordinator Administration and Events
About Me
My name is Marcia Littlefield. I am a Louisville Ky native. I've been married for over 26 years and have six beautiful children.
I began my professional career in the banking industry in 1990. After my family began to grow, I had the blessing of moving my energies into being a stay-at-home mom for 20 years. In those years, I assisted my husband in growing our thriving family business. I also worked as a school administrator and event coordinator.
How I Got Here
My love for tennis first began when I was introduced to the tennis community in 2003 as a parent volunteer for JTT. I organized recreational junior leagues to give beginner/intermediate junior players a chance to compete against other entry-level players. I became interested in learning to play so I participated in a free beginner clinic in 2010 and haven't put my racket down since! I became a league captain, JTT captain, 2.0 Beginner League Coordinator, Adult League Volunteer Coordinator, LLC (TALK) board member, served on three USTA committees and finally became a USTA tournament director where I’ve served at Louisville Tennis Club directing sanctioned USTA junior tournaments for over 10 years. I am also a USTA Certified Official.
I am very excited about working in the USTA Kentucky Office and meeting players and friends of the USTA across our great bluegrass state!