LA MIRADA, Calif. --- In early-March the International Tennis Hall of Fame honored Dee Henry, Biola Women's Tennis head coach, with its Tennis Educational Merit Award.

Henry was honored by the esteemed international organization for her outstanding achievement in serving the tennis community. The award was created in 1972 and recognizes coaches, teachers, players, administrators and others who are actively working to spread the sport of tennis.

"Coach Henry has had an incredible impact in the Southern California tennis community during her tenure as head coach and tennis director," said Dr. Bethany Miller, director of athletics. "She has a beautiful heart for serving the community and building relationships through the sport of tennis. We are very thankful for her contributions and the distinct way she demonstrates God's love toward others on and off the courts."

Henry definitely qualifies as one of those such individuals as she rises early each day to begin her work at the Biola Tennis Center and is often found around the courts until the clock ticks close to the 10 o'clock hour.

In addition to her duties as coach of Biola's varsity team Henry shows her servant's heart by running several high profile community tennis functions as the director of the Biola Tennis Center. Her heart of service is evident in her commitment to the various communities she serves and dedication to constantly teaching the fundamentals of the game and emphasizing character in athletics.

One of her highest areas of impact has been in the world of wheelchair tennis. She's created a space for the active advancement of the wheelchair tennis community here in the heart of Southern California.

The International Tennis Hall of Fame describes the award it presented to Henry as and award sponsored by the ITHF that is presented to citizens or residents of the U.S. who have made notable contributions in the tennis education field. It goes to one male and one female recipient each year that has demonstrated leadership and creative skills in such areas as instruction, writing, organization and promotion of the game of tennis.

Henry's commitment to her service is illustrated in just about all she does, even boiling down to the way she signs off on every email, "Here to SERVE."

For more information on Henry and her career at Biola visit .

For more information on the International Tennis Hall of Fame visit.