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New York, NY — September 2, 2025 —The United States Tennis Association (USTA) will recognize Patricia “Trish” Bostrom as a 2025 Champion of Equality during a special ceremony at the US Open on September 4, coinciding with the women’s semifinal matches.
Bostrom first made headlines in 1971 when she challenged the University of Washington to allow her to try out for the men’s tennis team, a bold action that advanced equity in collegiate athletics and helped lay the groundwork for Title IX. She went on to build a celebrated professional career on the international tennis circuit while championing equal opportunity for women in sport, business, and society.
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as it marks the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier in tennis. In Gibson’s spirit, the USTA is honoring women from across its 17 sections who have been steadfast champions for inclusion and equality. Representing USTA Pacific Northwest, Bostrom stands as a beacon of courage, advocacy, and impact.
“Trish’s passion for tennis and her unwavering dedication to equality have inspired a new generation of players, just like Althea did,” said Matthew Warren, Executive Director, USTA Pacific Northwest. “Her contributions have been vital to both the present and future of our sport.”
About Trish Bostrom:
A pioneer in women’s athletics, Trish Bostrom made history in 1971 when she formally challenged the University of Washington to allow her to try out for the men’s tennis team, demanding equitable athletic opportunities for women. Her bold stand helped catalyze change in collegiate sports and laid groundwork for Title IX advancements.
Bostrom went on to win the Pacific Eight Singles Championship and the National Mixed College Doubles Title before launching an eight-year career as an international touring professional. She competed at Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open, and the Australian Open, achieving a world ranking of No. 5 in doubles and No. 30 in singles. She played five seasons in World Team Tennis and was a founding board member of the Women’s Tennis Association.
Her career highlights include defeating Billie Jean King and Karen Susman in Women’s Doubles on Center Court at Wimbledon and reaching the Mixed Doubles semifinals at the French Open. Off the court, Bostrom has served in leadership roles on numerous nonprofit boards and earned accolades including induction into the University of Washington Hall of Fame, the Washington State Sports Hall of Fame, the Pacific Northwest Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Pac-12 Hall of Fame.
A Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Washington, Bostrom earned her Juris Doctor from Southern Methodist University Law School and currently practices law in Seattle, Washington. She was recently named by USA Today as one of the Top Ten Women of the Century for Washington State.
The Champions of Equality ceremony will honor Bostrom alongside other distinguished leaders who have shaped the landscape of tennis and championed equity across generations. Their stories reflect the enduring power of sport to drive social change.
For more information about the USTA’s Champions of Equality initiative and the 2025 US Open, visit www.usta.com.
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