Volunteer Paula Coco works the radio from the volunteer command post at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.
A lot happens at the Delray Beach International Championships besides 100 mph serves, autographs, food, music and family fun. For instance, there are more than 200 volunteers and a 450-member team that handle logistics from answering phones to ushering fans to their seats and everything in-between. The Delray Beach ITC, an Association of Tennis Professionals Pro event, is a labor of love for those involved.
Delray Beach resident Paula Coco is known to her 200-plus volunteer member team as the “Queen Volunteer.” Coco oversees a staff that works office jobs, hospitality tents, provides information and collects tickets as ushers.
“We do a little bit of everything to help out,” Coco said. “Otherwise they [organizers] couldn’t run the tournament.”
Coco has been volunteering at the tournament for 17 years.
“I love the atmosphere… I love tennis! This staff has been tremendous over the years. I guess you can call it a labor of love,” she said.