Category: Impact

Ray Benton receiving the Visionary Award at the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala.

Join Us on Saturday, December 6 to Honor Visionary Leader Ray Benton

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is proud to announce Ray Benton as the recipient of the 2025 Tennis Creates Visionary Award.

As one of the most successful and influential executives in the tennis industry, Ray’s career has spanned decades of growing the sport of tennis as an agent, promoter, and, most impactfully, as the first Executive Director of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, which grew from four to 50 chapters during his tenure from 1971-77. Most recently, he has served as CEO of the Junior Tennis Champions Center since 2008, where his leadership has produced ATP and WTA professionals, more than 200 college scholarship athletes, and multiple USTA national honors for excellence in player development, programming, and facilities.

Join us on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C., for our Tennis Creates Gala as we celebrate Ray and the power of tennis to create community, character, and well-being.

About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. The organization fosters community, character, and well-being through the sport, ensuring access and opportunities for all.

Follow us on social media:
Facebook: @ustamidatlantic
Instagram: @ustamidatlantic
LinkedIn: midatlanticfoundation
Twitter: @ustamidatlantic
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Hashtags: #ustamidatlanticfoundation

The 2024 Annual Report Is Here, And Thanks to You, We Made Great Strides in the Mid-Atlantic

We’re excited to share that the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report is now available, and it’s filled with the stories, milestones, and momentum you helped create.

Because of your support, tennis across the Mid-Atlantic thrived in 2024. We brought people together, broke down barriers, and created powerful ripple effects in schools, neighborhoods, and communities of every kind.

This report is a celebration of what we can accomplish together when we believe in the power of tennis to change lives.

A Look at What You Made Possible in 2024:

  • 91,400 students were introduced to tennis during school PE classes, sparking healthy habits, fun, and friendship from an early age.
  • 82 scholarships were awarded to junior players (our highest number ever), helping young athletes stay in the game and reach for their goals.
  • Girls Rule the Court™ continued its incredible growth, now reaching 1,000+ girls across the region and boosting confidence, leadership, and resilience.
  • The Tennis Creates Gala brought us all together and raised over $500,000 to power programs that uplift and unite.

These incredible milestones are evidence of what happens when a community rallies around the belief that everyone, regardless of background, income, or ability, deserves access to the benefits of tennis.

Why It Matters

Tennis is a vehicle for opportunity, growth, and connection. In 2024, we saw that come to life again and again:

  • 88 community programs brought people together across neighborhoods, ages, and income levels.
  • Programs served players ages 5 to 85, helping reduce stress, improve physical and mental health, and build social connections.
  • 70% of players used public courts to play, showing how vital it is to invest in accessible, local tennis spaces.
  • And participation across the region surged: 1.4 million Mid-Atlantic residents played tennis, including 53,000 brand-new players, and the highest retention rate across all USTA Sections.

And here’s the best part: This momentum belongs to all of us. Your support, whether as a donor, player, volunteer, or advocate, made it possible.

Take a Look. Then Take the Next Step.

Our 2024 Annual Report is your invitation to see just how far we’ve come and where we’re headed next.

2024 Annual Report

Inside, you’ll find highlights from a banner year, powerful impact stories, and the people like you who make this work possible.

As we look ahead, we’re more energized than ever to:

  • Expand our reach to communities that need us most
  • Grow programs like Girls Rule the Court™
  • Invest in scholarships and public court projects
  • Build equity, connection, and well-being through the game we love

Ready to Rally With Us?

Here’s how you can keep the momentum going:

Make a Donation

Your gift directly supports youth programs, scholarships, and community tennis access.

Make a Gift

Get Involved

Become a coach, mentor, or community ambassador.

Get Involved

Thank you for being part of this mission. Let’s keep building a region where tennis creates community, character, and well-being for everyone.

Together, we are changing the game.

2025 Tennis Creates Gala Impact Award Honoree Stacey Allaster.

US Open Tournament Director Stacey Allaster to ReceiveTennis Creates Impact Award at the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Gala


Annual Tennis Creates Gala Set for Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C.


Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities, and Event Details Available at tenniscreatesgala.com

Arlington, VA (September 9, 2025) — USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation today announced Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive of Professional Tennis and US Open Tournament Director, will be honored with the prestigious Tennis Creates Impact Award at the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala, held Saturday, December 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. The recognition celebrates Allaster’s trailblazing leadership in tennis, her global impact on equity in sport, and her indelible legacy as she ends her tenure as the US Open Tournament Director.

Allaster, the first woman in USTA history to hold the role of US Open Tournament Director, spent decades breaking new ground. From advancing gender equity and player advocacy during her tenure as WTA Chairman & CEO, to reimagining the US Open as a platform for connection, innovation, and inclusivity, her leadership has helped tennis grow not just as a sport, but as a movement. 

“Tennis has been the constant in my life, a source of joy, purpose, and connection,” said Allaster. “To be recognized by the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, an organization so deeply committed to using the sport to change lives and strengthen communities, is profoundly meaningful. As I celebrate my final US Open as Tournament Director, I do so with immense gratitude for all who share in the belief of the transformative power of tennis.”

The Tennis Creates Gala is USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s signature fundraising event, supporting life-changing tennis programs across the region. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, food and drink, entertainment, dancing, and the Tennis Creates Awards, honoring individuals and partners who exemplify the power of tennis to create community, character, and well-being.

“Stacey Allaster’s legacy is one of breaking barriers, elevating the game, and leading with vision and heart,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “As an organization dedicated to advancing equity, access, and community through tennis, we are deeply honored to recognize Stacey with the Tennis Creates Impact Award. Her contributions have not only shaped the sport on the world’s biggest stages, but also inspire the work we do every day to ensure tennis transforms lives across the Mid-Atlantic.”

All proceeds from the Gala benefit USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission to champion tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic.  Through programs like Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation is ensuring that every person, regardless of background or zip code, can experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.

For more information, or for tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit TennisCreatesGala.com. 

About Stacey Allaster
Stacey Allaster is a globally recognized sport and entertainment leader, a passionate champion for equality, and a pioneering innovator in the sport of tennis.
Currently, as Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, and US Open Tournament Director at the United States Tennis Association (USTA), Stacey sets the strategic vision for the US Open, one of the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment events. Her appointment as Tournament Director made history, as she became the first female to hold the role in the USTA’s 140-year history. 

Stacey’s career began at Tennis Canada, where she spent 15 years as Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Tournament Director of the prestigious Canadian Open. In 2006, she transitioned to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA Tour), first as President and later as Chairman & CEO. Under her leadership, the WTA saw dramatic growth, including securing equal prize money at Wimbledon and Roland Garros, increasing player compensation by 100% and expanding women’s tennis across global markets, particularly through the development of a robust strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

A tireless advocate for gender equality, Stacey was awarded the Order of Canada in the Companion Category, the highest civilian honor in her home country, in recognition of her trailblazing work for women’s sports and her mentorship in the field of sports management.

Stacey’s contributions to tennis and sports management continue to inspire future generations, as she remains committed to using the power of sport to change kid’s lives, creating more senior professional opportunities for diverse leaders, and driving lasting change within the sports world.

About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. The organization fosters community, character, and well-being through the sport, ensuring access and opportunities for all.

Follow us on social media:
Facebook: @ustamidatlantic
Instagram: @ustamidatlantic
LinkedIn: midatlanticfoundation
Twitter: @ustamidatlantic
TikTok: @ustamidatlantic 

Hashtags: #ustamidatlanticfoundation

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Celebrate the Game-Changers: Nominations Now Open for the 2025 Tennis Creates Awards

Recipients of the 2024 Tennis Creates Awards group photos at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC.
Nominate Today!

In the Mid-Atlantic tennis community, there is no shortage of individuals, organizations, and groups doing great things to grow tennis and change lives through the sport. From league captains who volunteer their time, to providers and coaches who commit to the advancement of their players and their communities through the sport. 

For over 100 years, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation has been creating community, character and well-being. Each year, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, a nonprofit organization, honors our members, players, providers, and organizers that support and grow tennis in the region and are excelling at many levels to go above and beyond for tennis and the well-being of others.

This year, USTA Mid-Atlantic will turn to the tennis community to nominate outstanding individuals and community providers for the annual Tennis Creates Awards which will continue to align with the guiding principles of Community, Character, and Well-being under the “USTA Mid-Atlantic Creates” theme. 

The award program is rooted with USTA Mid-Atlantic’s mission to promote tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic.” Awards emphasize and celebrate programs and people that create community, build character, and encourage overall well-being. 

Nominations are now OPEN and can be made through this form. You are encouraged to nominate any and all deserving individuals and providers that fulfill the criteria listed for the award categories. Plus, don’t forget to share and tell your tennis friends and organizations to make nominations also! 

The deadline for submitting nominations is July 5 An internal committee will review nominations and select winners. 

For questions and more information, please contact Wornden Ly at wly@mas.usta.com.

2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Award Categories

Provider Champion:

Recognizing a Mid-Atlantic tennis provider of any type including: organizations, facilities, parks and recreation, clubs, school, coach (certified and community-level), tournament director, and other who has stepped up in the community to serve fun, inclusive, and welcoming tennis programs in the Mid-Atlantic that increase access and awareness of the sport. 

  • Consistently creates innovative, impactful, and inclusive programming among able body or adaptive tennis players within the USTA Mid-Atlantic region.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the growth of tennis in underserved communities. 
  • Used targeted outreach to diversify and engage individuals, communities, ethnicities who might not try tennis otherwise
  • Broadened reach and impact through partnerships and collaboration with other individuals and organizations
  • Goes above and beyond to make tennis welcoming (ie: fun, flexible, priced appropriately, accessible, geared toward varying ability and experience levels and ages, emphasizes sportsmanship).
  • Facilitate two or more USTA programs 
  • Registered tennis programs through USTA’s Serve Tennis.
  • USTA Safe Play approved and in good standing 
Nominate A Provider

Community Champion:

Recognizing a tennis player in the Mid-Atlantic region who has gone above and beyond to serve the community, grow tennis, and increase access to the sport in the region. 

  • All ages are eligible for this award category.
  • Participant in USTA Mid-Atlantic tennis events/programming (including but not limited to: USTA Mid-Atlantic tournaments, wheelchair tennis programming, JTT programs, USTA League, team challenges, junior circuit events, Mid-Atlantic team events, etc.) or active in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Program.
  • Signed the Mid-Atlantic ACES Sportsmanship Pledge
Nominate A Gamechanger

Youth Leader:

Recognizing a youth tennis player in the Mid-Atlantic who exudes the ideals and values (community, character, well-being and DE&I) of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation both on and off the court. This award is given to someone who has demonstrated leadership skills for his/her team, character development with sportsmanship recognition, while encouraging and teaching/modeling respect for others, inclusivity and ethics.  

  • Age 17 and under
  • Participant in USTA Mid-Atlantic programs such as JTT, Tournaments (any level), Team Challenge/Junior Circuit programs and/or school tennis team (MS/HS); and/or a youth associated with a Mid-Atlantic organization (CTA/NJTL); and/or other Mid-Atlantic youth tennis programs (Girls Rule the Court, High School Ambassador program, Junior Scholarship recipient). 
  • Signed the Mid-Atlantic ACES Sportsmanship Pledge
Nominate A Youth Leader

Adult Leader:

Recognizing an adult tennis player in the Mid-Atlantic region who exudes the ideals and values (community, character, well-being and DE&I) of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation both on and off the court. This individual is a proponent for tennis, supporting the growth of the sport, advocates for tennis and encourages others to get involved in the game. This award is given to someone who has volunteered and/or supported the philanthropic growth of USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation and/or demonstrated leadership skills for his/her team, community program, and/or tennis facility, and consistently showcases sportsmanship. 

  • Age 18 and older
  • Participant in USTA Leagues, Tournaments, Adult Social programming, Tennis On Campus, College tennis or community organizers involved in Park & Recreation departments, NJTL and/or CTA organizations; or involved in Girls Rule the Court 
  • Can also include parents/guardians whose children are involved in a form of USTA Mid-Atlantic programming
  • Can also include volunteers registered on the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Volunteer Hub
  • Signed the Mid-Atlantic Sportsmanship ACES Pledge (if a parent and/or player in USTA Programs).
Nominate an Adult Leader

Tennis in the Classroom:

Recognizing administrators, teachers, and school tennis providers (i.e. high school and middle school team coaches, school administrators/athletic directors, school parent liaisons, and/or after school tennis program leaders) who go above and beyond to keep their students active with tennis. Nominations open for those working within grades K-12 in the Mid-Atlantic region. USTA SafePlay approved and in good standing. 

  • Physical Education Teachers  
  • High School Tennis Team Coach
  • Middle School Tennis Team Coach
  • After School Tennis Leader 
  • School or Association Administrator
Nominate a Coach

Coach of the Year:

This award is given to a coach/provider in the Mid-Atlantic who ensures their programming can be played by all ages and ability levels and that all who play have the opportunity to benefit from the long-lasting physical and social-emotional aspects of the sport.

  • Be a registered teaching professional and/or certified coach, or a community-level/school-based coach
  • Safe Play approved and in good standing 
  • Create innovative, impactful, and inclusive programming
  • Demonstrates commitment to introducing the sport to new audiences; developing players of all ability levels; and retaining players throughout the tennis pathway that is most beneficial to the individual(s).
Nominate Today!

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being. Make an impact beyond the net and donate today.

To find more information on past USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation award winners, click here.

Volunteering Together: A Story of Love and Service

As part of Volunteer Appreciation Week 2025, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is proud to shine a light on the people who make a difference both on and off the court. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, and their dedication helps create a community where tennis is accessible, inclusive and inspiring for all.

This is the story of Brian Banks, a volunteer whose support, compassion and commitment to family embody everything this week is about.

For Brian Banks, volunteering with USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is rooted in love, support and a shared passion for sports.

Brian’s journey into volunteering started through his wife, Sheela, a lifelong tennis player and former Division I athlete. When Sheela was looking for ways to reconnect with the sport, Brian encouraged her to volunteer at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Kids’ Day at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. Seeing her light up on the court, he knew he wanted to be part of it too.

“The next year, I joined her as a volunteer,” Brian said. “But even before that, I had already helped out at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Centennial Gala. I was inspired by Sheela’s passion for tennis and everything the sport teaches, especially to kids.”

Since then, Brian has continued to support Sheela’s work and the Foundation in many ways, from helping with school-based programs such the Red Ball Team Tennis program to greeting guests at special events. His reason is simple.

“I am here to support my wife. That is what matters most,” he said. “And if I can do that while having fun, staying active and meeting some great people, it makes the experience even better.”

Brian’s favorite memories are often tied to moments of encouragement and connection. He remembers one especially touching moment at the 2024 Kids’ Day when a young girl told him she was not having fun because she could not hit the ball.

“I took five seconds to show her how to hold the racquet and follow through,” he said. “She ended up being one of the best hitters of the day. Her dad thanked me and said I made her day. That was so meaningful to me.”

These moments are what volunteering is all about for Brian. It is also about setting an example for his daughter, Skylar.

“I want her to see that helping others matters. It is part of life. When she sees both of us volunteering, I hope it shows her the importance of community.”

Even after Sheela became a full-time employee at the Foundation, Brian has stayed actively involved.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of these programs,” he said. “Without them, we would not be able to serve so many kids and families. I am proud to be part of that.”

Brian sees the mission of USTA Mid-Atlantic in action every time he volunteers. From introducing tennis to kids who have never picked up a racquet to helping families find affordable ways to stay active, the impact is lasting.

“This Foundation gives people access to something that can truly change lives,” he said. “You are helping build confidence, character and a love for a sport that can last a lifetime.”

When asked what advice he would give someone considering volunteering, Brian is quick to respond.

“Do it,” he said. “You do not need to be a tennis player or a coach. There are so many ways to get involved. Just check the website and find something that speaks to you. I promise it will be worth it.”

Want to make a difference through tennis? Explore our Volunteer Hub and discover how you can give back on and off the court.

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.