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Tennis Changes Everything

Every serve, every scholarship, and every restored court in 2025 started with a shared vision: making tennis accessible to everyone across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and eastern/southern West Virginia. We are proud to release the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year for our region.

Inside, you will see how your support broke down financial barriers, energized local schools, and brought the physical and mental wellness of tennis to thousands of new players. This report is not just a recap of our progress; it is proof of what happens when we come together to bring the invaluable impact of tennis to all. 

A Look at What You Made Possible in 2025

  • Awarded 64 Junior Player Scholarships, removing financial barriers to equipment, coaching, and competition fees.
  • Reached a single-year high of 512 participants through Girls Rule the Court™. In addition, 24 players were selected for the Net Generation US Open On-Court Experience. 
  • Introduced 69,746 students to tennis through school-based programming.
  • Distributed $22,200 in facility restoration grants to create safer, accessible public courts across the region.

The Power of Our Regional Growth

The numbers tell a compelling story, but the real transformation happens on local courts across our community: 

  • 1.4 million people played tennis in the Mid-Atlantic last year, meaning 1 in 11 residents actively engaged with the sport. 
  • More than $500,000 was raised at the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala, directly funding initiatives that bring tennis to underserved communities. 

Every milestone from this past year belongs to the players, donors, volunteers, and advocates who show up for our community.

Explore the Impact

Our 2025 Impact Report is an invitation to celebrate how far we have come and see where we are headed next.

View the 2025 Impact Report

Ready to help us make 2026 even stronger? Visit ustamidatlanticfoundation.org 

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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.

How the 2026 Summer Smash is putting more local kids on court 

Thanks to the incredible energy and generosity of our tennis community, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s fifth annual Summer Smash Peer-to-Peer fundraiser was officially one for the record books.

Running May 15 through June 30, supporters across the Mid-Atlantic region stepped up to raise $20,000 for the foundation’s Junior Player Scholarship program.

Every dollar raised through Summer Smash directly breaks down financial barriers for young athletes. Since 2018, scholarship applications in our region have grown by almost 3,000%. Behind every application is a child who wants to compete, improve and belong. Building on momentum from 2025, when donor support enabled the foundation to award scholarships to 63 deserving players, this year’s total ensures even more youth can access lessons, equipment, court time and the lifelong wellness benefits of the sport. 

This milestone achievement was fueled by extraordinary teamwork. Generous donors Scott Hulsey, Stephen Bou and the Tokki Catalyst Foundation issued a $10,000 matching challenge, doubling the impact of individual contributions. To propel the campaign across the finish line, The Brammer Family provided a tournament-day boost live from the Mubadala DC Open.

A peer-to-peer fundraiser relies on its community champions. The campaign featured spirited friendly competition from groups like the Sting RAYS!, Karen Murrell’s team and the Slice Girls for Summer Smash.

A massive congratulations goes to top fundraising team co-captains Ella McManus and Cathleen Porter. Together, their squad rallied their network to raise an incredible $3,800.

As the grand prize winners, Ella, Cathleen and their entire team earned a VIP experience in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation suite at the Mubadala DC Open. Celebrating their incredible achievement together while taking in world-class tennis was a highlight of the summer and a testament to what local supporters can achieve together.

Whether you formed a team, made a gift or shared the mission, you helped make a lasting difference in the lives of local kids. Thank you for serving up opportunities and helping young athletes thrive on and off the court. We already can’t wait to smash more goals together next year! 

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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.

Dyanmic Warm-Up routine blog cover

Dynamic Warm-Up Routine before you start playing ft. The Tennis Files

Dyanmic Warm-Up routine blog cover

Dynamic Warm-Up Routine before you start playing ft. The Tennis Files

5-minute Read

In this article, learn how to do a dynamic warm-up before picking up a racquet.

What is a dynamic warm-up?

According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a dynamic warm-up is a less-intensive series of exercises that allows the body to slowly adjust to the demands of the upcoming sport or activity.

Static vs. Dynamic Warm-Up

A static warm-up, or stretching, involves holding a position for a brief moment to loosen and lengthen the muscle. A dynamic warm-up involves performing low-impact movement to prepare the body for more demanding physical activity, like playing tennis.

Dynamic Warm-Up

Merbhan Iranshad, host of The Tennis Files, explains a set of dynamic warm-up exercises and how to perform each movement in the video below.

Based on the video, to the left is a list of exercises to go through during the warm-up. Ideally, you will perform each movement from one doubles sideline to the other doubles sideline and back (one lap). 

As you perform each exercise, take a few steps in between. A few of these exercises require less movement and will be counting repetitions over going up and down one lap. 

  • Jumping Jacks – 20 reps per variation
  • Walking Knee Hugs – 1 lap
  • Side Knee Hugs – 1 lap
  • Quad Hold and Reach – 1 lap
  • Frankensteins – 1 lap
  • Side Lunge with Lift – 10 each side
  • Air Squats – 10-15 reps
  • Monster Walks – 1 lap
  • Shoulder Ys, Ts, Ws and Low Rows – 15 reps per variation
  • Twists – 10 each side

As you become comfortable with dynamic warm-ups, you can tailor it to your needs. For example, you can combine a walking knee hug into a lunge and twist 1 lap on the court. That’s combining three exercises into one. You can also add or remove certain exercises in this list. 

If you are a beginner or new to dynamic warm-up, keep the movements simple, and talk to your local tennis coach to determine the best dynamic warm-up routine for your needs. 

Now that you know how to properly warm up, it’s time to get on the courts and start playing! 

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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.

Play USTA Tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic

How to Sign Up for a USTA Mid-Atlantic Tournament

Play USTA Tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic

Interested in competing but short on time? Tournaments offer a fun, competitive environment for players of all levels. The best part is you can play over days, not weeks! Use this guide to find your next match and get registered in minutes. 

What are USTA Tournaments

3-Minute Read

USTA Tournaments are organized tennis competitions that allow players of all ages and skill levels to compete against others in a structured format. These events range from local community matches to premier regional championships and national qualifiers, providing opportunities for individual growth and competitive play across the Mid-Atlantic. Visit USTA for more information about USTA Tournaments.

Terms to know

Before you sign up for a USTA Tournament, you will need to know the following: 

  • USTA Website is the online hub for USTA. It’s where you’ll go to find local programs, and create a player profile. You can also see your match results, current ranking, and more.

  • USTA Membership is needed to play in a USTA tournament. Beyond tournament play, a paid membership grants access to exclusive discounts and perks.

  • Adult Tournament Calendar is your go-to resource for viewing all upcoming competitive events in the Mid-Atlantic. You can use it to plan your schedule, browse tournament dates, and easily find registration links for both sanctioned and non-sanctioned events throughout the year. Tournaments are added throughout the year, so this is updated weekly with new events.

Sanctioned vs. Unsanctioned USTA Tournaments:

USTA Tournaments are divided into sanctioned and unsanctioned tournaments. Sanctioned tournaments are USTA-approved events following official rules and regulations. By competing here, you build your official USTA ranking—your key to qualifying for higher-level tournaments and national championships.  Unsanctioned tournaments are not used for ranking and do not have to follow USTA rules and regulations. For this article, we are going to focus on sanctioned USTA Tournaments.

How to Sign Up

Follow these steps to register for a tournament. 

  1. Visit USTA.com.

  2. Click Log In if you have an account or Sign Up if you need an account.

  3. Once you log in, hover over Play on the navigation menu and Under Find Local Tennis, select “Find Tournaments.”

  4. Under Player Category select Adult. Type in the location or keyword. (This can be the tournament name, zipcode, city/town, state, or a code that someone provided you. You can also search by section/district. Select your preferred competition window then hit Search.

  5.  A list of tournaments within your location parameters will pop up. You have the option to continue to refine the filter to find a specific tournament. After you find  a tournament you are interested in and click the name of the tournament.

  6. Scroll down to view events available and select an event by clicking the button with the event cost shown. Some tournaments allow you to register for multiple events. If interested, select another event. 

  7. After you select the event/events, click the blue “Go To Checkout.”

  8. Scroll down to your name and the check box next to it. Then click the, “Continue to Payment” button.

  9. Click on “Confirm Entries & Pay.” You will then be directed to a payment portal via Stripe.

  10.  Fill out your credit card information, click save. Then click the  “Confirm Entries & Pay” button. Note that your payment method will not be charged until the tournament registration closes and you’re selected to play the event.

  11. You will receive a confirmation email and you are officially registered for your USTA Mid-Atlantic Tournament! Please note the registration deadline, the tournament’s refund policy,  and when the draws are published. 

Participating in a USTA Mid-Atlantic tournament is a fantastic way to sharpen your skills, meet new players, and experience the thrill of competitive tennis – all on a schedule that works for you.

Follow the steps above to secure your spot, and we’ll see you on the court!  If you have any additional questions or need guidance, remember tournament staff at USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation are available to help you have the best experience possible.

For further questions about tournaments or registration, email tournaments@mas.usta.com.

Remember to tag us in your tournament photos! Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn. 

 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.

how to register for a usta league in the mid-atlantic

How to sign up for a USTA League

how to register for a usta league in the mid-atlantic

Ready to compete on a team and build community on court? USTA Mid-Atlantic Adult Leagues offer a fun, competitive environment for players of all levels. Whether you are looking to captain a new team or join an existing one, follow this guide to get started.

What is USTA League?

3-Minute Read

USTA League is the country’s largest adult competitive tennis league. It’s a great way to stay active, improve your game, and make life-long friendships through team competition. Additionally, many of the leagues offer the opportunity to advance to a regional, sectional, or national championship. 

USTA Leagues are often organized by age and skill level using players’ NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) Rating. Further, a variety of league formats are available such as Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Visit USTA.com to learn more about USTA Leagues. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation runs a variety of leagues across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Check out the local league calendar to see USTA Leagues available near you. 

Terms to Know

Follow these steps to register for a USTA League. It’s recommended to receive a team code from an Area League Manager or from a USTA League Captain and the team you are joining.

  1. Visit USTA.com.

     

  2. Click Log In if you have an account or Sign Up if you need an account.

     

  3. Once you log in, hover over Play on the navigation menu and Under Find Local Tennis, select “Find a League.”

     

  4. You will then be directed to another window and to the TennisLink Page where you will be able to register for a USTA League.

     

  5. Hover over USTA League in the top right and select, “Register with a Team #”.  if you have a Team Number from your Team Captain. If you don’t have a team number select “Find & Sign Up for a League.”

     

  6. Your USTA Account Number, phone number, and email address are already filled out. Type in your Team Number. Then select the Continue button.

     

  7. After you add your payment information, double-check that you are registering for the correct league, and select submit.

     

  8. That’s it! You will receive an email confirmation and receipt. The next step is to wait for your League Captain to send the schedule and any team information. 

How to Sign Up

Before you sign up for a  USTA League, you will need the following:

  • Area League Managers (ALMs) are your local experts. They know what leagues are upcoming and can help get you connected to teams in your area.

  • USTA Website is the online hub for USTA. It’s where you’ll go to find local programs and create a player profile.

  • TennisLink allows you to register for leagues, see your match schedule, and check your scores.

  • A USTA Membership is needed to register to play in a USTA League. Beyond league play, a paid membership grants access to exclusive discounts and perks. 

  • An NTRP Rating is needed by each player before they register for a team. If you don’t have a rating, you will be prompted to self-rate within the Tennislink system.

  • Team Code is needed to register for a team. Typically, your team captain or ALM will send that out.

  • Local League Calendar published by the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation lists the available leagues in the section.

  • Contact Mid-Atlantic Staff by email at leagues@mas.usta.com for assistance in finding a team or help with registering for a team.

If you selected “Find & Sign Up for a League” you will be able to set the filters to find a league that best suits your needs. You may be prompted to self-rate or update your membership, Once you select leagues you are interested in, your name will be added to our Tennis Connect list where captains will be able to request to contact you. 

For further questions about leagues, finding players, or signing up, please contact your ALM. 

Joining a USTA league is a rewarding way to improve your game, meet new players, and experience competitive tennis in a supportive community. By following the registration steps, you can secure your spot on a team and start playing in a USTA league. If you have any additional questions or need guidance, reach out to your Area League Manager or team captain.

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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.