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 Tina, a player turned mentor who is making a lasting impact by helping young girls discover their strength through tennis.
Tina’s journey with tennis began ten years ago when her children first started learning to play. It was a new challenge for her, one she did not have access to as a child, but something she quickly fell in love with.
“Tennis has opened up so many doors for me,” she said. “It has improved my health, helped me make friends and given me a way to connect with my community.”
Through USTA League play, Tina found a love for the game that went beyond the competition. When she learned about Girls Rule the Court™ and the need for volunteers, she knew it was time to share her experience with others.
“I wanted to give girls who may not have easy access to tennis a chance to experience it early,” Tina said. “This program gives them more than just skills on the court. It gives them confidence, encouragement and a sense of belonging.”
Each week, Tina helps lead activities both on and off the court, combining tennis drills with social and emotional learning. One of her favorite moments comes at the end of each session, when the girls give a “shout out” to something that brought them joy.
“I love hearing them say they are proud to learn a new skill or how they appreciate their teammates and coaches,” she said. “They are so open and eager to support one another. It reminds me how much they want to be seen and heard.”
Tina has watched many of the girls grow, both in their game and in their self-confidence. What begins with uncertainty often transforms into boldness, teamwork and pride.
“We try to move them from saying ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’t yet,’” she said. “That mindset shift helps them keep going, and we see it pay off when they start rallying or speaking up with more confidence.”
The impact of Girls Rule the Court™ is deeply personal for Tina. As a first-generation American who immigrated to the United States as a young child, she reflects on how different her life may have been if she had access to a program like this.
“If I had women pouring into me the way we do for these girls, helping to build my self-confidence, it would have been a game changer,” she said. “Now I get to be part of that change for someone else.”
When asked what she would say to others considering volunteering, Tina is clear.
“Do not hesitate,” she said. “These girls are looking for mentors in a safe and fun environment. If tennis has given you something meaningful, this is your chance to give back.”
Whether you play, coach or simply love the game, you can make a difference. Visit our Volunteer Hub and get started today.
In the heart of Charles City County, Virginia, an initiative is making waves. QuickStart Children of VA (QCV), a nonprofit dedicated to introducing tennis and literacy to young children, has expanded its impact with the support of a USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Community Engagement Grant. This grant has helped provide essential tennis equipment to preschoolers in Charles City, ensuring that the joy of play and learning go hand in hand.
A Vision for Change
Lynda Harrill, the founder of QuickStart Children of VA, has been on a mission since 2009 to promote QuickStart Tennis (now called Red Ball Tennis) format in underserved rural areas. “We trained about 2,000 people to use the QuickStart (Red Ball) format and we ended up taking tennis to 252 schools and 117,000 kids,” Harrill shared.
But it’s not just about tennis—it’s about the holistic development of children. Recognizing the link between literacy and long-term success, QCV launched the “Racquets for Reading!!!” initiative, which provides books to young children in an effort to build home libraries and encourage early literacy.
Bringing Tennis and Books to Charles City
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Community Engagement Grant provided $1,300 to help outfit Charles City Elementary School’s preschool classrooms with age-appropriate tennis equipment.
After moving from Charlottesville to Williamsburg, Va., Harrill learned schools around Charles City County had one of the lowest reading scores in the state. She visited Charles City Elementary to talk to the librarian and also learned they had no budget for books. From there, she knew Charles City was next on the list.
“We started off with the Bright Stars-Tennis for Me, which is a program we do for pre-K kids,” said Harrill. And then we got into Racquets for Reading, and the grant helped us with funding the tennis equipment,” Harrill explained.
Each preschool classroom received a 19-inch racquet, red foam balls, a 10-foot portable net, and traffic cones—giving children access to structured play that enhances both motor skills and social development. “The minute the kids hear ‘tennis,’ they start jumping up and down,” Harrill said.
From Tennis to Literacy: A Winning Combination
The program isn’t just about athletic skills; it’s about creating well-rounded, confident kids. QCV worked tirelessly to bring books and tennis into these children’s lives. Through Racquets for Reading!!!, preschoolers and kindergartners receive between 8 and 12 books per year to build their home libraries, helping them develop essential pre-reading skills.
Harrill has seen firsthand the impact of this initiative. “I was reading to the kids at a pumpkin day event, and I held up a leaf from my yard labeled ‘Viburnum.’ A four-year-old looked up at me and said, ‘What’s viburnum?’ She had sounded it out herself. That’s why we (QCV) do this,” she recalled.
Why It Matters
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Community Engagement Grant awarded to QuickStart Children of VA is more than just funding—it’s about providing a foundation for lifelong learning and physical activity. “Tennis players are the best role models out of all the athletes, and I think that’s who we need to promote with kids,” Harrill emphasized.
For Charles City’s youngest learners, the partnership between QCV and USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation isn’t just creating opportunities—it’s changing futures. Whether it’s the thrill of hitting their first tennis ball or the joy of reading their first book, these children are swinging towards a brighter tomorrow.When you make a gift to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, you are directly supporting organizations like Quickstart Children of Virginia, to continue making a positive difference in our tennis communities.
The Mid-Atlantic tennis community is filled with inspiring individuals and organizations making a profound impact on the sport. Each year, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation celebrates these tennis champions through our Annual Awards program, recognizing those who go above and beyond to grow and enhance the game in the region.
In 2024, we continue to honor individuals and community providers who embody our core values of Community, Character, and Well-being as part of the “USTA Mid-Atlantic Creates” theme. Their dedication is shaping the future of tennis, and their contributions to the sport have touched countless lives across the region.
This year, many nominations were submitted, each showcasing remarkable stories of leadership, passion, and commitment. After a thorough selection process, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation proudly introduces the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Creates Award winners, individuals and organizations whose positive influence extends far beyond the court.
On a crisp fall afternoon in Richmond, Virginia, the red clay court hums with the sounds of tennis balls and laughter. Among the cheers of parents and volunteers, one coach stands at the center, rallying the players with his characteristic energy and warmth. Gordon Macgill, who once spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, now spends his days doing what he loves most—teaching tennis and transforming lives. This year, Gordon will be one of the recipients of the Tennis Creates Award for Coach of the Year.
Love at First Swing: A Lifelong Tennis Journey
Gordon’s relationship with tennis began unconventionally. Growing up in a small town in Southwest Virginia, he and his brothers would grab racquetball rackets and hit whatever ball they could find. Fortunately, a tennis court sat just down the street, where he began private lessons. “It was almost like having a court in my backyard,” Gordon recalls. “My first real racket was a Head Arthur Ashe Composition, and I still remember wearing my Lacoste polo shirt, trying to emulate my heroes.”
When Gordon’s family relocated to Richmond, tennis became more than a pastime—it became part of his identity. He played through middle and high school, winning a state title with Douglas Freeman High School. At Hampden-Sydney College, Gordon captained his team for two years, and after graduation, he continued competing in USTA leagues, even earning a spot at Nationals in Tucson, Arizona.
But despite a lifetime immersed in the game, tennis was a passion Gordon didn’t fully realize would define his life until later. For over 25 years, Gordon pursued a career in the corporate world, working at Capital One. Yet, a voice inside him kept whispering—what if he dedicated his life to tennis and the communities he cared about?
A Leap of Faith: From Corporate Life to Coaching
In 2019, that whisper became a calling. Gordon, with the unwavering support of his wife, Andrea, boldly decided to leave behind a stable corporate career to follow his dream of teaching tennis. “It was a leap of faith,” Gordon admits. “But I knew I needed to reinvent myself—and tennis was the way to do it.”
During this transition, Gordon found a new passion—working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. His path crossed with Love Serving Autism (LSA), a non-profit that combines therapeutic racquet sports instruction with social and emotional development. Gordon saw an opportunity to blend his love of tennis with his desire to serve others, and in 2021, he launched the Richmond chapter of LSA, holding clinics on a private red clay court.
What started as a small, grassroots effort quickly blossomed into something remarkable. Word spread throughout the community and players and volunteers flocked to Gordon’s clinics, eager to be part of something special. “The first time I ran an LSA clinic on that red clay court, it felt like magic,” Gordon recalls. “Parents stayed to cheer their kids on, which became this incredible family atmosphere.”
More Than a Coach: Changing Lives On and Off the Court
Gordon’s coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: tennis should be fun and inclusive. Whether working with beginners or competitive players, Gordon builds relationships and fosters personal growth. “It’s not just about tennis,” he explains. “It’s about creating a positive environment where every player feels valued, no matter their level.”
His impact is evident in the lives he’s touched. One of his players, who started tennis through Gordon’s clinic, recently won a medal in the Special Olympics—a moment Gordon treasures. “To see how far they’ve come, both on the court and in life, is why I do this,” he says.
Gordon’s coaching goes far beyond the clinics. He sends personal videos to students, attends their school matches, and checks in with parents. One former baseball player, inspired by Gordon’s guidance, transitioned to tennis, played for his university’s team, and eventually became a coach. “It’s moments like these that remind me I’m right where I need to be,” Gordon reflects.
His work with LSA has also created ripples throughout the community. Volunteers—former players and local tennis enthusiasts—have become part of his mission, helping at clinics and building friendships with participants. “It’s a village we’ve created, and it’s something extraordinary,” Gordon says.
A Champion of Inclusion and Growth
At the core of everything Gordon does is the belief that tennis is for everyone. “One of the biggest challenges in the autism community is finding social activities that get kids off the sofa and into the world,” Gordon explains. His adaptive clinics teach tennis skills and promote character development and emotional well-being. “We talk about our emotions, and at the end of every session, we have a big group cheer. It’s not just about tennis—it’s about connection.”
In addition to his work with LSA, Gordon was is an assistant coach for the Douglas Freeman Girls Tennis Team, helping guide them to back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023. His ability to coach players of all levels—from kids just starting to competitive high school athletes—reflects his versatility and dedication.
“He brings out the best in everyone,” one parent shares. “He coached my daughter, who struggled with anxiety, and through his patience and kindness, she not only improved her game but also found her confidence.”
The Heart of a Servant, the Spirit of a Coach
For Gordon, coaching tennis is more than a career—it’s a calling. “My serve has always been my greatest weapon on the court,” Gordon says with a smile, “but now, serving others is my greatest passion.”
Gordon’s journey from the corporate world to the tennis court is a testament to the power of following your heart. His ability to inspire, teach, and build community is why he is a deserving recipient of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year Award.Through every lesson, clinic, and conversation, Gordon Macgill proves that tennis is more than a game—it’s a way to connect, grow, and uplift others. As he reflects on his journey, Gordon shares a final thought: “Tennis forces you to constantly problem-solve and self-motivate—skills everyone can benefit from, on or off the court. And at the end of the day, it’s not about winning matches—it’s about spreading joy through the game I love.”
With Gordon at the helm, the future of tennis in Richmond—and beyond—is brighter, more inclusive, and filled with possibility. His commitment and leap of faith are why he’s not just a coach—he’s a changemaker, a mentor, and a beacon of hope. And that is why he truly deserves to be named Coach of the Year.
Congratulations to all the 2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic award winners! Gordon will be awarded, along with the other honorees, at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 2nd Annual Tennis Creates Gala, presented by OneLife Fitness, on December 7, 2024. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions to the tennis community. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out! Tickets can be purchased here.
Congratulations to Cathy Porter and Eleanor McManus for being our 2024 Summer Smash Challenge Winners! Together, they formed a fundraising team to raise money for Junior Player Scholarships, which will benefit 89 recipients this year in the Mid-Atlantic.
With the help of our Summer Smash matching donors, Chris Gilman and Scott Hulsey, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation raised $13,000, which will help junior tennis players offset costs associated with playing tennis such as equipment, lessons, and entry fees. These scholarships have supported players like Jaelynn Perez, who used the scholarship to help pay for tennis lessons and equipment and reached the finals in her first tennis tournament.
The Summer Smash Challenge is an annual fundraising campaign where individuals form teams to compete to raise the most funds for youth tennis scholarships. The check was presented during the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 31, 2024, at Rock Creek Park. Tynika Wilson, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s USTA Delegate, accepted the check on behalf of USTA Mid-Atlantic. We also want to take the time to say thank you to Tennis Topia and Pickleball and our matching donors for helping grow youth tennis in the Mid-Atlantic community!
Ben Solomon/Mubadala Citi DC Open
Summer Smash Challenge is one of many ways you can help grow and promote tennis in the Mid-Atlantic. Learn how you can help grow tennis and promote tennis in the Mid-Atlantic community by visiting www.ustafoundationmidatlantic.org.
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. Your support can create a lasting impact in a young player’s life. Help us continue growing tennis in the Mid-Atlantic and fostering character, community, and well-being. Make your gift today.
Kids want to play tennis and all we have to do is put them on a path to get into the game. But sometimes, things get in the way. The cost of lessons or tennis summer camp fees, or even equipment can be more than some can afford. This is why we fundraise!
Your support helps youth players in need access the benefits of tennis. By contributing, you ensure all children have equal opportunities to enjoy the physical, social, and emotional advantages of playing tennis.
All children deserve to play tennis and scholarships from USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation make it so more youth can get into and stay in the sport.
Join USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation and support theSummer Smashchallenge. This year all money raised in the challenge will fund scholarships for youth tennis players.
And we need you now more than ever.
The 2024 spring Junior Player Scholarship application period saw an incredible 40% increase since 2023. We’ve received more applications than ever before. We will exhaust all of our scholarship funding in this first round of applications.But so many more kids need help and need to be able to play tennis!
Tennis continues to be an outlet for kids to get involved, make friends, and be active. This year’s Summer Smash challenge will directly fund our Junior Player Scholarship so that youth tennis players can gain the healthy benefits of the sport we all love!
Let’s Smash the Challenge Together
This challenge provides a fun, easy way for your team to compete against other Mid-Atlantic teams to see how much money you can raise for the USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Scholarship program. It’s truly a special experience.
“It’s fun sharing something important to me and telling others about its benefits,” said Robin Sanford, the top fundraiser in the 2021 Summer Smash Challenge. “I also love a challenge!”
Since 2018, USTA Mid-Atlantic has awarded scholarships to 179 youth players to help cover expenses related to tennis and keep them playing. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to fund more youth player scholarships and meet the growing needs of players and their families/caregivers.
Thanks to two generous donors, your impact will be doubled with a matching offer up to $5,500! This means we can raise even more this year, maximizing the benefits for our scholarship program with each donation.
Here are the easy steps to get your fundraiser on a roll:
SIGN UP Click here to register as an individual with the option to join a team later!
SHARE YOUR PAGE Personalize your page with your tennis story, photos and videos then share the news with your network.
GET MORE SUPPORTERS Ask your friends and tennis teammates to join your team; you can send them a custom link to sign up on your dashboard. Also, share your fundraising page with friends and family asking them to support you so that more kids can experience the benefits of tennis!
“I set up my page and then emailed it to about 15 people individually, who I thought might be willing to help,” Sanford said. “These were family and friends who I thought would be willing to support my effort and help a good cause, they responded very generously.”
Here are four tips to help guide you toward a successful fundraiser:
Make your first donation to your page, $5, $10, $25 or more is a great way to get started and show others you really care.
Invite your fellow tennis players to join your fundraising team so that together you can reach your goal!
Share your fundraising page with family and friends and ask them to help you reach your goal. Share your page in a text message, on your Facebook page or Instagram page or even send an email! Friends help friends that ask!
Send thank you notes to all who donate to your page and let them know they are helping to change lives through the sport of tennis!
The Perks of the Summer Smash
Now, we do know tennis players love a little friendly competition! In recognition of that, you and your team could WIN big by going big with your efforts.
Summer Smash 2024 top fundraiser prizes:
Mubadala Citi Open Team Experience! Includes (15) tickets for your team to attend the 2024 Citi Open together this summer in Washington, DC among other surprises!
Enjoy a 2-hour tennis clinic for 8 at The Boar’s Head Resort, followed by refreshing beverages with your team at a local brewery in Charlottesville, VA.
Enjoy a Pickleball Social with a 90-minute clinic and a round-robin tournament for 16 people, including 8 players and their guests!
The challenge ends July 17th, so let’s get started!
Participating in Summer Smash is a great way to begin leaving your impact on the Mid-Atlantic tennis community, but your journey doesn’t have to stop there! If you’re looking to do more to grow tennis in your community, there are various ways to get involved year-round and make an impact.
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