Tag: Community

Boy preparing to hit a tennis serve.

Serving Up Familia: How One Family Found Joy and Community in Tennis

When the Ramirez family hits the tennis courts, it is more than a match. It is familia in motion. What started as a casual family pastime has evolved into a joyful way of life, reflecting how tennis is fostering connections within the Hispanic community across the Mid-Atlantic.

It began when Nathan, now 9, spotted a U.S. Open match on TV. He was just 3 but mesmerized by the movement and energy. Pointing to the screen in his then-toddler voice, he told his dad, Enrique, “That,” and asked if they could play tennis together. For Enrique, who grew up playing tennis and loved the quiet mental game of the sport, it was a special moment. He never imagined his young son would share that passion so early. Soon, the two were rallying in the driveway and finding a coach.

Not long after, Nathan’s younger sister Lily, now 8, joined in, inspired by her brother’s excitement. Their toddler sister, Olivia, 3, is already following in their footsteps in her own way, carrying tennis balls and trying to swing a racquet whenever she can. The family quickly discovered that tennis was not just an activity. It became a shared rhythm of weekends on the courts, lessons, and backyard practices that drew them closer together.

“Familia to me means unity, celebrating little milestones, and supporting each other through challenges,” said Nathan’s mom, Jenny Lopez-Ramirez. Jenny, who grew up in a family devoted to soccer, said tennis has introduced something new and powerful to their lives. “For me, it is about what I like to call breaking the stereotype,” she said. “I grew up in a family that was very big on soccer; we still have soccer in our bloodline. And so my husband grew up playing tennis, and when we brought tennis within our family and shared the sport with our children, it brought not just our immediate family together, but our extended family closer as well”.

For Nathan, tennis is as much about character as competition. “Tennis means emotions,” he said. “The happiness of winning, the anger of losing, and the challenge of trying again”. He said his goal is to be No. 1 in the Mid-Atlantic. Even while rehabbing an ankle injury, he stays determined. “Keep practicing and reach your goal of trying to be good at tennis,” he said.

That same drive and excitement has inspired his younger sister to develop her own love for the game. Lily said what she likes best about tennis is playing matches, especially singles. When asked about her favorite pro, she answered quickly: “Coco Gauff.” She added that her favorite shot is her forehand and that she has already made seven new tennis friends.

Both Jenny and Enrique said they see how tennis builds resilience and leadership. “It is a sport that teaches self-motivation,” said Jennifer. “Win or lose, it is up to you, but you have your family cheering every step of the way”. Enrique added that tennis provides lessons that children can carry with them for life. “Go for it,” he said. “It can be a lifelong sport”.

The Ramirez story reflects a broader trend. According to the 2025 USTA Tennis Participation Report, 18% of tennis players in the U.S. identify as Hispanic or Latino, a figure that continues to climb. In the Mid-Atlantic, participation reached 1.5 million players in 2024, a 14% year-over-year increase and a record-high participation rate of 9.6%, which is above the national average. Programs such as USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Girls Rule the Court™ and tennis-in-PE initiatives in schools across the region are making it easier for students and families to discover and enjoy the sport.

This Hispanic Heritage Month, the Ramirez family offers a reminder that tennis is more than a game. It is a way to honor familia, celebrate culture, and create connections that last for generations.

Ready to create your own family tennis story?

Explore USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation youth programs that nurture young players, as well as adult opportunities that keep the whole family active. Visit our website to find programs for every age and skill level.

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.

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.

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.

From Player to Mentor: Tina’s Journey with Girls Rule the Court

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.

Girls Rule the Court Team Photo
Women smiling for a selfie.
women standing on a tennis court.

“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.

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.

Breaking Barriers: QuickStart Children of VA and USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Impact in Charles City

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.

2025 Virginia Spring Tennis Preview: Can Tennis Siblings be the answer to winning multiple titles? 

Spring is nearly here, and with it comes the highly anticipated 2025 VHSL Tennis Championships! Schools across Virginia are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling season. Last year’s champions, like Langley, who took home both the boys’ and girls’ team titles in Class 6, and Broad Run, who dominated the Class 4 Girls Championship by claiming all three titles, have set the bar high. But with fresh faces and new rivalries, the stakes are higher than ever!

Could sibling power be the secret to success? Last year, the Rotaru sisters, Izzy and Lexi, stole the show in Class 4, taking the doubles title for Broad Run in a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over E.C. Glass’s Tovia Carothers and Mary Kennedy. Will more sibling duos rise to the occasion this year and make their mark on the court?

As always, each season brings new challenges—seniors graduating, rookies stepping up, and coaches scrambling to find the perfect lineup. With the first matches kicking off in mid-March, the 2025 spring tennis season is already shaping up to be one for the books!

Boys Divisions

Langley took the Class 6 Team Bracket, while Deep Run’s Zach Fleishman took the Class 6 singles and doubles title with Grant Kroodsma.

In Class 5, Riverside claimed the team title against Frank Cox. Riverside’s Ricky Hota and Aarush Rajanala also defeated Neil Banga and Sam Dixon from Frank Cox to claim the doubles title. For the singles title, Matthew Onoff from Menchville defeated Neil Vanga from Frank Cox without dropping a game, 6-0, 6-0. 

Charlottesville won the Class 4 team title. Drew Perez took the singles title and Cole Lafors and Izaak Brown took the doubles title, 6-0, 6-3. 

Western Albemarle took the team title for Class 3. However, Graton’s Rainer Christiansen took the singles and doubles title with his partner, John Lee.

Finally, Bruton took the Class 2 Boys Team Bracket with Christoph Scweitzer and Max De Winter taking home the doubles title. Jack Clem from Richlands took home the single title. 

Girls Divisions

In Class 6, Langley took home the team title. In addition to the team title, Arakal Henryson Gibbs and Zosia Henryson Gibbs also took home the doubles title for Langley. Marianna Primatova from Fairfax took home the singles title. 

Douglas Freeman secured the Class 5 Girls Team Bracket. Ana Maria Rincon from Patrick Henry claimed the singles title while Maddie Tran and Mariana Tan Li from Riverside secured the doubles title. 

Broad Run secured all three championship titles for Class 4 Girls Championships. Lexi Rotaru secured the singles title and the doubles title with Izzy Rotaru. 

For Class 3, Maggie Walker claimed the team title. They also secured the doubles title thanks to Martina Ribera and Ella Wiatt. Blythe Sturman from Western Albemarle won the singles title. 

Marion Senior won two titles during the Class 2 championships. They won the team title, and Parker White won the singles title. Radford’s Lydia Pratt and Claire Fender secured the doubles title. 

In Class 1 action, Rappahannock secured all three titles. Sadie Packett won the singles title in straight sets against Addy bays from Twin Springs. Laney Williams and Maggie Wonderling secured the doubles title for Rappahannock. 

What to Expect This Year

The 2025 VHSL Tennis Championships promise to be an action-packed event full of intense rivalries, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments. With a mix of returning champions, hungry challengers, and fresh talent, the road to victory will be more thrilling than ever. Stay tuned—this is one season you won’t want to miss!

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.