When you meet Essam Laskar, you quickly realize that tennis is more than a sport for him. As a lifelong player, passionate coach, and visionary leader, Essam has dedicated himself to growing the game from the ground up, ensuring tennis is accessible, inclusive, and inspiring for everyone. His leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment to community have made him the deserving recipient of the Provider Champion Award at the 2025 Tennis Creates Awards.

Building a Grassroots Movement

As the Founder and Director of Laskar Tennis, Essam has built one of the most vibrant grassroots programs in the Mid-Atlantic region. What began as a personal dream has grown into a thriving network of affordable and welcoming programs across Maryland and Virginia, serving thousands of players each year.

“Tennis has always been part of my family’s DNA,” said Essam. “My parents and grandparents played, but over time, it became more than tradition; it became purpose. The sport has given me focus, community, and direction.”

That purpose now fuels his mission to give others the same sense of belonging. Through partnerships with seven county parks and recreation departments, his organization has brought tennis to neighborhoods that once had little or no access to the sport. “Partnering with these departments has been transformational,” Essam said. “Thousands of new players, ranging from children to seniors, have found their way onto the court through affordable, community-based instruction.”

In the past year, Laskar Tennis has reached more than 1,000 participants. However, Essam insists that the numbers only tell part of the story. What matters most to him is the environment he’s created: one rooted in accessibility, mentorship, and belonging.

“A parent once pulled me aside after camp and said, ‘My son’s confidence in tennis and his life have completely changed since joining your program.’ That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that what we’re doing isn’t just teaching strokes but shaping mindset, character, and community connection.”

A Legacy of Passion and Perseverance

Tennis runs deep in Essam’s family roots. Both of his parents played professionally in Bangladesh, and from an early age, he was drawn to the game. Balancing a full-time career as an electrical engineer, husband, and father, Essam poured his energy into building a legacy of opportunity.

“Building a multi-county tennis operation from the ground up came with real challenges. From earning trust in new communities to maintaining quality as we scaled,” he admits. “I learned early on that the key was structure. Clear systems, strong communication, and a team that shares the same standard of excellence. Every challenge became a chance to build something more sustainable.”

He’s the first to say that his success hasn’t been a solo effort. “My wife, my parents, and my brother have been my foundation through it all,” he said. “My wife’s patience and constant encouragement keep me grounded. My parents taught me the work ethic that drives this business. Then there’s my brother, who helps lead our programs and has been my right-hand in bringing our vision to life. Without them, none of this happens.”

Championing Community and Character

Beyond his own programs, Essam is an engaged volunteer. He recently volunteered at the Mubadala Citi DC Open Kids Day and the US Open’s Net Generation On-Court Experience.

“Volunteering at the US Open reminded me of tennis’ global reach and how powerful it can be when people from all backgrounds come together around the sport we love,” he said. “I bring that same energy home to our local programs. I want every event and clinic we host to feel organized, inclusive, and special, like you’re part of something bigger.”

A True Provider Champion

When asked what winning this year’s Tennis Creates Award meant to him, Essam reflected with characteristic humility:

“It was a surreal and deeply humbling moment. I’ve always believed that impact comes before recognition. Having USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation acknowledge our work means a great deal. It’s not just a personal milestone. It’s validation for every coach, partner, and player who’s helped make Laskar Tennis what it is today.”

And when it comes to what he hopes others take away from his story, he keeps it simple and heartfelt:

“I hope my story shows that tennis is a platform for leadership, connection, and impact. What we’ve built with Laskar Tennis proves that with the right vision and persistence, you can create something meaningful that inspires others to take action. When you build with purpose, the community grows with you.”

Join Essam and the Tennis Creates Awards honorees at the Tennis Creates Gala on Dec. 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC. All proceeds from the Gala and Fantasy Clinic 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 such as Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation ensures that every person, regardless of background or zip code, can experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.

For more information, Tennis Creates Gala and Fantasy Clinic tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit TennisCreatesGala.com. 

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.

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.

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.