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.
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!
Nominations have officially closed. Winners will be announced shortly. Please visit the Tennis Creates Gala website for the latest updates. For questions and more information, please contact Wornden Ly at wly@mas.usta.com.
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 have officially closed. Winners will be announced shortly. Please visit the Tennis Creates Gala website for the latest updates. For questions and more information, please contact Wornden Ly at wly@mas.usta.com.
2026 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
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
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
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).
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
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).
For over 100 years, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation champions tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic.
Below are a few highlights of what we’ve accomplished in 2025.
Empowering the Next Generation: Jr. Player Scholarships
This year we awarded over 63 junior player scholarships to help lower the financial barrier of tennis. Scholarships are used to help cover the cost of a tennis racquet, tennis lessons, and tournament fees. One of our recipients, Nate, used his scholarship to play in the Little Mo Tournament in New York, putting his skills to the test to compete against players from other regions. His experience made him love the game even more and be more committed to becoming a better student-athlete. You can watch and read more of his story here.
Girls Rule the Court™ Increases Participation
Girls Rule the Court™ (GRTC), our free after-school program for girls ages 7-13, received 474 participants this year, a 25% increase from last year. The program gained national attention with a feature on the Tennis Channel and new GRTC programs formed in states and areas outside of the Mid-Atlantic to meet the growing interest and need.
GRTC builds and promotes health, wellness, and self-esteem through tennis. Visit GRTC to learn more.
Adult League Championships: A Year of National Highlights
This year, 42 teams represented Team Mid-Atlantic during the 2025 USTA League Nationals Championships. This year, Mid-Atlantic won the Mixed 40 & Over 9.0 National Championships, and our Mixed 18 & Over 7.0 Team received the sportsmanship award.
Four other teams also placed in the top four at their respective National Championships.
More People Picked Up a Racquet for the First Time
Anytime. Anywhere. Flex Leagues participation increased from 589 to 871 since 2024. That’s a 45% growth in a format that allows people to create their own schedule to play competitive tennis in a relaxed and fun environment.
We also saw a 30% increase in weekend tennis players competing in both USTA-sanctioned and unsanctioned tournaments since 2024.
Tennis Creates Gala and Fantasy Clinic
This year’s Tennis Creates Gala was nothing short of extraordinary. Together, our community showed what is possible when passion meets purpose, recognizing gamechangers and visionary leaders. Here are some of the highlights below:
Nearly half a million dollars raised in support of our mission.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 8, 2025) – The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation brought together leaders in tennis, sports, philanthropy, and community advocacy on Saturday, December 6 for its annual Tennis Creates Gala, held at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. Hosted by former ATP standouts and Nothing Major podcast co-hosts Sam Querrey and John Isner, the evening celebrated influential changemakers in the sport and highlighted the Foundation’s mission, showcasing the transformative power of tennis.
Thanks to overwhelming generosity, nearly half a million dollars was raised to support the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission and vision for tennis in every community in the region and programs making the sport accessible, including Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, Community Engagement Grants, and more. The organization prioritizes increased access to tennis in under-resourced communities.
Gala guests were inspired by a moving program and awards ceremony showcasing the ways tennis changes lives and builds communities. Querrey and Isner delighted, bringing to the stage their Nothing Major podcast style, and conducting an insightful interview with honoree Stacey Allaster in which guests gleaned the importance of equity in sport.
USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, reminded the audience of the significance of the night saying, “The true power of tennis is unlocked when we put community first. Tennis creates community, character, and well-being and we are making that real one point, one match, one friendship at a time. We must dismantle the greatest barrier our region faces, access to tennis. That’s what tonight is about.”
At the Gala, the Foundation recognized outstanding leaders who are elevating tennis and expanding access to the sport globally and across the Mid-Atlantic region including:
Stacey Allaster – Tennis Creates Impact Award Honoree Outgoing US Open Tournament Director and the first woman to hold the role in the USTA’s 140-year history.
Ray Benton – Tennis Creates Visionary Award Honoree Outgoing CEO of the Junior Tennis Champions Center and co-founder of ProServ, one of the first global sports management and marketing firms representing clients such as Arthur Ashe, Stan Smith, and Michael Jordan.
Andrew Acquadro – Tennis Creates Community Champion Award Honoree Citywide Tennis Director for the DC Department of Parks and Recreation.
Sahej Jaspal –Tennis Creates Youth Leader Award Honoree (age 9) A standout young leader whose volunteer service, peer mentorship, and commitment to community tennis have created meaningful opportunities for fellow youth players across the region.
Carisa Dueweke – Tennis Creates Adult Leader Award Honoree A dedicated advocate who has grown tennis participation by organizing leagues, supporting new players, and fostering welcoming, inclusive environments that strengthen local tennis communities.
Essam Laskar – Provider Champion Award Honoree Founder of Laskar Tennis, making the game accessible by partnering with local county park and recreation departments around the Mid-Atlantic.
Chip Boling – Tennis in the Classroom Award Honoree Championship-winning Howard High School tennis coach and tournament director committed to growing youth tennis participation.
Wendy Massarelli – Coach of the Year
Girls Rule the Court™ coach in Loudoun County, empowering girls through tennis and social-emotional learning.
For more information about tennis programs available in the Mid-Atlantic region, or to donate, go to ustamidatlanticfoundation.org. Photos and b-roll clips from the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala are available here.
About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to promoting tennis and its lifelong benefits. By fostering community, character, and well-being, the Foundation ensures tennis is accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic region.
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