Tag: Impact

A Father-Son Duo Making a Difference

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.

For Jon and Jack, volunteering is not just an act of service. It is a shared experience that has brought them closer as father and son.

The duo began volunteering with USTA Mid-Atlantic to spend more quality time together. For Jon, the journey started years earlier when he was a teenager assisting with a local wheelchair tennis tournament. When the opportunity came to get involved as a family, he knew it would be a meaningful way to deepen their connection.

“We enjoy spending our free time together,” they said. “Volunteering gave us the chance to bond while making a positive impact on our community.”

One of their most memorable moments was at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Kids’ Day at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. The energy, the excitement, and the joy of helping kids discover tennis left a lasting impression.

“We love teaching the game and watching the kids learn new skills,” they shared. “Seeing them have fun while growing more confident on the court is something special.”‹

jon and jack 1
jack and jon 2
Jon and Jack 3
group photo from a tennis clinic

The experience of working together has taught them not just about each other, but also about the importance of stepping up and giving back. It has shifted their perspective on both tennis and life, giving them a greater appreciation for the time they spend together and the difference they can make.

“We have learned that we are difference-makers,” they said. “By taking action, we are creating positive change, and that is incredibly rewarding.”

For the two of them, volunteering has become more than a one-time commitment. It is now part of how they live out their values as a family.

“It has strengthened our relationship and brought us closer,” they said. “We learn from one another, grow together, and use what we know to help others.”

To anyone considering volunteering as a family, Jon and Jack have a clear message: do it.

“Volunteering together builds a strong bond,” they said. “You gain shared experiences, learn new skills and most importantly, make an impact together.”

Being part of the USTA Mid-Atlantic volunteer community has only made that bond stronger.

“We love meeting new people and being part of something bigger than ourselves. The connection to the tennis community is something we truly value.”

Inspired by this story? Join our volunteer community and help us make tennis accessible for all. Visit the Volunteer Hub to learn more.

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.

Building Confidence, One Swing at a Time: The Transformative Impact of Girls Rule the Court™

When Jackie Temkin first picked up a tennis racket during the pandemic, she had no idea it would lead her to a role where she would change young girls’ lives. Now, as a coach with Girls Rule the Court™, a USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation program, she’s not just teaching tennis—she’s helping girls find confidence, resilience, and community through the sport.

“I really love the mission,” Temkin shared. “I started playing tennis during the pandemic, and when I heard about this program that gives girls free lessons while also working on self-esteem and skill-building, I knew I had to be part of it.”

The impact of Girls Rule the Court™ goes far beyond the baseline. The program creates an environment where girls feel supported, encouraged, and empowered—not just as athletes, but as individuals. “A lot of these kids come in never having held a racket before,” said Temkin. “At first, it’s overwhelming—trying to hold the racket, hit the ball, and keep up with everything. But each time they come back, they gain a little more confidence. Even when they mess up, they jump right back in and try again.”

Tennis, however, is just one part of the equation. Through structured lessons and workbooks, the girls engage in social-emotional learning, discussing everything from teamwork to nutrition. “It’s amazing to see them find common ground with kids they wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Temkin recalled. 

For many girls, Girls Rule the Court™ is their first introduction to organized sports. The program fosters a sense of belonging and teaches them they are capable as their male counterparts. “There’s so much emphasis on boys’ sports, and not enough on providing safe, empowering spaces for girls,” Temkin explained. “This program tells them, ‘You can do hard things. You belong here.’”

Many of the girls already look forward to coming back next season. “On the last day, they’re always asking when they can do it again,” said Temkin. “That tells you everything you need to know about how much it means to them.”

Programs like Girls Rule the Court™ wouldn’t be possible without community support. Every dollar donated to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation supports programs like these and help champion tennis for healthier lives 

You can be part of the impact. Donate today and help more girls discover their strength, confidence, and love for the game.

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.

Tennis: A Game-Changer for Health and Community Well-Being

In an era of rising sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases, the need for accessible, engaging, and effective fitness solutions has never been greater. Tennis is more than just a sport, it is a catalyst for healthier individuals and stronger communities. Research underscores the profound impact tennis has on physical and mental health, social cohesion, and overall community well-being. By supporting the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, donors have the power to bring these benefits to underserved populations, transforming lives both on and off the court.

The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Tennis

A Longer, Healthier Life
Studies have shown that tennis players live an average of 9.7 years longer than those who lead sedentary lifestyles. A landmark study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that racket sports like tennis significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, thanks to their combination of aerobic exercise, agility, and hand-eye coordination (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2018).

Cardiovascular and Physical Fitness
Playing tennis for just three hours per week reduces the risk of heart disease by 56% (British Journal of Sports Medicine). The sport enhances endurance, builds muscle strength, and improves balance and coordination, making it an ideal lifelong fitness activity.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Tennis is not only good for the body but also a powerful tool for mental health. A study from Harvard Medical School highlights how regular physical activity, such as tennis, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The combination of physical movement, social interaction, and mental strategy helps boost endorphin levels and enhance cognitive function.

Social Connection and Community Impact
Tennis is unique in its ability to bring people together across generations, backgrounds, and skill levels. Programs like Girls Rule the Court™ create safe, inclusive spaces where young girls can develop friendships, teamwork, and leadership skills. These connections have a ripple effect, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Despite tennis’s proven health and social benefits, not everyone has access to the sport. Many communities, particularly in underserved areas, lack the necessary resources—courts, equipment, coaching, and structured programs—to introduce children and adults to the game. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is committed to breaking these barriers, providing free and low-cost programs that make tennis accessible to all.

By donating, you are:

  • Supporting initiatives such as the Community Engagement Grant that offers financial assistance to local providers and coaches in facilitating community tennis programs.
  • Providing youth with opportunities to develop confidence, discipline, and leadership skills through programs like  Girls Rule the Court™ 
  • Helping lower the cost of a tennis lesson and equipment for a junior tennis player through our Jr. Player Scholarship. 
  • Creating  a healthier, more connected community through the power of sport through our Facility Restoration Grant, which provides funding to restore tennis courts in our communities.  

Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact

Tennis changes lives—and you can be part of that transformation. Your contribution to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation directly supports initiatives that bring the health benefits of tennis to those who need them most. Whether you’re a lifelong player, a health advocate, or someone who believes in the power of sport to uplift communities, your generosity will create a lasting impact.

Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more connected society..

Donate today and be a champion for promoting tennis for healthier communities.