Tag: support tennis for kids in the Mid-Atlantic

Tennis Community Unites in Washington, D.C. for USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s 2025 Tennis Creates Gala

All Funds Raised Directly Support Programs Making Tennis Accessible to All
in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Photos + Video Available HERE

Co-hosts, honorees, and awardees, standing for a group photos at the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala.

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.

# # #

Media Contact:
Katrina Younce 

Publicist, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

katrina@kyprinc.com 

T: 310-995-3619

John Isner and Sam Querrey hosting the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala

Former ATP Stars and Co-Hosts of “Nothing Major” Show Sam Querrey and John Isner to Host USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala on December 6 in Washington D.C.

John Isner and Sam Querrey hosting the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala

Exclusive Fantasy Clinic with Querrey and Isner to Follow Gala on December 7 at Westwood Country Club

Tickets Available Now at TennisCreatesGala.com 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 7, 2025) – Former ATP stars and tennis podcast personalities Sam Querrey and John Isner will co-host the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala on Friday, December 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. The following day, a small group of fans will have the extraordinary opportunity to hit the court and learn firsthand from Querrey and Isner, two of the game’s most celebrated pros, during the exclusive, first-ever USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Fantasy Clinic at the acclaimed Westwood Country Club in Vienna, Va.

Querrey and Isner, both former top-20 ATP players and co-hosts of the popular podcast Nothing Major alongside fellow pros Steve Johnson and Jack Sock, will bring their humor, insider stories, and passion for the game to the Gala stage. The following day, Querrey and Isner will provide personal coaching, technique tips, and strategy insights at the Fantasy Clinic. Attendees can also enjoy pre-clinic photo opportunities, a Q&A session, and a light lunch with fellow tennis enthusiasts. Spectator tickets are available for those who wish to watch and participate in the Q&A without playing. Gala ticket holders will receive a special discount to participate in the clinic.

“Sam and John are both incredible athletes and hilarious podcast hosts, making them the perfect choice to host this year’s Tennis Creates Gala,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “Their personalities, careers, and commitment to giving back to the tennis community reflect the spirit and mission of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation.”

Chaired by Andrew and Michele Brammer, the Gala will feature fine dining, entertainment, live and silent auctions with exclusive experiences, and the presentation of the Tennis Creates Awards. Honorees include Stacey Allaster, the first woman to serve as US Open Tournament Director, who will receive the Tennis Creates Impact Award for her global contributions to equity and leadership in tennis; and Hall of Famer Ray Benton, who will receive the Tennis Creates Visionary Award for decades of transformational leadership in player development and program growth.

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 like Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation is ensuring 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.  Tickets for the Fantasy Clinic go on sale Friday, October 10 at 12 p.m. ET.

About Sam Querrey
Sam Querrey, a former ATP Top 20 player, reached the semifinals at Wimbledon in 2017 and was a key member of the U.S. Davis Cup team. He is also co-host of Nothing Major, sharing stories and insights from his career with fellow pros Steve Johnson, Jack Sock, and John Isner.

About John Isner
John Isner, former World No. 8, is best known for his record-breaking matches at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Beyond his professional career, Isner co-hosts Nothing Major, bringing fans behind the scenes of professional tennis with humor and camaraderie.

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.

# # #

Media Contacts:
Katrina Younce 

Publicist, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

katrina@kyprinc.com 

T: 310-995-3619

Helping Youth Thrive Through Tennis, Together!

Every child should have the chance to experience the joy and growth that comes from playing tennis. The spark of learning something new, the fun of making friends, the confidence that builds with each swing, these are powerful moments that can change a life.

But for some families, getting started in tennis is not that simple. Lessons, gear, tournament entry fees and training costs can quickly become roadblocks. These barriers can prevent kids from experiencing all that tennis has to offer.

That is why we fundraise.

The Summer Smash Challenge gives our community a way to rally together so that more youth players can access the sport and all the benefits that come with it. When you give, you are helping remove financial barriers and ensuring that all children have the chance to learn, grow and thrive through tennis.

Your support directly funds the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Junior Player Scholarship Program. This year, all money raised through Summer Smash will go toward these scholarships, helping more kids stay in the game and continue their tennis journey.

Since 2018, scholarship applications have increased by more than 2,700%. In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded 262 scholarships totaling more than $64,000. And still, the need continues to grow. By participating in the Summer Smash Challenge, you are helping meet this demand head-on so more youth players can stay in the game.

Compete for a Cause

Here are the easy steps to get your fundraiser on a roll: 

  1. SIGN UP:
    Click here to register as an individual with the option to join a team later!
  2. SHARE YOUR PAGE:
    Personalize your page with your tennis story, photos and videos then share the news with your network.
  3. 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!

Here are four tips to help guide you toward a successful fundraiser:

  • Make your first donation to your page. Five, ten or twenty-five dollars 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 it through a text message, Facebook, Instagram or 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

We all know tennis players thrive on a good challenge. So why not turn that competitive spirit into something meaningful? By going all in with your fundraising, you and your team could score some incredible rewards!

Treat your team to a standout experience at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open. The top fundraising team will receive 15 tickets to attend the tournament in Washington, D.C., hosted in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation suite, plus a special on-court recognition moment.

That’s not all! Once you register, keep an eye on your email and follow us on our social media platforms. Weekly prizes will be up for grabs throughout the challenge for teams and individuals who stand out in creativity, teamwork and hustle.

The challenge runs from May 14 – July 14, 2025. Whether you are solo or rallying with a team, now is the time to get started!

Getting involved in Summer Smash is an amazing way to start making a difference in your local tennis community. And if you are looking to do more, there are so many ways to stay involved year-round and keep growing the game across the Mid-Atlantic.

Questions? Reach out to Anita Walker, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Director of Development.

Terms and Conditions for the Summer Smash Challenge can be found here.

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.

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.