Tag: support youth tennis

Malika Andrews to host the 2026 Tennis Creates Gala

Emmy Award-Winning Sports Journalist Malika Andrews to Host 4th Annual USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala in November

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Emmy Award-Winning Sports Journalist Malika Andrews to Host 4th Annual USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala in November

To raise critical funds expanding regional tennis access and honoring Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck

MCLEAN, Va. (August 26, 2026) – The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation today announced that Emmy Award-winning sports journalist and host of ESPN’s NBA Countdown and NBA Today Malika Andrews, who made her tennis-hosting debut at the 2026 Australian Open, will emcee the 4th annual Tennis Creates Gala on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia.

The event will bring together some of the region’s top leaders in business, sport, and philanthropy to celebrate and promote the transformational impact of tennis across the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and eastern/southern West Virginia.

“The energy around tennis, specifically the excitement infused from the top American stars right now – from Coco Gauff, to Ben Shelton, to the DMV’s own Frances Tiafoe – is captivating,” said Malika Andrews. “I am thrilled ESPN tapped me to be part of our coverage during this seminal time in the sport and I am grateful to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation for the opportunity to support tennis at the local level.” A trailblazer in sports broadcasting, Andrews is the host of ESPN’s weekday NBA studio show, NBA Today. She also hosts NBA Countdown on ESPN and ABC, as well as WNBA Countdown on ESPN. In 2026, Andrews was added to ESPN’s Tennis Team, leading broadcasts for Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Malika Andrews as our host for this year’s Tennis Creates Gala,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “Malika’s historic achievements in broadcasting, coupled with her commitment to sports and community, make her the ideal voice to champion our vision of ‘tennis in every community.’ More than an evening of celebration, this gala serves as an engine for generating the resources necessary to ensure every individual throughout our Mid-Atlantic community has the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.” 

Tennis Changes Everything: 2026 Gala Highlights & Impact

Led by Gala Co-Chairs Andrew and Michele Brammer, the 2026 Tennis Creates Gala features an All-Star VIP reception, fine dining, live entertainment, and exclusive auctions. Every dollar raised goes directly back into neighboring Mid-Atlantic communities to break down financial and geographic barriers to the world’s healthiest sport.

Key highlights of the evening include:

  • 2026 Tennis Creates Impact Award Honoree: The Foundation will honor Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy (retired), 63rd Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, recognizing his distinguished leadership and dedication to fostering character, leadership, and well-being through tennis.
  • Funding Grassroots Access: Proceeds directly support core Foundation initiatives, including Girls Rule the Court™—which has served over 2,000 girls across the region —Junior Player Scholarships, and Tennis in Schools program.
  • Restoring Public Courts: Gala funds strengthen public infrastructure. With more than 70% of local players relying on courts in public parks, recreation centers, or schools, direct support fuels public court refurbishments—building on the $505,000 invested across 17 public venues over the last three years to support the region’s 1.4 million players.
  • Promoting Sportsmanship: Celebrating regional leaders who embody the Foundation’s ACES Pledge initiative, which has engaged over 6,000 participants to build character, respect, and positive life skills on and off the court.


Ticket Packages & Sponsorship Opportunities

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation relies on donor support and philanthropy to deliver low-cost programming, scholarships, and court restoration grants.

To purchase tables or explore sponsorship opportunities visit TennisCreatesGala.com.

About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits across D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and eastern/southern West Virginia. Guided by core principles of Community, Character, and Well-Being, the Foundation reached more than 114,500 youth in 2025 through tennis programs—including nearly 70,000 students through school-based initiatives. By investing in public facilities, youth scholarships, and character development, the Foundation is working toward its vision of “tennis in every community.” Learn more at USTAMidAtlanticFoundation.org

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Media Contact:
Kaitlyn Kinsey

Director, Marketing and Communications, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

kkinsey@mas.usta.com

T: 703-556-6120 x7088 

A Year of Growth, Impact, and Inspiring Tennis Moments Across the Mid-Atlantic

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.

Nate at Little Mo in New York in 2024.

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. 

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  • Mid-Atlantic's NOVA Zhang team finishes second at the USTA League 18&Over 3.5 Women's National Championships.
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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:

group photo by Sean Shanahan Photography

Nearly half a million dollars raised in support of our mission.

Two legendary leaders honored: Visionary Award Recipient Stacey Allaster and Impact Award Recipient Ray Benton.

Six remarkable Tennis Creates Awards winners, each making a powerful impact through tennis in their community, celebrated for their achievements.

Co-hosts, honorees, and awardees, standing for a group photos at the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala.
Group photo by Wornden Ly/USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation

Our first-ever Tennis Creates Fantasy Tennis Clinic, led by special guests, former ATP Pros, and Gala co-hosts Sam Querrey and John Isner.


Thank You for Making 2025 a Year to Remember

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What we achieved and accomplished this year is possible because of you. 

Your support continues to be the catalyst in creating community, character, and well-being through tennis across the Mid-Atlantic.

Here’s to building on this incredible momentum in 2026!

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.

Click here if you want to help us continue our mission before the end of 2025.

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.

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.