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.
The Mid-Atlantic tennis community is filled with inspiring individuals and organizations making a profound impact on the sport. Each year, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation celebrates these tennis champions through our Annual Awards program, recognizing those who go above and beyond to grow and enhance the game in the region.
In 2024, we continue to honor individuals and community providers who embody our core values of Community, Character, and Well-being as part of the “USTA Mid-Atlantic Creates” theme. Their dedication is shaping the future of tennis, and their contributions to the sport have touched countless lives across the region.
This year, many nominations were submitted, each showcasing remarkable stories of leadership, passion, and commitment. After a thorough selection process, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation proudly introduces the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Creates Award winners, individuals and organizations whose positive influence extends far beyond the court.
On a crisp fall afternoon in Richmond, Virginia, the red clay court hums with the sounds of tennis balls and laughter. Among the cheers of parents and volunteers, one coach stands at the center, rallying the players with his characteristic energy and warmth. Gordon Macgill, who once spent decades climbing the corporate ladder, now spends his days doing what he loves most—teaching tennis and transforming lives. This year, Gordon will be one of the recipients of the Tennis Creates Award for Coach of the Year.
Love at First Swing: A Lifelong Tennis Journey
Gordon’s relationship with tennis began unconventionally. Growing up in a small town in Southwest Virginia, he and his brothers would grab racquetball rackets and hit whatever ball they could find. Fortunately, a tennis court sat just down the street, where he began private lessons. “It was almost like having a court in my backyard,” Gordon recalls. “My first real racket was a Head Arthur Ashe Composition, and I still remember wearing my Lacoste polo shirt, trying to emulate my heroes.”
When Gordon’s family relocated to Richmond, tennis became more than a pastime—it became part of his identity. He played through middle and high school, winning a state title with Douglas Freeman High School. At Hampden-Sydney College, Gordon captained his team for two years, and after graduation, he continued competing in USTA leagues, even earning a spot at Nationals in Tucson, Arizona.
But despite a lifetime immersed in the game, tennis was a passion Gordon didn’t fully realize would define his life until later. For over 25 years, Gordon pursued a career in the corporate world, working at Capital One. Yet, a voice inside him kept whispering—what if he dedicated his life to tennis and the communities he cared about?
A Leap of Faith: From Corporate Life to Coaching
In 2019, that whisper became a calling. Gordon, with the unwavering support of his wife, Andrea, boldly decided to leave behind a stable corporate career to follow his dream of teaching tennis. “It was a leap of faith,” Gordon admits. “But I knew I needed to reinvent myself—and tennis was the way to do it.”
During this transition, Gordon found a new passion—working with children and adults on the autism spectrum. His path crossed with Love Serving Autism (LSA), a non-profit that combines therapeutic racquet sports instruction with social and emotional development. Gordon saw an opportunity to blend his love of tennis with his desire to serve others, and in 2021, he launched the Richmond chapter of LSA, holding clinics on a private red clay court.
What started as a small, grassroots effort quickly blossomed into something remarkable. Word spread throughout the community and players and volunteers flocked to Gordon’s clinics, eager to be part of something special. “The first time I ran an LSA clinic on that red clay court, it felt like magic,” Gordon recalls. “Parents stayed to cheer their kids on, which became this incredible family atmosphere.”
More Than a Coach: Changing Lives On and Off the Court
Gordon’s coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: tennis should be fun and inclusive. Whether working with beginners or competitive players, Gordon builds relationships and fosters personal growth. “It’s not just about tennis,” he explains. “It’s about creating a positive environment where every player feels valued, no matter their level.”
His impact is evident in the lives he’s touched. One of his players, who started tennis through Gordon’s clinic, recently won a medal in the Special Olympics—a moment Gordon treasures. “To see how far they’ve come, both on the court and in life, is why I do this,” he says.
Gordon’s coaching goes far beyond the clinics. He sends personal videos to students, attends their school matches, and checks in with parents. One former baseball player, inspired by Gordon’s guidance, transitioned to tennis, played for his university’s team, and eventually became a coach. “It’s moments like these that remind me I’m right where I need to be,” Gordon reflects.
His work with LSA has also created ripples throughout the community. Volunteers—former players and local tennis enthusiasts—have become part of his mission, helping at clinics and building friendships with participants. “It’s a village we’ve created, and it’s something extraordinary,” Gordon says.
A Champion of Inclusion and Growth
At the core of everything Gordon does is the belief that tennis is for everyone. “One of the biggest challenges in the autism community is finding social activities that get kids off the sofa and into the world,” Gordon explains. His adaptive clinics teach tennis skills and promote character development and emotional well-being. “We talk about our emotions, and at the end of every session, we have a big group cheer. It’s not just about tennis—it’s about connection.”
In addition to his work with LSA, Gordon was is an assistant coach for the Douglas Freeman Girls Tennis Team, helping guide them to back-to-back state titles in 2022 and 2023. His ability to coach players of all levels—from kids just starting to competitive high school athletes—reflects his versatility and dedication.
“He brings out the best in everyone,” one parent shares. “He coached my daughter, who struggled with anxiety, and through his patience and kindness, she not only improved her game but also found her confidence.”
The Heart of a Servant, the Spirit of a Coach
For Gordon, coaching tennis is more than a career—it’s a calling. “My serve has always been my greatest weapon on the court,” Gordon says with a smile, “but now, serving others is my greatest passion.”
Gordon’s journey from the corporate world to the tennis court is a testament to the power of following your heart. His ability to inspire, teach, and build community is why he is a deserving recipient of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year Award.Through every lesson, clinic, and conversation, Gordon Macgill proves that tennis is more than a game—it’s a way to connect, grow, and uplift others. As he reflects on his journey, Gordon shares a final thought: “Tennis forces you to constantly problem-solve and self-motivate—skills everyone can benefit from, on or off the court. And at the end of the day, it’s not about winning matches—it’s about spreading joy through the game I love.”
With Gordon at the helm, the future of tennis in Richmond—and beyond—is brighter, more inclusive, and filled with possibility. His commitment and leap of faith are why he’s not just a coach—he’s a changemaker, a mentor, and a beacon of hope. And that is why he truly deserves to be named Coach of the Year.
Congratulations to all the 2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic award winners! Gordon will be awarded, along with the other honorees, at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 2nd Annual Tennis Creates Gala, presented by OneLife Fitness, on December 7, 2024. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions to the tennis community. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out! Tickets can be purchased here.
Kids want to play tennis and all we have to do is put them on a path to get into the game. But sometimes, things get in the way. The cost of lessons or tennis summer camp fees, or even equipment can be more than some can afford. This is why we fundraise!
Your support helps youth players in need access the benefits of tennis. By contributing, you ensure all children have equal opportunities to enjoy the physical, social, and emotional advantages of playing tennis.
All children deserve to play tennis and scholarships from USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation make it so more youth can get into and stay in the sport.
Join USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation and support theSummer Smashchallenge. This year all money raised in the challenge will fund scholarships for youth tennis players.
And we need you now more than ever.
The 2024 spring Junior Player Scholarship application period saw an incredible 40% increase since 2023. We’ve received more applications than ever before. We will exhaust all of our scholarship funding in this first round of applications.But so many more kids need help and need to be able to play tennis!
Tennis continues to be an outlet for kids to get involved, make friends, and be active. This year’s Summer Smash challenge will directly fund our Junior Player Scholarship so that youth tennis players can gain the healthy benefits of the sport we all love!
Let’s Smash the Challenge Together
This challenge provides a fun, easy way for your team to compete against other Mid-Atlantic teams to see how much money you can raise for the USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Scholarship program. It’s truly a special experience.
“It’s fun sharing something important to me and telling others about its benefits,” said Robin Sanford, the top fundraiser in the 2021 Summer Smash Challenge. “I also love a challenge!”
Since 2018, USTA Mid-Atlantic has awarded scholarships to 179 youth players to help cover expenses related to tennis and keep them playing. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to fund more youth player scholarships and meet the growing needs of players and their families/caregivers.
Thanks to two generous donors, your impact will be doubled with a matching offer up to $5,500! This means we can raise even more this year, maximizing the benefits for our scholarship program with each donation.
Here are the easy steps to get your fundraiser on a roll:
SIGN UP Click here to register as an individual with the option to join a team later!
SHARE YOUR PAGE Personalize your page with your tennis story, photos and videos then share the news with your network.
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!
“I set up my page and then emailed it to about 15 people individually, who I thought might be willing to help,” Sanford said. “These were family and friends who I thought would be willing to support my effort and help a good cause, they responded very generously.”
Here are four tips to help guide you toward a successful fundraiser:
Make your first donation to your page, $5, $10, $25 or more 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 your page in a text message, on your Facebook page or Instagram page or even send an 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
Now, we do know tennis players love a little friendly competition! In recognition of that, you and your team could WIN big by going big with your efforts.
Summer Smash 2024 top fundraiser prizes:
Mubadala Citi Open Team Experience! Includes (15) tickets for your team to attend the 2024 Citi Open together this summer in Washington, DC among other surprises!
Enjoy a 2-hour tennis clinic for 8 at The Boar’s Head Resort, followed by refreshing beverages with your team at a local brewery in Charlottesville, VA.
Enjoy a Pickleball Social with a 90-minute clinic and a round-robin tournament for 16 people, including 8 players and their guests!
The challenge ends July 17th, so let’s get started!
Participating in Summer Smash is a great way to begin leaving your impact on the Mid-Atlantic tennis community, but your journey doesn’t have to stop there! If you’re looking to do more to grow tennis in your community, there are various ways to get involved year-round and make an impact.
USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation believes that tennis creates community. Tennis allows people to improve their physical health and wellness, mental development, social skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and so much more. The benefits of tennis are especially important for helping young people become active and healthy adults. And for 100 years, the mission to grow the sport has endured and is more important than ever.
However, the cost of tennis lessons, camp fees, or equipment can add up and become a barrier to accessing the sport. To help defray the costs associated with tennis, USTA Mid-Atlantic offers Junior Player Scholarships for applicants at every level of the sport. These scholarships are made possible by the generous gifts and donations from our tennis community. And the need in the tennis community is apparent with application submissions increasing significantly each year.
In 2021, USTA Mid-Atlantic introduced the Summer SmashFundraising Challenge with proceeds benefiting the Junior Player Scholarship. This year, the goal was to raise $10,000 to help make more scholarships for youth tennis players available, thus provide the opportunity for them to develop a love and appreciation for tennis.
YOU SMASHED THE GOAL!
The 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge raised $16,250, exceeding the goal set. Additionally, of the Mid-Atlantic community members that participated, 74 percent were new supporters.
Adding to this year’s success was a generous matching gift provided by an anonymous donor. This match was for first time Summer Smash donations or for increased gifts by those who participated in the 2022 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge. This matching gift was critical to the overall success of the fundraising challenge and ability to smash the goal set. As evidenced by the increase in new supporters and numerous repeat supporters who increased their donations in 2023, this matching gift motivated and inspired everyone.
Congratulations to the following teams for raising the most money in the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge:
1st Place: Heritage High School Boys & Girls Tennis Team led by Jennifer Parker
2nd Place: Tennis Angels led by Kelly Stanley
3rd Place: Junior Scholarship Fundraising Team led by Amy O’Brien
4th Place: Tynika Wilson
The top four teams who raised the most money had a chance to pick from an amazing list of prizes. The prizes included:
A Mubadala Citi DC Open Experience: Included 15 tickets for the team to attend the 2023 event in Washington D.C.
Boar’s Head Resort: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players and beverages for after the clinic at Three Notch’d Brewery in Charlottesville.
Dave Marshall Tennis Camp: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players in Rehoboth Beach with a $25 Tennis Warehouse gift card.
Wintergreen Resort: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players with team apparel from Thirty Love.
USTA Mid-Atlantic is grateful for the generosity and support of all who participated in the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge and our generous anonymous donor, especially during this special Centennial year.
While the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge is over, you can still make a gift to support scholarships and other programs in the Mid-Atlantic. Your gift can increase access to tennis so everyone, especially those in marginalized communities, can experience the benefits of the sport for the next 100 years.
Together, we continue to create community through tennis for all now and for the next 100 years!
To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter.
In 2017, the Aspen Institute selected Baltimore as the first city to implement a model initiative to identify and facilitate opportunities for a variety of leaders and stakeholders to come together and grow the quality and quantity of youth sport opportunities. Project Play Baltimore was a three-year collective impact initiative, and at the onset a draft report was published indicating the lack in activities and activity level for youth in the city. Only 26% of males and 16% of females met the CDC’s recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
Seeing the opportunity to make a significant impact and acknowledging Baltimore’s rich and deeply rooted tennis history, USTA Mid-Atlantic is taking a leadership role to bring tennis to more youth in the city of Baltimore (and in the County) and support the overarching vision for a healthier community and equity for recreation and youth sports.
Thanks to support from theRavens Foundation, Inc., through a Ravens PLAY 60 Grant, USTA Mid-Atlantic began implementing free and low-cost introductory tennis programs using the USTA Team Challenge format in Baltimore, primarily in Druid Hill Park and Patterson Park this spring, along with sessions not too far outside the city in Baltimore County. Additional funding from the Kahlert Foundation to the Section supported USTA Mid-Atlantic’s implementation of a new pilot tennis program called Girls Rule the Court™ offered in the city of Baltimore.
Both tennis programs in Baltimore that USTA Mid-Atlantic offers are introductory, giving youth the chance to learn the fundamentals of tennis in a fun, low-pressure environment. All equipment is provided and use of public park tennis courts help make it easy and convenient to participate.
Not only that, Baltimore youth gain increased physical activity levels and both programs are rooted in a positive youth development experience that facilitates social emotional learning (SEL) and supports an overall healthy well-being for young people.
Developing SEL skills such as building confidence, character development, and creating meaningful peer connections is a key component in both programs. USTA Mid-Atlantic partnered with Hello Insight to measure SEL among participants of the programs. On average, participants reported a 84% satisfaction rate through the Hello Insight participation surveys. In addition through post surveys, “87% of participants also reported that they were able to positively share and listen to each other during the program, positively impacting their interpersonal relationships and communication skills.” Catie Dugan Vargas, associate director of development for USTA Mid-Atlantic reflected on the feedback received thus far from program participants, “This information enables us to grow the program in impactful ways and improve the overall experience for all participants in real time, thereby ensuring each young person is finding their unique path to thrive,” she said.
The spring sessions concluded with 37 participants among both tennis program offerings in Baltimore, and summer programs are starting now. If you would like your child or someone else you know to participate in these rewarding tennis programs for youth check here for location, dates and details for the programs. Registration is open and all are encouraged to sign up.
USTA Mid-Atlantic aims to continue to grow these programs and tennis offerings in Baltimore to increase access to tennis and support the vision that all children have access to sports.
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