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.”‹
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.
Spring is right around the corner which means the 2025 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) State Tennis Championships is coming up. Top programs across the state are preparing for another thrilling showdown. Last year’s champions are back to defend their titles, while rising contenders aim to shake up the rankings. With experienced returners and new talent stepping up, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most competitive yet.
Boys’ Division: Who’s in Contention?
Division I: Can St. Christopher’s School Make a Repeat?
Defending champion St. Christopher’s School (Richmond, VA) will be the team to beat after a dominant 2024 performance. Their balanced lineup and strong doubles play helped them clinch last year’s title, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into 2025.
Collegiate School (Richmond, VA), last year’s runner-up, will be determined to flip the script after falling just short in 2024.
Bishop Ireton (Alexandria, VA) and Norfolk Academy (Norfolk, VA) are also programs to watch, with deep rosters capable of making a championship run.
Division II: North Cross Looks for Back-to-Back Titles
After winning last year’s Division II championship, North Cross School (Roanoke, VA) returns as a favorite, thanks to its dominant singles performances.
The Covenant School (Charlottesville, VA) was last year’s runner-up and could pose a contender against North Cross School.
Trinity Christian School (Fairfax, VA) and Highland School (Warrenton, VA) will look to build on strong semifinal appearances in 2024.
Girls’ Division: Who Will Rise to the Top?
Division I: Collegiate Faces Fierce Competition
After capturing the 2024 state title, Collegiate School (Richmond, VA) will be a frontrunner for the title again. Their depth and experience carried them to victory last season, but the field is stronger than ever.
The Potomac School (McLean, VA), last year’s runner-up, will be a key challenger. Their singles depth could be the difference-maker in 2025.
Episcopal High School (Alexandria, VA) and Trinity Episcopal School (Richmond, VA) are very competitive teams that could make deep tournament runs.
Division II: Can St. Anne’s-Belfield Hold On?
Last year’s champion, St. Anne’s-Belfield School (Charlottesville, VA), will try to defend their crown against a competitive field.
Cape Henry Collegiate (Virginia Beach, VA) nearly pulled off an upset in 2024 and will be a top contender this year.
The Steward School (Richmond, VA) and Foxcroft School (Middleburg, VA) are programs on the rise, capable of making a serious run for the title.
A Wide-Open Championship Race
This year’s state championships is on route to be an exciting one.Defending champions will look to cement their legacies, but hungry challengers are ready to take them down.
Will we see repeat champions, or will a new team rise to the top? One thing is certain—this year’s tournament will be one to remember.
This month is Black History Month. In the Mid-Atlantic Region, there are 11 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) including one of the first HBCU’s in the United States, the University of District of Columbia in Washington DC. These institutions were established before 1964 to provide black Americans an opportunity to receive a college education.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, HBCUs are defined as, “Any historically black college or university that was established prior to 1964, whose principal mission was, and is, the education of Black Americans, and that is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary [of Education] to be a reliable authority as to the quality of training offered or is, according to such an agency or association, making reasonable progress toward accreditation.”
Out of the 11 HBCUs in the Mid-Atlantic region, nine institutions have a men’s and/or women’s tennis program. If you are looking for an HBCU with a college tennis program, take a look at this list.
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. 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.
Luke Grimshaw’s story is more than just about tennis—it’s a story of legacy, resilience, and community. As the 2024 Tennis Creates Awards’ Community Champion, Luke has breathed new life into the sport he loves, transforming Frederick Tennis into something far greater than just a collection of matches. His journey in revitalizing Frederick Tennis proves how passion, service, and commitment to others can unite an entire community.
Born into a Love for Tennis
For Luke, tennis was always part of the story—quite literally, from day one. “My parents picked up tennis together when they were 34, taking their first lesson at the Tuscarora Tennis Club in Frederick, MD,” he says. “My mom was pregnant with me during that lesson, so you could say I’ve been around tennis my entire life.”
Tennis wasn’t just a pastime for the Grimshaw family, it was a part of their lives. Luke’s older brother competed in USTA tournaments and even played a year of college tennis at Penn State. His mom volunteered as the tournament director for the Frederick Junior Open, showing Luke early on how much of a difference service could make.
But Luke’s love for sports extended beyond tennis. “I loved playing baseball and other sports,” he admits. However, tennis is more than a game. “Tennis was a passion for the Grimshaw family.”
A Change of Focus but Not of Heart
As time went on, injuries forced Luke to set down his racket. “I’ve had to step away from playing because of back and shoulder injuries,” he explains. “But I enjoy ‘serving’ the Frederick tennis community more than I ever did serving on the court.”
Though Luke no longer competes, his connection to the sport runs deeper than ever. Leading Frederick Tennis has allowed him to channel his passion in a new way, nurturing the sport he grew up loving and passing it along to others.
Reviving Frederick Tennis: Picking Up the Torch
Frederick’s tennis scene has a rich history. Volunteers ran summer tournaments for decades, bringing players from all over the area together. “I grew up playing in those events, and the people who ran them greatly impacted my life,” Luke recalls fondly. But by the early 2000s, those tournaments ended, and the community faded.
When Luke and his family returned to Maryland after a stint in Connecticut, he felt a tug to revive that sense of community. “It became a personal goal to pick up the torch and build something for future generations of players,” he explains.
In 2014, Luke teamed up with his friend Kevin Kmiecik to restart Frederick Tennis. What began as a small initiative quickly grew into something extraordinary. “I thought I’d help out for about five years,” Luke says with a laugh. “This year marks our 10th anniversary, and watching it evolve into something special has been incredible.”
More Than Matches: Creating a Community
Frederick Tennis is more than a platform for matches—it’s where relationships take root and grow. “Our tennis community is like family, both on and off the court,” Luke proudly says. “We try to be connectors. Everyone, no matter their skill level, should feel welcomed.”
Over the years, the organization has fostered countless connections. Frederick Tennis offers ladders, where over 3,000 matches have been played in the last five years, and tournaments that have drawn over 1,100 competitors. But it’s the moments between the matches that matter most. “I love seeing adults mentor younger players or high school kids just hanging out at the courts together,” Luke shares. “So many people have told me that finding this tennis community helped them feel at home when they moved to Frederick.”
Luke’s dedication to Frederick Tennis has not only shaped the community but also impacted his family. “My kids have learned so much from this experience,” he says. “They’ve seen that while community service can be challenging, it’s also incredibly rewarding. And we’ve met some amazing people along the way.”
Memorable Moments on and off the Court
Although Luke no longer competes, some of his favorite memories have come from his work behind the scenes. One stands out: “This past summer, we made a hype video for the singles tournament,” Luke says, grinning. “A bunch of players came out to get action shots, which was a blast. It was something different—just a fun way to build excitement and raise awareness for what we do at Frederick Tennis.”
Why Tennis Matters
Luke believes tennis is a sport that offers something for everyone, no matter where they are in life. “Tennis is a life sport,” he explains. “You can start at any time and play for longer than most sports. It challenges you physically and mentally—and along the way, you can build friendships that last a lifetime.”
Luke’s message to anyone considering picking up the game is simple: “It’s not just about the wins and losses. It’s about the people you meet and the lessons you learn along the way.”
A Legacy of Service and Community
Luke Grimshaw’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Through Frederick Tennis, he has revived a community tradition and created something far greater—a tennis family. His tireless work has built bridges, connected people, and inspired others to serve.
Winning the Community Champion award at the 2024 Tennis Creates Awards is a fitting recognition for someone who has given so much of himself to the game and the people around him. However, for Luke, the real reward lies in relationships. “This community has given my family and me so much,” he reflects. “I’m just grateful to be able to give back.”
In Luke’s story, tennis is more than just a sport—a way to build something lasting. His vision and dedication have ensured that the torch of Frederick Tennis will continue to burn bright for generations to come.
Congratulations to all the 2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic award winners! Luke will be awarded, along with the other honorees, at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 2024 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.
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.
As we continue to celebrate 100 years of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic, we are forever reminded that this milestone would not be possible without the incredible people of the past and present day who embrace the mission, and embody our guiding pillars of community, character, and well-being through tennis. We are sharing and celebrating their stories, and the next one comes from Neela W.
Neela is a sophomore in high school in Maryland. She plays tennis on her varsity team and trains at the 4 Star Tennis Academy. Neela recently became a volunteer with USTA Mid-Atlantic and offered her time to write a personal essay – in her own words – about what tennis means to her and how the sport impacts her life.
For as long as I can remember, tennis has been a part of my life. Even before I was born, most of my family enjoyed playing tennis. While my grandpa loved playing for fun with my mom, my dad and aunt both played competitively. I began playing tennis with my dad when I was five years old. Tennis originally started as a fun hobby and a way to spend time with my father, but quickly grew into a more serious activity. By the time I turned nine, I was taking group lessons and playing competitive matches. By age 12, I played my first tournament.
The week leading up to my first tournament, I worked extremely hard with my dad and coach. I remember getting more and more nervous as the start day approached. However, the second I hit my first shot, my nerves started to subside. I ended up finishing second in the tournament as I won three out of four matches. After I exceeded my own expectations, I was truly hooked on the game. I planned to enter more tournaments the following summer.
However, before I could register for summer tournaments, the pandemic happened. The whole world shut down, and as a result I could not play tennis. This was the first time tennis was taken away from me, as all the public tennis courts and training centers were closed. I could no longer go to a public park to play or even just hit on a concrete wall. Even though my tennis game suffered because of the lockdown, the real lesson I learned is not to take tennis for granted. Every day, being able to hit on the court is a privilege, and not something to be taken for granted.
Gratitude is ultimately what tennis means to me. I am lucky to be able to play this game. It is an absolute privilege to push myself every day in practice, constantly improve my game, and compete with other players. And although difficult, I try to let this lesson of gratitude spill over in other aspects of life. So for me, tennis is not just a sport, but a mindset. I really cannot imagine my life without tennis.
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