Tag: Tennis

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 Strings to Sustainability: How Two College Tennis Players Are Restringing the Future of Fashion with Orobor

As the world gears up to celebrate Earth Day, sustainability stories from unexpected places are resonating louder than ever. One such story begins not in a lab or a boardroom, but on the tennis courts of Boston University. Meet Jakob Esterowitz and Jonah Dickson, Division I tennis players and the co-founders of Orobor, a sustainable startup that’s turning discarded tennis strings into high-quality polyester yarn for clothing manufacturing.

A Match Made in Tennis (and Sustainability)

Jakob and Jonah’s bond started as doubles partners at Boston University, but it didn’t take long for their shared passion for tennis, fashion, and the environment to spark something bigger. Jakob, who grew up playing in the USTA Mid-Atlantic region, had been running a fashion brand when he started questioning the origins of his materials. “When my manufacturer couldn’t tell me where the fabric was coming from, I dug deeper,” Jakob recalls. What he found was a fashion industry riddled with environmental challenges—and a tennis world generating millions of pounds of waste in the form of broken polyester strings.

Rather than letting that insight go out of bounds, the duo served up a solution: collect used tennis strings, recycle them, and repurpose the material into something new. And just like that, Orobor was born.

Closing the Loop with Orobor

The name “Orobor” draws inspiration from the ancient symbol of the ouroboros—a snake that eats its tail, representing an infinite cycle. That symbolism isn’t lost on Jakob and Jonah, who are striving to build a circular economy that links tennis and textiles.

“We’re collecting used strings from over 70 locations across the U.S.,” Jonah says. “And we’re currently running pilot tests at two universities to convert those strings into yarn.” Their process not only prevents microplastics from entering the environment but also reduces carbon emissions by up to 50% compared to the production of virgin polyester.

Unlike traditional polyester, which is derived from crude oil, Orobor’s method avoids the extraction of new raw materials. “We’re taking what would otherwise end up in a landfill and transforming it into something useful again,” Jakob explains.

Balancing Classes, Championships, and Change

Being full-time student-athletes and entrepreneurs is no small feat. Jonah, a graduate student, and Jakob, who transferred to BU from Amherst College, are juggling rigorous class schedules, competitive tennis seasons, and the demands of a growing startup.

“It’s all about organization,” said Jonah. “You have to prioritize your health, your goals, and stay grounded in your mission.” Jakob adds that their experiences as competitive athletes have helped them stay resilient. “Tennis teaches you to solve problems and bounce back—it’s the same mindset we bring to Orobor.”

And yes, they’re still winning on the court, too. Last season, Jakob and Jonah helped BU secure its first-ever Patriot League title and a historic NCAA tournament appearance.

Building Partnerships and Measuring Impact

The startup has been gaining traction within the tennis community, working with stringers, clubs, and college programs to collect materials. “Getting that first response can be tough,” Jonah admits. “But once people hear what we’re doing, they want to be part of it.”

To track their impact, Orobor uses metrics like CO₂ savings and microplastic diversion equivalents. One fun fact they share? The amount of string they’ve personally gone through is equal to about 727 plastic bottles’ worth of waste.

They’ve also received support from BU’s Innovate@BU program, earning grants and mentorship to help bring their idea to life. “Our first investment was a $500 grant for collection boxes,” Jakob laughs. “And now we’re scaling up thanks to the guidance from mentors and peers.”

Looking Ahead: From Courts to Closets

What’s next for Orobor? The team is focused on expanding to over 250 string collection sites by summer and building relationships with professional tournaments and apparel brands. In the long term, they hope to expand beyond tennis, contributing to broader changes in the textile industry.

“Our goal is to make tennis more sustainable first, because it’s the sport we love,” Jakob says. “Then, we want to take everything we’ve learned and apply it to other industries.”

How You Can Help

Supporting Orobor is as simple as spreading the word. “If you’re a tennis player, tell your stringer. If you work at a club or tournament, reach out to us,” Jonah says. “Every string counts.”

You can connect with them at orobor.org or on LinkedIn under Orobor. Facilities and brands interested in getting involved can also fill out contact forms on their website or email Jakob and Jonah directly.

As Jakob puts it, “We’re just two tennis players trying to make a difference. And we’re grateful for all the support from the tennis world—especially the Mid-Atlantic community that raised me.”

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.

Serena Williams: The Indomitable Force of Modern Tennis

Few modern athletes have redefined a sport while simultaneously reshaping cultural narratives like Serena Williams. Rising from the modest courts of Compton to the grand stages of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments, Serena’s journey is as much a story of relentless determination as it is of groundbreaking triumph. Her meteoric rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s signaled the emergence of one of the greatest players in tennis history and the dawn of a new era in which athletic prowess and social impact walked hand in hand.

Born in a world where African American girls had scarce opportunities, Serena’s story began with humble origins. Under the watchful eye of her father, Richard Williams, and alongside her sister Venus, young Serena was introduced to the game at an early age. The dusty public courts of Compton were her first arena, a far cry from the manicured lawns of Wimbledon or the clay of Roland Garros. Yet, it was on these courts that she learned the lessons of resilience and passion. “I grew up knowing that nothing was ever given,” Serena later reflected in a candid interview, emphasizing that every victory had to be earned through sweat, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in herself.

Her breakthrough came swiftly. As a teenager, Serena dazzled the tennis world with her powerful serve, explosive athleticism, and an intensity rarely seen in the sport. Her first Grand Slam title in 1999 at the US Open was a turning point that announced her arrival on the world stage. At that moment, Serena wasn’t just winning matches; she was challenging long-held notions about who could dominate a sport historically controlled by different demographics. Audiences were captivated as she effortlessly combined raw power with a graceful, almost balletic fluidity on the court. “I play to win, but I play to show that I belong,” she once declared, a sentiment that resonated with millions of aspiring athletes around the globe.

Serena’s playing style is a force of nature. With a serve that has been clocked among the fastest in women’s tennis and a forehand that can dismantle defenses in an instant, her game is a masterclass in modern athleticism. Yet it’s not just her physical prowess that sets her apart; it’s her mental fortitude. She has repeatedly demonstrated an uncanny ability to rebound from setbacks. In the heat of battle, whether down a set in a marathon match or facing hostile crowds, Serena’s focus never wavered. “I believe that a champion is defined by how they recover from adversity, not by how they celebrate victory,” she stated after one particularly grueling match, encapsulating the spirit that has driven her entire career.

Beyond the accolades and record-breaking statistics – 23 Grand Slam singles titles, countless match wins, and a legacy spanning decades – Serena’s impact extends far into social and cultural change. As one of the few African American women to ascend to the pinnacle of a predominantly white sport, she has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for a generation of athletes who might have otherwise been overlooked. Her very presence on the court challenged societal norms about race, gender, and body image. In locker rooms and boardrooms alike, Serena’s name is synonymous with resilience, authenticity, and a refusal to be boxed in by outdated expectations.

Off the court, her influence is equally profound. Serena has become a vocal advocate for equality in sports and beyond, using her platform to speak out on issues ranging from gender equity to racial justice. She has been unafraid to share her struggles, whether it’s the challenges of balancing motherhood with a high-octane career or confronting the double standards that have dogged her public image. “When I step on the court, I’m not just representing myself, I’m representing every woman who’s ever been told that she isn’t enough,” Serena once passionately remarked, a declaration that has since become a rallying cry for countless fans and fellow athletes.

Her fashion choices, too, have made headlines and stirred conversations about the intersection of sports and identity. Often seen sporting daring designs and bold prints, Serena has used fashion as a form of self-expression to defy convention and assert her individuality. Her off-court style is a testament to her belief that strength and beauty are not mutually exclusive, a notion that has inspired discussions about body positivity and the evolving standards of femininity in modern sports.

A particularly memorable moment came after the birth of her daughter when many questioned whether her competitive edge might wane. Defying those expectations, Serena returned to the tour with the same intensity and brilliance that had defined her career for years. In a post-match interview, she explained, “Motherhood changed me, made me stronger. It taught me that vulnerability is a part of strength.” That comeback was more than a personal victory, it was a powerful statement about the capabilities of women everywhere, affirming that the roles of athlete and mother are not mutually exclusive.

Throughout her career, countless anecdotes have emerged that illustrate Serena’s impact beyond the baseline. There was the time during a particularly tense match at the Australian Open when the energy in the stadium shifted palpably. With the score precariously close, Serena paused, looked directly into the camera, and said, “I didn’t come this far to only come this far.” That moment, captured on live television, transcended the sport. It became a symbol of perseverance and a reminder that the journey toward greatness is fraught with obstacles, yet every setback is an opportunity to rise stronger.

In the locker rooms, young players often speak of how Serena’s example has transformed their approach to the game. “Every time I watch her play, I’m reminded that strength comes from within,” confided a rising star in an interview at a training camp. Her influence is palpable in the tactics and techniques adopted by modern champions and in the confidence with which they step onto the court. Serena has redefined what it means to be a modern athlete, a figure who is as much about breaking records as she is about breaking barriers.

Her legacy is multifaceted. On the one hand, she has amassed a collection of titles and achievements that will be studied in sports history classes for generations to come. On the other, she has become a symbol of defiance against an industry that often tried to dictate how a woman should look, act, and even perform. Serena’s willingness to embrace her identity, flaunt her curves and scars, and speak openly about the challenges she’s faced has altered the cultural landscape. “I want every little girl who picks up a tennis racket to know that she can be powerful, that she can be brilliant, and that she can be unapologetically herself,” Serena has often emphasized, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s conversations about self-empowerment.

In boardrooms and philanthropic circles, Serena’s impact continues to unfold. Her ventures in business, from investments in startups to the launch of her fashion line, reveal an athlete who understands that her influence extends far beyond the confines of a tennis court. Her education and community development initiatives have provided opportunities for underserved youth, ensuring that her legacy of empowerment is passed on to future generations.

As modern tennis evolves, so does the reverence for Serena’s indomitable spirit. Current champions speak of her not just as an opponent to be wary of but as a mentor whose career exemplifies what it means to fight for one’s place in the world. “Every serve I hit, every point I fight for, I feel the echo of Serena’s legacy,” remarked a top-ranked player in a recent press conference. In every facet of the sport—from coaching sessions to strategic analyses—her influence is both a guiding light and a constant challenge to strive for excellence, both on and off the court.

Serena Williams stands as a living testament to the power of determination, courage, and authenticity. Her journey, punctuated by breathtaking brilliance and quiet introspection, reminds us that greatness is not measured solely by titles or trophies. It is defined by the ability to overcome, inspire, and create spaces where those who follow can dare to dream. She once said, “I am a fighter, a champion, and I’m here to change the game.” That declaration encapsulates her illustrious career and the enduring legacy she continues to build, a legacy that challenges every generation to redefine what it means to be truly unstoppable.

In the grand narrative of modern sports, Serena’s story is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of victory, struggle, and transformation. Her impact on tennis is undeniable, and her contributions to social progress are immeasurable. From the courts of Compton to the international arenas of world-class tennis, her journey is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of excellence is inseparable from the fight for equality. With every match, every comeback, and every bold statement, Serena Williams has forever changed the game, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of athletes, activists, and dreamers to come.

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.