Tag: USTA Mid-Atlantic

Tennis Changes Everything

Every serve, every scholarship, and every restored court in 2025 started with a shared vision: making tennis accessible to everyone across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and eastern/southern West Virginia. We are proud to release the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation 2025 Impact Report, highlighting a record-setting year for our region.

Inside, you will see how your support broke down financial barriers, energized local schools, and brought the physical and mental wellness of tennis to thousands of new players. This report is not just a recap of our progress; it is proof of what happens when we come together to bring the invaluable impact of tennis to all. 

A Look at What You Made Possible in 2025

  • Awarded 64 Junior Player Scholarships, removing financial barriers to equipment, coaching, and competition fees.
  • Reached a single-year high of 512 participants through Girls Rule the Court™. In addition, 24 players were selected for the Net Generation US Open On-Court Experience. 
  • Introduced 69,746 students to tennis through school-based programming.
  • Distributed $22,200 in facility restoration grants to create safer, accessible public courts across the region.

The Power of Our Regional Growth

The numbers tell a compelling story, but the real transformation happens on local courts across our community: 

  • 1.4 million people played tennis in the Mid-Atlantic last year, meaning 1 in 11 residents actively engaged with the sport. 
  • More than $500,000 was raised at the 2025 Tennis Creates Gala, directly funding initiatives that bring tennis to underserved communities. 

Every milestone from this past year belongs to the players, donors, volunteers, and advocates who show up for our community.

Explore the Impact

Our 2025 Impact Report is an invitation to celebrate how far we have come and see where we are headed next.

View the 2025 Impact Report

Ready to help us make 2026 even stronger? Visit ustamidatlanticfoundation.org 

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.

How the 2026 Summer Smash is putting more local kids on court 

Thanks to the incredible energy and generosity of our tennis community, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s fifth annual Summer Smash Peer-to-Peer fundraiser was officially one for the record books.

Running May 15 through June 30, supporters across the Mid-Atlantic region stepped up to raise $20,000 for the foundation’s Junior Player Scholarship program.

Every dollar raised through Summer Smash directly breaks down financial barriers for young athletes. Since 2018, scholarship applications in our region have grown by almost 3,000%. Behind every application is a child who wants to compete, improve and belong. Building on momentum from 2025, when donor support enabled the foundation to award scholarships to 63 deserving players, this year’s total ensures even more youth can access lessons, equipment, court time and the lifelong wellness benefits of the sport. 

This milestone achievement was fueled by extraordinary teamwork. Generous donors Scott Hulsey, Stephen Bou and the Tokki Catalyst Foundation issued a $10,000 matching challenge, doubling the impact of individual contributions. To propel the campaign across the finish line, The Brammer Family provided a tournament-day boost live from the Mubadala DC Open.

A peer-to-peer fundraiser relies on its community champions. The campaign featured spirited friendly competition from groups like the Sting RAYS!, Karen Murrell’s team and the Slice Girls for Summer Smash.

A massive congratulations goes to top fundraising team co-captains Ella McManus and Cathleen Porter. Together, their squad rallied their network to raise an incredible $3,800.

As the grand prize winners, Ella, Cathleen and their entire team earned a VIP experience in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation suite at the Mubadala DC Open. Celebrating their incredible achievement together while taking in world-class tennis was a highlight of the summer and a testament to what local supporters can achieve together.

Whether you formed a team, made a gift or shared the mission, you helped make a lasting difference in the lives of local kids. Thank you for serving up opportunities and helping young athletes thrive on and off the court. We already can’t wait to smash more goals together next year! 

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.

doubles team posing for a photo after their tennis match.

5 simple snacks and drinks to stop and prevent muscle cramps

doubles team posing for a photo after their tennis match.

5 simple snacks and drinks to stop and prevent muscle cramps

3-minute Read

Tennis is a fun and active sport, but it can be tough on your body, especially during the Mid-Atlantic’s hot and humid summer months. Experiencing a muscle cramp or spasm can stop your fun on court. Muscle cramps can happen when you are dehydrated, suffering muscle fatigue, and lacking salt or electrolytes in your body.

To help you play your best in hot conditions, it is important to properly fuel your body before and during your match. Here are five options you can try to help prevent cramps.

1. Electrolyte-filled drinks

Drinking plain water is a great start, but when you sweat while playing tennis, you also lose salt and electrolytes. Electrolytes help your muscles work correctly and keep your body hydrated.

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) says that replacing salt is key to stopping cramps. Their recommendation is to drink electrolyte-filled fluids to replace the salt you are losing while playing tennis, especially in the summer.

2. Bananas

Bananas are the perfect tennis snack! They contain potassium, which helps the body’s nerves and muscles talk to each other so you can move smoothly.

Bananas also provide quick energy. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shows that maintaining your energy helps muscle strength and avoid tiring quickly. Because of bananas’ benefits, professional tennis players often eat a banana during changeovers.

3. Pickle Juice

Many pro players use pickle juice! Studies in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise show that the vinegar in the juice can quickly ease a muscle cramp. 

If you feel a cramp coming on, a small sip can work in less than two minutes. It’s a great emergency tool to have in your tennis bag. 

-Tip: If you don’t like or have pickle juice, eating mustard also has the same effect.

4. Watermelon

Watermelon is mostly water, so it’s a delicious way to stay hydrated. It also contains an amino acid called L-citrulline. A study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that this nutrient can help with muscle soreness. Finally, eating watermelon before you play is a yummy way to help your blood flow and keep you cool.

5. Avocados

Avocados are a great addition to your pre-match meal. They are a wonderful source of magnesium, which is a mineral that helps with muscle relaxation and flexibility.

When your body has enough magnesium, your muscles are less likely to stay tight or spasm. Try adding avocado to your toast or smoothie before heading to the court.

By adding these simple foods and drinks to your routine, you can worry less about cramps and have more fun playing tennis.

Quick Summary

Nutrient Focus

Sodium

Magnesium

Acetic Acid

L-Citrulline

Potassium

Try

Electrolyte Drinks

Avocados

Pickle Juice

Watermelon

Bananas

Primary Benefit

Fluid retention & balance

Muscle relaxation

Cramp inhibition

Blood flow and hydration

Healthy muscle function

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.

blog cover for beat the heat article

How to beat heat exhaustion

blog cover for beat the heat article

How to beat heat exhaustion

Read Time: 3-Minutes

Summer is here, and we want you all to have an amazing time rallying and playing your best tennis under the Mid-Atlantic summer heat! To help you prepare, we created a list of reminders on how to beat the heat so you can continue to play tennis all summer long!

Heat exhuastion 101

Before we arm you with tips on how to beat heat exhaustion, you need to understand what heat exhaustion is, the symptoms, and how to provide first aid if you or someone you know is experiencing heat exhaustion. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “heat exhaustion is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt.” Symptoms include the following:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Thirst 
  • Heavy Sweating 
  • Elevated Body Temperature 

If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to stop play, find shade, and try to cool down. You should start removing unnecessary clothes like shoes, socks, and sweatbands. Cool down with ice around the head and neck. Drink cool liquid, but in small sips. Most importantly, get medical treatment or emergency care services if they are unable to leave the area. If you’re at a USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation event, our staff and athletic trainer are ready to step in and assist.

The best way to prevent heat exhaustion is to prepare for the heat. Below are a few tips on how to prevent heat exhaustion. 

Tip 1: Stay Hydrated

Hydration, hydration, hydration! Ensuring you’re keeping yourself hydrated before AND after a practice or match is essential to keep your body going. To do so, replenish with the same amount of liquid as you lose through sweat. That’s about 32-85 ounces during an hour of play. Try to hydrate well before outdoor play to avoid dehydration! If you’re looking for an extra boost, try electrolyte-filled drinks that replenish nutrients at a faster pace.  Check out more information on why hydration is so important to help you rule the court. 

man drinking water during tennis match

Tip 2: Fuel up

Food is energy; it’s what keeps your body going! It is important to fuel up with a balanced meal 3-4 hours before a match. In addition, to keep energy levels up during a match, it’s a good idea to have a light snack 1-2 hours beforehand. If allowed by the facility, bring an energy bar with you on court and have a couple bites during changeovers.

doubles team celebrating during tennis match

Tip 3: Keep it Cool

Ice packs and coolers are great ways to physically cool down and also keep your drinks cold while you’re playing. You can cool down faster during changeovers by applying ice packs against your neck, underarms, and core, but avoid putting ice directly on your joints and limbs. In addition, make sure you are wearing breathable clothing. Wearing breathable fabric during play is an effective way to stay cool. Clothing with mesh panels can also help prevent overheating by allowing your skin to breathe.

Tip 4: Sun Protection

Sunscreen is essential to protect your skin when you are outdoors playing tennis. Sunburn can increase skin temperature and cause the body to be less efficient in cooling itself. Applying sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying at least every 2 hours can help prevent any discomfort that may follow from being in the heat so long. Also, packing a hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing can bring extra protection while you’re playing on the court! 

Summer brings some of the best memories on and off the tennis court. This list should have you ready to ace this summer season. If you’re looking for a way to get involved and play tennis, you can find tennis programs in your local area and start rallying on the court! Plus, USTA Mid-Atlantic tennis creates community, character, and well-being benefits that can last a lifetime.

Doubles partners rehydrating during changeover

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.

Play USTA Tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic

How to Sign Up for a USTA Mid-Atlantic Tournament

Play USTA Tournaments in the Mid-Atlantic

Interested in competing but short on time? Tournaments offer a fun, competitive environment for players of all levels. The best part is you can play over days, not weeks! Use this guide to find your next match and get registered in minutes. 

What are USTA Tournaments

3-Minute Read

USTA Tournaments are organized tennis competitions that allow players of all ages and skill levels to compete against others in a structured format. These events range from local community matches to premier regional championships and national qualifiers, providing opportunities for individual growth and competitive play across the Mid-Atlantic. Visit USTA for more information about USTA Tournaments.

Terms to know

Before you sign up for a USTA Tournament, you will need to know the following: 

  • USTA Website is the online hub for USTA. It’s where you’ll go to find local programs, and create a player profile. You can also see your match results, current ranking, and more.

  • USTA Membership is needed to play in a USTA tournament. Beyond tournament play, a paid membership grants access to exclusive discounts and perks.

  • Adult Tournament Calendar is your go-to resource for viewing all upcoming competitive events in the Mid-Atlantic. You can use it to plan your schedule, browse tournament dates, and easily find registration links for both sanctioned and non-sanctioned events throughout the year. Tournaments are added throughout the year, so this is updated weekly with new events.

Sanctioned vs. Unsanctioned USTA Tournaments:

USTA Tournaments are divided into sanctioned and unsanctioned tournaments. Sanctioned tournaments are USTA-approved events following official rules and regulations. By competing here, you build your official USTA ranking—your key to qualifying for higher-level tournaments and national championships.  Unsanctioned tournaments are not used for ranking and do not have to follow USTA rules and regulations. For this article, we are going to focus on sanctioned USTA Tournaments.

How to Sign Up

Follow these steps to register for a tournament. 

  1. Visit USTA.com.

  2. Click Log In if you have an account or Sign Up if you need an account.

  3. Once you log in, hover over Play on the navigation menu and Under Find Local Tennis, select “Find Tournaments.”

  4. Under Player Category select Adult. Type in the location or keyword. (This can be the tournament name, zipcode, city/town, state, or a code that someone provided you. You can also search by section/district. Select your preferred competition window then hit Search.

  5.  A list of tournaments within your location parameters will pop up. You have the option to continue to refine the filter to find a specific tournament. After you find  a tournament you are interested in and click the name of the tournament.

  6. Scroll down to view events available and select an event by clicking the button with the event cost shown. Some tournaments allow you to register for multiple events. If interested, select another event. 

  7. After you select the event/events, click the blue “Go To Checkout.”

  8. Scroll down to your name and the check box next to it. Then click the, “Continue to Payment” button.

  9. Click on “Confirm Entries & Pay.” You will then be directed to a payment portal via Stripe.

  10.  Fill out your credit card information, click save. Then click the  “Confirm Entries & Pay” button. Note that your payment method will not be charged until the tournament registration closes and you’re selected to play the event.

  11. You will receive a confirmation email and you are officially registered for your USTA Mid-Atlantic Tournament! Please note the registration deadline, the tournament’s refund policy,  and when the draws are published. 

Participating in a USTA Mid-Atlantic tournament is a fantastic way to sharpen your skills, meet new players, and experience the thrill of competitive tennis – all on a schedule that works for you.

Follow the steps above to secure your spot, and we’ll see you on the court!  If you have any additional questions or need guidance, remember tournament staff at USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation are available to help you have the best experience possible.

For further questions about tournaments or registration, email tournaments@mas.usta.com.

Remember to tag us in your tournament photos! 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.