November 2, 2025 – The Mid-Atlantic section came in third place in the Adult 55 & Over 7.0 League National Championship at the Scottsdale Ranch Park Tennis Center in Scottsdale, AZ.
Results are in from week four of the USTA League National Championships, and Mid-Atlantic placed in the top three and received the sportsmanship award!
Mid-Atlantic’s 55 & Over 7.0 Men’s Team, Montgomery-Miao, secured third place at the National Championships, defeating Florida 3-0 in the 3rd/4th playoff match at the Scottsdale Ranch Park Tennis Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Captain Zhuang Miaor and Co-Captain Jianping Xu led the team. The roster included John Zhong, Wei Huang, Yunkai Yu, Yi Zhang, Jian Liu, Lei Fu, Yunbing Huang, Eric Zhou, Shiqiang Li, John Hsu, Jay Colella, Yuhong Wen, and Wei Yang.
Mid-Atlantic also received the sportsmanship award this past championship. Frederick-Thongphok received the Adult 18 & Over Mixed 7.0 sportsmanship award. Captain Sandy Thongphok and Co-Captain Karen Coyne led the team. The roster included Joanna Woessner, James Smith, Brandon Yen, Katherine Fluharty, Denise Levis, Vien An Van, Joshua Zoltek, Jim Jackson, Kristin Ostlie, Ira Daar, Christopher Bullman, Evelien Josselin, Julie Edwards, Grant McWilliams, Sarah Baker, Derek Johnson, Renato Damas, Jack Lu, and Bronwen Williams.
Congratulations to Montgomery-Miao on a great run at this year’s National Championships and Frederick-Thongphok on receiving the sportsmanship award. We’re proud of all the Mid-Atlantic teams who competed and gave it their all on court.
Mid-Atlantic Results from Week 4:
55 & Over:
9.0M – Montgomery – Lieber placed 14th out of 16 teams.
9.0W – Hampton Roads – Stone placed 12th out of 15 teams.
7.0M – Montgomery – Miao placed third out of 17 teams.
7.0W – Montgomery – Ahmed placed ninth out of 17 teams.
Mixed 18 & Over:
Mixed 7.0 – Frederick – Thongphok placed 10th out of 16 teams. Received Sportsmanship Award.
Mixed 9.0 – Richmond – Chandler placed 14th out of 14 teams.
In every community, there are individuals whose quiet determination and generous spirit transform the lives around them. For tennis in the Mid-Atlantic, that person is Carisa Dueweke. A leader, mentor, and tireless volunteer whose influence has reached from her local courts in the Shenandoah Valley all the way to the national stage.
Carisa’s tennis journey began nearly 21 years ago, in an unexpected season of life. “I started playing pregnant with my youngest,” she laughs. “The pro at our club encouraged some new moms to take a few lessons for free, and we all became hooked. It was a great way to spend 90 minutes getting some exercise while meeting new friends.” What began as a fun hobby soon became a lifelong passion and a calling to lead. Within just a few years, she transitioned from player to captain, then to Local League Coordinator for the Shenandoah region.
From the moment she took on that role, Carisa approached it with energy, empathy, and innovation. Her “boots-on-the-ground” style, visiting facilities, talking with pros, and personally mentoring captains, helped double local league participation within a year.
“Meeting face to face, listening, and offering solutions is what makes the difference,” she says. “It could be as simple as adjusting formats, starting two-team leagues, or hosting weekend tournament-style leagues. Be creative but know the regulations.”
Her commitment to connecting people and creating a fair, inclusive experience shaped not only her local community but the entire Mid-Atlantic region. “Ultimately, I work toward creating an amazing product while continuously striving to contribute to a positive player experience for all,” Carisa says.
Her impact extended beyond the courts when she co-chaired the first Centralized Grievance Committee, an initiative that brought consistency and fairness to league operations. “The keyword was consistency,” she explains. “We wanted an impartial and consistent application of decisions. Players deserve a fair process, and now they have confidence their voices are heard.” Her work on the committee helped lay the foundation for the National Suspension Point Penalty System, ensuring uniform discipline and fairness nationwide.
Even when organizational changes meant her beloved Area League Coordinator role would end, Carisa stayed focused on what mattered most: the players. “The underlying motivation was consistency,” she reflects. “Consistency in the product, the communication, the administration, and the mission. It was less about coordinating my local area and more about the overall product Mid-Atlantic was providing. Consistency was the key.” Her selfless guidance during the transition ensured a smooth handoff and continued growth for the program.
Her leadership also reached the national level. Carisa served on the USTA National League Committee, where she helped design tools to improve the captain and player experience nationwide. Yet, for all her influence, Carisa remains grounded in gratitude. “I’m absolutely honored to be selected for this award,” she says. “There are so many people who’ve accomplished amazing things for tennis. To be recognized among them is overwhelming.”
Carisa credits her success to a supportive network of family and colleagues. “My husband, Christopher, has been my biggest cheerleader, along with mentors like Pam Leibfried, Bill Fitzgibbon, and Lindsey Keeler. And of course, our players and captains. Their experience is the main goal!”
For Carisa, leadership means lifting others up and helping them find their place in the game. “There are so many ways to get involved in the world’s healthiest sport,” she says. “Find one that fits your strengths, and keep evolving. One door, or one court, always leads to another.”
Through every challenge and change, Carisa Dueweke has embodied what it means to be a true Game Changer. A leader who listens, inspires, and builds a stronger, fairer, and more connected tennis community.
Join Carisa and the Tennis Creates Awards honorees at the Tennis Creates Gala on Dec. 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC. All proceeds from the Gala and Fantasy Clinic benefit USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission to champion tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic. Through programs like Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation is ensuring that every person, regardless of background or zip code, can experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.
For more information, Tennis Creates Gala and Fantasy Clinic tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit TennisCreatesGala.com.
There is no shortage of incredible individuals and organizations making a positive impact on tennis in the Mid-Atlantic region. Each year, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation honors those who are uplifting, supporting, and going above and beyond for tennis through our Annual Awards program.
The Mid-Atlantic tennis community nominated outstanding individuals and community providers for the Annual Awards and those who exemplify the guiding principles of Community, Character, and Well-being under the “USTA Mid-Atlantic Creates” theme.
Nominations poured in during nomination period, each sharing inspiring stories of tennis leaders of all ages in the Mid-Atlantic region. The commitment of individuals and providers in the region to the sport has not gone unnoticed.
After careful review, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation introduces the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Award winners who continue to make an impact on and off the court.
USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates…
Community Champion Award: Andrew Acquadro
DC Department of Parks and Rec Citiwide Tennis & Pickleball Director expanding affordable, inclusive programming citywide.
Provider Champion Award: Essam Laskar
Founder of Laskar Tennis, making the game accessible by partnering with local county park and recreation departments around the Mid-Atlantic.
Youth Leader Award: Sahej Jaspal
A 9-year-old standout athlete and volunteer inspiring his peers on and off the court.
Adult Leader Award: Carisa Dueweke
A league leader who helped increase league participation and elevated player experience.
Tennis in the Classroom: Chip Boling
High-school coach and tournament director committed to growing youth tennis participation.
Coach of the Year: Wendy Massarelli
Girls Rule the Court™ coach in Loudoun County, empowering girls through tennis and social-emotional learning.
Congratulations to all the winners. The 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates award winners will receive their award and recognition at the Tennis Creates Gala on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington D.C.
Results are in from week two of the USTA League National Championships. Three teams from the Mid-Atlantic finished in the top four!
Mid-Atlantic’s 40 & Over 4.0 Women’s and Men’s Team earned a spot in the top four at the National Championships held this past weekend at Scottsdale Ranch Park Tennis Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Women’s 3.0 team also secured fourth during the 40 & Over Women’s 3.0 National League Championships at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California.
DC Charles placed fourth after losing to Middle States, 2-3 during the consolation playoff.
Photo by Mark Dancho
Captain Sharif Charles led the team that included Murugavel Chengavarayan, Brad Ziajor, Sumeet Chawla, Christopher Lee, Phi-Long Nguyen-Thanh, Jonathan Kim, Justin Dorsk, Gavin Luter, James Atto, Jose Miguel Sacin, WJ Peterson, Tony Steward, Quinn Fiscus, Chip Hathaway, Aaron Blackmon, Juan Jose Tijero, Jorge Gastelumendi, and Senthil Kumar Seetharaman.
DC Colbert also placed fourth after losing to SoCal 2-3. Earlier in the day, they lost their first playoff match to Southern, 2-3.
October 19, 2025 – The Mid-Atlantic section came in fourth place in the Adult 40 & Over 4.0 League National Championship at the Scottsdale Ranch Park and Tennis Center in Scottsdale, AZ.
Captain Felica Colbert led the team that included Carolina Posada, Allyson McMahon, Elizabeth Solander, Kristin Quackenbush, Kasey Kinney, Aileen Jones, Mary Papadopulos, Andrea Gevas, Shadana Myers, Sonia Valdes, Kanika Sabor, Liz Christensen, Lisa Roy, Yoland Alexander, Susan Lapetina, Cecilia Jones, Jemine Bryon, and Denise Freeman.
Loudoun-Anderson also secured fourth place after losing their consolation playoff 2-3 to Caribbean.
Co-Captains Katie Anderson and Cristina Tallent led the team. The roster included Katie Anderson, Melanie Watermeyer, Ayce Bukulmeyen Ozerdem, Tammy Schulman, Brooke Potthast, Melissa Moore, Kelly Overman, Nicole Rosser, Alison Shipman, Sharon Parbs, Jessica Turgon, Kerri Thomas, Amy Heffernan, Nicholina Ferramosca, Lara Ramsey, and Cristina Tallent.
Congratulations to NOVA on a fantastic run at this year’s National Championships! We’re proud of all the Mid-Atlantic teams who competed and gave it their all.
Mid-Atlantic Results from Week 2:
Adult 40 & Over
4.0M – DC-Charles placed fourth out of 17 teams.
4.0W – DC-Colbert placed fourth out of 17 teams.
3.0M – Richmond-Lemco placed seventh out of 16 teams.
3.0W – Loudoun-Anderson placed fourth out of 17 teams.
Adult 18 & Over
4.5M – Richmond-Godsey placed 12 out of 16 teams.
4.5W – Montgomery-Feldman placed fifth out of 14 teams.
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.
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