2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Award Winners Announced

Herndon, Va., [Tuesday, October 15, 2024] – USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Tennis Creates Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals and organizations for their dedication to tennis and its impact on the Mid-Atlantic region. These awards celebrate those who embody the guiding principles of Community, Character, and Well-being and continue to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of tennis in the area.

The winners were chosen from a pool of inspiring nominees across the region, each with a compelling story of leadership, community service, and passion for the sport. Their remarkable efforts have supported tennis and enhanced the lives of those in their communities.

2024 Tennis Creates Award Winners:

• Community Champion Award:
  Luke Grimshaw – A leader in the Frederick, MD tennis community, Luke has fostered inclusivity and connected hundreds of players through organizing tournaments and maintaining a thriving tennis ladder, all without personal gain.
  
  

• Provider Champion Award:
  Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) – Founded by Kimberly Selden and Virginia Thornton, BGTC creates opportunities for Black women and girls to thrive in tennis while promoting health and wellness through its partnership with USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Girls Rule the Court™  program.
  
  

• Youth Leader Award:
  Alexandre Kroely – This young leader formed his own Junior Team Tennis (JTT) team, inspiring his peers and helping to develop their skills and passion for the game, transforming his local community of young players.

• Adult Leader Award:
  Jen Kaine – A dedicated coach for Girls Rule the Court™  since 2022, Jen’s creativity and community engagement have made a lasting impact on the girls she coaches, fostering growth and enthusiasm for the sport.
  
  

• Tennis in the Classroom Award:
  Julius Mashonganyika – As the coach of Meridian High School and a high-performance coach, Julius has expanded tennis opportunities both competitively and in the community, especially through the Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative.
  
  

• Coach of the Year:
  Gordon Macgill – Founder of the Richmond chapter of Love Serving Autism, Gordon provides tennis instruction for individuals with special needs, creating a supportive and inclusive tennis environment.

Join Us for the 2024 Tennis Creates Gala

The winners will be honored at the Annual Tennis Creates Gala on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. This celebration will bring together the tennis community to recognize these extraordinary contributions and further support USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission to grow the game of tennis across the region.

For more information about the awards and the gala, please visit www.usta.com.

About USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation:

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. The organization fosters community, character, and well-being through the sport, ensuring access and opportunities for all.

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