Game Changer: Carisa Dueweke

2025 Tennis Creates Awards: Adult Leader Honoree

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. 

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.