Inspiring Women to Follow Their Dreams

What is it about tennis specifically that differentiates it from other activities?

I have traveled around the world and can always find a tennis court.

Why is it important for women to play tennis?  

Great exercise and making new friends.

What would you tell another woman or girl interested in playing tennis?  

Take a lesson!  It is so much fun!

Why is Women’s History Month important to you?

Any history month highlights the accomplishments and creates awareness, which has a positive effect.

How would you like to see Women in sports grow?

More Women in leadership roles of top companies guiding the careers of upcoming athletes.

What was the best piece of advice you received when you were growing up and/or advancing in your career?

You can do anything you want.

What advice would you like to give to the next generation of women leaders?

The sky is the limit, find a mentor and follow your dreams.

Using three words, how would you describe tennis in the Mid-Atlantic?  

Accessible, competitive and inclusive.

But wait there's more. We are honored to highlight another impactful, effective and inspiring member of our Board of Directors, Lynn Coddington. 

Lynn has been involved with the USTA for over 25 years serving in leadership positions. She was the Executive Director of USTA Maryland District for 19 years. Moving on from that role, she served as USTA Maryland Delegate, President of USTA MAS, and Section Delegate to USTA. She was also an officer on the nonprofit Howard County Tennis Patrons board. Prior to USTA, Lynn’s professional career was in journalism as a reporter and editor with McGraw Hill, Inc., and in the U.S. Congress. She has an undergraduate degree in History and a Masters degree in Journalism, Communications and Public Affairs. 

Here are Lynn’s thoughts on women’s empowerment through tennis:

What drew you to tennis?

My father started hitting with me on the public tennis courts and I was hooked. It was something for me to do anytime, anywhere, be good at and enjoy. (And when he wasn’t available, there was always the garage door to hit against).

What is it about tennis specifically that differentiates it from other activities?

Tennis requires the determination to embrace the moment when alone on a court, while facing a challenging opponent, battling the elements, and even one’s own self-doubt. Then to experience the joy in succeeding; not necessarily winning, but overcoming the obstacles and celebrating the process.

Why is it important for women to play tennis?

For a woman (or a girl), tennis can be empowering and any opportunity to grow into one’s powerful role as a woman is an opportunity not to be missed.

What would you tell another woman or girl interested in playing tennis?

Don’t hesitate, if you are just starting out there are a lot of people to help you along the way. You’ll learn a lot about yourself from playing tennis and that will inform you throughout your life. Also, join a team and have fun because tennis doesn’t have to be an individual sport.

Why is Women’s History Month important to you? 

I appreciate learning about women’s lives, someone of whom I may not have known unless we carve out a month to do so.

How would you like to see Women in sports grow?

When the systems currently in control are disrupted and recreated equitably, equal opportunities for all women in all sports will open up and become routine. 

What was the best piece of advice you received when you were growing up and/or advancing in your career?

As a leader, do the task first, understand what’s required, and then pass it along. Be empathic about the difficulties someone may encounter, and offer support and guidance based on the knowledge gleaned from having done it first.

What advice would you like to give to the next generation of women leaders?

Believe you belong, persist, be humble yet confident, admit mistakes,be willing to read and learn throughout life, and have fun.

Using three words, how would you describe tennis in the Mid-Atlantic?

In great hands!

Join our Women’s History Month celebration following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and by subscribing to USTA Mid-Atlantic’s YouTube Channel. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic 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 Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.