Meet the Mid-Atlantic Tennis Changemakers of 2026

Tennis is so much more than a game in the Mid-Atlantic. Across our region, it brings people together, builds healthy habits and creates stronger, more connected communities. Every year, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation proudly recognizes the changemakers who are championing this mission on and off the court. Today, we are thrilled to announce our 2026 Tennis Creates Award winners.

Nominations poured in from across Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC and West Virginia, highlighting local leaders. These outstanding individuals exemplify our guiding principles of community, character and well-being. Through their dedication to accessible programming, social-emotional learning and inclusive play, they are proving that tennis truly creates opportunities for all.

Join us in celebrating the 2026 Tennis Creates Award Winners, who make an impact each and every day:

Adult Leader Award: Leigh Ann Jackson (Alexandria, Va.)

As a Girls Rule the Court™ (GRTC) coach at Groverton Elementary School, Jackson has served 130 students over five seasons in the Title I Route 1 community. Her dedication extends far beyond the court; she spearheaded fundraisers to sustain the initiative and tirelessly advocated for its expansion to a new location in Hybla Valley.

Youth Leader Award: Gabrielle Berg (Arlington, Va.)

A 17-year-old Mid-Atlantic junior tennis player, Berg founded a Northern Virginia chapter of Tennis For Fun, a volunteer organization providing free tennis clinics for individuals with special needs. Through a partnership with the Arlington YMCA, she ensures these empowering, wellness-driven clinics run year-round.

Community Champion Award: Dr. Ellen Markowitz (Charlottesville, Va.)

A lifelong tennis player, coach and founder of PowerPlay NYC, a nonprofit educating and empowering girls through sports, Markowitz was instrumental in developing the GRTC curriculum used across the Mid-Atlantic today. She continues to champion the physical and emotional benefits of the sport as an active GRTC coach in Charlottesville.

Provider Champion Award: James Skinner (Midlothian, Va.)

Skinner is a teacher and boys varsity tennis coach at Monacan High School, but his philanthropic impact spans the entire city. As head coach for Rising Stars Academy, a partnership between the Richmond Tennis Association and Richmond Parks and Recreation, he provides free tennis programs for youth who might not otherwise have the chance to pick up a racquet. Over the past eight years, the program has grown from a handful of participants to more than 50 players. Skinner also organizes Junior Team Tennis squads to keep kids engaged, with one recent graduate heading to play collegiate tennis at the University of Mary Washington this fall.

Coach of the Year Award: Khoi Truong (Burke, Va.)

The head tennis coach at Lake Braddock Secondary School, Truong fosters a positive environment that inspires players to improve mentally, physically and emotionally. Also serving as a tournament director for major junior events, he consistently promotes sportsmanship, well-being and personal growth during both practices and matches.

Tennis in the Classroom Award: Janelle Nichols (Brentwood, Md.)

As the Director of Programs & Partnerships for the Washington Tennis & Education Foundation (WTEF) and co-founder of Playmakers Collective, Nichols provides invaluable consulting to sports-based youth programs and nonprofits. At WTEF, she seamlessly blends academic enrichment, STEM programming and life skills into tennis instruction for students in under-resourced neighborhoods across Washington, DC.

Celebrate With Us at the 2026 Tennis Creates Gala

The 2026 Tennis Creates Awardees will be honored at the Tennis Creates Gala on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning ESPN journalist Malika Andrews, this elegant, black-tie affair celebrates the transformative power of tennis while raising vital funds to support access, equity and opportunity across our region.

You can celebrate these inspiring leaders and support the cause by purchasing a ticket or table, sponsoring the event or donating to the auction. Visit the Gala website to secure your spot and join the celebration. 

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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.