USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation to Celebrate Ray Benton with Tennis Creates Visionary Award

Trailblazing Tennis Executive to be Recognized at Upcoming Tennis Creates Gala on December 6, 2025 in Washington D.C.

Tickets, Sponsorship Opportunities, and Event Details Available at tenniscreatesgala.com

ARLINGTON, VA (September 23, 2025) – The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation has named longtime tennis executive, Hall of Fame member, and former USTA Board Member, Ray Benton, as a Visionary Award honoree. He will be recognized at the Foundation’s annual Tennis Creates Gala, taking place on December 6, 2025 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC.

One of the most accomplished executives in the tennis industry, Ray has served as the CEO of Junior Tennis Champion Center (JTCC) for 17 years and has spent his career as a passionate advocate for growing tennis participation at every level of the sport. At JTCC, he has guided the organization to national recognition while developing ATP and WTA Tour players and helping more than 200 student-athletes earn $21 million in college scholarships. Ray also founded and led ProServ, managing icons like Arthur Ashe, Michael Jordan, and Patrick Ewing. Over the course of his career, he directed over 100 major events, including the Volvo Masters at Madison Square Garden, pioneered the first worldwide senior tennis circuit, and expanded the National Junior Tennis League into a nationwide movement. Ray will retire from the JTCC at the end of September, leaving a legacy of transformational leadership, championing tennis as a pathway to education, excellence, and equity for thousands of young athletes.

“Ray’s storied career is a testament to his unmatched commitment to advancing tennis and creating opportunity across generations,” said Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation. “His visionary leadership has shaped every level of the sport, from grassroots participation to the global professional stage, and he is truly deserving of a Visionary Award.”

The Tennis Creates Gala is USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s signature fundraising event, supporting life-changing tennis programs across the region. The evening features live and silent auctions, fine dining, music, and the Tennis Creates Awards, honoring individuals and partners who exemplify the power of tennis to create community, character, and well-being. Stacey Allaster, the first woman in USTA history to hold the role of US Open Tournament Director, will be recognized with the Tennis Creates Impact Award. Additional award winners will be named in the coming weeks.

All proceeds from the Gala 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 benefits of tennis.

For more information, or to purchase tickets go to TennisCreatesGala.com. 

About the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its lifelong benefits in the Mid-Atlantic region. By investing in community, character, and well-being, the Foundation is changing lives through the sport of tennis.

# # #