Central Indiana tennis ambassador shares the joy of the game during National Tennis Month

Q: Did you partner with any local parks, schools or community groups to make these events possible? 

A: "Yes, after attending a parks board meeting, I reached out to the local parks and recreation department in my hometown to find out if they would be interested in hosting a National Tennis Month event. They had never considered doing something like this before and were extremely intrigued by the idea. After further conversations about how tennis could be incorporated into their parks program, they were on board to partner with USTA Midwest and host an event for the community."

Q: Was there a standout moment or memory from your National Tennis Month events that stuck with you? 

A: "Absolutely! One of the most memorable moments came from an event held at a senior living community that includes independent, assisted and memory care residents. Watching them participate in Red Ball Tennis was truly magical. One resident, in particular, was playing while in her wheelchair and was determined to get a rally going. She didn’t leave the court until it happened—and when it did, the joy on her face was unforgettable. Her determination and enthusiasm perfectly captured the spirit of the event and reminded me why I love doing this work."

Q: The USTA often says, “Tennis is for everyone.” What does that phrase mean to you? 

A: "To me, it means that regardless of lifestyle, demographics, skill, gender, physical limitations or background, tennis is a sport that anyone can play just by picking up a racquet and getting on court. It builds community, promotes lifelong health and offers opportunities for people to connect at every stage of life. It’s adaptable, inclusive and accessible—whether you're playing competitively, socially or just for fun. Tennis truly has a place for everyone, and that’s what makes it such a powerful and unifying sport."

Q: What do you hope participants walked away with after attending your events? 

A: "I hope participants walked away with a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment, whether it was trying tennis for the first time or simply dusting off the racquet after years of being off the court. I hope the participants had a good time, felt energized and walked away with increased confidence in themselves and their ability. My goal was for everyone to feel reinvigorated and inspired, with a willingness to try new things and a genuine excitement to come back and do it again."