Jason McFarley finds his place—and helps others find theirs—in tennis

When Jason McFarley was 10 years old growing up in South Bend, Ind., he was flipping through TV channels when he came across Wimbledon. He was drawn to pros like Andre Agassi and Monica Seles and their intensity on the court.

At the same time, he was also aware not many players looked like he did at the pro level or in his own community. Instead of letting that deter him, it actually pulled him in.

“It made me want to take up that mantle—to see if I could find my own place in the sport,” he said. “I got my first racquet shortly after that. I’ve been playing on and off for more than 30 years since then, and that early spark has never really left.”

McFarley now lives in Lincoln where he plays and captains USTA Nebraska leagues, is on the Lincoln Tennis Association and is part of the USTA Missouri Valley Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Outreach Committee. He applied to be part of the DE&I committee because he understands how powerful visibility can be, and he wanted to help create pathways to make tennis even more welcoming.

“When people see someone who looks like them participating, leading and enjoying the sport, it can change their perception of whether tennis is for them,” he said. “For me, DEI isn’t just about race—it’s about broadening participation across different sexes, ages, physical conditions and intellectual disabilities.”

The committee’s goals center on expanding access, strengthening community connections, making tennis more inviting at every level and continuing to tell their story. That effort includes outreach, education and partnerships that help lower barriers to entry and support long-term participation.

McFarley said inclusion doesn’t happen on its own; it takes intentional effort and a willingness to meet people where they are.

As a former journalist, McFarley now works as a public information and education officer for the Nebraska Public Service Commission. He knows how powerful storytelling can be, and he hopes Black History Month in February can serve as a way to help broaden understanding and build connections.