USTA Player Makes a Difference One Day at a Time

When USTA 18 & over 4.0 men’s league captain Jason McFarley noticed a match was scheduled last year on Juneteenth, it didn’t sit well. After all, no USTA matches are scheduled on other holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, even Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. McFarley contacted the league coordinator to see if it could be rescheduled. 

“With Juneteenth now designated a federal holiday, I see it as no less culturally or historically significant as other holidays that occur during the league season,” McFarley said. “These days, so much of our national history is being minimized or censored. I didn't want to see that happen by failing to properly recognize Juneteenth in this league that means so much to me.”

McFarley was successful in his endeavor, not only getting it rescheduled in 2022, but in subsequent years as well. In addition it served as a teaching moment for those members on his team who didn’t know a lot about Juneteenth. Not only on the significance of the holiday, but why it’s important to stand up for your beliefs.

“I found myself letting USTA Nebraska and my fellow players know that despite the inconvenience of rescheduling, it was important to me that we do our small part to make the league mindful, respectful and inclusive of this important holiday,” he said. “I also shared some articles about the history of Juneteenth, how it's celebrated in some communities and its journey to become a national holiday.”

McFarley grew up in South Bend, Indiana, where he would celebrate Juneteenth by going to festivals and church programs. Since moving to Nebraska more than ten years ago, he does it in quieter ways such as dining out at a black-owned restaurant, or reading a book about American History. By not having any USTA matches on Juneteenth, he hopes USTA players will learn more about it and make their own traditions. 

“As a black man and as someone who wants to see more diversity reflected in our sport, I knew this was something that I needed to champion. I think this situation is a good example of why it's so important to have diverse voices in the room where decisions - even those as seemingly small as scheduling tennis matches - are made.”

​​”Jason McFarley demonstrated exceptional leadership in spearheading this initiative in collaboration with the USTA, and it fills me with an immense sense of gratitude and pride, and I feel privileged to call him a friend,” said USTA member, Tyler Lubben.