In their own words: Ahsha Rolle on giving back and inspiring the next generation

As we celebrate Black History Month throughout February, we look toward leaders in tennis who are working to spread this sport far and wide, reaching deep into communities to impact youth and adults on many levels. This month, you'll meet USTA national volunteer leaders who are telling their first-person stories and who recognize the influences family, friends, teachers and coaches have had on the direction their lives and careers have taken—and how that direction is positively impacting the newest generations. Today, meet Ahsha Rolle.

Black History Month is a time of reflection and responsibility for me. As a Black American former professional tennis player, I recognize that my journey was made possible by those who broke barriers before me—people like Althea Gibson, Zina Garrison, Lori McNeil, and Venus and Serena Williams. Their courage created opportunities I did not, and do not, take lightly.

It also reinforces my commitment to representation, mentorship and giving back to the sport. Honoring Black history means continuing the work; opening doors, creating access, and inspiring the next generation to believe they belong in tennis.

And that’s why I feel so fortunate to be doing what I do. I’m the Executive Director of Tennis at New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) and the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, where thousands of New York City youth receive coaching, mentorship and academic support at no cost to their families. NYJTL is the largest youth tennis and education non-profit in the nation, reaching more than 90,000 K-12 New York City youth.

For the past 10 years at the Cary Leeds Center, I’ve delivered high-quality tennis programming for participants of all ages. I specialize in high-performance juniors and adults, guiding players with ambition, discipline and purpose.

I’m also a coach developer, having trained thousands of coaches throughout my career. I find great fulfillment mentoring the next generation of professionals who will positively impact the tennis ecosystem.

My coaching philosophy is rooted in my experience. I’ve seen where players aspire to go—from top-level junior tennis to the highest levels of the professional game.

Having seen every stage and situation, I feel I’m uniquely equipped to guide my students toward achieving their goals. Real growth occurs outside of your comfort zone, and I have a passion for pushing players to new levels in their games.

I was coached by former world No. 4 Lori McNeil, gaining invaluable experience at the highest levels of the sport. That elite background laid the foundation for my transition into coaching, where I discovered a passion for player development.

I’m also on the USTA Eastern Coaches Task Force and a 2025 USTA Eastern DEI Champion, and most recently, I was selected as a member of USTA Coaching’s 2026 Women in Coaching Cohort, a program designed to educate, empower, and connect coaches who are shaping the future of tennis. 

While I’ve had many mentors throughout my journey and am deeply grateful for each of them, the person who had the greatest impact on me as a tennis player is Lori McNeil. I looked up to her not only as a player, but also as a coach, and now, as the standard I aspire to reflect. 

Lori is the kind of mentor who shapes both careers and character. My hope is that the young players I mentor see me the way I see her: as someone who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them grow. I strive to be their Lori McNeil.