In their own words: Traci Green on supporting the next generation of athletes

At 10, I was introduced to organized tennis through a USTA NJTL program in my hometown of Philadelphia and fell in love with the game. Although I played multiple sports throughout my childhood, including field hockey, dance, basketball, track and softball, it was tennis that captured my heart.

At 13, I won the Girls’ 14s National Clay Court Championships in Plantation, Fla. From there, my journey took me into international junior tennis, and I was fortunate enough to play Division I college tennis at the University of Florida, where we won multiple championships. I also competed in a few professional events, which fueled my passion even more.

I earned a Master’s degree from Temple University, and today I am honored to coach and mentor elite Division I athletes at Harvard University, where I am the Sheila Kelly Palandjian Head Coach of Women’s Tennis. I’m deeply proud to serve in this role, guiding and mentoring the next generation of athletes and future leaders. And I’m constantly inspired by my players.

To that end, I feel fortunate to be involved with the Black Women in Sport Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls of color in athletics. It has been an inspiring journey to contribute to creating opportunities for others and to be part of a community committed to making a lasting impact in sports.

I’m also very humbled to have been inducted into the Middle States Hall of Fame Class of 2024 and the Black Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2025, both as a player and contributor. These acknowledgments inspire me to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible and to give back to the sport that has given so much to me.

There are so many people who have shaped my journey, and I am forever grateful for them. The coaches who believed in me and pushed me to be my best, the student-athletes who have inspired me with their resilience and drive, and the managers, bosses and administrators who challenged me and broadened my perspective along the way have all played a part in my growth.

I carry those relationships and experiences with me as I work to inspire the next generation of athletes and leaders, knowing there is still important work to be done to expand access and opportunity in our sport.

In tennis, Black History Month is a time to reflect on Black players’ trailblazing legacy, and it’s an opportunity to highlight the importance of access for all in the sport. It is a celebration of those who have broken barriers and created new paths for future generations, a moment to honor past and present champions, and an opportunity to recognize the cultural impact of Black excellence in tennis that continues to inspire athletes today.

I am deeply grateful for my journey in sports, and I hope my story encourages others to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams with passion, perseverance and dedication. The path may not always be easy, but with hard work, belief in yourself, and a great team around you, anything is possible.