Stonewall Sports offers community and inclusion for Raleigh tennis players

Stonewall Sports, formed in 2010, has set the national standard not only for funding and philanthropic efforts that aid LGBTQ non-profits, but also for supporting local sports leagues that promote competition and inclusion. The organization is in nine U.S. cities and has collectively raised over $500,000 for charities.

Three years later, Stonewall Sports Raleigh was founded in North Carolina as an LGBTQIA+ community-based, 501(c)(3) sports organization that raises funds for local non-profit organizations through organized sports.

According to founding Stonewall Sports Raleigh board member and Raleigh City Council member Jonathan Lambert-Melton, tennis players have a big role in the Raleigh chapter.

"The [Stonewall Sports] model was set up," said Lambert-Melton. "Chapters are established and each city has flexibility to establish sports that fit their community. Most new members are younger, for example, 21 and up. We see a lot of young professionals and graduate students in Raleigh."

Tennis in Raleigh

For tennis, the Raleigh 2025 season includes eight teams. Teams must have between 10 to 16 players.

No experience is needed. Inclusion means accepting both seasoned athletes and those new to the sport. The focus is on creating a welcoming environment where people can enjoy playing sports while also building connections within the community.

Each league offers divisions based on skill level and experience. Here is the typical division breakdown:

• A Division - Advanced
• B Division - Intermediate
• C Division - Novice
• D Division - Social

"In terms of our tennis program, Stonewall Tennis in Raleigh has set the standard for growth and community for other Stonewall cities around the country," explained Courtney Smith, the national representative for Stonewall Sports Raleigh. “From a humble start of just 50 players in 2017 to over 165 this spring season, our league’s success is a testament to the power of inclusivity, passion and the shared love of the game.”

Embracing inclusivity

Stonewall Raleigh embraces inclusivity and welcomes participants of all sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, religion, age and status.

RC Raymond has been the Tennis Director of Stonewall Raleigh for three years. "As far as respect for the sport and inclusion, every season we – meaning myself and the captains for that season - create a culture of open and honest education. We teach new players correct form and coach them on how to get better. We cheer on our teammates and competitors. We build each other up no matter what because, at the end of the day, we are all friends in the same community."

Raymond says the members pick up on the unique aspects of tennis.

"What really sets us aside is that we pass on the etiquette of tennis. I've been playing tennis all my life and have experienced country clubs, trainers, coaches, travel leagues, high school seasons and watching open tournaments. I get the culture, etiquette and mindset for a tennis court, but it is not something you pick up on the court or YouTube how-to videos. So, every season we teach etiquette. While this seems minor, it makes every athlete feel like they belong on the court and they are a real tennis player now that they know all the little ‘secrets’ despite how daunting it may look."

The members are a mix of ex-college tennis players, volleyball and basketball all-stars who want a new competitive start, rusty high school players who bought racquets for this league a week before it started and those curious about competitive tennis.

Lambert-Melton said the secret has always been the way that Stonewall attracts and keeps members.

"We kind of tricked them. They would come out to play sports and they would find friends, fitness and fun."