2026 USTA Texas NJTL Impact Award

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“Being selected for this award is an honor. It serves as a reminder of the work that has been accomplished over the years and the work that remains to be done going forward. It keeps me humble in knowing that I have been blessed to have strong support from a great staff and a wonderful Board that encourages me to continue to look for ways to find partnerships that will help repair and rebuild the broken systems in many of our communities and families today. It takes a village to do that.”

– Bert Cole

Her impact is defined by her zealous advocacy for inner-city children, ensuring they have the tools to become the best version of themselves. From partnering with human rights groups like the Lost Boys of Sudan to developing NJTL Excellence Teams and elite players, Bert has always used tennis as a vehicle for hope and a new future. Her work reflects the very core of the NJTL mission—originally envisioned by Arthur Ashe—to combine tennis and education to reach those who might otherwise be left behind. By championing diversity and equality in every role, she has built a legacy where the court is a place of belonging for every child, regardless of their background.

Bert’s philosophy is simple: she seeks to touch as many lives as possible, sharing the same wisdom and resilience she learned from her own journey. Through her unwavering service across all levels of the USTA, she has not only talked about the impact tennis can have—she has lived it. She often says that while she gives much to the kids, they have given her far more in return, proving that the heart of the NJTL program is found in the mutual growth of the mentor and the student.

By dedicating her life to nurturing the potential of every young player she meets, Bert Cole ensures that the future of Texas tennis is as resilient, bright and inclusive as the children she champions.