Jessica McMillen Honored at US Open ‘Champions of Equality’ event

The US Open held its fourth annual Champions of Equality event on Thursday to honor women leading the fight for equality across sports, entertainment, and society. 

Among those honored was none other than Texas' very own Jessica McMillen, a dedicated tennis leader and 2023 Best of Texas Tennis Junior Team Tennis Organizer achievement recipient; she has served on the USTA Texas Board of Directors, chaired the USTA Texas Junior Team Tennis Committee, and served on the National Local Play and Competition Committee.

McMillen shared her excitement on receiving the 2026 recognition and expressed her gratitude to USTA Texas for supporting her passion for expanding access and fostering inclusivity for female players.

"Being named a 2026 USTA Champion of Equality is such a thrill! I’m so grateful to USTA Texas for celebrating the work I love most: opening doors, creating opportunities, and making tennis a bigger, more inclusive game for women and girls," she said. "I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about where we’re going!

The full list of USTA Section honorees:

USTA Section ‘Champions of Equality’

USTA Eastern – Kathy Connelly

USTA Florida – Wendy Tatum

USTA Hawaii – Donna Ede

USTA Intermountain – Claudia Scariot

USTA Mid-Atlantic – Ellen Markowitz

USTA Middle States – Delaine Mast

USTA Midwest – Ethel Parker

USTA Missouri Valley – Kaitlin Roselius, PhD.

USTA New England – Mayor Maria Rivera

USTA Northern – Judy Long

USTA Northern California – Carrie Zarraonandia

USTA Pacific Northwest – Alisha Valavanis

USTA Southern – Marcy Hirshberg

USTA Southern California – Sarah Koudouzian

USTA Southwest – Melissa Clark

USTA Texas – Jessica McMillen