DIVERSITY GRANT AWARDED TO 59 TEXANS

USTA Texas proudly awarded 59 distinguished youth tennis players with a 2018 Texas Diversity Grant. The grant aims to encourage diverse and inclusive tennis participation across the state by rewarding the young individuals for their excellence on and off the court.

Marcos Valdez, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at USTA Texas, stated, “For over a decade, the Texas Diversity Grant has afforded youth the opportunity to increase their frequency of tennis play. Overall in 2017, grant recipients participated in more tournaments than last, improved their rankings, and reported increased confidence on and off the tennis court- all of which are outcomes the grant is designed to reach.”

Grant recipients earned funding by completing the 2018 Texas Diversity Grant application, which required a report card, recommendation letters from a tennis coach and school official, a written essay, and other supportive documents. The Diversity and Inclusion committee reviewed and ranked each application with a matrix system that holistically assesses each candidate’s character and financial need as best as possible.

Recipients can spend grant funds on tennis equipment, tournament fees, travel expenses, and tennis lessons. By relieving some of the costs associated with playing tennis, the grant intends to provide more time and opportunities for these individuals to engage in tennis—with the hope it’s a sport they enjoy for a lifetime.  Congratulations to all the 2018 Texas Diversity Grant Recipients winners!