One Texas. One Tennis: Jae Washington

One Texas. One Tennis. is a series highlighting the many faces, voices and experiences of Texas Tennis. Everyone is welcome on the tennis court and when we’re open, we’re at our best. On courts across Texas, every player has a story and those stories show the true diversity and strength of our tennis community. Want to share your story: CLICK HERE

Jae Washington’s tennis journey is a testament to the power of representation, mentorship, and the enduring spirit of community. Inspired by the sight of Venus and Serena Williams competing on the world stage in the late 90s, Jae picked up a racquet in a neighborhood where the sport was a rarity, beginning a path that would eventually transform his life. What started as hours of relentless practice on local courts has evolved into a twenty-year legacy of competition and service. Today, Jae is a vital fixture in the Texas tennis landscape—serving on the HTA Board and the USTA Texas DEI committee—driven by the belief that the sport is a universal language that begins with "love" and flourishes through inclusion and unity.

USTA Texas: How did you first get involved in tennis, and what kept you coming back to the court?

Jae Washington: I was introduced to tennis around 1999-2000 when I first saw Serena & Venus play at the US Open live on tv. I grew up in a community where tennis wasn't that popular, so watching those two sisters compete at that level inspired me to pick up a racquet and learn the game. A few of my friends were also interested, so that led to us finding neighborhood tennis courts and hitting tennis balls all over the place.

A few years later, my life would change and I'll be moving to a bigger city, Houston that is! I found a tennis court that was near my neighborhood and came across this older gentleman who invited me over to hit with him on court. Joe Carper would see something in myself that I didn't see and that gave me the motivation to work on my game. I would hit those tennis courts 5-6x out of the week for hours and hours to improve my skills.

Joe would then recommend me joining the USTA and playing adult league. I was excited and intrigued that something like this existed. I didn't hesitate to sign up, and it was the start of me competing against other guys all over the Texas region. Today, 20 years later, I am still competing in tournaments and building relationships with USTA Texas by volunteering, officiating, serving on the HTA Board and working with the USTA Texas DEI committee.

USTA Texas: Who in the tennis community has had the biggest impact on your journey? And why?

Washington: Joe Carper would have the biggest impact on my journey because without him I wouldn't be able to share my story. He introduced me to the USTA. He took me under his wings to help me learn about the game and even shared ways to help improve my game.

USTA Texas: What is one lesson tennis has taught you that you carry with you off the court?

Washington: One lesson that I have learned from tennis is that the sport is universal and there are so many ways to give back to the sport. The sport goes beyond the courts, and it really brings so many people together.

USTA Texas: What is it about the tennis community that helps people from different backgrounds connect?

Washington: It helps us grow to learn more about each other and the differences we may have experienced. The game truly begins with love.

USTA Texas: What is one thing we can all do to make tennis more welcoming and inclusive for everyone?

Washington: Be more open minded and welcome everyone from every walk of life with open arms. We all have a story, and we all deserve to enjoy this beautiful sport as one.

USTA Texas: What does “One Texas. One Tennis.” mean to you?

Washington: One Texas. One Tennis means unity and a willingness to bring all those who love the sport of tennis together to make it a safe space for everyone to enjoy.