Women’s History Month: Jessica McMillen Champions Growth for Women’s Tennis in Austin

Female participation has grown alongside these efforts, with more girls entering leagues and taking on leadership roles. In one summer initiative, high school players — most of them girls — independently ran a team tennis league, managing everything from scheduling to scorekeeping.

“They did everything,” McMillen said. “It still makes me tear up.”

Still, challenges remain. Austin faces a shortage of accessible tennis courts, an issue McMillen and the Capital Area Tennis Association are actively addressing. Through partnerships and technology like USTA’s SmartAccess court access system, underused school courts are being opened to the public.

McMillen sees access as part of a broader equity issue in women’s sports. Her long-term vision reflects that belief: a dedicated facility designed specifically for women, complete with coaching, amenities and a welcoming environment.

“It’s women who sustain the tennis ecosystem,” she said. “I want to create a space that celebrates that.”

In her leadership roles, including service on the USTA Texas board of directors and on multiple USTA section and national committees, McMillen advocates for greater inclusion and equity. She credits a wide circle of women as inspirations, including mentor Carol Welder, as well as Stacey Allaster, Megan Rose, Meredith Geiger-Walton, Taylor Jones, Kelly Marshall and Jenny Gray, along with trailblazer Billie Jean King, whose legacy continues to shape opportunities for women in the sport.

“We need more flexibility, more male allies, equal pay and a seat at the table,” she said.

Looking ahead, McMillen is optimistic about the future of women’s tennis in the region and beyond. Her advice to aspiring players and leaders is simple: believe in yourself.

“Go for it. Bet on yourself,” she said. “If you can see it, you can be it.”

Her own journey has been shaped by mentorship and community, including guidance from leaders within USTA and the Austin tennis scene. Now, she’s committed to paying that forward — often recruiting new volunteers mid-match or between sets.

“Volunteering changed my life,” McMillen said. “There’s no better organization to be part of.”

As Women’s History Month highlights the achievements of women across industries, McMillen’s work serves as a reminder that leadership often begins at the local level — one court, one player and one opportunity at a time.