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2026 NAITA National Championships celebrated 50 years of tennis, community and heritage

Macy Alcido | Junio 01, 2026

Over Memorial Day weekend, members of more than 20 Native American tribes gathered in Tulsa, Okla., for the North American Indian Tennis Association (NAITA) National Championships. The event, hosted at the Case Tennis Center in LaFortune Park, holds a special place in the hearts of the Native American community; and with this year marking 50 years, the tournament felt even more magical.

Both a cultural gathering and tennis tournament, the NAITA National Championships brought together more than 100 athletes for singles, doubles and mixed doubles competition. Players of all ages got the opportunity to pick up a racquet, with a dedicated youth clinic sparking multigenerational engagement.

Jerry Bales, longtime player and attendee who has been affiliated with NAITA since 1988, credited the event’s longevity to the determination of the Native American community. He praised the tournament’s ability to bring people of all ages together, and explained how impactful it can be for young players.

“All it takes is one person or group to take interest and carry it,” Bales said. “I do believe in what we do, and it primarily is for our children. It gives them a chance to possibly discover their heritage, and then their children can do that.”

NAITA National Tennis Tournament matches at LaFortune Park Tennis Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo by Gerald Leong Wing Yi/USTA.

Since 1976, NAITA has served as a pillar in displaying Native American tennis excellence. As the event marks its historic golden anniversary, the 2026 Championships in Tulsa emphasized the city’s reputation as a leading tennis destination, typically garnering strong participation and connection across tribal communities.

“It demonstrates that tribal communities are resilient,” said tournament director Zechariah Harjo.

“The fact that we've been at this now for five decades, I don't think there's any other tribal-affiliated sports association that’s been hosting an annual tournament with the participation and turnout that NAITA has had.”

After a weekend of fun and competition, the following winners took home top prizes:

Ganadores del Campeonato Nacional Juvenil NAITA

Boys' 14s: Warner Collins

Boys' 18s: Max MacRae

Girls' 14s: Georgia Remy

Girls' 18s: Danielle Symonds

Ganadores del Campeonato Nacional de Adultos NAITA

Men's Singles NTRP 2.5-3.5: Bennett Rodgers

Men’s Singles NTRP 4.0-5.5: Braden Young

Men's 55 & Over Singles: Steven Henry

Men's Doubles NTRP 2.5-3.5: Rodgers/Rodgers

Men’s Doubles NTRP 4.0-5.5: Young/Cumpton