Transforming Tennis Coaching: The Launch of USTA Coaching
On August 13, 2025, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) officially inaugurated USTA Coaching, Inc., a pioneering initiative aimed at elevating the training community across the country. This new entity is set to offer an inclusive and systematic solution to coaches at every level, whether they are parents introducing their children to tennis or full-time professionals dedicated to the sport.
USTA Coaching represents the first national platform of its kind, designed to transform tennis coaching through a modern, holistic approach. Craig Morris, CEO of USTA Coaching, highlights the platform’s central idea: "Better coaches create better playing experiences, which fuels the game." This initiative recognizes the need for a unified coaching experience, making training more accessible and rewarding, while also promoting diversity in the training ranks.
The educational framework of USTA Coaching is influenced by the American Development Model (ADM), endorsed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). This approach aligns USTA Coaching with high standards of quality, inclusion, and long-term player development. Upon joining, coaches receive access to a plethora of resources, including liability insurance, telehealth services, discounts on equipment, training tools, and a vibrant community of peers.
The USTA has positioned this launch as a strategic investment in the future of tennis, aligning with the ambitious goal of attracting 35 million players by 2035. This aims to establish the U.S. as a leader in tennis participation globally, while fostering a positive impact in local communities. As participation grows, so too does the demand for skilled coaches, a gap USTA Coaching is dedicated to closing.
USTA Coaching not only equips certified professionals but empowers parents, teachers, volunteers, and community leaders—those who often introduce newcomers to the sport. By creating an inclusive coaching pathway and unifying resources onto a single platform, USTA Coaching is positioned to enhance local tennis participation and ensure growth is backed by a diverse and well-equipped coaching community.
Additionally, USTA is committed to providing coaches with tools to recognize and prevent misconduct in sports. Coaches, regardless of their chosen benefit level—Rally, Pro, or Pro Plus— must complete the Safe Play program, thus committing to creating a safe and respectful environment for all athletes. This encompasses mandatory SafeSport training and a criminal background check, the costs of which are covered by USTA.
Megan Rose, Chief of Business Development and Operations for USTA Coaching, emphasizes the transformative potential of impactful coaching, recalling her competitive and coaching experiences. She states, "Coaches often serve as the first point of access to tennis, especially for children and beginner players. Our goal with USTA Coaching is to lower entry barriers, making it easier for anyone to confidently take on a coaching role." This initiative aims to empower individuals with accessible tools and real-time support to cultivate the game’s growth in every community.
Comprehensive Support for Coaches
USTA Coaching tailors its services to suit coaches at all stages of their journey, whether they are new to the sport or leading top athletes. The platform encourages personal and professional growth through hands-on experiences, professional-level tools, and a variety of tier-based benefits. Coaches can find the support package that best fits their needs through a simple online questionnaire. All packages are offered flexibly, allowing coaches to select options that align with their experience and role.
Starter Package
The Starter package is designed for novice coaches, often stepping into the role to assist their child or community initiatives. This package offers free access to local events, simple learning exercises, and beginner plans delivered directly to their inbox. It encapsulates the essence of parental engagement in tennis—instilling values, celebrating achievements, and bonding through the sport.
Rally Package
The Rally package caters to high school coaches and community instructors who blend high-quality educational content with peer mentorship. It includes procedural support for pre-season assessments and post-match motivational talks, offering the structured guidance necessary for confident leadership.
Pro and Pro Plus Packages
For serious part-time and full-time professionals establishing their careers at clubs, academies, and recreational facilities, the Pro and Pro Plus packages provide advanced support. They feature national certifications, continuous education, discounts on technology and equipment, along with tailored insurance coverage. The Pro Plus variant ensures additional insurance and telehealth services for those for whom coaching is their livelihood.
Tennis icon Lindsey Davenport, an Olympic gold medalist and USTA Coaching ambassador, asserts the platform’s potential: "USTA Coaching aims to advocate for every coach, whether teaching or cheering from the sidelines. This initiative will change the way coaches connect with players and how players engage with the game."
Join USTA Coaching Today
For aspiring coaches or those interested in enhancing their coaching journey, more information is available at
USTACoaching.com. Here, a brief questionnaire will not only guide new users on where to begin but will also grant immediate access to the benefits of Rally, Pro, or Pro Plus following the completion of Safe Play training. Additional features, including an online learning center and a certification equivalency program, are expected to roll out by the fourth quarter of 2025.
About USTA Coaching
USTA Coaching is a newly established entity under the USTA, created to support, empower, and expand the tennis coaching community across the United States. It caters to coaches at all levels, from professionals to parents, teachers, and volunteers, redefining the coaching landscape through modern certification pathways, flexible education routes, and exclusive tools and benefits. As USTA Coaching becomes a cornerstone of growth in U.S. tennis, it ensures that the demand for trained and diverse leaders in the sport is met, fostering the game's popularity for generations to come.