#USA #McLean #Malika Andrews #USTA Gala #Tennis Changemakers

Gathering Excellence at the 2026 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Gala

On November 14, 2026, the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia, played host to the much-anticipated USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Gala. With an impressive turnout that included leaders from the realms of tennis, philanthropy, and community advocacy, the event shined a spotlight on the transformative power of the sport. Malika Andrews, a renowned Emmy Award-winning sports journalist, served as the evening’s charismatic host, guiding an inspiring program that celebrated notable changemakers in tennis while raising an impressive $500,000 to enhance the accessibility of the sport in various communities across the Mid-Atlantic region.

The primary objective of the gala was to showcase how tennis can break barriers and foster community engagement. Funds raised will directly support vital programs such as Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, and various grants aimed at facility restoration and community engagement.

Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, the CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, opened the program with a heartfelt message, reminding everyone of the significant impact tennis has on lives. ‘Tonight,’ she declared, ‘is a celebration of everything tennis creates—confidence, connection, health, and opportunity.’

The program highlighted inspiring stories of individuals who are making a real difference in their communities through tennis. One notable moment was when Malika interviewed participants from the Girls Rule the Court program, an initiative that has already empowered over 2,000 young women since its inception in 2022. These interactions showcased not only the skills learned on the court but also the life lessons the participants took away from their experiences.

Honoring Exceptional Contributions

The gala celebrated the dedication and hard work of several selected honorees. Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy (retired), was recognized with the 2026 Tennis Creates Impact Award for his pivotal role in promoting leadership and character development through tennis. Although unable to attend, Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis shared inspiring remarks about Admiral Buck’s influential leadership, demonstrating how tennis transcends boundaries and forges strong connections.

In addition, several remarkable individuals were honored for their contributions to tennis across various regions:

• - Leigh Ann Jackson, recipient of the Adult Leader Award, exemplified dedication as a coach for the Girls Rule the Court™ initiative at Groveton Elementary School, impacting 130 students.
• - Gabrielle Berg, a 17-year-old junior tennis player, received the Youth Leader Award for founding a chapter of Tennis For Fun, offering free clinics for individuals with special needs.
• - Dr. Ellen Markowitz, celebrated with the Community Champion Award, has devoted her life to utilizing tennis as a tool for empowerment at PowerPlay NYC.
• - James Skinner, awarded the Provider Champion accolade, ensures free tennis programs are accessible to youths in Richmond, greatly broadening opportunities for aspiring athletes lacking resources.
• - Khoi Truong, honored as Coach of the Year, fosters an inclusive environment as the head coach at Lake Braddock Secondary School, consistently emphasizing personal growth.
• - Janelle Nichols, the director of programs for the Washington Tennis Education Foundation, received the Tennis in the Classroom Award for her innovative methods that blend academic and life skills training.

Future Prospects

The contributions made during events like the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Gala underline the broader vision of making tennis accessible to all communities, ensuring its growth and success for future generations. With initiatives like the Girls Rule the Court™ program making strides, it’s clear that tennis is more than just a sport; it's a catalyst for change. To learn more about ongoing programs or to support the cause, visit USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation.

With the evening concluding on a positive note, the gathering not only celebrated the present accomplishments in tennis but also invigorated advocates to strive for an even brighter future. The synergy among attendees demonstrated that community support, powered by a shared passion for tennis, can lead to extraordinary results.