#United States #McLean #Malika Andrews #Tennis Gala #USTA Mid-Atlantic

Malika Andrews to Host the 4th Annual Tennis Creates Gala

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation has exciting news! Emmy Award-winning sports journalist, Malika Andrews, will be serving as the host for the 4th Annual Tennis Creates Gala. This prestigious event is set to happen on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner, McLean, Virginia. Malika Andrews, who is widely recognized for her work on ESPN's NBA Countdown and NBA Today, recently made her tennis-hosting debut at the 2026 Australian Open.

This year's Tennis Creates Gala promises to be a significant gathering aimed at raising essential funds to enhance tennis accessibility in the Mid-Atlantic region, which encompasses Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and parts of West Virginia. The event will celebrate the transformative influence of tennis on communities and promote the sport's growth among youth and families in the area.

Malika Andrews expressed her enthusiasm about hosting the gala: “The energy surrounding tennis is captivating, especially with the current excitement brought by American stars like Coco Gauff, Ben Shelton, and Frances Tiafoe from the DMV area. I am honored to be part of ESPN’s coverage during this exciting time for the sport and thankful to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation for their commitment to local tennis initiatives.”

The gala is expected to attract influential figures from business, sports, and philanthropy who share a commitment to impacting their communities positively. Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro, the CEO of the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, highlighted the importance of Andrews's role, stating, “Malika's groundbreaking achievements in broadcasting and her dedication to community sports make her the ideal advocate for our vision of 'tennis in every community.' This event is not just about celebrating achievements; it aims to generate the necessary resources for everyone in the Mid-Atlantic community to enjoy the lifelong benefits of tennis.”

Gala Details and Highlights

The 2026 Tennis Creates Gala, co-chaired by Andrew and Michele Brammer, features various engaging activities, including an All-Star VIP reception, gourmet dining experiences, live entertainment, and unique auction opportunities. Every single dollar raised during the evening will be allocated directly back into local communities, striving to eliminate financial and geographical obstacles that might limit access to tennis.

Awards and Recognitions

One of the gala's highlights will be the presentation of the 2026 Tennis Creates Impact Award to Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy (retired). He is honored for his commitment to leadership and fostering character and well-being through tennis, serving as an inspiring figure in both sports and community service.

Supporting Local Initiatives

Proceeds from the event will crucially support the Foundation's core projects, including:

• - Girls Rule the Court™: A program that has positively impacted over 2,000 girls in the region.
• - Junior Player Scholarships: Assisting talented young players pursue their tennis dreams.
• - Tennis in Schools program: Ensuring tennis is part of the educational experience for students.

Additionally, funds raised will enhance public tennis infrastructure crucial for community access. With about 70% of local players utilizing public parks and school courts, strengthening these facilities is essential for supporting the region's 1.4 million tennis players. Notably, the Foundation has previously invested over $505,000 in refurbishing public courts in the last three years alone.

Promoting Sportsmanship

The gala will also focus on celebrating regional leaders who exemplify the Foundation's ACES Pledge initiative, an effort designed to build respect and positive life skills among over 6,000 participants both on and off the court.

Get Involved

The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, relies on donor support to deliver affordable programming, scholarships, and vital court restoration grants. Attendees can purchase tables or consider sponsorship opportunities by visiting TennisCreatesGala.com to contribute to advancing their vision of 'tennis in every community.'

For over a decade, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation has dedicated itself to promoting tennis and sharing the physical, social, and emotional health benefits it offers. In the past year alone, the Foundation has engaged over 114,500 youth through various tennis programs, demonstrating the enormous potential of this beloved sport in transforming lives and communities for the better.