Across Florida, 2024 was a defining year for advocacy as USTA Florida advanced its mission to expand access, elevate community voices, and support meaningful growth within the sport. From major statewide initiatives to national-level partnerships, the organization championed opportunities that strengthened players, programs, and institutions. These efforts did more than address immediate needs. They created sustainable pathways for future success, driving forward a vision of a more inclusive and connected tennis ecosystem.
Big, Bold Moves at the First USTA Florida Summit
The year’s most influential gathering took place at the inaugural USTA Florida Summit, where the theme “Big, Bold Moves” shaped conversations about the future of tennis in Florida. The event brought together providers, volunteers, parks and recreation leaders, coaches, collegiate representatives, and technology partners for two full days of learning, planning, and inspiration.
The Summit highlighted major shifts happening across the tennis landscape, with a strong emphasis on public parks, facility innovation, and the role of emerging technologies. Discussions focused on how communities can modernize infrastructure, integrate data into decision-making, and expand recreational playing pathways. As highlighted in event coverage, the Summit’s agenda prioritized collaboration, with sessions designed to address real-world needs across urban, suburban, and rural areas.
Breakout topics included statewide participation trends, volunteer leadership pathways, coaching insights, and group play strategies that help bring more players into the sport. Featured speakers emphasized the importance of “Big Bold Moves” in areas such as long-term planning, public park upgrades, and leveraging technology to reach future generations of players.
The Summit not only provided inspiration but also cemented a new annual platform for stakeholders committed to making tennis stronger, smarter, and more accessible for every community in Florida.
Leaders in Technology and Tennis Unite
Another highlight of the Summit was the increased focus on technology’s growing role within the industry. One session featured leaders in tech-driven tennis platforms, data insights, and AI-based tools, underscoring how innovation is reshaping everything from coaching to participant engagement. Coverage of the event described how presenters shared new approaches to business growth, communication strategies, and digital engagement, all aimed at helping providers stay competitive in a rapidly evolving environment.
This focus on innovation tied directly into USTA Florida’s commitment to empowering local leaders with modern tools. Whether through digital court management, participation analytics, or coaching technologies, the organization emphasized that staying ahead means embracing change—and using technology to strengthen the connection between tennis and its communities.
Launching the Inaugural Fellowship Program
One of the most significant milestones came with the introduction of the first-ever USTA Florida Fellowship Program, an innovative leadership pathway designed to empower individuals to represent and advocate for tennis within their local communities. According to USTA Florida, the program was created to support tennis leaders in becoming strong advocates and to give fellows the skills, tools, and confidence to effectively advocate for tennis and public parks.
This inaugural class is active in workshops and practical projects that connected them with elected officials, community partners, and local recreation leaders. Fellows are learning how to interpret data, express local needs, and articulate the importance of public facilities in growing tennis for all ages. By focusing on real-world application and relationship-building, the fellowship are becoming a foundational investment in the long-term health of tennis in Florida.
Statewide Advocacy Workshop Engages Leaders Across Florida
In conjunction with the fellowship launch, USTA Florida hosted an advocacy workshop designed to give providers, volunteers, and community leaders hands-on tools for strengthening tennis in their own markets. As noted in the recap, the goal of the event was “to empower tennis leaders across Florida” to advocate more effectively for infrastructure, public access, and program sustainability.
The workshop covered key topics such as navigating city government processes, gathering meaningful local data, and presenting compelling cases for facility improvements. Participants had opportunities to collaborate, share experiences, and explore best practices. The workshop also helped bridge communication between USTA Florida and local voices, creating a united message around the importance of tennis-ready public spaces.
By focusing on collaboration and community engagement, the workshop reinforced a central truth: when leaders feel supported and equipped, advocacy becomes stronger at every level.
Strengthening HBCUs Through the AMPLIFY Initiative
Advocacy also extended to USTA Florida’s statewide and national work supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Through its AMPLIFY initiative, USTA Florida continued to expand opportunities for students and athletic programs at HBCUs, strengthening one of the most important pathways for Black student-athletes and leaders in the sport.
One of the year’s most impactful developments was USTA Florida’s expanding partnership with SPORTx at Arizona State University. As highlighted in the announcement, this collaboration represents a “ground-breaking HBCU support initiative” that brings hands-on learning, innovative technology, and industry-relevant tools to HBCU tennis programs. The initiative helps students gain access to entrepreneurial training, performance analytics, and technology-driven solutions that broaden their career and athletic opportunities.
Additionally, Florida A&M University participated in the US Open’s HBCU Live and Althea Gibson Celebration, marking a meaningful moment that connected Florida’s HBCUs with one of the sport’s most significant national platforms. The event honored Althea Gibson’s legacy while elevating the visibility of HBCU tennis programs.
Jason Keatseangslip and Lauren Haneke-Hopps pose for a photo with HBCU players representing both FAMU — as part of the continued celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Wheelchair Tennis during Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the 2025 US Open, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025 in Flushing, NY. (Darren Carroll/USTA)
USTA Florida also deepened its relationship with the American Tennis Association by sponsoring the ATA Awards Gala for the second consecutive year. The continued partnership reflects the organization’s commitment to honoring the history and supporting the future of Black tennis communities.
Perhaps the strongest example of USTA Florida’s advocacy in action was its investment in the Bethune-Cookman University tennis program, which received a $100,000 HBCU grant. The announcement described the award as a major commitment intended to support the future of the program and empower the next generation of players and leaders.
This funding provides critical support for facilities, player development, and long-term sustainability. For the B-CU community, the grant is more than financial—it’s a recognition of the program’s value, history, and impactful role within the collegiate tennis ecosystem.
Advocacy as the Driver of Growth
Across all these initiatives, one theme defined USTA Florida’s work in 2024: advocacy must be active, strategic, and ongoing. Whether through major grants, statewide leadership programs, partnerships with national organizations, or empowering community leaders with training, each project built upon a shared commitment to strengthening tennis in ways that will continue to matter for years to come.
The year demonstrated that advocacy isn’t just speaking on behalf of tennis—it’s investing in the people, programs, and places that ensure the sport thrives. USTA Florida’s efforts in 2024 laid a foundation that will continue to support innovation, inclusion, community growth, and educational opportunity throughout the state.
For more information, visit ustaflorida.com/tennis-advocacy.
