In Dayton, we’re proving that the best medicine isn’t always found in a doctor’s office, sometimes, it’s found on a tennis court.
Tennis Aces Cancer is a special partnership between the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF) and the Beavercreek Clay Courts Tennis Club. Together, we are helping local residents turn a cancer diagnosis into a new chapter of strength.
Why Tennis?
For someone fighting cancer, life can start to feel like a series of appointments. Tennis offers a way to reclaim your strength and your social life. In fact, research shows that tennis is the healthiest sport you can play, adding nearly 10 years to your life expectancy. It’s about:
Physical Healing: Rebuilding balance, flexibility, and agility through natural movement.
Mental Strength: Focusing on a cross-court shot instead of a medical scan.
New Friendships: Joining a community of people who truly understand your journey.
The Facts: How the Grant Works
We want to make it as easy as possible to get started. The Tennis Aces Cancer Grant is a straightforward resource for the Dayton community:
The Amount: Up to $300 per person.
Who Can Apply: Patients, survivors, and caregivers of all ages in the Dayton, Ohio area.
What It Covers:
Professional tennis lessons (to learn or relearn the game).
Essential gear (new racquets, shoes, and apparel).
Court time at local facilities.
USTA Membership fees.
When to Apply: The grant is open year-round. There is no “deadline” we are here whenever you are ready.
A New Way to Live
You don’t need to be a “pro” to join us. In fact, most of our participants are looking for exactly what you might be: a fresh start and a supportive place to be active. Whether you’ve played for years or have never picked up a racquet, the Beavercreek Clay Courts are a place where you belong.
At the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF), we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Today, we are proud to share the true story of Beatrice Bizzieri, a young athlete who refused to let circumstances sideline her dreams.
For years, Beatrice faced a hurdle no training could prepare her for: she lost her place to play. Her local facility was bought out, the courts were removed, and her coach moved away. It was a crossroads that could have easily marked the end of her tennis career.
However, the path stayed open thanks to the Oak Lawn Park District and a professional player from Iran named Saddam Alzoobaidi. While Saddam wasn’t a junior coach focused on technique, he provided something just as vital: a home. He welcomed Beatrice and her siblings, feeding balls and hitting with them several hours a week. Without Saddam’s hospitality and the Oak Lawn Park District facility providing an indoor court, Beatrice would have likely walked away from the sport entirely to focus on more accessible activities.
Saddam’s support kept Beatrice’s game alive and her competitive spirit sharp until the trajectory of her journey changed forever at the 2023 Team Cup. It was there she met Coach Basit Sayed. Despite the years without formal technical coaching, Coach Basit saw Beatrice’s raw potential and the elite player she aspired to become.
By Fall 2024, Beatrice’s family made the commitment to get her back into consistent training. Balancing the schedules of siblings, other sports, and work, they began a weekly commute to train with Coach Basit. His belief in her as a multi-sport athlete and his commitment to her technical growth provided the “missing piece” Beatrice had been searching for.
“Most importantly for a coach, I can tell he believes in me,” Beatrice said. “When I work with him each week, I build and sharpen my tennis skills, but I also feel like I am taking one step closer to reaching my ultimate goal of playing professional tennis.”
To honor her dedication and fuel her path forward, MTEF and our partners are thrilled to announce that Beatrice has been awarded two major honors:
The Dorothy Kohl Grant: A $10,000 grant awarded to high-potential junior female players.
The MTEF Individual Scholarship: A $2,500 scholarship to support her ongoing training.
These funds ensure that Beatrice can continue her weekly private lessons, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on a professional future. Beyond her individual work, she was also able to begin group training with Hendricks Elite Tennis during their summer camp last year and continues to return for weekly group practices. This has given Beatrice the invaluable opportunity to thrive alongside high-level players and coaches Marcy Hendricks and Jack Randall.
Help Us Write the Next Success Story
Beatrice’s story is a testament to what happens when we invest in the grit and heart of our Midwest athletes. It highlights the life-changing importance of community members like Saddam, who keep players on the court, and the transformative “Coach Basit” moments that take their game to the next level.
But there are many more players still waiting for their moment and the resources they need to keep playing. Will you help us champion the next generation?
Donate to USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation today. Every gift, large or small, helps a young athlete take their next step toward the court. You could make the difference.
This past weekend, the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF) had the incredible opportunity to attend the USTA Foundation Impact Conference at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas.
USTA Midwest Section and USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation Staff
The event was a powerful immersion into the world of tennis and a testament to how the USTA Foundation transforms lives and communities nationwide. Beyond the sessions and lectures, the conference served as a vital hub for unlocking deeper connections with national staff, dedicated volunteers, and leaders from Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) and National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters.
Realizing the Dream
A central highlight of the weekend was the launch of the “Realize the Dream” campaign, a partnership between the USTA Foundation and the family of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..
This movement is rooted in the historic connection between Dr. King and tennis legend Arthur Ashe. In February 1968, Dr. King wrote a powerful letter to a young Lt. Ashe, commending his “support and solidarity in the fight for justice” and noting that his eminence in sports gave him an added measure of authority and responsibility.
Inspired by this legacy, the “Realize the Dream” campaign aims to:
Promote Service: Encourage acts of service that build dignity and unity.
Goal Setting: Contribute to a national goal of 100 million service hours by Dr. King’s 100th birthday in 2029.
USTA Commitment: The USTA Foundation has pledged 800,000 service hours by the end of 2026 through the NJTL network.
Building a Stronger Tomorrow
For MTEF, this conference was about more than just big ideas; it was about bringing those ideas back home. By strengthening our ties with NJTLs and CTAs, we are fostering growth from within our own foundations. We are committed to using these new connections and the spirit of the “Realize the Dream” campaign to build deeper roots in the Midwest, ensuring a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow for the youth we serve.
Tennis fans, get ready for a serve of pure inspiration! We’re here with an incredible story about David Packowitz, a hometown hero who went from playing with his dad in Buffalo Grove to landing a dream job at Wilson Sporting Goods. And it all started with a little help from a program called TOP. Beyond the baseline, the Tennis Opportunity Program (TOP) isn’t just about swinging a racket; it’s about swinging open the doors to a brighter future. Founded in 1989 by tennis pro, Roger Mitten, this Chicago-based non-profit uses the discipline and strategy of tennis as a powerful vehicle for change. It’s a grassroots movement, run entirely by dedicated volunteers, with a single, inspiring goal: to turn “a tennis theme” into “a college dream” for economically disadvantaged youth.
David Packowitz
TOP doesn’t just teach the game; it builds a full-court press of support. From providing intense on-court training, mentorship and new equipment to offering essential academic tutoring and covering tournament expenses, the program is a full-service springboard for success. The results speak for themselves. The ultimate victory for TOP is its stunning college placement record: since 2004, every single TOP Scholar who has stuck with the program has gone on to college with a scholarship. It’s more than a perfect track record; it’s a testament to the belief that with the right support, every serve can be an opportunity. David Packowitz’s tennis journey began on the courts of Buffalo Grove, where his father, a coach with over 60 years of experience, taught him the game. But it was a connection through Mark Bey at Care Care Academy that introduced him to TOP (Tennis Opportunity Program). David joined the program in the seventh grade and played with them all through high school, graduating in 2011.
But TOP was more than just a tennis program; it was a launchpad. David credits the program with opening doors, providing top-notch coaching, and giving him the chance to travel to tournaments. This support was instrumental in helping him secure a coveted spot on the Division 1 tennis team at Marquette University! His journey wouldn’t be possible without TOP, Pakowitz feels “indebted” to the program.
And the story doesn’t end there! After earning a mechanical engineering degree and playing tennis for two years at Marquette, David pursued his passion for combining his love for tennis with his career. After some persistent effort, he landed an R&D internship at Wilson in Chicago. Today, he’s the Product Manager for performance tennis, overseeing top-line racket portfolios like Blade and Pro Staff. David’s success is a testament to the power of hard work and the support he received. He wasn’t the best or most athletic player, but his willingness to learn and take risks propelled him to where he is today.
“Be open to failure, you don’t have to be perfect, the smartest, nor the best, you’ve just got to be coachable!” – David Packowitz
His story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can achieve anything. As Luca Serra, a leader at TOP, says, hearing stories like David’s is the ultimate reward, it confirms that the program’s long-term impact on kids and their families is truly worthwhile. David Packowitz’s journey is an ace, a grand slam, and a true testament to the power of a supportive community.
Out of everything you do “listen the most, and it will open all the doors” – David Packowitz
Your support turns the dream of tennis into a reality for aspiring players. Scan below to help more athletes like David find their strength on the court!
The USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation is proud to announce an official partnership with Bloomerang, a leading nonprofit CRM and fundraising platform.
For the past three years, our Foundation has utilized Bloomerang’s CRM system to strengthen our donor engagement, streamline our operations, and centralize our data. Through this platform, we’ve been able to better organize supporter information, manage fundraising campaigns, coordinate volunteers, and enhance overall communication across our organization.
Thanks to the success and efficiency we’ve experienced, we are excited to now formalize our relationship as an official Bloomerang partner.
Why We Chose Bloomerang
At the heart of our experience is one key benefit: a central location for everything. Bloomerang provides a unified platform where staff, administrators, and key stakeholders can access real-time information in one secure and organized space. No more scattered spreadsheets or disconnected systems, just one streamlined hub for:
Having a centralized system has improved internal collaboration and given us clearer insight into our impact. It has empowered our team to make data-driven decisions and build stronger relationships with our supporters.
Join Us
We believe in sharing tools that work. If your organization is looking for a comprehensive, user- friendly platform to enhance donor retention, simplify fundraising efforts, and organize your operations, we encourage you to explore Bloomerang. We’ve seen firsthand how powerful the right system can be and we’re excited to help others experience the same success.
To learn more or if you have questions about our experience with Bloomerang, please contact:
The 2025 USTA Midwest Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency wasn’t just a celebration; it was a high-octane launchpad of impact for a year of transforming tennis across our section. With 180 of our most valued guests, volunteers, and supporters in the room, we proved that the Midwest is the Best when it comes to combining a mission with massive fun.
The Auction: Small items, Massive Impact
The room was buzzing as we kicked off the year with our Silent Auction. We featured a curated selection of items valued at $3,850 which our donors turned into a fundraising powerhouse. By the end of the night, their generosity transformed that collection into over $10,800 to fuel our 2026 initiatives! 🏆💰
This success, combined with a staggering $24,900 raised through our Hall of Fame Program Book along with our premier and table sponsors, means we are diving into this new year with more momentum than ever.
The “Juiciest” Highlight: Tito’s Tiny Tennis
While the induction was moving, the real energy exploded at the Tito’s Tiny Tennis station! 🍹🏓 Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, this wasn’t your standard table tennis match. Guests ditched the full-sized gear for miniature rackets and tiny balls, proving that even the smallest equipment can lead to the biggest laughs.
Watching our inductees, staff, and volunteers, go head-to-head with these “tiny but mighty” rackets was the highlight of the night. It was the perfect mix of competition and spirit, reminding us that while we take our mission seriously, we never lose our love for the game. Tennis is for all.
2026: Growing Our Midwest Impact
As we charge into this new year, our focus is 100% on growing our impact right here in our own backyard. We are here to:
Transform lives through the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation
Empower the next generation with more resources and better access to the sport
A massive thank you to our sponsors: Cincinnati Open, Bloomerang, Stifel Pathway Advisory Group, and Woodley Farra, and to USTA Midwest for the opportunity to be here. The ball is in our court, and 2026 is going to be legendary! 🎾🌟
The USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation is excited to announce that Chris Wilton is the recipient of the 2025 Heart for Community USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation District Executive Director Award!
This award was founded in memory of Margaret Ruemanapp, who was a recognized leader within the Northern Michigan Tennis Association and served as their Executive Director. This award honors her innovative and inclusive spirit.
Chris Wilton has been a tennis professional since 1990 and brings more than 25 years of experience in the tennis industry. He is a two-time recipient of the RSPA Michigan Pro of the Year Award and has also been honored with the Distinguished Service Award for Western Michigan. Chris was the Director of Tennis at Norton Pines, where he led the expansion of the club from a four-court facility to nine courts and helped earn Organization of the Year honors twice. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Western Michigan Tennis Association (WMTA).
Throughout his career, Chris has worked with players of all ages and abilities, from three-year-olds to national-level juniors, as well as adults and travel teams. He has been deeply committed to youth development, building strong grassroots programs that emphasize both competitive pathways and entry-level access to the sport. His work in the middle school space has been especially impactful, creating welcoming play environments for new players and establishing successful leagues and tournaments.
As a high school coach, Chris is uniquely positioned to support junior development across all levels. He maintains a no-cut policy for his high school teams, ensuring every interested student has the opportunity to participate. Over the past two years, the Grand Haven High School girls’ tennis program has included 86 and 92 players combined across JV and varsity, making it the largest team in the school. Under his leadership, Grand Haven High School was recognized as a USTA Outstanding Facility of the Year in 2024. Chris has also been instrumental in strengthening the junior pipeline by connecting middle school, high school, and USTA programming, while promoting the use of World Tennis Number (WTN). His leadership has helped the Western Michigan District consistently exceed its KPI goals.
Chris has also played a key role in red ball and family-based programming, developing highly successful events that encourage early engagement and family participation. WMTA now offers a strong junior support system with multiple levels of tournaments and recreational opportunities, reflecting Chris’s long-term vision and dedication.
In addition to his programmatic work, Chris was selected to serve on a special USTA Midwest Task Force, representing the Executive Director team. This demanding role required hundreds of hours of meetings and work beyond his normal responsibilities, which he embraced out of a deep belief in improving how tennis is delivered across the Midwest Section.
Over the years, Chris has touched the lives of hundreds of junior players both on and off the court. He is widely respected as a champion of youth tennis, known for his tireless commitment to providing young people with opportunities to grow as athletes and as individuals.
The USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF) extends its heartfelt thanks to Chris Wilton for his outstanding dedication to the Western Michigan and tennis. His exceptional contributions are why he was nominated, recognized, and honored with the 2025 Heart for Community Award.
Chris will be presented with an etched vase during the 2025 Board of Directors Annual Meeting and will also accept a monetary award on behalf of his District.
DETROIT, MI – The Palmer Park Tennis Academy (PPTA) in Detroit, a flagship program supported by the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation, has completed its 2025 summer season with resounding success, demonstrating its critical role in connecting the joy of tennis with life-changing educational opportunities for youth. Under the dedicated direction of Coach Leonora King, the Academy not only fostered exceptional athletic development but also significantly impacted the personal growth and academic trajectory of its students.
Building the Next Generation of Champions and Citizens
The 2025 program saw remarkable engagement, welcoming approximately 200 children to the Palmer Park courts. This robust turnout included a strong base of returning players and an infusion of roughly 50 new students across both the High Performance Day Camp and the Evening Beginner/Intermediate program. This growth underscores the community’s rising enthusiasm for tennis and the Academy’s effective outreach.
A creative example of this outreach was Tiny Tennis, an initiative championed by Wayne State University’s Shanty Uzcategui in collaboration with Detroit PAL, which successfully introduced children aged four to six to the fundamental joys of the game, instilling values like discipline and self-esteem from the earliest age.
Success On and Off the Court
The Academy’s commitment to competitive excellence paid dividends as the 18U Junior Tennis Team captured the Southeastern Michigan district championship, extending their winning streak in this USTA event for approximately the last four years. This consistent success is a testament to the comprehensive training provided to players who have progressed through every age division since 12U.
Beyond the competitive courts, the Academy’s true measure of success is its educational impact. PPTA proudly celebrated three students who earned collegiate tennis scholarships: Janae Troupe (Clark University), Nyla Terrell (Virginia State), and Taylor O’Neal (Bethune Cookman College). These scholarships directly align with the Foundation’s mission to increase life options for youth through athletic and academic support. Furthermore, the Academy’s developing pipeline is evident in the many students now excelling on high school tennis teams at institutions like Country Day, UofD Jesuit, Mercy High, and Cass Tech.
Exposure, Mentorship, and Community Spirit
PPTA ensured its students received invaluable exposure to top-tier tennis. For the fifth year, players attended the USTA Midwest’s Diversity Meetup at the Cincinnati Open, competing with peers from across the section and watching pros practice close-up. They also gained rare insight into elite tennis by serving as ball kids and special guests at the Cranbrook Classic pro men’s tournament, an experience that truly inspires them to believe in reaching that level. The annual trip to the Kalamazoo Boys Tournament, sponsored by Ven Johnson Law, continued to be a highlight, offering a national perspective that motivated players, culminating in David Jones qualifying as an alternate this year.
The Academy also fostered a powerful culture of giving back. Several past students, now college freshmen and sophomores, returned to Palmer Park to join the coaching staff, eagerly enhancing their skills through Semta-offered coaching seminars and passing on their knowledge to the new class of beginners. This mentorship loop is key to building sustainable community leadership.
The summer’s fun culminated in the annual Lights, Camera, Action Party, a community celebration marking the court lights installation, featuring music from The Voice contestant Zania Alake and allowing players to enjoy the courts late into the Detroit night. This event beautifully captured the fun, inclusive spirit that makes Palmer Park a community treasure. With continuous professional development from national experts like USTA footwork specialist David Bailey and Sports Psychologist Dr. Jason Novetsky, the Academy maintains its position as a leading force in youth development.
Take a look at Palmer Park on America’s Black Journal.
Here at USTA Midwest Tennis & Education foundation I’d like to highlight one of our own NJTL programs and their positive impact on their community. Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education, Inc. (AdvantageCLE) is a wonderful organization with a heartfelt mission: to use the power of tennis and education to lift up the youth of urban Cleveland. More than just teaching backhands and serves, AdvantageCLE creates a safe space where kids can grow, learn, and dream big. The goal isn’t just about athletic skill; it’s about giving children the tools for a lifetime of success and building stronger, healthier futures.
The program offers fantastic opportunities year-round, including a free Summer Camp that blends tennis with vital subjects like literacy and STEM. There’s also the ACE After-School Program (Athletics, Creativity, and Enrichment) and the GRIT (Girls Rising in Tennis) Program, dedicated to building confidence and resilience in young women. By partnering with organizations like the USTA Foundation and local schools, AdvantageCLE has been able to reach over 4,000 students since 2010. They are truly dedicated to rebuilding the spirit of tennis in Cleveland while providing crucial support that helps every child thrive, on and off the court.
On September 27th, AdvantageCLE hosted their very first Serve & Protect community tennis event at the Thurgood Marshall Rec Center, in Cleveland Ohio. There players enjoyed community connection, tennis, and got to connect with local area police officers from Cleveland’s 3rd District Precinct where they got the opportunity to have a Q&A, share experiences, and build positive relationships with the ones that serve them right back.
“A huge extra shout out goes to the police officers from Cleveland’s 3rd District Precinct who gave their time to join us and connect with our students, and to the incredible volunteers (including the Gilmour girls’ team, staff from Mary B. Martin, players from Hawkin, students from CWRU, and members of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity) who made this event possible with their dedication and support. We are so grateful for your commitment to helping us strengthen our community through tennis. We look forward to more opportunities to bring people together on and off the court!” -Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education, Inc. (AdvantageCLE)
Game, Set, Heal: How a Local Veteran and His Service Dog are Redefining Recovery on the Tennis Court HANOVER PARK, IL, Oct. 16, 2025 – On a quiet tennis court in suburban Chicago, one of the most dedicated doubles teams in the state is honing their skills. The team consists of Army veteran Ronald Verback and his partner, Samson, a 157-pound Bullmastiff who watches every move with unwavering focus. Even though they’re new to the game, only playing for six months, tennis has become a lifeline, made possible by a network of organizations dedicated to veteran wellness.
Just six months ago, life for Verback was a different battle. After serving for three and a half years, he returned to civilian life with the invisible wounds of PTSD. “I was in isolation,” Verback states, describing a difficult period that also included a hard-won fight against opiate abuse. His constant companion through it all was Samson, his service dog, whom he rescued from a farm in Kankakee when the dog was just a puppy.
The turning point came this past March at a community event held by The Allen Force, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Illinois. The organization’s mission is to connect veterans and their families with resources and activities that foster a sense of community and well-being. It was at this event that Verback was introduced by Joe Tegtmeier to a unique program called First Service Doubles.
First Service Doubles (FSD) is an adaptive tennis initiative specifically designed for veterans with service animals. The program provides a structured, welcoming environment where the veteran and their canine partner can learn and play the sport as a cohesive team. The goal is to offer a unique form of recreational therapy that enhances physical health, sharpens mental focus, and strengthens the human-animal bond. “From the beginning, we were greeted with open arms,” Verback recalls. “We finally felt accepted in a sport.”
Under the guidance of their coach, Seth Hanson, at the Hanover Park District, Verback and Samson train for at least one hour every day. The sport provides a crucial outlet. “It provides not only physical demands, but also mentally challenges both of us,” Verback explains. Their on-court partnership is a testament to their deep connection. Samson understands his role through simple cues: a service vest means he’s on duty, but a bandana tied around his neck signals it’s time to play. However, their journey is not without its challenges. Verback travels an hour each way to find a court that welcomes them, and he often encounters public misunderstanding about Samson’s role. Some see a large dog and are fearful, while others dismiss him as a pet rather than a trained partner.
“Most people fear something new, they fear the unknown,” Verback says. He hopes to replace that fear with understanding and encourages people to approach him. “Don’t shout, don’t hate. Just ask me questions about what it is that we’re here doing, and just be respectful.” That spirit of perseverance defines Verback’s life off the court as well. Inspired by his father, Thomas O’Connell, he is currently studying to become a recovery support specialist, determined to use his own life experiences to help others. When asked to sum up the impact of First Service Doubles, Verback’s answer is simple:
“Inspiring.” It’s a word that many would use to describe him and his loyal teammate, Samson.
To donate, please text the word “mtefdogs” to 50155
How to Get Involved and join the Movement: Support First Service Doubles Ronald and Samson’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of this incredible program. You can be a part of it.
For Veterans: If you are a veteran with a service animal who is interested in finding a new passion, building community, and strengthening your partnership, reach out to First Service Doubles. It’s an opportunity to grow your skills, your confidence, and your network.
For Supporters and Tennis Facilities: Welcome these amazing teams to your courts. Offer court time, volunteer, or simply ask questions and spread the word. By opening your doors and your minds, you can help bring this healing and inspiring program to more veterans in your community.
Get Involved: Learn more about First Service Doubles and find out how you can help bring our veterans and their furry friends into the game. Every act of support helps build a more inclusive and compassionate tennis community.
