A New Name, A Shared Mission – Coach Inclusion Summit

Leveraging the technical expertise of USTA Coaching and the strategic vision of the USTA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) department, the Coach Inclusion Summit was created to foster a sense of belonging and provide coaches from all backgrounds the tools to help all players thrive.

 

This transformative program is a collaboration between USTA Coaching and the USTA DEI department. By joining forces, these teams are ensuring that the future of tennis is built on a foundation of true access, where every coach has the resources to create a culture of belonging.

Coast-to-Coast Impact

Summit participants enjoyed a landmark 2025 as the event expanded to two major locations, bringing together a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to “the business of belonging."

 

In June, the Los Angeles event brought together more than 40 coaches for on-court training and community building. The year concluded in December at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, where a capacity crowd gathered for three days of immersive learning.

Mastering the Craft On-Court

The core purpose of the 2025 Summit was expanding the toolkit for coaches to support players of all abilities and levels. Participants engaged in unique, perspective-shifting workshops, including:

 

  • Adaptive Tennis Immersion: Coaches sat in wheelchairs for the first time, learning to maneuver them on-court to better understand the mechanics of wheelchair tennis.

  • Sensory Awareness: Using specialized glasses to simulate visual impairments, coaches learned how to guide blind or low-vision players, ensuring the game is accessible to everyone.

     

Technical & Mental Strategy: Participants learned advanced drills paired with mental health strategies to keep players engaged, confident and having fun.

Leading Beyond the Baseline

True coaching excellence happens off the court, too. Classroom sessions focused on big-picture leadership and the practicalities of the industry, including:

 

  • Business Acumen: Strategies for running a successful, sustainable coaching business.

  • Conflict Management: Navigating tough conversations and addressing micro-aggressions with grace and clarity.

     

Advocacy: Empowering coaches to be champions for inclusion within their own local tennis sections.

The Power of the Network

One of the most valuable aspects of the Summit was the rare opportunity to sit down with industry leaders, influencers and advocates. The atmosphere was electric with ideas bouncing around between seasoned pros and aspiring community leaders. These connections create a lifelong support system, celebrating all the different ways we deliver tennis across the country.

The Future is Bright

The 2025 Coach Inclusion Summit proved that when coaches are empowered with the tools of inclusion, whether that’s for adaptive play or business leadership, the entire sport wins. By celebrating our differences and sharing our expertise, the USTA and its DEI partners are ensuring that the tennis court remains a place where everyone is welcome to play.