Jack and Jill of America Introduces a New Generation to Tennis with USTA Coaching
On October 18, 2025, USTA Coaching teamed up with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to introduce a new generation of potential players to tennis, particularly those from underrepresented groups. Jack and Jill of America, founded in 1938, is an organization dedicated to nurturing future Black leaders through programs in cultural awareness, educational development and community service nationwide.
The event, led by Ta Karra Jones, MSW, Ph.D., Senior Manager of Coach Experience, focused on making tennis accessible and welcoming, especially for groups that may not have a historic connection to the sport.
Breaking Down Barriers to the Court
Jones emphasized that the workshop aimed to empower mothers to guide and encourage their children in tennis. Mothers and children who were new to the sport left with actionable steps and a clear path to involvement.
The atmosphere was engaging and enthusiastic, and the mothers had a great time. “They were laughing nonstop,” Jones said, “but they took it seriously and understood that these drills and skills were something they could take back to their kids right away.”
Jones emphasized that the workshop aimed to empower mothers to guide and encourage their children in tennis. Mothers and children who were new to the sport left with actionable steps and a clear path to involvement.
The atmosphere was engaging and enthusiastic, and the mothers had a great time. “They were laughing nonstop,” Jones said, “but they took it seriously and understood that these drills and skills were something they could take back to their kids right away.”
Jones highlighted the challenge of integrating into a sport where representation is still growing. “Tennis is not historically a Black sport, and it might be intimidating,” she noted. “We try to make it easy to get on court and get into it. We’re doing everything we can to invite more people into our great sport.”
The USTA is committed to increasing participation, with an ambitious goal: 35 million people playing tennis by 2035.
“To do that, the whole tennis community has to look more like America and be more reflective of our communities,” Jones said. “Whatever your income, your race, your body, your mental health challenges – tennis is for everyone.”
Jones highlighted the challenge of integrating into a sport where representation is still growing. “Tennis is not historically a Black sport, and it might be intimidating,” she noted. “We try to make it easy to get on court and get into it. We’re doing everything we can to invite more people into our great sport.
The USTA is committed to increasing participation, with an ambitious goal: 35 million people playing tennis by 2035.
“To do that, the whole tennis community has to look more like America and be more reflective of our communities,” Jones said. “Whatever your income, your race, your body, your mental health challenges – tennis is for everyone.”
Empowering Mothers as First Coaches
Renee Marques, Senior Director of Finance for USTA Coaching and a six-year member of Jack and Jill, helped organize the introduction for her chapter. She emphasized the value of the event in showing mothers how simple and fun playing tennis can be.
“This was an amazing opportunity for me to be involved in introducing the moms in my chapter to tennis,” Marques said. “Parents look for coaches for their kids, but sometimes they might not realize you can just go out and play with your kid, and it can be easy and fun.”
Marques shared her own experience: “My son plays soccer, and he tells me, ‘Mom, I don’t want to take lessons. I just want to play.’ So that’s what we do. We play with him at the local court in our neighborhood.”
The event also provided a crucial moment for the mothers to connect. “Moms love to be engaged, but sometimes we get so busy with our kids that we don’t make time to engage with one another,” Marques noted. “It was really nice to focus on one another and talk about what we want for our kids.”
The takeaway message for the attendees was clear: “We want people to know that tennis isn’t hard,” said Marques. “You can play with your child. Have fun with it, be social, and if your kids want to get more competitive, you can take that next step.”
If you’re a parent who wants to introduce your child to tennis, join USTA Coaching and get access to tennis drills, the Online Learning Hub, gear discounts and more.
