Mid-Atlantic Tennis Gala Raises $500,000 for Community Programs

Held at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner, the gala celebrated tennis’s role in building confidence, connection, health and opportunity, said Foundation CEO Tara Fitzpatrick-Navarro. The funds will support Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, Community Engagement Grants and other programs.

Andrews interviewed two young participants in Girls Rule the Court, launched in 2022. The program has reached more than 2,000 girls in communities across Maryland and Virginia, including Baltimore, Howard County, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fairfax County, Loudoun County and Richmond.

Vice Admiral Sean S. Buck, the retired 63rd Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, received the 2026 Tennis Creates Impact Award for his leadership and work promoting character, leadership and well-being through tennis. Former Secretary of Defense James Mattis, who was not at the event, praised Buck’s team-building spirit in a recorded message.

The six regional award recipients were Adult Leader Leigh Ann Jackson, Youth Leader Gabrielle Berg, Community Champion Dr. Ellen Markowitz, Provider Champion James Skinner, Coach of the Year Khoi Truong and Tennis in the Classroom honoree Janelle Nichols. Their work includes coaching girls, offering free clinics for people with special needs and providing tennis opportunities for young people in underserved communities.

The Foundation, a nonprofit serving D.C., Maryland, Virginia and eastern and southern West Virginia, said it reached more than 114,500 young people in 2025, including nearly 70,000 students through school-based programs. More information about programs and donations is available at USTAMidAtlanticFoundation.org.