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USTA Launches HBCU Coaching Grants to Increase Diversity
by Rhiannon Potkey, 8 September 2021
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The USTA, with support from Tennis Industry United and the USTA Foundation, introduced the USTA David N. Dinkins HBCU Coaching Grant to support 38 Historically Black College and Universities that have tennis programs.
The grant is aimed at enabling HBCU players to become certified coaches and increase the diversity among certified coaching professionals. It will provide personal and professional development opportunities to help the players achieve a potential career path in tennis or other sports.
Funding from the grants can be used towards expenses to support the HBCU tennis program, including team travel expenses, recruitment costs, uniforms and equipment.
The initial grant will be jointly funded by the USTA Diversity & Inclusion Department and the USTA Foundation. Individual grant amounts will be tiered based on the number of participants (players and coaches) at each school, up to a maximum of $2,500 per eligible program. The grant process will be administered by the USTA Foundation.
As part of the grant application, players are also asked to commit hours volunteering with their local NJTL either while in college or within the first year after graduation.
HBCUs were honored and celebrated at the US Open last week with the first “HBCU Live” event at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Much of the celebration, which included music and food, was produced by Black-owned businesses and HBCU alums.
“It’s important to celebrate the diversity and excellence of the tennis community at every level, as well as support future growth of the sport,” said USTA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Marisa Grimes. “HBCU Live and the new coaching grant are great ways to recognize the impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, create greater diverse representation within tennis, and honor the extraordinary legacy of Mayor Dinkins.” Grimes also noted that both programs align with the USTA’s social responsibility campaign, “Be Open” which highlights the commitment to promote and amplify important messages of progress, positivity and equality.”
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About Rhiannon Potkey
Rhiannon Potkey is a veteran sportswriter with more than two
decades of experience in journalism. Potkey has covered many
sports at many levels and has a passion for finding great stories.
Potkey has covered the U.S. Open, junior sectional and national
events, college conference championships and Davis Cup matches.
Potkey is currently Content Strategist for Tennis Recruiting. You
can reach Rhiannon by email at
[email protected].
