JTCC made history as one of the first tennis centers in the U.S. to hire a full-time Adaptive Tennis Program Manager. We spoke with Gabby Hesse, Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive about what “defining excellence” means through adaptive sport and how JTCC is changing what’s possible for athletes of all abilities.

As part of Coach Appreciation Month, Gabby Hesse, JTCC’s Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis, was recently featured on FOX 5 DC’s Live Zone.

In the short segment, Gabby discussed JTCC’s mission to make the sport accessible for players of all abilities and the growing impact of inclusive programming that brings athletes together on and off the court. Her message underscored how great coaches not only build skills on the court, but also shape character, confidence, and community beyond it.

After a decade as General Manager of USTA Player Development, Martin Blackman has returned to his roots in Junior tennis to serve as CEO of JTCC, where he was Director of Tennis from 2004-08.

Blackman, whose initiatives at the USTA transformed American tennis with more American players ranked in the Top 10, 20, and 50 than at any point since the mid-1990s, brings a community-centered focus to JTCC.

Fifteen-year-old High Performance player Shristi Selvan received the surprise of a lifetime when she was named the second recipient of the Keith Robert Larson Scholarship fund which provides need-based scholarships for players committed to excellence on and off the court.

“I’m very grateful for this, and it will help me achieve my dreams in the future at the highest level,” Selvan stated. “I will continue to strive for top 10 National rankings in the Girls’ 16s & 18s.”

JTCC’s commitment to “Tennis for Everybody” was highlighted by the Tennis Channel on September 13, showcasing the impact of JTCC’s Adaptive Tennis program which serves more than 260 players of all ages and abilities.

From wheelchair athlete Spencer Davis to Marine veteran Gary Boshoff, the story highlights how JTCC empowers players through personalized coaching, inclusive programming, and the philosophy of “reciprocal mentorship.”

JTCC Chief Development Officer Andy Rathmann-Noonan sat down with Chief Operating Officer Joe Wilkerson for five questions about the Capital campaign.

After 17 years of unwavering commitment and dedicated service, Ray Benton announced his retirement from Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) effective September 30 and was honored with the naming of the “Ray & Nina Benton Walk of Fame.”

Following the naming ceremony on September 22, a catered lunch outside overlooking the courts in perfect “tennis weather” provided the ideal setting for JTCC staff to extoll Benton’s leadership while reminiscing and sharing stories from nearly two decades of fond memories.

More than 70 NCAA Division I female athletes from colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic region enjoyed abundant sunshine and pristine tennis weather September 19-21 at JTCC in the ninth Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Bedford Cup.

Players from Coppin State University, Delaware State University, George Mason University, George Washington University, Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University Maryland, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University, University of Maryland, Virginia Commonwealth University, and West Virginia University competed in singles and doubles matches in draws based on their World Tennis Number (WTN).