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Shristi Selvan Named 2nd Recipient of Keith Robert Larson Scholarship Fund

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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.”

With her fellow players, JTCC staff and coaches all watching on the JTCC courts, Selvan was presented with a $10,000 check from Keith’s father, Bob Larson, and Dick Charlton.

A Howard County native, Selvan began her training in JTCC’s Red Ball Future Champs program. Now a high school sophomore, she is entitled to receive up to $10,000 annually until she graduates in 2028.

To honor Keith’s legacy and invest in the future of High Performance athletes, JTCC invites interested contributors to click here.

JTCC Adaptive Tennis Featured On Tennis.com

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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.”

“Seeing the Tennis Channel highlight our Adaptive programs is incredibly meaningful,” said JTCC Staff Professional Brad Evans. “It’s a powerful reminder that tennis truly is a sport for everybody.”

Read the full feature on Tennis.com → Click here.

JTCC Capital Campaign Overview

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Since 2019, Chief Operating Officer Joe Wilkerson has led JTCC’s ambitious $11 million expansion through complex regulatory approvals and strategic partnerships. With just $1.5 million remaining—86% of the goal achieved—Joe discusses the campaign’s momentum and the naming opportunities that will complete this transformational project.

For information about naming opportunities in JTCC’s state-of-the-art expansion, contact Chief Development Officer Andy Rathmann-Noonan at arathmann@jtcc.org.

1. Joe, JTCC has raised an incredible $9.5 million of the $11 million goal for the expansion. What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading the planning and execution of the expansion?

The transformation from concept to reality has been extraordinary. What began as an ambitious vision to develop a parcel of land adjacent to the existing facility has evolved to an effort-filled but highly fulfilling endeavor. Securing transformational partnerships like our $3 million agreement with University of Maryland Athletics for women’s tennis, alongside major gifts from the Clark Foundation ($2 million) and Pershing Square ($2 million), validates the confidence our partners have in JTCC’s mission. And we are deeply grateful for all the support from our current board of directors.

These milestone commitments, combined with hundreds of donations from local families and community supporters, demonstrate that our vision resonates across all levels of giving. Now, with just $1.5 million remaining—representing only 14% of our goal—every contribution accelerates our path to opening day and ensures we maintain our construction timeline.

2. The expansion will add six new indoor courts and four outdoor courts, expanding from 30 to 40 courts total. How will these new facilities directly impact the kids and families we serve?

This 33% expansion in court capacity translates directly to a substantial increase in our ability to serve athletes of all backgrounds. Most critically, these additional courts will eliminate our current capacity constraints, allowing seamless progression from our Community Champs introductory programs into our high-performance development pathways.

Currently, talented young players face waitlists and limited court time. The expansion removes these barriers, ensuring every child with potential and every member can advance through our programs without delay. Donors supporting our final fundraising push through facility naming opportunities will be investing in a future where no promising athlete is turned away due to space limitations.

3. With construction planned to begin soon and completion targeted for 2026, what are the most critical milestones between now and groundbreaking?

Our commitment to being exemplary community partners requires navigating complex regulatory approvals that reflect our respect for our neighbors and environment. We’re currently securing final FEMA flood plain mitigation approval and FAA clearance to protect operations at the world’s oldest continuously operating airport—College Park Airport.

These regulatory requirements, while adding complexity and cost, demonstrate our dedication to responsible development. Securing our remaining $1.5 million by year-end is crucial to absorbing these additional costs and maintaining our 2027 opening timeline.

4. You’ve been working closely with the University of Maryland. How does completing this expansion strengthen JTCC’s position as a national leader in tennis development?

Serving as the home facility for a Big Ten program like University of Maryland Women’s Tennis elevates JTCC’s profile among the nation’s premier Division I programs. This visibility attracts top-tier talent and coaching expertise to our community, creating an environment where our high-performance “Champs” program can compete at the highest levels.

Our track record speaks volumes: JTCC alumni have already earned over $26 million in college scholarships. With expanded capacity and enhanced visibility, we project significant growth in NCAA champions and top-100 professional players emerging from our programs. Donors contributing to close our funding gap become partners in this legacy of excellence—their investment will be measured in championships won and young lives transformed.

5. For supporters who want to help JTCC cross the finish line on this transformational project, what are the most impactful ways they can get involved right now?

With $1.5 million remaining, we need both major gifts and broad community participation to achieve our organizational “Grand Slam.” Corporate partners can secure naming opportunities throughout the new facility, while individual donors can participate in our year-end campaign featuring dollar-for-dollar matching gifts that double their impact.

Whether it’s a major gift securing naming rights or a family giving what they can, each contribution pushes us closer to the finish line. Together, we can build a home where the next generation of champions will thrive.

Interested in a contributing to support JTCC’s expansion? Donate today by clicking here.

JTCC Honors Ray & Nina Benton With Naming of Walk of Fame

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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.

Benton was presented with a signed wooden racquet by the coaching staff and framed picture showcasing JTCC’s $10.5 million first major facility expansion set to break ground by the end of the year. The photo (shown above) was also signed by JTCC staff with personal messages wishing him well.

“Ray’s retirement doesn’t signal the end of his drive to grow this sport,” JTCC Vice President Megan Moulton-Levy said with emotion. “His energy knows no bounds, and he has left a lasting impact on JTCC.”

Benton was recruited in 2008 to lead JTCC by founder Ken Brody whose vision was to build JTCC into an organization that uses the game of tennis to better lives with a focus on developing a world-class training program that produces champions both on and off the court. In his 17-year tenure, Benton has made that vision a reality and created a lasting legacy of tennis excellence in the community.

JTCC Hosts Ninth Annual ITA Bedford Cup

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More than 70 NCAA Division I female athletes from colleges 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).

Champions and finalists in each flight earned trophies for their outstanding  performances, while everyone, including coaches, received JTCC bags and towels commemorating the event.

One JTCC alumna and two University of Maryland players had the “home court” advantage. Maryland’s Aida Essa and Katherine Hung reached the semifinals of singles in Flight 1 and 2, respectively, while Morgan State senior Lauryn Hall (JTCC Class of ‘22) also competed in singles and doubles matches throughout the weekend.

“Maryland loves helping JTCC host the Bedford Cup, and JTCC is home for us,” UMD Head coach Katie Dougherty said. “It’s really a full circle moment for all the athletes from the DMV who get to come back and compete at JTCC which is the flagship facility for tennis in Maryland.”

Congratulations to all of the winners below!

Singles Champions

  • Flight 1: Audrey Moutama (West Virginia University)
  • Flight 2: Julie Bousseau (West Virginia University)
  • Flight 3: Amelie Brozova (Virginia Commonwealth University)
  • Flight 4: Aubrey Zhou (Johns Hopkins University)

Doubles Champions

  • Flight 1: Amelie Brozova & Sara Alba Verastegui (Virginia Commonwealth University)
  • Flight 2: Liza Tankimovich & Victoria Epps (Loyola University Maryland)

JTCC Players Combine Tennis and Career Exploration in NYC

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Four outstanding JTCC High Performance players who were selected to participate in the prestigious USTA Foundation Haber Career Week/Amex Cup program were rewarded with a week to remember in New York City during the US Open.

JTCC student-athletes Shristi Selvan, Stefanie Smart-Abbey, Shaun Fernando, and Yared Alfred combined on-court development with enriching off-court learning experiences in New York City. JTCC players joined 24 peers from National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters across the country.

Highlights of the action-packed week from August 30 – September 5 included:

  • Playing on the courts of the US Open in the Amex Cup competition
  • Networking at major companies including ABC Studios, H/2 Capital, and Morrison & Cohen to explore career opportunities
  • Visiting the Central Park Zoo
  • Watching the world’s best players compete from the Presidential Suite in Arthur Ashe Stadium

JTCC Junior Performance Program Manager Terence Tche, who accompanied the players, reflected on the experience:

“We are so grateful to the USTA Foundation for providing JTCC’s student-athletes with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in New York. It was an amazing and jam-packed week where Shristi, Stefanie, Yared, and Shaun learned so much — not only on the court but off the court as well. They created new memories, built friendships with players from NJTL chapters across the nation, and discovered how tennis can be a tool for connection, whether competing on court or networking with companies.”

Photo Credit: Arulrah Sriram

JTCC Unveils Keith Robert Larson Scholarship Fund

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A new plaque unveiled on September 10 above the entrance to Building One honors  the recently established JTCC Keith Robert Larson Scholarship Fund recognizing a legacy of passion, resilience, and community.

Keith Larson has been a longtime member and an enthusiastic supporter of JTCC programs, and although he is no longer able to play tennis, his passion for the game lives on.

Through the support of his father, Bob, and fellow JTCC member Dick Charlton, the JTCC Keith Robert Larson Scholarship Fund was created to empower the next generation of High Performance athletes.

The fund provides need-based scholarships for players committed to excellence on and off the court. In 2024, 16 year-old Nico Pedraza was announced as the first recipient of the scholarship fund. He is entitled to receive up to $10,000 annually until he graduates from high school in 2027. 

A second recipient will be announced soon.

To honor Keith’s legacy and invest in the future of High Performance athletes, JTCC invites you to contribute here: https://lnkd.in/es9qNrNQ

JTCC Names Martin Blackman CEO

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JTCC is excited to announce that Martin Blackman has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025.

Blackman brings more than two decades of leadership experience in high-performance tennis development, including a decade as General Manager of USTA Player Development, where he led initiatives that transformed American tennis. His team’s efforts helped drive a resurgence in U.S. tennis, with the past three years reflecting more American players ranked in the Top 10, 20, and 50 than at any point since the mid-1990s.

During his ten-year tenure (2015–2024) at the USTA, Blackman and his team created comprehensive programming pathways for junior, collegiate, and professional players across the country, championing a collaborative coaching approach that included private and personal coaches as key partners.

Blackman’s decision to join JTCC signals a return to his roots in junior tennis and community-centered leadership. As Director of JTCC from 2004–2008, Blackman expanded programs to establish an operational infrastructure that enabled JTCC to go from an outstanding regional program to the first USTA Regional Training Center.

“Congrats Martin Blackman, crazy accomplishment to be back full circle at JTCC. Super happy for you and yours and excited to see what you will be able to achieve,” said JTCC alum and current world #13-ranked player Frances Tiafoe. “I can’t wait to see you at JTCC.”

“I’m thrilled to return to JTCC at such a pivotal moment,” said Blackman. “This organization has always represented the best of what tennis can be—excellence on the court, equity in access to opportunities, and a commitment to developing the whole person. Ray Benton’s stellar leadership has positioned JTCC for continued growth, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation that Ray and his leadership team have established. We will elevate and enhance our impact on youth, families, and communities in the region and beyond.”

Blackman succeeds Ray Benton, who led JTCC for the past 17 years. Under Benton’s leadership, JTCC became a nationally recognized center for player development and education. The JTCC Board extends its gratitude for his years of service and commitment to the organization.

“With Martin’s return to JTCC, we are assured of continuing dynamic leadership following Ray Benton’s immeasurable contributions to the growth and development of the organization,” said JTCC Board Chair Alison Kutler. “In addition, Martin brings incomparable experience in player development.”

As he takes the helm, Blackman aims to expand JTCC’s reach, strengthening its high-performance programming, deepening its community impact, and elevating player and coach development initiatives.

JTCC Players Capture Title at Stars of Tomorrow Tournament

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Four rising stars from across the DMV represented JTCC and earned a moment in the spotlight on July 27, capturing first place at the Stars of Tomorrow Tournament held at Rock Creek Tennis Center—the same courts where the Mubadala Citi DC Open professionals competed.

Accompanied by JTCC Director of Junior Champions Mira Vlcek, the team of Milan Smith (DC), Chloe Stillwagon (MD), Knowlton Atterbeary (MD), and Mia Robles (VA) competed in the 10U Green Dot division. The tournament featured a unique team format: co-ed doubles matches played in a round-robin structure, with a singles tiebreaker if matches were tied.

JTCC went undefeated in Group 2 play, advancing to face the winners of Group 1 in the championship match. With strong teamwork and clutch performances in tight moments, they came out on top to claim the title.

“I was honored to be out there where some of the best players in the world practice,” Atterbeary recalled. “Winning the deciding match to help JTCC take 1st place in the Stars of Tomorrow tournament was unbelievable. The crowd cheering during the championship point was a feeling I’ll never forget.”

All four players began their tennis journey in JTCC’s Red Ball Junior classes, making their championship even more meaningful as a celebration of their growth through the Developmental pathway.

“It was special to win the Stars of Tomorrow tournament at the Citi Open and share the moment with my teammates and Coach Mira,” said Robles. “I loved having the opportunity to play where the pros practice and warm up for their matches.”

Lights, Camera, Action at JTCC

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JTCC was buzzing with energy this month hosting three film crews for exciting projects.

On July 15, JTCC alumnus and current world #12 Frances Tiafoe returned to film a Beats by Dre commercial.

On July 16, Tiafoe joined forces with 2021 US Open finalist & 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open Champion Leylah Fernandez for a fantastic Lululemon shoot on the outdoor courts.

On July 17, the award-winning All Access with Andy Garcia crew arrived to film a documentary on JTCC’s mission, impact, and inclusive programming.  Featured interviews included:

  • Robin Montgomery – JTCC alumna and current WTA Tour player
  • Joe Wilkerson – JTCC COO
  • Tyler Delaney – JTCC General Manager
  • Gabby Hesse – Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis
  • Spencer Davis – JTCC Wheelchair Tennis Player

And while all that was happening,  JTCC alumni Hailey Baptiste, Andrew Fenty, and Tiafoe were training on site in preparation for the ATP and WTA 500 Mubadala Citi Open where they competed last week.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making the events an incredible success as JTCC continues to prove from grassroots initiatives to global acclaim that Tennis Is For Everybody.

Nicholas Mekhael Claims Bronze Ball At Clay Nationals

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High Performance player Nicholas Mekhael led the JTCC contingent of players competing July 6-13 at the Level 1 USTA National Clay Court Championships, earning a coveted Bronze Ball for his 3rd place finish in the Boys’ 18s Singles division in Delray Beach, FL. Mekhael also reached the Boys’ 18s doubles semifinals, ultimately finishing fourth, capping off a standout week of elite-level play.

 

Mekhael, who has verbally committed to play collegiate tennis at the University of Illinois in the fall of 2026, battled through a challenging draw as an unseeded player to earn his third career National Ball and second in singles, with a 6-3, 6-2 convincing victory over fourth-seed Yashwin Krishnakumar in the Bronze Ball match.

 

“These last two weeks for me have been insane. I came into this event having already played six matches in a row and was unseeded, which meant I had no days off,” Nick said. “My week was all about routines and implementing how I handle my emotions, energy and physicality throughout the matches.”

 

Kalista Papadopoulos headlined strong showings for the girls with a 4th place finish in the Girls’ 16s doubles draw and also reached the Consolation Draw singles final in Huntsville, AL.

 

In total, 32 JTCC players competed at Clay Nationals across multiple divisions. JTCC’s High Performance group now shifts their focus and hopes for continued success at the National Hard Court Championships at Kalamazoo, MI in August.

JTCC Names Andrew Rathmann-Noonan as New CDO

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JTCC is excited to announce the appointment of Andrew “Andy” Rathmann-Noonan as Chief Development Officer.  Andy brings a wealth of experience, a deep passion for tennis, and a strong commitment to our mission.

Rathmann-Noonan previously served as president of the National Science and Technology Medals Foundation, where he was responsible for creating and executing the organization’s fundraising efforts and managing the five-person development team. During his tenure, Rathmann-Noonan helped grow annual revenue from $100,000 to $2,000,000 while collaborating with several partners, including the White House.

As Chief Development Officer, Rathmann-Noonan is responsible for leading all fundraising activities for JTCC including soliciting donors, identifying and cultivating relationships with corporations, and pursuing local and national grant opportunities to drive revenue through philanthropic contributions.

“We are excited and extremely grateful to have someone with Andy’s experience and professionalism join the management team,” stated JTCC Chief Operating Officer Joe Wilkerson.

Rathmann-Noonan is very familiar with JTCC having been a member of the club since 2022, which he discovered during a trip with his son to the neighboring Aviation Museum.

A member of the JTCC Executive team after expressing interest in development opportunities in December 2024, Rathmann-Noonan is committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors.

“I’m excited to help steward the relationships JTCC leadership has worked so hard over the years to build and maintain,”  stated Rathmann-Noonan. “It is a priority of mine to continue in a way that is supportive of the mission and the broader goals of the organization.”

“I love the mission of Tennis for Everybody,” he continued. “I’m a huge proponent of inclusivity, equitable access, and athletics as a way to empower, provide validation, and define success.”

Outside of his professional life, Rathmann-Noonan is a dedicated family man and sports enthusiast.   He and his wife, Julia, have two young children and a rescue dog. He loves spending time with his family, playing tennis, and going to the neighborhood pool. A former varsity baseball player at Trinity College in Hartford, CT, Rathmann-Noonan graduated with a BA in philosophy.

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