
Ray Benton has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire as CEO and Board member of the Junior Tennis Championship Center (JTCC) as of December 31, 2025.
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.
JTCC has developed young players who have earned more than $26 million in college scholarships and financial aid, while also training many pro tour competitors including Frances Tiafoe, Denis Kudla, Hailey Baptiste, and Robin Montgomery. JTCC has been the recipient of the USTA’s Development Program, Organization, and Outstanding Tennis Facility of the Year awards and is considered to be the national role model in growing tennis participation.
A grateful Tiafoe added “Thanks for everything you have done for me and JTCC. I appreciate all the doors you have opened up for me to be the guy I am today. You are and always will be a huge part of my story”.
“It has been the most rewarding experience of my career to serve JTCC for 17 years helping to make an impact on the lives of so many and introducing tennis to thousands of youths and adults as part of our mission to provide Tennis for Everybody,” reflected Benton. “Through community outreach to under-resourced youth and adaptive tennis opportunities for veterans and individuals with disabilities, we have made the sport accessible to everyone.”
JTCC is in the process of a $10.5 million capital campaign for its first major facility expansion. Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2025 and completion of the project is expected by year-end 2026. When completed, JTCC will have a total of 40 courts (21 indoor and 19 outdoor) and a new facility for the University of Maryland’s Women’s Tennis Team.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the many members of the JTCC community of tennis players, coaches, management team, employees, donors and alumni, we want to thank Ray for all that he has done over the past two decades, and. of course, to wish him the absolute best in his next chapter.” said JTCC Board Chair Alison Kutler. “I look forward to collaborating with Ray as we prepare JTCC for his transition.”