The 2026 JTCC Champions Celebration will recognize two individuals whose leadership and achievements have profoundly shaped the organization.

Together, the honorees—Ray Benton, JTCC’s longtime Chief Executive Officer, and Denis Kudla, one of the program’s first homegrown professional players and a current member of the JTCC High Performance coaching team—represent more than 30 years of dedication to JTCC’s mission and community.

It didn’t take long for Shristi Selvan to define excellence in 2026, opening the year with a truly momentous achievement.

The 15-year-old delivered a masterclass performance at the USTA Level 1 Girls’ 16s National Winter Championships in Orlando, FL, capturing the singles title and securing her first Gold Ball with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over fourth-seeded Olivia Lin in the final.

What began more than a decade ago in Orange Ball programming on JTCC courts has now culminated in two players competing on one of the premier stages in Junior tennis. This week, Shristi Selvan (15) and Nico Pedraza (16) are competing in the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl, a testament from the early days when both trained in the JTCC Orange Ball programs.

High Performance player Nico Pedraza led a strong JTCC contingent at the USTA Level 1 National Indoor Championships that concluded on December 1, earning a coveted Silver Ball for reaching the finals in the Boys’ 16s Doubles division. This was Pedraza’s fifth career National Ball in Junior competition.

“My partner and I played really well together and had some good chemistry. We complement each other’s games really well,” Pedraza stated. “We had some long days where we ended up playing doubles later in the afternoon, so to stay focused and have high energy late in the day really gave us the edge.”

Holidays are a time for returning home and reconnecting with family and friends, and at JTCC, this is no exception. The building was buzzing the week of November 17 with more than 15 alumni returning to the courts to train together again where their journeys began.

Adding to the excitement, world #9 Ben Shelton stopped by for an energetic practice with alumnus Frances Tiafoe as the two pushed each other for more than three hours.

More than 150 athletes and Unified teammates representing 16 Maryland high school teams competed indoors at JTCC on November 11 in the Special Olympics Maryland Unified Tennis High School State Championships.

Unified Tennis features participants with and without intellectual disabilities and includes various levels of tennis experience. Athletes are assigned to groups of four to compete in round robin doubles based on skill levels. Each team includes a player with and a player without an intellectual disability.

No amount of rain could dampen Ryan Colby’s spirits as the JTCC and Laurel Springs alumnus turned a weather-interrupted week into a career breakthrough.

The Virginia native captured his first professional title November 9 at the M15 Orlando tournament on the USTA Pro Circuit.

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).

Four JTCC High Performance players Shristi Selvan, Stefanie Smart-Abbey, Shaun Fernando, and Yared Alfred had a week to remember when they took part in the USTA Foundation Haber Career Week/Amex Cup.

Held from August 30 – September 5, the prestigious program gave student-athletes the opportunity to combine 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 for a week filled with tennis, education, and career exploration.

On September 10, JTCC proudly unveiled a plaque above the entrance to Building One for the JTCC Keith Robert Larson Scholarship Fund- honoring a legacy of passion, resilience, and community.

Keith was 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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

JTCC is proud to announce that Head of Wheelchair and Adaptive Tennis Gabby Hesse has been named to the USTA Wheelchair tennis national development team.

JTCC was transformed for an unforgettable evening on April 29 to salute tennis visionaries Billie Jean King and Ilana Kloss at the GEICO Champions Celebration presented by Amazon, Umana Family, & Erin and Robert Thomson.

JTCC is excited to announce the opening of its first location in Virginia at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles Hotel in Chantilly, VA.

Ten JTCC High Performance players competed in March in the prestigious USTA Level 1 FILA Easter Bowl tournament in Indian Wells, CA. Often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Junior Tennis,” the Easter Bowl is known for jumpstarting the careers of Hall of Famers Andre Agassi, Tracy Austin, John McEnroe, and JTCC alumnus and former world #10 Frances Tiafoe.

“Houston we have a problem” applies only to Frances Tiafoe’s early round opponents in the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship in Houston, TX because the Hyattsville native continues to destroy opponents on his way to three consecutive finals at the ATP 250 event.

The Para Standing Championships held March 1-2 brought together 15 exceptional athletes from the United States and Chile and featured a remarkable display of talent across multiple competitive categories including Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles.

For two and a half weeks, JTCC Director of International Operations Asaf Yamin embarked on an incredible journey to China, bringing the JTCC training philosophy and High Performance mindset to the next generation of tennis players. His mission was to share JTCC coaching principles with players and coaches across China while building lasting connections within the international tennis community.

Kemit-Amon Lewis’s journey back to competitive tennis is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community. His connection with Wilson and JTCC has been instrumental in his return to the sport, allowing him to push past barriers and redefine what is possible in Para Standing tennis.

In a moment that will be etched in University of Virginia tennis history, freshman and JTCC alumnus Stiles Brockett delivered a heroic performance to clinch the decisive point in the Cavaliers’ thrilling 4-3 upset over #1-ranked University of Texas on February 2.

JTCC alumnus Jakob Esterowitz has transformed his skills on the court into a groundbreaking venture off the court. Jakob founded Orobor, a company repurposing old tennis strings into sustainable polyester pellets. His journey reflects the unique blend of athletic and personal growth fostered at JTCC.

JTCC High Performance Player Shristi Selvan set a personal goal in 2024 to become a “top 25 player in the country” in Girls’ 14s by the end of 2025. Just 30 days into the new year, Selvan now can aim even higher, having now achieved a career-high USTA national ranking of #15.

At 15-years-old, Kalista Papadopoulos is quickly making a name for herself in the tennis world. A relative newcomer to competitive tennis, Kalista began taking the sport seriously only after COVID-19 disrupted her involvement in other team sports such as lacrosse and field hockey. What started as casual rallies with her older brother Jordan during the pandemic has now evolved into a dedicated pursuit of excellence on the court.

After an outstanding junior and professional career that left an indelible mark on the sport, JTCC alumnus Denis Kudla has officially retired from tennis after an impressive 14 years on the tour.

Throughout the year, JTCC participants and alumni continued to leave inspirational memories for the entire community.

A record number of nearly 300 students ages 5-18 participated in nine weeks of JTCC’s Community Champs (formerly Game On!) Session I learning tennis fundamentals and gaining invaluable life skills in a rewarding experience filled with rallies, laughter, and growth.

JTCC High Performance Players Reiley Rhodes and Kalista Papadopoulos both captured their first Junior ITF titles at the J60 Arequipa Open that took place last month in Peru.

Just one month after JTCC alumni Ayana Akli and William Woodall secured their first professional doubles titles, alumnus Andrew Fenty followed suit on November 10, securing his maiden pro crown at an ITF M15 tournament in Guatemala.

After attaining the status as one of the most coveted Juniors in the nation, JTCC High Performance player Kase Schinnerer has chosen the University of North Carolina as his next destination to pursue his athletic and academic dreams.

More than 6,500 miles apart, two JTCC alumni experienced euphoria on October 6 by claiming their first professional doubles titles.

JTCC players certainly didn’t let any grass grow under their feet at Wimbledon as three alumni raced to victories on the hallowed grass courts. Robin Montgomery fought through three matches in qualifying to earn her first entry into the women’s singles main draw. She followed up with an impressive first round defeat of Olivia Gadecki, 6-4, 6-4, to achieve a personal milestone winning her first Grand Slam main draw match.

JTCC High Performance Coach Ali Agnamba made history earlier this month by training the Togolese women’s team as they prepared for their country’s first appearance in the Billie Jean King Cup!

Thirteen JTCC graduates in attendance were dressed to impress in front of the more than 100 proud parents, families, alumni, and friends who gathered in the JTCC lobby for the May 29 graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024. The new alumni received their diplomas and portraits which will hang on the JTCC Walk of Fame hallway. This year’s class included four additional graduates who were unable to attend. The group joined the more than 330 other successful alumni.