In 1999, University of Maryland alum Ken Brody founded the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) with a vision to help young athletes develop skills and earn college scholarships. Supported by the Prince George’s County government and Maryland Capital Park and Planning, 15 acres of parkland near UMD were secured.
Before a permanent facility existed, Brody and current President Vesa Ponkka began recruiting high performance players. Their start was humble: no center, no courts. That first winter, they used three vans nightly to transport players an hour to a distant bubble for late-night training. This dedication, Ponkka recalled, emphasized that “work ethic and dedication will make the program a success.”
This early commitment cultivated a strong first generation, including future top doubles player Treat Huey and national No. 1 Jason Pinsky. Ponkka stressed the power of a supportive environment. With his investment, Brody established the “coach-mentor” model, defining JTCC’s enduring mission: “transforming lives through senior coaching,” fostering both tennis excellence and character development.
