2011 - Coaching Excellence and Special Olympics: JTCC Makes a Double Impact
In 2011, Vesa Ponkka was selected as the National Developmental Coach of the Year by the US Olympic Committee. His students have won numerous professional and national titles, achieved the #1 ITF Junior World Ranking, and earned several #1 USTA National Rankings and NCAA All-American honors.
JTCC also started its Special Olympics Tennis program. High-performance player Nick Bayh led this, establishing weekly tennis clinics for Special Olympics athletes. JTCC High Performance players volunteered for the program, providing athletic development and tennis skills to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities while fostering community service among the JTCC players. This highlighted JTCC’s commitment to using tennis for positive social impact and giving back.