In October and November, USTA Florida joined forces with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to present two dynamic All-Girls Tennis Camps, strategically designed to carve out new pathways in tennis for young women. These initiatives aim to inspire and elevate the participation of girls in the sport.
On October 19, the first camp took place at the prestigious Florida A&M University (FAMU), in collaboration with the Black Girls Tennis Club. Following closely, a second camp was hosted at Edward Waters University (EWU) on November 2, attracting a remarkable turnout of over 50 enthusiastic girls across both events, highlighting a growing interest and investment in girls’ tennis in these communities.
At the FAMU camp, the Black Girls Tennis Club, recognized for its dedication to empowering Black women and girls through the sport of tennis, seamlessly partnered with USTA Florida to underscore the essential “CARE” pillars: Culture Change, Access, Representation, and Exposure. Since its inception in 2022, the club has been a beacon for fostering tennis access and cultural representation, diligently creating a nurturing and supportive environment tailored for Black girls in tennis.
Annessa Taylor Nguyen, Director of Coaching Program Development for the Black Girls Tennis Club, passionately articulated the significance of these camps, stating, “These camps are monumental and necessary to keep girls engaged in tennis. We want them to practice, but more importantly, to build a supportive community where they can develop their skills on and off the court.” She highlighted that the camps are inclusive, catering to players of all skill levels—from beginners to those ready to compete—helping to cultivate not only tennis proficiency but also valuable community connections.
USTA Florida’s unwavering commitment to supporting HBCUs while fostering diverse opportunities in tennis is vividly illustrated through initiatives like these camps. Leading up to the November 2 event, USTA Florida made a significant investment by awarding Edward Waters University a $100,000 HBCU Tennis Program Grant. This grant exemplifies USTA Florida’s broader dedication to enhancing accessibility and inclusivity in tennis, with ambitious plans to expand its HBCU support further in 2024 and beyond.
Each camp delivered comprehensive tennis instruction, featuring engaging drills and activities led by an impressive lineup of women coaches, mentors, and accomplished college players. For many young athletes, the chance to learn from an all-female coaching ensemble marked a pivotal and refreshing experience. 17-year-old participant Madison Molock shared her perspective: “My favorite part was learning from everyone, from the FAMU players to Coach Wade, and connecting with other camp girls. It was amazing to work with an all-women network; it was very different from what I was used to. I would say that my first time having a women’s coach was in high school.”
These camps underscored essential values: Empowerment, Inspiration, Inclusivity, Skill Enhancement, and Career Insight. They achieved more than just honing the players’ tennis abilities; they reinforced a robust, community-driven environment that champions women’s involvement in sports. One camper expressed her excitement, stating her favorite aspect was “meeting new people and making friends while also getting more competition.” Another participant remarked, “I loved learning with friends,” reflecting the camp’s strong emphasis on community and collaboration.
These events have showcased the impactful crossover of USTA Florida initiatives. Through AMPLIFY, the organization has been proactively expanding tennis outreach into more Black communities, and with the Women in Tennis initiative, USTA Florida is unwavering in its commitment to empowering females and involving women of all ages in every facet of tennis.
Dana Andrews, former USTA Florida President, has been deeply involved with the Women in Tennis initiative and expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes achieved through this project. “In 2024, USTA Florida aims to broaden the reach of locations and diverse participants for our all-girls camps,” she noted. “The camps’ core mission is to build confidence, promote the healthy sport of tennis, and provide mentoring from female leaders. We are thrilled with the outcomes and are eager for what’s to come in 2025!”
By partnering with HBCUs and creating enriching opportunities like these All-Girls Camps, USTA Florida diligently paves the way for a more inclusive and inspiring future in tennis.
**Interview with Annessa Taylor Nguyen, Director of Coaching Program Development for the Black Girls Tennis Club**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Annessa. It’s exciting to hear about the recent All-Girls Tennis Camps hosted by USTA Florida in collaboration with HBCUs. Could you share what motivated the Black Girls Tennis Club to partner with USTA Florida for these camps?
**Annessa:** Thank you for having me! Our motivation stems from a commitment to empower young Black women and girls through tennis. The collaboration with USTA Florida provided an incredible opportunity to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where these girls can not only learn the sport but also build a supportive community around them. We wanted to ensure that they feel represented and have access to quality tennis instruction.
**Editor:** The camps attracted over 50 girls, which is an impressive turnout! What were some of the key activities that took place, and what skills did the participants develop?
**Annessa:** We designed the camps to offer comprehensive tennis instruction through drills and activities that cater to all skill levels—from beginners to more advanced players. Girls had the chance to learn fundamental techniques as well as competitive strategies. Importantly, we also emphasized community-building activities, enabling participants to connect with each other and our coaches. The experience was about more than just tennis; it was about creating lasting friendships and a sense of belonging.
**Editor:** You mentioned the “CARE” pillars: Culture Change, Access, Representation, and Exposure. How were these pillars integrated into the camps?
**Annessa:** Each of the CARE pillars is fundamental to our approach. Culture Change is fostered by creating a welcoming environment where girls can share their experiences. Access is provided through free participation in the camps, breaking down financial barriers. Representation was embodied by our all-female coaching staff, allowing the girls to see women of color in leadership roles. Exposure comes from bringing in mentors and college players to demonstrate that achieving success in tennis is possible!
**Editor:** The partnership with USTA Florida also led to a significant grant awarded to Edward Waters University. How do you think this grant will impact the HBCU tennis program moving forward?
**Annessa:** The $100,000 grant is a game-changer for Edward Waters University and other HBCUs involved. It will enhance tennis facilities, provide resources for coaching, and create more opportunities for student-athletes to engage with the sport. This investment reflects USTA Florida’s commitment to diversifying the tennis landscape, which will create a positive ripple effect in the community, encouraging even more girls to participate.
**Editor:** what are your hopes for the future of these camps and the Black Girls Tennis Club as a whole?
**Annessa:** My hope is that these camps become a staple in the tennis community, with more participants every year. We aim to expand our reach and create additional programs that will empower young girls in other areas. Ultimately, we want the Black Girls Tennis Club to be a notable pathway for young athletes, nurturing their skills and confidence on and off the court. Our goal is to see more Black girls excelling in tennis and known for their contributions to the sport.
**Editor:** Thank you, Annessa, for sharing your insights and passion about these initiatives. It sounds like a remarkable way to uplift and inspire the next generation of female tennis players!
