Game. Set. Legacy.
When I first picked up a tennis racquet, I didn’t know the game would become a lifelong passion, or that it would lead me to rooms filled with powerful voices, visionaries, and changemakers in the sport. This year, I’m honored to be selected for the USTA Leadership Development Program, a national initiative focused on cultivating diverse leaders who are committed to growing the game of tennis in their communities.
This isn’t just about tennis. It’s about legacy.
It’s about standing on the shoulders of pioneers like Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe, whose courage paved the way for people who look like me to even be on the court. It’s about taking what I’ve learned through co-founding DFW Black Tennis and scaling that impact — not just through play, but through purpose.
The USTA Leadership Program is designed to equip leaders with tools to expand access, build inclusive programs, and create long-term impact at the local and national level. Over the next several months, I’ve learned from experts, collaborated with other leaders from across the country, and gained support to strengthen the work we’re doing in Dallas-Fort Worth.
…And I’m just getting started.
Being part of this program has reaffirmed that representation in tennis matters — not just on the court, but in the decision-making rooms that shape the future of the sport. Through workshops, mentorship, and strategic planning, I’ve been challenged to think bigger, act bolder, and lead with both heart and intention.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the chance to connect with other changemakers who are just as passionate about equity and access. We’re not only exchanging ideas — we’re building a movement. A movement rooted in inclusion, innovation, and impact.
As I continue this journey, I carry with me the voices of my community, the dreams of young Black players who deserve to see themselves in this game, and the responsibility to leave the sport better than I found it.
Tennis gave me a platform. Now, I’m using it to build pathways.
This is what legacy looks like — and I’m proud to play my part.
