About Us

History

In 1969, Arthur Ashe founded the National Junior Tennis League. Ashe was a great humanitarian and a tennis champion who was able to change the world for the better. Ashe worked for human rights and established organizations to support and uplift children.

Arthur Ashe never rested with fame. He used the strength of his voice and the power of his example to open doors of opportunity for other African-Americans, fighting discrimination in America and around the world…He was a true American hero and a great example to us all.

-Former President Bill Clinton, in a memorial statement about Ashe.
Taken from Of Tennis and the Human Spirit, by Marvin Martin

During the summer of 1969, Indianapolis resident and tennis patron, Barbara S. Wynne, started an inner-city tennis program at Riverside Park for Indianapolis youth. Four years later, the “Riverside Upswing” program became the Indianapolis chapter of the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL). NJTL of Indianapolis strives to teach children Ashe’s ideals and the impact he made on the world so that they may carry on his legacy.

Over the past 37 years, more than 44,500 Indianapolis children have developed tennis skills through local program offerings.

Additionally, NJTL of Indianapolis has:

• Expanded to include instruction in life skills.

 
• Introduced its “Love to Read” program, which includes a summer reading contest and encourages participation in the Arthur Ashe National Essay and Art Contest.

 
• Inroduced Team Tennis to intermediate level players.

 
• Educated youth on the benefit of a healthy and active lifestyle through its partnership with the American Heart Association.

 

NJTL’s recent accomplishments include:

• NJTL of Indianapolis was named the USTA/Midwest 2010 NJTL of the Year award winner.

 
• In 2010, NJTL staff member, Mandy Walker, won an Excellence in Summer Service Education Award.

 
• In the 2010 National Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest, NJTL had 4 USTA/Midwest Section essay winners: Luke Brown, Marissa Driml, Jessica Mendoza, and Chris Mormino.  NJTL also had 1 National Art Winner:  Lauren Kenninger.

 
• NJTL of Indianapolis was named the USTA/Midwest 2009 NJTL of the Year award winner.

 
• In the 2009 National Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest, NJTL had 4 USTA/Midwest Section essay winners:  Colt Hackstadt, Lauren Hedges, Breonna Ledford, and Dee Slagle.

 
• In 2009, NJTL instructor, Kailee Grabbe, won an Excellence in Summer Service Education Award.

 
• NJTL of Indianapolis was named NJTL National Chapter of the Year in 2008 for being an outstanding leader in excellence and continued dedication to youth development through tennis. This award was given by the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

 
• In November 2008, NJTL was recognized as an honorable mention candidate for an Indiana Achievement Award for Nonprofit Excellence.

 
• On September 11, 2008, three NJTL instructors won Excellence in Summer Service Education Awards. These awards recognize exemplary youth work and community service.

  NJTL strives to keep children healthy and active. The program serves as a foundation from which to build self-esteem, encourage youth interest in physical activity and foster a lifelong love of the sport of tennis.