JTCC is proud to offer free weekly tennis programs for 100+ military veterans and active duty service members with and without disabilities since 2018.

Thursday Veterans Tennis Corps

Dates & Time: All Thursdays from 12-2pm through June 6, 2024

Who: Military veterans and active duty service members with and without disabilities and their families

Where: JTCC (5200 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740), located two blocks from the College Park Green Line Metro Station

The free program is in partnership with No Greater Sacrifice, a military family support organization. In this unique model of learning tennis, high-performance junior tennis players help teach tennis to veterans, and veterans serve as mentors to youth. The main goal of the program is to connect junior tennis players and military veterans to create an environment of positive role models and community engagement.

Once a month, Jersey Mike’s donates lunch for the veterans and junior tennis players to enjoy a meal together. These days, junior tennis players are paired with a veteran for fun, engaging doubles competition before the meal.

Tennis rackets and sports wheelchairs are provided to those who need them. Beginner tennis players, experienced tennis players, wounded veterans, active duty military, and military family members are all welcome to join.

NEW: Saturday Veterans Practice & Play – Class Full, Waitlist Only

Dates & Time: All Saturdays 12:30 – 2pm April 1 – June 9

Who: Military veterans and active duty service members with and without disabilities

Where: JTCC (5200 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740), located two blocks from the College Park Green Line Metro Station

The class is structured for all levels of player from beginner to advanced and will introduce players to singles and doubles match formats and scoring, in addition to teaching intermediate and advanced strategy and tactics within matches. Beginners who are eager to learn how to compete are encouraged to attend!

Competitions are held at the halfway point and end of the session and will center solely around doubles and singles matches. The competition dates are May 4 and June 8.

Only 12 spots are available for the class. Priority will be given to veterans who are unable to attend the Thursday classes, but veterans currently enrolled in the Thursday program are encouraged to register in case the class is not filled. Veterans should commit to attend at least 8/10 classes.

JTCC is the home of Veteran & Adaptive Tennis in the DC Metro Area

JTCC is a tennis center in College Park, MD committed to transforming lives by providing “Tennis for Everybody”. Providing tennis programs for people living with disabilities and military veterans since 2018, JTCC has become the national model for adaptive tennis, including level-based clinics offering tailored instruction, access to integrated clinics, extensive coach education trainings, and world-class camps and tournaments. JTCC serves more than 300 adaptive athletes every year, and is committed to providing opportunities for all players to engage with the game of tennis in ways that are meaningful to them and help them achieve their goals on the court and in life.

Hear from Navy Veteran & Stroke Survivor Gary Boshoff

How has playing tennis improved the quality of your life?

“Before tennis, I suffered from depression from the loss of my military career, and all of the people that I knew. The Veterans Tennis Corps program hosted by JTCC has been a lifeline. It’s not just about playing; it’s about feeling connected to a community. Simply being here brightens my day, regardless of my performance on the court. Even when I don’t play my best, I leave feeling fulfilled knowing that I’ve actively participated in something meaningful. It has had a profound impact on my psychological and psychiatric well-being.”

SEE TENNIS CORPS IN ACTION

Hear from Brenda Gilmore, lead coach for the Tennis Corps program since 2018, on the impact and community created through the Tennis Corps model that pairs high-performance junior players with military veterans.