Category: Uncategorized

IPS League Begins Play

The IPS Fall League, hosted by NJTL of Indianapolis and USTA Central Indiana, began play the week of Sept. 10 at three Indy sites: Ellenberger Park, Tarkington Park and Arsenal Tech High School. K-6 students got started on Saturday, Sept. 10, followed by the middle schoolers on Tuesday, Sept. 13. A special THANK YOU to […]

Kickoff To IPS League

More than 100 IPS students came out to participate in our IPS Fall League Kickoff at Tarkington Park. The league, a collaborative effort by IPS, NJTL of Indianapolis, and USTA Central Indiana, will begin in September at three locations: Tarkington Park, Ellenberger Park and Arsenal Tech High School. More than 300 students have signed up. […]

Fall Program Starts At Four Locations

Our 2022 Fall Program began Aug. 14 at Ellenberger Park, Lawrence North High School, Marian University and Perry Meridian High School with 125 young players. The program, for kids of all levels, runs for five weeks. (Aug. 14, 2022)

Mulcahy Receives Chuck DeVoe Award

NJTL of Indianapolis Board Vice President Linda Mulcahy received the Chuck DeVoe Award at our Night at the Net fundraiser. The award acknowledges individuals with a record of excellence and unique service to NJTL. Linda has contributed significant amounts of time, talent and money to our organization over the years, from providing food for our […]

Night at the Net a Smashing Success

Our biggest annual fundraiser, Night at the Net, was another success, thanks to our many supporters and sponsors. This year’s event was held at Highland Golf & Country Club for the second straight year and included a pickleball round robin, tennis play with several Jack Bradshaw players, live and silent auctions, food, drinks, and music! […]

Sportsmanship Pin Winners

Several of our summer participants received special USTA Sportsmanship pins at the end of the session. These players exemplified character, integrity, and sportsmanship during the six weeks of our summer program. (July 14, 2022)

End of Summer Tournament

120 summer participants played in our End of Summer Tournament at Ben Davis High School! Congratulations to everyone who took part! (July 14, 2022)

“Meet-Up” Event at Marian

USTA Central Indiana held a “Meet-Up” event for JV and varsity tennis players at Marian University, and many of our Jack Bradshaw players took part. Zionsville Coach Earl Allen discussed tennis careers, Coach Cathy Rubey led fun drills, and free lunch was provided. (July 6, 2022)

Wynne Makes A Difference

NJTL of Indianapolis’ founder Barbara Wynne was recognized in the Indianapolis Star as one of 50 women who have made in Indiana sports over the past 50 years in a story related to the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Congrats! (June 23, 2022)

STEM Connection Visit

Several of our summer participants took part in a free visit to STEM Connection’s Moore Road Farm, where they participated in a hike and several hands-on STEM activities. This was our second visit to the farm, and we hope to continue these visits in the future. (June 11, 2022)

Jack Bradshaw Program

We had 13 players take part in our Level 3 Jack Bradshaw Program at Marian University this summer. They received instruction from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. three days a week for six weeks. (June 6, 2022)

“Serve Together” Program

In addition to our Summer and IPS Summer Programs, we also held our “Serving Together” Program, a partnership with local neighborhood centers and day camps to provide weekly tennis lessons at their organizations or nearby tennis courts. (June 6, 2022)

New IPS Summer Program

We partnered with Indianapolis Public Schools to launch a new IPS Summer Program at Arsenal Tech. The program, run by instructor John Keele, was free and ran for six weeks. (June 6, 2022)

Our Summer Program Begins!

Our Summer Program began on June 6 and would include nearly 500 kids learning tennis at 14 Indy-area locations! The classes ran on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for six weeks, with match play on Thursdays. (June 6, 2022)

Final Day of Afterschool Tennis Program

We ended our school year at Enlace Academy, where NJTL instructors run an afterschool tennis and education program once a week. We can’t wait to be back next school year! (May 24, 2022)

NJTL at 500 Festival Kids’ Day

NJTL of Indianapolis volunteers, board members and staffers shared their love for tennis at the 500 Festival Kids’ Day on Monument Circle. Numerous future players came by to hit with us, as did members of the Indiana Pacemates, Freddy Fever, and a few 500 Festival Princesses. (May 15, 2022)

Spring Match Day

We concluded our Spring Program with a special Spring Match Day at Perry Meridian High School. More than 50 spring participants played matches and ran through drills to cap off the session. (May 8, 2022)

Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis Kick-Off Event

USTA Central Indiana, Wheelchair Tennis of Indiana, and NJTL of Indianapolis hosted a Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis event at Broad Ripple Park. The free event included drills, games, and giveaways. (April 25, 2022)

‘Spring Showdown’ at Marian University

We held a “Spring Showdown” event for our Levels 2 and 3 players at Marian University. The Showdown is designed to be a fun and competitive tennis activity for kids to show off their skills and compete against other players at their skill level. (April 10, 2021)

Spring Program Begins at Four Locations

Our 2022 Spring Program began April 3 at four locations: Ellenberger Park, Lawrence North High School, Marian University, and Perry Meridian High School. 115 young players took part in the classes. (April 3, 2022)

150 Take Part in Winter Classes

We had more than 80 participants in our Winter II program of 2022, for a total of 150 in the new year. Pictured is a Level 1 class at West Indy with Coach Vinnie. (March 6, 2022)

First Session of 2022 A Success!

Nearly 70 young players took part in our Winter I Program at our three indoor locations: Indianapolis Racquet Club East, UIndy Tennis Center and West Indy. (Feb. 6, 2022)

NJTL Instructor, Essay Winner Signs With Marian

Isaac Lian, an NJTL instructor and former participant, signed a Letter of Intent to play tennis at Marian University. Isaac was the No. 1 player for Perry Meridian High School. He was NJTL of Indianapolis’ most recent national winner in the USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest in 2018. (Dec. 15, 2021)

Afterschool Students Learn About Ashe

Helen Moser Petersen, who wrote a book about her friend Arthur Ashe, gave a Zoom presentation about him to the students in our afterschool program at Enlace Academy. Helen is the founder of the Hamilton County Community Tennis Association. (Dec. 13, 2021)

Players Enjoy Free Holiday Tennis Event

Many of our current and past participants enjoyed tennis and Jockamo pizza at our free Holiday Tennis event at Indianapolis Racquet Club East. Thanks to our volunteers for making it a fun night!. (Dec. 12, 2021)

Mackell Receives USTA Service Award

One of our instructors, Jim Mackell, received the Rick Van Horn Service Award from USTA Central Indiana. This award is given to an individual who continually strives to promote tennis, primarily on the local level. (Dec. 7, 2021)

NJTL Kids, Parents See ‘King Richard’

Thanks to Warner Bros. and the USTA, several NJTL of Indianapolis participants and parents received T-shirts, water bottles, and hats, and were able to see a sneak preview of “King Richard,” a movie starring Will Smith about Richard Williams and Venus and Serena Williams. (Nov. 18, 2021)

Ladies Day Raises Money For NJTL

Indianapolis Racquet Club East hosted a Ladies Day event that raised more than $2,200 for our programs! A big thank you to the volunteers who put on the event, which included tennis/pickleball play and clinics, a raffle, door prizes, and food provided by Wolfie’s! (Nov. 3, 2021)

Trunk or Treat at Salvation Army

We had a great time handing out treats and tennis goodies as part of the Salvation Army’s Trunk or Treat event at SA Eagle Creek. (Oct. 26, 2021)

IPS League A Big Success

The IPS Fall League, a collaboration with USTA Central Indiana, finished its six-week run with tournament play at Tarkington Park. Nearly 150 IPS students played in the weekly league and Ellenberger and Tarkington Parks! (Oct. 9, 2021)

Fall Classes Begin at Three Locations

Our Fall Indoor session began at IRC East, UIndy Tennis Center, and the West Indy Racquet Club. Nearly 100 kids took part in the classes! (Oct. 8, 2021)

Afterschool Program Highlighted

USTA Midwest highlighted our free afterschool program at Enlace Academy in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Read the story here. (Oct. 6, 2021)

Two NJTL Players Win Sectional Essay Contest

NJTL of Indianapolis participants Braylen Haliburton and Abigail Witkemper were selected as USTA Midwest Section winners in the USTA Foundation’s NJTL Essay Contest! Braylen won in the Male 11-12 Division, and Abigail won in the Female 11-12 Division. (Aug. 27, 2021)

IPS Fall League Kickoff Event A Big Success

More than 80 students took part in our IPS Fall League Kickoff event at Tarkington Park. NJTL of Indianapolis is partnering with USTA Central Indiana to host a weekly tennis league starting in September. More than 20 schools are set to participate. (Aug. 21, 2021)

NJTL’s Morgan Oconitrillo Receives Service Award

NJTL of Indianapolis summer instructor Morgan Oconitrillo is a $1,000 recipient of McCoy Youth’s 2021 Excellence in Summer Service Education Award. Morgan proved to be a hit with the kids in her Ellenberger Park classes this summer. (Aug. 13, 2021)

End of Summer Tournaments at Ben Davis

Despite the rain, we were able to award champions in two age groups at our End of Summer Tournaments at Ben Davis High School. We’re thankful so many children were able to take part in our summer program this year! (July 15, 2021)

NJTL’s Madelyn Oconitrillo Receives Scholarship

NJTL of Indianapolis instructor Madelyn Oconitrillo was awarded a $15,000 Marion Wood Baird College Scholarship from the USTA Foundation. The scholarships goes to high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership, and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program. (July 9, 2021)

Match Play Thursdays

Every Thursday during the Summer Program is Match Play Thursday, where participants from our 10 locations meet up at one site to play some competitive tennis. More than 90 kids took part in the Match Play at Garfield Park! (July 1, 2021)

Night at the Net Fundraiser at Highland!

We moved our annual Night at the Net fundraiser to Highland Golf & Country Club, where everyone had a great time playing pickleball and placing winning bids in our silent and live auctions. Tyler Scanlan, our finance & operations manager, received the prestigious Chuck DeVoe Award, and former NJTL participant and current instructor Madelyn Oconitrillo […]

More Summer Programs!

Every summer, in addition to our summer program, we partner with local neighborhood/community centers and summer camps to offer weekly tennis instruction. This year we gave lessons to more than 100 children from eight organizations. (June 16, 2021)

First Day of Summer Classes!

We began our Summer Program for nearly 400 children at 10 Indy-area locations on June 7! It was great to see new and familiar faces out on the courts! (June 7, 2021)

Play Tennis Midwest Events With USTA!

NJTL of Indianapolis partnered with USTA Central Indiana to host two “Play Tennis Midwest” events the weekend of May 22-23 at Garfield and Broad Ripple Parks! More than 150 kids and their families took part in the fun games and events, and the Indianapolis Public Library also joined us to hand out books! (May 22-23, […]

Spring Program Begins

After a rainy start, our Spring Program began on April 25 at Tarkington Park and Perry Meridian High School! It’s so nice to playing outside again! (April 25, 2021)

Back in the Swing of Things for 2021

We welcomed numerous kids to our Winter II session at IRC East in February 2021. Many of our classes were once again full as the participants found their footing on the tennis court. (Feb. 14, 2021)

Winter I Session Begins at IRC East

Our Winter I session began at IRC East on November 1! Three of our five Level 1 classes were filled up, and our Levels 2 and 3 classes were near capacity as well. (Nov. 1, 2020)

Five Winners in our Halloween Art Contest

We had five big winners in our inaugural Halloween Art Contest sponsored by Pinheads Bowling. The theme for the contest was Halloween and tennis, and all of our artists did an awesome job! The winners were Isabel, Maria, Ellie, Anna and Emma. They all received coupons for free bowling at Pinheads! (Oct. 31, 2020)

“Spooktacular Showdown” at Marian University

Several of our Levels 2 and 3 players took part in a “Spooktacular Showdown” at Marian University. This was a chance for some of our players to get in some competitive play heading into the Winter I session. Some great play out there! (Oct. 25, 2020)

“Paddle at the Park” Raises Funds for NJTL

More than 30 beginner and intermediate pickleball players took part in our first “Paddle at the Park” fundraiser/tournament at Broad Ripple Park. Two of our sectional essay winners, Nicholas Willey and Andrew Gerhart, read their winning entries to the crowd before the start. Participants also won special prizes in a raffle. (Oct. 17, 2020)

NJTL of Indianapolis Founder Barbara Wynne Receives Lugar Award

Barbara Wynne, who started NJTL of Indianapolis in 1973, received the prestigious Richard G. Lugar Award at North Central High School. The award is in recognition of a lifetime of exemplary and distinguished service to interscholastic athletics in the state of Indiana. Congratulations, Barbara! (Oct. 17, 2020)

Brebeuf Tennis Players, Coaches Raise Money For NJTL

The Brebeuf High School tennis teams held a fundraiser for the benefit of NJTL of Indianapolis at the start of October. Thanks to Jennifer Reinbold, Brent Claymon, Pearson Automotive Tennic Club pros Katie Martzolf Carroll and Bryant Beard and the Brebeuf players for all their hard work and effort! (Oct. 3, 2020)

Six NJTL of Indianapolis Players Named Essay Winners

Six of our summer participants have been selected as section winners in the USTA Foundation’s NJTL Essay Contest! The USTA Midwest Section winners are: Joseph Bird, Maria DeLong, Andrew Gerhart, James LeFebvre, Madelyn Oconitrillo and Nicholas Willey. NJTL of Indianapolis had the largest number of winners out of 19 Midwest NJTL chapters! Well done! (Aug. […]

Another Successful Summer Session!

We finished off another successful summer session with two End of Summer Tournaments at Marian University and Garfield Park. This summer was unlike any other, but we were glad we were able to hold classes after delaying the start by a month. Participants’ hands and racquets were sanitized before every class and social distancing was […]

NJTL Players Invited To Hit With Grand Slam Champion Rajeev Ram

Several of our talented NJTL participants were invited to take part in EntouRaj For Kids’ high school clinic with ATP pro Rajeev Ram at West Indy. Ram, who won the mixed doubles title at the 2019 Australian Open, tweeted that it was “truly inspiring to watch all the talent and enthusiasm on display.” (Nov. 23, […]

Raise Some Racquet Raises Nearly $1,000; Essay Contest Winners Honored

Our first Raise Some Racquet fundraiser/doubles tournament at Devon Country Club raised nearly $1,000 for our tennis and education programs. We also had two of our NJTL of Indianapolis participants, Ace Cremeans and Averi Murff, read their winning essays from this summer’s USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest. Our other essay winners were Shalaka Gaitonde, Owen […]

NJTL Board Members Take The Wheel At Charity Road Rally

Several of our board members raced in the Woodard Van Riper Road Rally Challenge, which took them around various locations in the state. They competed against several other non-profits in the race presented by the Woodard Van Riper Family Foundation. Click here for more information on the 2019 edition of the rally, which includes interviews […]

NJTL of Indianapolis Takes Part In 500 Festival mini-mini

Many of the young runners at the 500 Festival mini-mini Kids’ Run made sure to try out their tennis skills with NJTL of Indianapolis board members and volunteers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We had more than 200 kids learn about our program and how to hit a clean forehand! (Oct. 5, 2019)

Afterschool Program Begins at Paramount Brookside

Our afterschool program, which includes educational assistance and tennis instruction, started up at Paramount Schools of Excellence Brookside in September. We have 16 students in the program, which is funded by USTA Foundation, Pacers Foundation, Hoover Family Foundation and everyone who donates to NJTL! The children are excited to learn all about tennis! (Sept. 17, […]

IRC Hosts Annual Ladies Day to Benefit NJTL

The Indianapolis Racquet Club hosted its annual Ladies Day at IRC East on Sept. 5. Proceeds from the event, which included tennis, pickleball, lunch and a raffle, went to NJTL of Indianapolis. Thanks to everyone who participated in this successful event! (Sept. 5, 2019)

2019 Summer Session Begins!

NJTL of Indianapolis’ 47th summer of tennis classes began on June 10 at 13 different Indy locations! We’re excited for what the summer has in store, and look forward to our players taking part in our reading challenge and receiving their submissions to the USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest. Entries are due on Wednesday, June […]

NJTL of Indianapolis at Tarkington Park Fest

NJTL of Indianapolis staff, along with USTA Central Indiana and USTA Midwest representatives, were at the Tarkington Park Fest to hit with tennis fans of all ages. (June 1, 2019)

Former NJTL President Helen Petersen Honored by USTA

Helen Petersen, former president of NJTL of Indianapolis and chair of USTA NJTL, was recognized twice this spring by USTA for her more than 30 years as a NJTL volunteer and the creator of the Champion Reads(R) program where she shares the legacy of Arthur Ashe. In March USTA Florida selected her as its Volunteer […]

Rally Day Set for June 6 at Riverside Park

Our annual Rally Day for all Level 1 players will be held on Thursday, June 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. at Riverside Park. This free event will include fun games and prizes to help you get ready for the summer classes! Just show up – we’ll see you there!

NJTL of Indianapolis After-School Program Featured in Current

Our after-school program at Lighthouse Charter was featured in a story from Current. We are proud of our program, which offers tutoring and homework help, in addition to tennis instruction. The program is sponsored by Managed Health Services (MHS) and has been funded by grants from the USTA Foundation and the Pacers Foundation. (April 8, […]

Barbara Wynne in USTA Spotlight

Our founder, Barbara Wynne, was featured on USTA’s website as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of NJTL! Wynne founded NJTL of Indianapolis in 1973, a few years after starting a program called “Riverside Upswing.” Barbara has dedicated her life to promoting youth tennis, and she continues her mission to this day. “Here I am, […]

Top Indiana Runner Gives Back to NJTL of Indianapolis

Cole Hocker, the Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year for Indiana, recently donated $1,000 to NJTL of Indianapolis as part of the award. Cole started playing tennis through NJTL of Indianapolis in the second grade. Cole said he wanted to give back to “an early influencer” in his life. The Cathedral senior recently committed […]