OVTA Middle School Tennis Team Initiative

The Ohio Valley Tennis Association is excited to share the Middle School Tennis Team Initiative, created to support new or non–school sponsored middle school teams within the USTA Ohio Valley District.

We are seeking coaches to lead these middle school teams. If you or someone you know would be interested in coaching, this is a great opportunity to grow the game and build a strong pipeline into high school tennis programs.

Purpose

Provide middle school coaches the funds, tools, and resources to create and sustain MS tennis teams.

Eligibility

• Schools in the Ohio Valley District without a school-sponsored MS team

• Separate application required if coaching in multiple seasons

Goals & Duration

• Beginning with the 2026 Spring Season

• Support 40 teams across the District

• 3-year commitment per team/season (if requirements are met)

Coach/Team Requirements

• Attend a 3-hour local coach clinic (register by deadline)

• Be SafePlay compliant before practices begin

• Create ServeTennis account and enter players

• Provide minimum 3-match schedule

• Participate in end-of-year team tournament (Multi Locations)

• Submit end-of-season team/player report

What USTA Ohio Valley Provides

• $1,500 coach stipend

• $500 travel stipend

• $500 gift card for uniforms, equipment, and match needs

• USTA School Coach resources & support

• MS Coach directory & virtual scheduling meeting

• Guidance toward becoming a school-sponsored sport

• End-of-year District tournament in Columbus

Selection

• First-come, first-served by application order

• Geographic diversity considered

Apply by December 31, 2025, or until all 40 spots are filled.

Click Here for More Information & Application

We look forward to working with you to grow middle school tennis across our District!