USTA Ignites a Coaching Evolution with the Launch of USTA Coaching

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has officially launched USTA Coaching, Inc., a new entity established to elevate and support the coaching community nationwide. USTA Coaching offers a comprehensive, inclusive and scalable solution to support every type of coach, from parents looking to introduce tennis to their children to full-time professionals. This first-of-its-kind national platform is designed to transform the tennis coaching experience through a modern holistic approach–offering certification, flexible training through a robust online learning hub, community-building opportunities and a wide range of exclusive benefits that support coaches at every level.

“USTA Coaching is based on a simple truth: Better coaches create better play experiences, and better play experiences grow the game,” said Craig Morris, chief executive officer of USTA Coaching. “We saw a need to unify the coaching experience, from tennis-seeking parents to full-time pros, and built a platform that makes coaching more accessible, more rewarding and more impactful. It’s also about developing the next generation of coaches and ensuring that players see themselves reflected in the sport. This is about creating better experiences for coaches so they can create better experiences for players.”

Photo credit: USTA Coaching.

USTA Coaching education is rooted in a coach- and athlete-centered approach shaped by the USTA American Development Model (ADM), a framework built on the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s (USOPC) ADM principles and grounded in the latest sport science and athlete development research. This connection to the USOPC underscores USTA Coaching’s commitment to quality, inclusivity, and long-term player growth. Participants gain access to resources, services and benefits such as liability insurance, telehealth, equipment discounts, coaching tools and a dynamic peer community. With support for every stage and skill level, USTA Coaching delivers the structure, confidence and connection today’s coaches need to lead both on and off the court.

“The USTA is a strong National Governing Body, a great partner to the USOPC and an important part of Team USA,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “It's no surprise that they are leading in coaching innovation, building on a history of success and giving the current and future generations new opportunities to learn and achieve with the launch of USTA Coaching."

Photo credit: USTA Coaching.

The launch of USTA Coaching marks a strategic investment in the future of tennis and serves as a cornerstone of the USTA’s growth strategy to reach 35x35 (35 million players by 2035), making the U.S. a leading tennis-playing nation (by population) in the world–increasing the number of Americans playing the world’s healthiest sport to 10 percent of the population, while deepening positive impact in communities nationwide. As participation surges nationwide, the sport faces a growing need for coaches, and USTA Coaching aims to fill that need with a scalable national solution. Currently, only 2 in 10 players receive formal coaching, a gap that USTA Coaching intends to close.

More than just a platform, USTA Coaching is a workforce development initiative designed to modernize the coaching ecosystem, streamline access to training, and expand the reach of who can provide quality coaching. Recognizing that growth depends on more than certified professionals, USTA Coaching empowers parents, teachers, volunteers and community leaders, those most often introducing newcomers to the game, with the tools and support they need to succeed. By creating an inclusive coaching pathway and unifying resources under one platform, USTA Coaching is positioned to accelerate participation, strengthen local tennis communities and ensure that growth is backed by a diverse, well-equipped coaching network.

Photo credit: USTA Coaching.

The USTA is also equipping coaches with the tools to recognize and prevent misconduct in the sport. Regardless of whether a coach chooses the Rally, Pro or Pro Plus tier of benefits, they will complete the Safe Play program—making a vital commitment to creating a secure and respectful environment for every athlete. By completing the required SafeSport Training along with a criminal background screen, the USTA covering the cost of both, coaches reinforce their professional integrity to their tennis community.

“As someone who’s been both a competitive player and a coach at the highest levels, I’ve seen firsthand the impact a great coach can have, not just on a player’s skills, but on their long-term love for the sport,” said Megan Rose, managing director, head of business development and operations for USTA Coaching. “Coaches are often the first point of access to tennis, especially for kids and new players. With USTA Coaching, our goal is to lower the barrier to entry and make it easy for anyone to step into a coaching role with confidence. By providing accessible tools, flexible learning and real-time support, we’re empowering more people to lead and helping grow the game in every community.”

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Courtesy of USTA Coaching. Top photo credit: USTA Coaching.