USTA Florida featured inspiring individuals on the cover of the 75th Anniversary special edition magazine. These people are being celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the sport, embodying the spirit of leadership, dedication, and passion for tennis. From innovative coaches and dynamic players to tireless volunteers, each cover star exemplifies the qualities that drive the growth and success of tennis in Florida into the future. Their stories, marked by perseverance and a commitment to making an impact in the sport, highlight the vibrant tennis community we live in today.
Brittany’s Start in Tennis
Brittany Odom, co-founder of Dennis Tennis Serving Love, embodies the spirit of dedication, leadership, and passion for tennis. Brittany’s journey into tennis began a bit later in her life, when she had children and saw her husband, Dennis Quaye, teach her children the sport. Back in 2009, she took a beginner’s class, but it was when she met her husband and had a family that she really learned the sport. His passion for tennis ignited her own, and together they embarked on a journey to make the sport accessible to underprivileged youth.
“Once we started a family and he [her husband] began teaching our children how to play, my eyes were opened to how transformative the sport truly is,” she said. “I saw my kids fall in love with the game in real time. I want kids of all backgrounds to be able to experience tennis in the way my children have: as a tool for developing social and personal skills, enjoying physical activity, bonding with loved ones, and reaching new heights.”
In 2022, Brittany and her husband founded Dennis Tennis Serving Love, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to provide underprivileged youth the opportunity to learn and enjoy tennis. “Our mission is to bring tennis and all its numerous benefits to kids in the United States, the Caribbean, and within the African continent that have limited exposure to this great sport due to racial, economic and social barriers that can make tennis inaccessible to some,” she said. “We believe that learning and playing tennis provides children with physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle, while also instilling within them, a range of life skills that improve their social, emotional and mental well-being, such as self-esteem, leadership skills, and teamwork.”
Influencing Future Generations
One of their flagship programs, the Student Tennis Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, is a free six-week tennis experience for under-resourced youth in Broward County. This program teaches tennis fundamentals, athletic skills, and mental resilience in a fun and inclusive environment. Each clinic concludes with a mental resilience lesson facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker, equipping participants with techniques to manage and express their emotions. The STAR program not only introduces children to tennis but also provides them with the tools to continue their tennis journey long after the program ends.
Brittany and Dennis Tennis Serving Love’s commitment to tennis extends beyond local initiatives. The School Engagement Tennis (SET) Initiative offers free tennis clinics to Title 1 Broward County Public school students, often providing their first experience with the sport. Additionally, their Global Good Initiative collects and distributes gently used tennis equipment to underprivileged youth in West Africa and the Caribbean, ensuring these items benefit young tennis enthusiasts who might otherwise lack the resources to pursue the sport. Their Community Engagement Initiative focuses on enriching the lives of youth, families, and the community through volunteer efforts.
Outside of Dennis Tennis, Brittany has facilitated an all-ladies workshop teaching 23 women the Net Generation Red Ball Curriculum, empowering them to become community coaches.
Leading Tennis into the Future
Brittany’s favorite part of her work is witnessing the confidence boost that children gain from engaging with tennis. “I see kids that start on day one unsure of themselves and although they are willing to learn, they are often intimidated because many are trying tennis for the first time,” she said. “By the time they finish our programs, you can see the transformation that has taken place. The kids are eager to play, confident in their ability, and express their desire to keep learning and growing in the game.”
Teaching kids also gives her the opportunity to impact the trajectory of their lives. “It’s like planting a seed that will grow within them. In tennis, kids have a tool they can use for learning life skills, getting and staying physically active, and even for managing their mental, emotional and social wellbeing.”
Florida being one of the biggest states for tennis and the sport continuing to grow, there is a need for more community leaders. Brittany encourages everyone, even those who have never played tennis, to give the sport a chance. “The first step is to pick up a racquet and start practicing, even if the game seems challenging at first,” she said. She is confident that if you give tennis a shot, you will fall in love with the game.
Inclusion is also crucial, both on and off the tennis court. She emphasizes that everyone has value, and that exclusion robs both individuals and the community of diverse perspectives and talents.
“For those looking to make a difference in the tennis community, identify gaps in access to the sport, collaborate with schools, utilize USTA resources to enhance tennis education and facilities, and support existing initiatives,” she said.
Brittany’s journey from a tennis novice to a community leader and advocate for inclusive tennis has been nothing short of inspiring. Through her organization she co-founded with her husband, Dennis Tennis Serving Love, and organizing all-women trainings she is breaking down barriers and opening doors for both underprivileged youth and women to experience the transformative power of tennis. Her story is a powerful reminder that tennis is more than just a sport, it’s a tool for personal and community development, impacting the future of everyone.
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