The award celebrates individuals and organizations working to grow the sport of tennis and advance the USTA’s mission of reaching 35 million tennis players by 2035.

This week, the USTA announced the recipients of the 35 x 35 President’s Impact Award, recognizing individuals and organizations across the country for their contributions to the growth of tennis.  

The 35 x 35 President’s Impact Award supports the USTA’s 35 x 35 strategic initiative, which seeks to make the United States the world’s leading tennis-playing nation by growing the tennis playing population to 35 million by 2035. This initiative aims to inspire healthier people and communities by expanding the availability of quality coaching at all levels, maximizing court availability, and supporting the next generation of players. 

This award honors those who have made a meaningful impact on the sport over the past two years at the national, sectional, and community levels. Whether through introducing a new player to the game, supporting local programs, or volunteering countless hours, the President’s Impact Award shines a spotlight on the people who are dedicated to expanding and strengthening local tennis communities. 

Jerry Matthews of Bakersfield, California, exemplifies this commitment through exceptional service and leadership over the past two years. 

As Kern County Tennis Association (KCTA) President, Matthews led the initiative to grant under-resourced students access to the benefits that after-school sports provide. Previously, hundreds of youth were sidelined each year because their families couldn’t afford basic equipment. Since launching the program in 2018, Jerry’s leadership over the past two years alone has delivered 550 racquets, 1,180 pairs of athletic shoes, 13,000 apparel items, and more than 12,000 court hours of professional instruction—a total investment exceeding $350,000. This transformative impact would not have been possible without Jerry and Kern County’s steadfast leadership and support. The community’s dedication was formally celebrated when Bakersfield was named USTA Southern California’s very first Tennis Town in March 2025.  

“Having Bakersfield recognized as USTA Southern California’s first Tennis Town was a tremendous honor, but it is also a great tool to help us further our mission,” said Jerry. “The attention and credibility an award of that nature brings helps to recruit new volunteers and sponsors for us.”

He also credited foundational partnerships for helping elevate KCTA’s reach and infrastructure.

“USTA Southern California, the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation (SCTA), and the USTA Foundation have been a critical part of the transformation of KCTA,” shared Jerry. “We have been supported with resources, funding, and guidance to organizations like Good Sports and Tennis Serves Others. We were mentored to become a National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Chapter, and USTA Southern California staff now regularly attend our events. Last, but certainly not least, is the recognition we have received—including this award that I accept on behalf of those hundreds of volunteers and donors who made it possible.”  

Reflecting on the grassroots effort that grew out of modest beginnings, Jerry emphasized how local community-driven action directly supports the USTA’s broader mission to bring thousands of new players to the sport.

“What started by regripping and restringing 100 old racquets collected from people’s garages and closets has grown beyond our wildest expectations,” said Jerry. “That success is the result of dedicated volunteers, generous community members, supportive suppliers, and committed high school coaches with whom we partner. Adding 10,000 tennis players from our little corner of the country is doing our part to reach 35 million.”

“The growth of tennis happens every day in communities across the country because of people who care deeply about our sport and work tirelessly to share it with others,” said Brian Vahaly, USTA President and Chairman of the Board. “The President’s Impact Award is our opportunity to say thank you, recognize the difference they are making, and celebrate the role they play in shaping the future of tennis.”

The winners were recognized at the 2026 US Open in the President’s Suite during Fan Week in celebration of their achievements.