Our History
The Central Texas Tennis Association of Austin, Texas, is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization established in August 1997. As part of the newly created Southwest Regional Chapter of the American Tennis Association - a National Tennis Organization. The proposed Southwest Region includes chapters in Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Oklahoma City.
Founded by Sarah Pernell, a wife and a mother of 3, tennis was a way to entertain her youngest child while the two oldest were involved in several activities. Sarah learned about tennis as her son continued playing and moving up the ranks of Texas’ top players. While attending tournaments all over Texas, Sarah noticed the lack of minority presence, primarily African Americans and Hispanics involved in the sport. With a newfound determination, she began plans for establishing CTTA to provide lessons to children and adults in East Austin. With a startup grant of $500.00 from USTA, CTTA was born.
CTTA started with only a hand full of kids but after some years, have grown to over 1200. CTTA has no paid staff or a "real" tennis site to call our home, but make use of city parks, schools, and recreation centers. Our programs are year round, with an after school program and NJTL (National Junior Tennis League) during the summer.
To finance these activities, CTTA began housing our annual Summer Jam Tennis Tournament as a way to raise money for our various programs. Our first tournament, back in 1998, had a little over 96 participants. Today, Summer Jam has participants from Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Oklahoma (to name a few) attending each year making it one of our most successful fundraisers of the year.
In addition, CTTA also relies on donations from our private sponsors whose tremendous generosity has been essential. CTTA now provides direct tennis instruction and classes to over 500 people.
- Distribute tennis racquets, tennis clothing, and shoes, to participants.
- Purchase new racquets for advanced players.
- Sponsor Juniors for private tennis lessons.
- Sponsor children who participate in other activities throughout the school year.
- Establish Team Tennis, Travel Tournament Team, and other advanced opportunities.
© Copyright 2006-2012. All rights reserved. Central Texas Tennis Association
For more information, contact CTTA at (512) 280-5800
Goals and Future Plans
CTTA pray for continued support from established programs such as the USTA, City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department, local tennis facilities and from friends in both cash and in-kind donations.
However, it is our goal to become a recognized organization in the tennis community and provide programs geared to educate, encourage, and empower our youth.
Ultimate Goals
Corporate Sponsorship
Financial goal of $10,000 by year 2015
Increased membership and volunteer support
Increase fundraising, tournaments, and social activities/events
Award educational scholarships for higher learning
Own tennis facility as CTTA home site for tennis instruction
Open Project Helping Hand center for social services assistance
We are committed in our efforts to develop an active tennis organization in Austin and Central Texas. We look forward to longevity and enduring partnerships.
