USTA Heart of America National Tennis Month festivities include proclamations, tourneys

National Tennis Month, which took place in May, was an incredible one for USTA Heart of America. This monthlong celebration featured several opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to hit the courts for some tennis and tennis-related activities.

“It was an incredibly busy and successful month in USTA Heart of America,” said Rebecca Falkner Axelrod, USTA Heart of America executive director. “We had numerous events and activities on top of 10 proclamations. We are excited to continue to grow tennis in the community.”

Proclamations

As mentioned by Falkner Axelrod, USTA Heart of America had a whopping 10 city proclamations in which May was declared as National Tennis Month. The proclamations were held in the following cities:

• Raymore, Missouri

• Gladstone, Missouri

• St. Joseph, Missouri

• Liberty, Missouri

• Prairie Village, Kansas

• Overland Park, Kansas

• Kansas City, Missouri

• Merriam, Kansas

• Raytown, Missouri

• Bonner Springs, Kansas

Kansas also made a state proclamation on April 25. A group of representatives from USTA Missouri Valley, USTA Heart of America and USTA Kansas—including Mary Buschmann, Tracey Johnson, Alex Lee, Kate Foss, Amy Mathew, Macy Mathew, Don Eccles and Manon Eilts—were on hand for this momentous occasion at the Kansas state capitol in Topeka.

Kids’ Events

Several tournaments and other fun opportunities for junior players also took place last month. That included the Kansas City Racquet Club’s May Mayhem tournaments, the Blue Hills Country Club Junior Circuit event, the ACEing Autism National Tennis Month celebration and a special Play Day event for children served by the Salvation Army Children’s Shelter at Macken Park.

Adult Events

Events for adult players was another cornerstone of National Tennis Month. The USTA Heart of America Heartland Wheelchair Classic kicked things off in late April. Other events such as the USTA Heart of America District League Championships, the USTA Missouri Valley Level 4 Open: 55+ NTRP and Open tournament, and a Level 2 junior tournament at Plaza Tennis Center brought fun and friendly competition to the district.

Hit To Be Fit

Back for 2025 was Hit To Be Fit Day, as established players and those new to the sport got their heart rates up with fitness-oriented games and drills. Kansas City and St. Joseph hosted Hit To Be Fit events, drawing crowds of all ages.