Welcome to Louisiana Tennis Association
Baton Rouge’s Whitfield named 2025 USTA Captain of the Year
Ron Cioffi | February 23, 2026
USTA has named Wilbert “Doc” Whitfield as the 2025 Captain of the Year. It is the first time this award has been bestowed.
After being named USTA Southern Captain of the Year, the section submitted Whitfield’s nomination for the national award.
Whitfield, from Baton Rouge, La., has served as a USTA League captain for 14 years and has led at least 87 teams. He has played on USTA League teams for 37 years. Other honors this year include (GBRCTA) Captain of the Year and USTA Louisiana Captain of the Year.
He was congratulated in a virtual call by USTA Southern President & CEO Ted Reese, Adult League Committee members, section and national staff.
Whitfield's comments
Whitfield’s comments
In the application for this award, Whitfield wrote:
“My love for the game was so intense that, during my 34 years as an educator, I attempted to start tennis programs at the schools where I worked. While my attempts to introduce the youth were unsuccessful, that did not stop me from wanting to remain active and play competitive tennis. So, when I retired in 2011 and decided to focus on both my mental and physical health, I organized my first 3.5 men’s team in 2012.
With limited resources and very few players at the start, I began recruiting from the Greater Baton Rouge ‘Players Looking for a Team’ list online. Shortly afterwards in 2016, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer.
After a successful surgery and an expeditious recovery, I was back on the court within four months winning my first doubles match. I’m blessed to say I’m cancer-free and still competing today.
As a Captain, my philosophy has always been to “Practice with a Purpose.” I encourage the players to focus on fundamentals, embrace their mistakes, and make minor adjustments but never allow anger to infiltrate their game. It is my belief that the simple message of “Just keep calm and play tennis!” has played an intricate part in our success on the court and it should never involve throwing the racquet in disgust, blasting balls over the fence, and displaying temper tantrums.
Welcome to Louisiana Tennis Association
Micro Grants for USTA Providers - apply march 2!
Thanks to local providers like you, tennis participation across the United States has recorded five consecutive years of growth, reaching a record 27.3 million players in 2025. With rising interest and demand for our sport, it is essential to sustain local tennis initiatives to promote healthier people and communities nationwide.
The USTA
Thanks to local providers like you, tennis participation across the United States has recorded five consecutive years of growth, reaching a record 27.3 million players in 2025. With rising interest and demand for our sport, it is essential to sustain local tennis initiatives to promote healthier people and communities nationwide.
The USTA has pledged $1 million in local USTA Micro-Grants again for 2026 to foster the growth of tennis via local programs. Whether you're seeking funds to start up a new Community Tennis Association (CTA), run a local Red Ball Tennis, build a team of tennis ambassadors, or provide equipment to under-resourced areas, USTA Micro-Grants can help!
Grant applications will be considered that align with the core standards below.
- Grants are to be used to support the grassroots growth of tennis via local providers.
- Applicants must be a USTA Organizational Member. Applicants may apply to become a USTA Organizational Member at no charge.
- Grants are not intended to be used for private ventures or for individual player expenses.
- The minimum per grant application is $2,500, and the maximum is $10,000.
- Applicants must include quantifiable goals and the ability to measure impact.
- Requests for facility support should be directed to the USTA Tennis Venue Services program.
Note: USTA Micro-Grants funding may not be used for existing operational expense
Application will be live March 2, 2026. Please check back then.
Save the date March 17-22, 2026
Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament - coming soon!!
Get ready for one of the most exciting events in adaptive tennis - the Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament returns to Baton Rouge this March! As a proud sponsor, the USTA Louisiana are thrilled to highlight this world class event that celebrates elite athleticism and inclu
Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament - coming soon!!
Get ready for one of the most exciting events in adaptive tennis - the Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament returns to Baton Rouge this March! As a proud sponsor, the USTA Louisiana are thrilled to highlight this world class event that celebrates elite athleticism and inclusive competition.
The Cajun Classic is an ITF Super Series and USTA National Level 1 event, making it one of the highest-level wheelchair tennis tournaments in the United States and one of only a handful worldwide. Each year it attracts top professional and amateur players from across the globe - including athletes who compete regularly on the UNIGLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour - as well as competitive USTA divisions and developing junior wheelchair players.
Held at the Paula G. Manship YMCA Tennis Center in Baton Rouge, the Cajun Classic showcases inspiring athleticism, fierce competition, and the spirit of adaptive sport. Wheelchair tennis follows the same rules as traditional tennis, with the ball allowed to bounce twice - and with every match, players redefine what's possible on the court.
Whether you're a longtime fan, an adaptive tennis player, or new to the sport, this event is a celebration of community, competition, and inclusion. Stay tuned for updates and how to get involved!
Save the date National tennis month sign ups in mar/april
Save the date National tennis month sign ups in mar/april
Every May, USTA Louisiana celebrates National Tennis Month by bringing tennis to communities across the state - for free!!
In 2025, we hosted more than 80 events statewide, welcoming players of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of tennis while promoting health, wellness, and community. We partner with a grant from USTA Southern
Every May, USTA Louisiana celebrates National Tennis Month by bringing tennis to communities across the state - for free!!
In 2025, we hosted more than 80 events statewide, welcoming players of all ages and abilities to experience the joy of tennis while promoting health, wellness, and community. We partner with a grant from USTA Southern and our Community Tennis Associations, National Junior Tennis & Learning Associations, and our Member Organizations around the state and bring tennis to you.
From first time hitters to lifelong players, these events showcased how tennis is a sport for everyone - fun, social, and great for both body and mind.
And we are just getting started.
In May 2026, USTA Louisiana is committed to making National Tennis Month even bigger, more inclusive, and more impactful, with expanded programming, new partners, and more opportunities to get Louisiana moving through tennis.
Stay tuned - and get ready to play!
Tennis for All ages and Skill Levels
Send a team pic and get a Captains bag tag
Send a team pic and get a Captains bag tag
Send a team pic and get a Captains bag tag
Email a photo of your team to bienvenu@louisianatennis.com and your address and get a Captain's Bag Tag! Thank you for being a league captain this season! This pic is of Tara Bilby's Team going to NATIONALS! CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK!!
Tennis is..... to me!
Send a team pic and get a Captains bag tag
Send a team pic and get a Captains bag tag
TENNIS IS FAMILY.... FATHER - DAUGHTER DUO! (Lauren Gyorgy and her dad) Earn prizes when you send me a video of what tennis is to you. One word or a phrase of what tennis means to you and why!
Email to yvonne bienvenu at bienvenu@louisianatennis.com