April 2026 President’s Letter
As we move through the heart of the spring tournament season, the National Men’s Tennis Association continues to build momentum—both on and off the court. April has been an especially active and rewarding month, highlighted by outstanding competition, strong member participation, and meaningful recognition of those who exemplify excellence and service within our organization. I remain grateful for the continued engagement of our members and the dedication of our Board as we work to strengthen NMTA’s national presence and long‑term sustainability.
Board Highlights & Organizational Updates
The NMTA Board met on March 26 to review financials, tournament sponsorships, and several organizational initiatives. Our financial position remains solid, including cash reserves and certificates of deposit. The Board approved three tournament sponsorships totaling $4,500, supporting programs in Asheville, Minneapolis–St. Paul, and the Bob Davis Foundation—each aligned with NMTA’s mission to promote participation, youth development, and community impact through tennis.
We also continued progress on internal operations, including refinement of our QuickBooks transition, updated branding materials, and standardized Board business cards. Work is underway to enhance the NMTA website, including the addition of a dedicated donation and legacy‑giving page outlining options such as direct gifts, stock donations, and estate planning opportunities. These enhancements are intended to make member engagement and support of NMTA’s mission simpler and more transparent.
Recognition & Noteworthy Achievements
April provided several opportunities to celebrate both individual achievement and the broader NMTA community:
Jimmy Parker was named the 2025 NMTA Player of the Year, recognizing another extraordinary year of competitive excellence. Jimmy compiled a 62–3 record, earned eight additional Gold Balls (four singles, three doubles, and one grandfather/grandson title), completed a Grand Slam in Singles, and now stands at an astounding 175 National Championships.
Noble Hendrix received the 2025 NMTA President’s Award in recognition of his exceptional service and leadership over the past year. Noble’s contributions—particularly in membership outreach, donations, and tournament engagement—have had a meaningful and lasting impact on NMTA.
The NMTA Jimmy Parker Classic, held April 8–12 at Cooper Creek Tennis Center in Columbus, Georgia, marked the second year of this event. Formerly known as the NMTA Clay Court Championships, the tournament was officially renamed this year to honor Jimmy Parker’s role as an NMTA founding member and first president. The event enjoyed a strong turnout, excellent weather, and outstanding support from the CORTA organization, whom we sincerely thank for hosting. A special highlight was an anonymous donation that added $10,000 in prize money, providing a memorable and exciting enhancement for the players.
Tournament Season in Full Swing
The spring calendar continues to be one of the busiest and most vibrant periods. Tournaments across the country are delivering high‑quality competition while strengthening our sense of community. These tournaments remain a key driver of new member engagement and national visibility for NMTA.
Members are encouraged to participate when possible and to support these events, which reflect the competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and camaraderie that define NMTA tennis.
Looking Ahead
In the weeks ahead, the Board will continue refining our sponsorship framework, formalizing committees, and expanding NMTA’s visibility at key tournaments nationwide. Our focus remains consistent and deliberate: supporting great events, recognizing achievement, strengthening governance, and ensuring that NMTA remains well‑positioned for continued growth.
Thank you for your continued support of the National Men’s Tennis Association. I look forward to seeing many of you on the courts this spring.
Warm regards,
Ed Wagner
President, National Men’s Tennis Association
Let’s do great things for men’s tennis, together!
