March 2026 President’s Letter
As we move deeper into 2026, the energy and momentum within the National Men's Tennis Association continues to build. Our February Board meeting showcased the dedication and professionalism that defines this organization, and I'm grateful to report on the significant progress we've made across multiple fronts. This month has been marked by successful operational transitions, impressive membership growth, and exciting initiatives that will strengthen senior men's tennis for years to come. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by our Board members and the enthusiasm of our growing membership base remind me why I'm honored to serve as your President. Together, we are not just managing an organization—we are building a community that enhances the competitive landscape and camaraderie of senior men's tennis across the nation.
Organizational Achievements and Milestones
Our February Board meeting resulted in several significant operational achievements that strengthen our foundation. The successful migration to QuickBooks Online was completed, modernizing our financial management system and improving transaction tracking capabilities . Our membership continues its upward trajectory —a testament to the value we provide to the senior tennis community. The Wilson Classic tournament proved particularly successful for membership outreach, with Noble's leadership in personal engagement resulting in some 50 new member sign-ups and multiple donations. This hands-on approach to recruitment demonstrates the power of face-to-face connection at tournament venues. Additionally, we've made meaningful progress in honoring our founding leaders. The Clay Courts Championships in Columbus, Georgia, has been officially renamed the NMTA Jimmy Parker Classic Clay Court Championships, with new banners and website updates now in place to recognize Jimmy Parker's foundational contributions to our Association.
Expanding Our National Footprint
One of the most exciting developments from our Board meeting is our strategic expansion to the West Coast. We've identified key tournament opportunities in Berkeley, Newport Beach, and Seattle that will significantly broaden our geographic reach and provide more competitive opportunities for our members. Caerwyn has taken the lead on coordinating our presence at these events, working directly with tournament directors to establish meaningful NMTA engagement. This West Coast initiative represents a major step in fulfilling our mission to increase interest and improve the quality of senior events nationwide. We're also developing a comprehensive tournament kit based on our successful Wilson Classic experience. This kit will include tablecloths, promotional cards, and other materials that will enable consistent, professional membership outreach at tournaments across the country. The goal is to replicate the personal engagement approach that proved so effective, making it easier for Board members and volunteers to recruit new members and strengthen our community at every event.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Planning
In addition, we've affirmed our support for new USTA father-son and father-daughter events for the 85s and 90s age divisions. These intergenerational events align perfectly with our mission to increase participation and create meaningful tennis experiences. We are happy to announce that two new divisions, the Father–Daughter 85s and Father–Daughter 90s, are being piloted at this year’s Level1: USTA National Open, Sr., Super Sr., Ultra Sr. Father-Daughter & Mother-Son Hard Court Championships.
The Donoff Cup planning committee, led by Steve Hayden, is making excellent progress determining optimal timing and logistics for this marquee team event . The committee is actively gathering input from team captains and focusing on operational improvements based on lessons learned from previous years.
Upcoming Tournaments
April 8-12, Columbus GA, Level 3
April 21-26, Baton Rouge LA, Level 2
May 6-10, Columbus GA, Level 2
May 11-16, Laguna Woods, Level 1
May 14-17, Jackson MS, Level 3
May 21-25, Austin TX, Level 2
May 26-31, Berkeley CA, Level 2
May 28-31, Guilford CT, Level 3
May 28-31, Carmel IN, Level 3
For a complete list of 2026 tournaments, check out the NMTA Tournament Portal.
Warm regards,
Ed Wagner
President, National Men’s Tennis Association
Let’s do great things for men’s tennis, together!
