2026 Lenny Simpson NJTL Leadership Camp Empowers Future Leaders in Memphis
By Cee Jai Jones, USTA Southern Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
The 2026 Lenny Simpson NJTL Leadership Camp brought together28 aspiring young leaders from five states within the USTA Southern Section -AL, GA, LA, MS, and TN for an unforgettable four-day experience focused on education, tennis, leadership, and purpose. Funded by the Southern Tennis Foundation, the camp fostered character development and leadership skills among youth from under-resourced communities, using tennis as a vehicle for personal growth. This is USTA Southern’s ninth camp since 2016 and first in Memphis.
The camp kicked off with a warm welcome, check-in, and swag bag at the Holiday Inn & Suites Memphis East. Throughout the weekend, campers explored Memphis’s most iconic attractions: the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, and the National Civil Rights Museum. On court, participants sharpened their tennis skills through drills, match play, and competitions at Eldon Roark Tennis Center and Leftwich Tennis Center.
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The camp experience extended well beyond tennis. Campers participated in team-building activities, a Juneteenth Heritage Quiz Bowl, and a USTA Coaching Workshop, creating a meaningful blend of celebration, learning, reflection, and healthy competition. Team Blue captured the overall team award with team members receiving a $50 gift card in recognition of their achievement.
Madison Wellons, of Atlanta, earned the Female Sportsmanship Award; Kaleb Phillips of Southaven, MS, and Damon Williams, of Memphis, were named co-recipients of the Male Sportsmanship Award.
Special thanks to Trip Wills and John Borden of Tennis Memphis; Danielle Lucas of Sideline Connections, Coach Arveal Turner of Epiphany Court, Andrew Feldman of USTA Southern, and Kim Wilson of USTA Tennessee for their outstanding support and dedication in helping make the 2026Lenny Simpson NJTL Leadership Camp a tremendous success.
