Over the past few years, health and wellness have become more than just trends but rather pillars of lifestyle. For many, it takes different forms, with sports and the community derived from it being just one of them. Tennis, one of the most popular sports in the world has seen an increase in participation. Yet, despite its global reach, the game still experiences a lack of diversity. This is particularly evident in Black communities where income and geography influence access to courts, equipment and training. While this speaks to the reality of access and exposure, organizations such as Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) are working to change the narrative.
Founded in March 2022 in Norfolk, Virginia, by Kimberley Selden and Virginia Thornton, BGTC positions tennis as more than a sport but rather a tool for liberation, joy, wellness, and connection. Built on four pillars - Culture change, Access, Representation and Exposure (CARE) - the non-profit organization is intentional in its mission.
BGTC’s first clinic was held in April 2022 and had 10 youth attendees, two of whom had never previously held a racquet. Since then, the BGTC has expanded its reach, hosting a number of community clinics across the nation, introducing cardio tennis classes for adults, and partnering with local Historically Black College and University (HBCU) tennis teams. Although Virginia remains its home base, the organization has expanded to NYC where they are working towards breaking barriers in the boroughs.
A major part of its expansion is in how the BGTC serves both youth and adults. Through its youth program, the organization introduces girls to tennis in a way that centers joy, confidence, and community, with summer camps and clinics geared towards teaching fundamentals, as well as fostering community. For adults, programs that blend fitness and wellness are offered. Their cardio tennis sessions provide high-energy, social workouts, while “Mindful Play” integrates tennis with practices like guided meditation and sound baths.
The numbers over the years reflect its growth. In 2025 alone, the BGTC saw over 600 participants across 5 locations in the U.S., signaling not just interest but demand and recognition of its value.
In the U.S., tennis participation among Black players increased by 46% between 2019 and 2022, and BGTC is actively working to sustain and expand this growth. Still, challenges remain and BGTC is leaning into coaching development as one way to create a pipeline for Black coaches.
“It’s hard for us to find Black coaches, so there’s pipeline work to do. If [BGTC] can be a bridge to have these conversations and work with organizations, work with country clubs, or with different courts … we are in it from recreational to professional [levels]; [from the] competitive to the advocacy part of it.” - Kimberley , the Grio
Through its Spread the Love Wellness Fund, the organization aims to address the disparity in the sport by covering the cost of clinics, coaching, and wellness programming to ensure that financing is not an obstacle to entry into the sport.
Beyond access, the BGTC is also intentional about cultivating community. This year, the group is hosting a cultural and wellness trip to Accra, Ghana, between November 14 and 22. The experience will bring together tennis, history, and community, with visits to Cape Coast and Jamestown, alongside two days of tennis programming.
By reimagining the culture of tennis to be more inclusive, and expanding entry points for beginners, BGTC is redefining what it means to belong on the tennis court. Through community-centered programming, BGTC is creating a space where Black women and girls don’t just play but belong.
