About the Indianapolis Tennis & Education Foundation
Recently celebrating its 57th anniversary, the Indianapolis Tennis and Education Foundation (ITEF), formerly the Indianapolis Junior Tennis Development Fund, continues its mission of developing junior tennis and expanding opportunity throughout the Indianapolis community.
Our Roots
ITEF’s story began in 1969 when Barbara S. Wynne founded the Riverside Upswing Program at Riverside Park to introduce tennis to inner-city youth. In 1974, the program partnered with Arthur Ashe and the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL), forming the still-active Indianapolis NJTL chapter.
Advancing the Game
From 1983–1992, IJTDF hosted eleven Virginia Slims tournaments as part of the Virginia Slims Circuit—an early foundation of today’s WTA Tour—supporting equity in professional tennis and providing competitive opportunities for Hoosier athletes, including 1983 runner-up Ginny Purdy. Most recently, the WTA partnered with the foundation in 2019 as a Palooza sponsor.
Junior Competition & Player Development
The foundation has long supported junior development, including early involvement in regional Junior Fed Cup competition. Players continue to be selected through their USTA districts to compete in team-based events across the Midwest Section.
Community Partnerships
From the late 1980s through the early 2000s, IJTDF partnered with the RCA Tennis Championships (later the Indianapolis Tennis Championship) to host clinics for underserved youth, offering the opportunity to learn and play alongside top professional athletes.
Education & Professional Development
ITEF promotes tennis education by funding certifications, conferences, and trainings for individuals and staff. These efforts include USPTA education forums, CPR and AED certification courses, and participation in the USTA National Teachers’ Conference.
Scholarships & Access
Access and inclusion remain central to ITEF’s mission. Through program scholarships and the Mel Patterson Opportunity Scholarship, the foundation supports players who may otherwise be unable to participate—ranging from at-risk elementary students to collegiate athletes pursuing competitive tennis.
New Name, Same Philosophy
In 2020, the organization officially became the Indianapolis Tennis and Education Foundation, reflecting its continued commitment to using tennis as a vehicle for education and lifelong opportunity.