Whitman College Receives USTA Grant for Outdoor Tennis Court Resurfacing

10/6/2026 12:13:00 PM

WALLA WALLA, Wash. - Whitman College received a grant from the United States Tennis Association to support the resurfacing of its outdoor tennis courts, an investment that will improve the playing experience for Whitman College student-athletes and expand year-round access for tennis players across the Walla Walla community.

The project renovated all six outdoor courts, which are being resurfaced for the first time since 2014. Work includes repairing cracks caused by normal wear and tear, addressing low areas that retain water, pressure-washing the playing surfaces and applying new acrylic resurfacing and color coatings. Courts will also receive freshly painted lines that meet USTA standards, including youth 36-foot and 60-foot lines.

"We are committed to supporting the enhancement and construction of tennis facilities in communities across the country," said Theodore Loehrke, managing director of section partnerships for the USTA. "Investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide helps in support of the USTA's mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere."

The USTA's Tennis Venue Services program supports court improvements such as resurfacing, crack repair and other facility upgrades at eligible public-access tennis sites. Its funding is designed to help facilities create welcoming, durable places for players of all ages and experience levels.

The Whitman courts serve as an important community tennis resource. Along with courts at Walla Walla Public Schools, they are among the area's limited public courts available for regular play. The facility's dedicated tennis layout also ensures that players can use courts configured specifically for tennis rather than sharing them with pickleball activity.

The addition of blended youth lines will create more opportunities for younger players to learn the game on appropriately sized courts. The 36-foot and 60-foot lines support age-appropriate versions of tennis and provide a more accessible introduction for children and families.

Whitman's tennis programs have long contributed to the local growth of the sport through youth camps and clinics, junior tournaments and opportunities for local schools to use the courts. The resurfacing project will strengthen that commitment by providing a safer, more consistent and more inviting surface for future programming.

In addition to enhancing the experience for recreational players, the renovated courts will benefit Whitman's men's and women's tennis teams as they train and compete throughout the academic year. The improvements will help preserve a high-quality home venue while keeping the courts available to the broader community.

With the USTA's support, Whitman College is investing in a facility that serves competitive athletes, young players, local schools and recreational tennis enthusiasts alike—helping ensure that tennis remains accessible in Walla Walla for years to come.

#GoWhitman

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