Rust College Receives $10,000 USTA Collegiate Community Hub Grant to Expand Public Tennis Programming

HOLLY SPRINGS, MS – Rust College has been awarded a $10,000 Collegiate Community Hub Grant from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) in partnership with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), recognizing the College’s commitment to expanding access to tennis and community-based programming.

The competitive grant supports institutions that provide inclusive tennis opportunities for both campus and community participants. Funding will help offset costs associated with offering programs that are open to the public through Rust College’s Collegiate Community Hub.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the USTA and ITA,” said Dr. Johnny M. Moore, President of Rust College. “This investment strengthens our ability to engage the broader community through tennis while promoting wellness, inclusion, and youth development.”

“This grant validates the hard work we’ve put into building a community focused tennis program,” said Coach Venecca Green, Head Men’s & Women’s Tennis Coach at Rust College. “It allows us to expand public access, enhance our facilities, and introduce more people – especially youth – to the lifelong benefits of tennis.”

Through the Collegiate Community Hub initiative, Rust College will continue to offer accessible tennis programming designed to serve individuals of all ages and skill levels. The program emphasizes community engagement and aligns with national efforts to grow the sport by increasing participation at the local level.

As a grant recipient, Rust College affirms its commitment to maintaining programs that are open to the public, compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and aligned with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The College also upholds a strong commitment to equity, ensuring that its programs are accessible and non-discriminatory.

The USTA and ITA Collegiate Community Hub Grant is part of a broader initiative to strengthen partnerships between colleges and their surrounding communities through tennis, creating pathways for increased access, engagement, and lifelong participation in the sport.

Rust College continues to expand opportunities that enrich student experiences and foster meaningful connections within the community.