WELCOME TO GTT's OFFICIAL WEBSITE

OUR VISION

ACCESS (All Children Can Excel Starting Sooner)
    We serve kids ages 5 - 18. The sooner we can get them, the sooner we can teach them and begin to instill in them, those characteristics that can carry them through life.  We strive to make a positive impact in the classroom, in their relations with others, in their nutritional habits, as well as on the court.

OUR MISSION

Connecting kids and their communities through tennis and education to make a positive IMPACT on their lives as an overall individual

    Why do we care anyway?

The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with representatives from 71 state and local departments of education and 19 other federal agencies to monitor priority health, list these 6 categories as risk behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of death, disease and social problems among youth and adults.

1. Behaviors that result in unintentional injuries and violence

2. Tobacco use

3. Alcohol and other drug use

4. Sexual behaviors that result in HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancies

5. Diet and weight control behaviors

6. Ineadequate physical activity


 Youth in our community are greatly affected by these statistics and we recognize and accept that change is necessary and will actively engage in our community through schools, afterschool programs, day cares, churches, and other youth organizations to do our part to turn the statistics positively.


The Mississippi YRBS measures the prevalence of behaviors that contribute to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among youth. The YRBS is part of a larger effort to help communities reduce high risk behaviors and increase healthy behaviors. It provides accurate information about Mississippi students that enables us to: 

  • Monitor trends in their health and risk behaviors. 
  • Compare Mississippi students with a national sample of students. 
  • Plan, evaluate, and improve community programs that prevent health problems and promote     healthy behaviors

OUR PLAN TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION AND MISSION

*reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play tennis
*instilling in youngsters the values of leadership and academic excellence
*giving all kids (regardless of income, race, gender) the opportunity to develop their tennis skills so they can derive a life time of enjoyment from the sport 


Through our ACCESS partnerships  we will actively engage our kids in different tennis opportunities, educate them in the classroom with trained teachers who can deliver the educational components in various; fun and innovative methods, and be sure to give every child equal opportunity at all that GTT has to offer while monitoring and tracking their success and making necessary adjustments along the way when indicated. 



GTT does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

MEET THE TEAM

Board of Directors

We are currently loading the incoming board

Vanita Phinisey

Executive Director, Owner, PTR Certified Coach

Dr. Cedric Gathings

Board President

Jennifer Magee

Board Liaison  

Golden Triangle Tennis - Home


Board Secretary

Quinnie Shumpert

Board Member

Golden Triangle Tennis - Home


Board Member

Golden Triangle Tennis - Home


Board Member

Staff

Tayla Clay

Administration/ Grants 





Tony Phinisey

Certified Personal Trainer Quickness and Agility Coach

Angel Tate

Coach

Mercedes Mattix

Volunteer Coach

Alexandria “Lexy” Magee

Jr. Coach

PAST WORK

Our Home Site

Beautifully, newly resurfaced courts at Columbus High School thanks to all of our wonderful sponsors including  J5 Solutions, USTA MS, Family of the Late Columbus High School student and tennis player Amelia McLeod, Vanita Phinisey, CFNP and PTR Certified tennis coach, Tony Phinisey of Tony's Personal Training, Hi-Tech Athletic Surfacing, Jevonka Smith and Classie Butler.



NJTL Leadership Camp 2018

Seated below Nenah Young

Second row: Coach Vanita Phinisey, Tyson Phinisey, Lexy Magee, Bailey Washington, Gavin Weatherspoon, Coach Angel Tate, Aaliyah Young


2020 GTT Star level has moved from Network Member to Level 2!!

We graduated the program in 2022! 

Blueprint for Success

GTT is one of eight  NJTL chapters in the Southern Section, three of which are right here in MS, selected for the Blueprint for Success

Capacity Building program pilot. The program is intended for lower star level chapters that are obviously doing good work that may need the funding and support to help them achieve their visions and missions and thus increase their star level which shows sustainability to continue to impact more kids. We are striving for 4 star level! GTT was awarded $20,000 for 2019 and $25,000 for 2020 for its efforts. The grant is to be used toward capacity building and programming. We will also receive the support and guidance of account managers to help build our capacity and work towards sustainability to impact more. The grant is awarded by the USTA Foundation and we are very honored to have been considered among all those who applied in the nine states in our Southern section!

Recent Grants



2024 USTA Foundation Programs Grant $15,000


Mini grant of $1000 to help support our mission and initiatives in our community


Past Events

Battle of the States

2019

2021

2022 Awarded Special Event of the Year in MS and the USTA Southern Section 

2023


Regional NJTL Leadership 2019 and 2021

The 2019 Regional NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp was held at Hadley Park in Nashville, TN (July 18-21, 2019) near the Tennessee State University campus. GTT along with 10 other NJTL chapters  participated.  This camp included hotel stay, field trips, community service project, leadership activity, tennis drills, team tennis tournament, t-shirts, and awards. GTT youths representing this year were Kendall Moody, Aaliyah Young, and Alexandria (Lexy) Magee.


Battle of the States Photos

NJTL Leadership Camp 2019 Photos

Upcoming Events


Adult Red Ball Tennis 

August 2024

ADULT RED BALL TENNIS is a FUN adult social experience designed to bring new players to the court and playing the game in 10 minutes! With modified equipment, Adult Red Ball Tennis will supercharge the success of all players and bring a new level of energy to the court.

Tennis and Brunch 

October 26, 2024

In recognition of breast cancer awareness. We have tennis in the morning at GTT, followed by brunch by the lake for the ladies and backyard brunch for the guys, tailgate style. We will again have our Fabulous chef: Tavron Johnson 

2nd Annual Holiday Adopt A Family Benefit Junior Tourney

November 2, 2024

Funds benefit families in our local United Way area. Last year we were able to contribute over $1500 and we hope you will join us in our efforts this year to bring some joy to families this holiday. 

6th Annual Battle of the States Tournament

May 16-18, 2025


Tournament Description: This is a team event. Surrounding states will battle for the right to be crowned champion of the states.

You will need a minimum of 3 men and 3 women. All players, with the exception of one, must be from your state by way of current resident the past 12 month, past resident for at least 3 years any time during your life, current work, or current student.  You may play on two teams maximum and your NTRP rating must not exceed that division. If you have player(s) on your team playing on multiple teams, you must have another player that gender. That is, you will need to have 3 men and 3 women available to play at all times. Matches will go on with no consideration for players playing on multiple teams. You may have one junior female and one junior male on your team, however, in keeping this an adult specific tournament they may not play together. They must partner with an adult!  For the 60+ division, all players must be 60 years old or older any time in2025. That is, you may be 59 on the day of the event as long as your  birthday is before the year is out. Here’s the exception for this division: you may have 1 male and one female who is at least 55 years old. 2) You will be allowed a maximum of 10  players per team, so choose wisely 😏

Divisions: 3.0 down, 4.0 down, and 4.0 up and Age 60+ (We reserve the right to change the divisions if needed based on entries) 

Team format: (women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed all playing at the same time.) 

Scoring: No ad scoring, best of three sets with a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a 3rd set. Referee or tournament director may change the scoring in the event of weather delays only if needed to get back on schedule. Your team will earn 1 point per court won. Team with the  most points per division at the end of the tournament wins. 

Registration Deadlines:

Regular Registration period$50 ($30 for juniors 18 and under) January 1, 2025 - May 4, 2025 (No new TEAMS added after this date)

Late registration period  - $10 late fee because you can only be added by the director May 5 2025 - May 12, 2025. You may only add players to your existing team roster up to the maximum 10 allowed. No players will be added once the draws are posted except in the event that your team drops below the minimum players of six players. You may replace the gender you are short.

$50 plus registration site fees per player, per team 

2025 Tournament

Sponsors 

ACCESS Sponsor Levels (amount you provide) We graciously thank or 2024 sponsors already committed 2025 sponsors

  Platinum Level ACCESS Sponsor – Elite Sponsor of the tournament

   Will providing at least $2500 of funds, goods, or services

Proud Host of the 5th Annual Battle of the states




MUW proudly supports GTT by serving as or second venue

 Level 1 ACCESS Sponsor (Gold)-  Major sponsor of the tournament

  Will provide at least $1500 of funds, goods or services



502 Media Now will be covering our event this year! They will also be a vendor and will have photos available for purchase so you can forever cherish this moment! 


Level 2 ACCESS Sponsor (Silver) - Semi-major  sponsor of the tournament

 Will provide at least $750 - $1499 of funds, goods or services

Mr. Earnest and Pamela Lang proudly supplies one of the South’s favorite snacks! 

Level 3 ACCESS Sponsor (Bronze– Minor Sponsor

 Will provide  $250 - $749 of funds, good, or services




Tournament Supporter

   Will provide funds, goods or services up to $249


Alvin Abston - tournament stringer 🏸🎾




Teams

** 2024 Champions

  • 2025 Teams

New This Year 2025

1) One captain will only be allowed two teams max per division and the second team will only be selected if there are not 6 teams in that division. 

Minimum matches per team will be 3 and Max will be 5 playing round robin

2) 10 players max per team

At least 70% of your team must be from your state.
In recognizing the continued difficulty in forming teams, getting people to travel, we change the rule from: oAt least 70% of your team must be from your state. Hope this helps! ☺️

So that means 30% of your total roster can be from out-of-state

10 = 3
9 = 2.7 (round that to 3)
8 = 2.4
7 = 2.1
6 = 1.8 (round that to 2) 

3.0 Down


**TN - Moore1/Wicks - Memphis

  • MS - V. Phinisey - GTT


4.0 Down


** TN - Moore1/Bias - Memphis 

  • MS - V. Phinisey - GTT

4.0 Up


**MS - Shields/Hixon - Vicksburg 

  • MS - V. Phinisey - GTT
  • KY - White

60+


** TN - Moore/ Wainright - Memphis

  • MS - T. Phinisey - GTT

3.0 and Down Team Rosters 


4.0 and Down Team Rosters 


4.0 and Up Team Rosters 


60+ Team Rosters 


Vendors

Roscelle Griffin, a talented photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, excelled as a women’s basketball player at the University of Louisville. Her passion for photography, ignited by her grandmother’s gift of a Polaroid camera, now drives her to capture moments that transport viewers into a world of boldness and excitement. Roscelle’s media company, 502 Media Now, specializes in sports videography and photography, showcasing the dynamic world of sports while also excelling in real estate, headshots, weddings, and events.

Vendors


Vendors


Vendors



2025 Player’s Party…Stay tuned

Services Offered

We offer tennis and education through ACCESS Partnerships; JTT league play; Adult league play; Onsite Intro to tennis programs; quickness and agility training through or certified personal trainer, and private, semi-private; group and team lessons

SERVICES

If you are interested in any of our services click the button below

  • ACCESS partnerships
  • Junior team tennis league play
  • Adult team league play
  • Quickness and agility training
  • Private, group and team lessons
  • Intro to tennis for a group 

ACCESS Partners 

Access partners are those who share our vision and mission and will thus allow us access through resources that they have that can help us to achieve our vision and mission. 

Columbus Municipal School District

CMSD has allowed us full ACCESS to their tennis courts and we are proud that through this partnership we now have a place to call our beautiful home.

Ms. Smith's Educational Services

Ms. Smith's Educational Services was founded by Niya Smith, a math teacher with a vision and a passion to empower students through tutoring and test preparation classes. This empowerment will help students begin a long process of learning that leads to better grades throughout their education. Through after school tutoring, alternative graduate services, one-on-one tutoring, and test preparation classes her services can help all students reach a great level of success by helping them to see their passion and purpose in life! The greatest key to success is believing that God has a purpose for your life and believing and trusting Him and yourself. GTT is proud to add tennis and our educational curriculum to an already great program.

We have partnered with TGLC for tennis and academic excellence. Through this partnership we have been given ACCESS to use tennis as the vehicle to teach Life Skills. We are excited about the opportunity to impact more!

Get Involved

Adult's Social League

This group meets regularly each Sunday and  various days for some fun social tennis. All are welcome to join. Just $3 per drop in session our you may pay $15/month as and enrolled member for unlimited play including ACCESS to schedule your home matches on any GTT team. 

Benefits of this league

  • Build relationships
  • Provide funding for kids of GTT and surrounding area
  • Improve your tennis game
  • Improve your overall health


Just for the Ladies

Tennis for Mommies

A brand new class just for you!

So your kid is playing tennis now and they've been speaking the new tennis lingo and you have no idea what they are talking about. Well no need for google. We'll teach you all you need to know in this class so you can speak their language!


Who can attend: All moms: seasoned moms, new moms, moms to be, God-moms


Cost: $10 per mom/session (need a minimum of 6 ladies)

Benefits of this league

  • Build relationships
  • Learn to play tennis
  • Provide funding for kids of GTT
  • Improve your tennis game
  • Improve your overall health


Junior Tennis League

We have several opportunities for junior players to learn and play. Ages 5-18

  • Intro to Tennis
  • JTT League play
  • Team Challenge
  • Team Tournament
  • Private lessons 
  • Tournaments

Benefits of this League

  • Make Friends
  • Travel and compete with friends on a team in a competitive league
  • Learn to play and compete in a less threatening environment 

Other Services


Join in with GTT for any of these services

  • Quickness and Agility Training
  • ACCESS Partnerships
  • Private tennis lessons for adults

Benefits of this service

  • Learn to play tennis
  • Improve your footwork, hand eye coordination, increase stamina for participation in other sports

Fun Times on the Court

CONTACT US

You may  contact us by email or phone

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