WELCOME TO GTT's OFFICIAL WEBSITE
We are open and operating under Covid-19 restrictions.
Slots must be booked to comply with social distancing limits
ABOUT
Golden Triangle Tennis is a nonprofit organization that provides tennis and learning through an NJTL (National Junior Tennis and Learning) program. The USTA (United States Tennis Association) NJTL network is a nation-wide group of community tennis organizations seeking to develop the character of young people through tennis and education.

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, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
MEET THE TEAM
Board of Directors

Vanita Phinisey
Executive Director, Owner, PTR Certified Coach

Dr. Germain McConnell
Board President

Jennifer Magee
Board Vice President
Treasurer

Venecca Green
Board Member
Attorney

Valerie Horton
Board Secretary

Rob Turner
Board Member

Yolanda Washington
Board Member
Staff

Angel Tate
Coach

Mercedes Mattix
Volunteer Coach

Janie Shields
Coach

Tony Phinisey
Certified Personal Trainer Quickness and Agility Coach

Marcus Monfort
Coach

LaToria Johnson
Teacher
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 Mattix, 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 Mattix, 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!!

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!
Past Events

Match play begins at 8:00AM Saturday. Divisions: have changed to 4.0 up and 4.0 down. The 3.0 down division remains the same for those beginner level players to have an enjoyable experience! You may play in any division that you rating
does not exceed, max is two. However, if you are playing in two divisions, both teams must have an extra player your gender, i.e. All teams must have 3 women and 3 men available for each match. Matches will go on with no consideration
for players playing on two teams.
Registration:
Fee: $30 per player/event (minimum $180 per team)
Battle of the States
Team Tournament
May 3-5, 2019
Tournament Description: Surrounding states will battle for the right to be crowned champion of the states. Team format (women’s doubles, men’s doubles and mixed all playing at the same time.) You will
need a minimum of 3 men and 3 women.
We have added a movie night at the host hotel for our kiddos and any guest who may arrive early. Kids may register online as well for movie night or call Vanita Mattix @ 662-574-2919
Movie Night Registered Attendees
Mr. SB Buck (guest speaker)
Regional NJTL Leadership 2019
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 te States Photos
NJTL Leadership Camp 2019 Photos
Upcoming Events
1st Annual Battle of the States Tournament
Postponed due to coronavirus pandemic
May 1-3, 2020
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. *New this year 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.
Divisions: 3.0 down, 4.0 down, and 4.0 up (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: Regular scoring, best of three sets with a 10-point tiebreaker in lieu of a 3rd set. Referee may change the scoring in the event of weather delays only if needed to get back on schedule
Our 2020 Tournament
Sponsors
ACCESS Sponsor Levels (amount you provide)
Platinum Level ACCES Sponsor – Elite Sponsor of the tournament
Will providing at least $2500 of funds, goods, or services

Level 1 ACCESS Sponsor - Major sponsor of the tournament
Will provide at least $1500 of funds, goods or services
Level 2 ACCESS Sponsor - Semi-major sponsor of the tournament
Will provide at least $750 - $1499 of funds, goods or services
Level 3 ACCESS Sponsor – Minor Sponsor
Will provide $250 - $749 of funds, good, or services
Andy's Snacks

Tony's Personal Training
Tournament Supporter
Will provide funds, goods or services up to $249
Teams
** Defending 2019 Champion
- Challenging Team
3.0 Down
**MS - Green - Jackson
- MS - Phinisey GTT
4.0 Down
**AL - Lockhart
- MS - Green - Jackson
- MS - Blunt - GTT
- MS - Hernandez - East Webster
4.0 Up
**MS - Mattix - GTT
- MS - Shields - Vicksburg
- TN - Paster
- MS - Buck - Greenville
- MS - Jones - Jackson
- TN - Moore
Lunch and the players' party will be catered onsite on Saturday May 2nd by none other than the best in town

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!
Finally! Fall is here and it time again for some tennis fun and learning! It all starts after Labor Day !
You will contact the director for the site for which you are enrolled.
For GTT NJTL Columbus @ Columbus High School - Vanita Mattix or Jevonka Smith
For GTT NJTL Starkville @ Ms. Smith's Educational Services - Niya Smith
Click the links above for contact infor for Ms. Smith's Educational Services
Click the Calendar link above or see calendar below for times at the location for which you are enrolled
Each child must have a signed participant form on file. Please download the appropriate copy to be signed and turned in to your director.
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!
When: Starting Tuesday June 18 at 6:30PM and Saturdays at 9:00AM
Cost: Just $35 for this 6 week program
At the completion of the course you may be eligible to receive 1/2 off of your first annual USTA membership or the registration paid for your next GTT League team if you are already a member.
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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