Tennis for Hope teams with American Red Cross on disaster volunteer network

Tennis for Hope has partnered with the American Red Cross to recruit tennis players, coaches, club members and fans into disaster-relief volunteer work nationwide. The effort aims to turn the sport’s community into a trained response network before the next disaster hits.

Why it matters: - The partnership gives the tennis community a direct way to help during disasters, not just after fundraising campaigns end. - The American Red Cross depends heavily on volunteers, who make up about 90% of its workforce. - Tennis for Hope says the effort is meant to build a ready volunteer force for future emergencies.

What happened: - Tennis for Hope announced a new partnership with the American Red Cross on June 23, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. - The initiative invites players, coaches, teaching professionals, club members, league participants, facility operators and fans to join a nationwide volunteer network. - Participants can sign up for basic volunteer roles or pursue more advanced disaster-response training through the American Red Cross.

The details: - Tennis for Hope was founded by International Tennis Hall of Famer and two-time Olympic gold medalist Gigi Fernández after her house flooded during Hurricane Helene. - Fernández said tennis people understand teamwork, resilience and showing up for one another. - She said the partnership gives the sport’s community a meaningful way to turn compassion into action. - The American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters each year. - Red Cross volunteers support shelter operations, supply distribution, disaster preparedness education and recovery assistance. - Tennis for Hope says it has helped rebuild 48 courts, restored 7 facilities and provided financial assistance after hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other disasters. - More information and volunteer registration are available through the Tennis for Hope website and the ARC signup page.

Between the lines: - The partnership expands Tennis for Hope’s mission beyond donations and cleanup support into disaster readiness. - Fernández is positioning tennis as a service network, not just a donor base. - The model could help the American Red Cross tap a community already organized around clubs, leagues and local events.

What's next: - Tennis for Hope supporters can begin choosing their level of involvement now. - Some volunteers may move into disaster-response training and be called on when emergencies strike. - The broader goal is to strengthen response capacity before the next disaster arrives.

The bottom line: - Tennis for Hope is trying to turn the tennis community’s reach and cohesion into a standing disaster-relief volunteer force.