$200,000 grant fuels new tennis courts at Northeast Dubois

Northeast Dubois Jr/Sr High School boys tennis will have new courts to walk onto in the fall of 2026.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that it has awarded a $200,000 Tennis Venue Services grant to Northeast Dubois Jr/Sr High School to reconstruct the school’s six tennis courts and add new fencing. Work will begin in May and is expected to be completed by July of 2026.

Due to the weather and construction schedule, the courts will not be completed in time for the girls’ tennis season this spring.

The update is needed because the existing court surfaces have reached the end of their lifespan, according to Northeast Athletic Director Kelly Schmitt.

“This project started as an idea from our girls tennis coach, Gabbie Chinn, and has grown into a dream come true for our school and community. This new facility will benefit both our students and the public. We are so grateful to the USTA for supporting our school and helping grow the sport of tennis nationwide,” said Athletic Director Kelly Schmitt.

The USTA’s Tennis Venue Services grant program is designed to enhance existing tennis venues and construct new ones to provide increased playing opportunities in communities across the country.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this incredible investment from the United States Tennis Association. I’ve had countless conversations with the USTA about this project, from the National Level to the Midwest Region and the Central Indiana Division,” said Principal Andy Chinn. “I truly appreciate all the guidance and support along the way. This project will provide our students and the public with a first-class tennis facility and give our entire community something to celebrate. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our brand new courts on campus for the 2026–2027 school year.”

Since 2005, the USTA’s TVS grant program has awarded more than $34 million in TVS grants, including more than $15 million in 2025, reflecting an increased emphasis on improving tennis infrastructure nationwide. In 2025, the TVS grant program supported nearly 300 projects impacting more than 2,500 courts.

“We are committed to supporting the enhancement and construction of tennis facilities in communities across the country,” said Theodore Loehrke, Managing Director, Section Partnerships, USTA. “Investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide helps support the USTA’s mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere.”

In order to ensure communities have access to safe, appealing and functional tennis environments, grant recipients also receive start-to-finish project management assistance from the USTA’s Tennis Venue Services team which provides industry-leading experience in tennis court and facility design, as well as technical assistance, including construction document review and business development insight to ensure the facilities can deliver tennis at a high level.