Meet Janie: Janie is an avid tennis player and board member of the Laney Tennis Association. She also volunteers at San Quentin, where she supports using tennis as a powerful outlet for connection, personal growth, and rehabilitation. Q: What does being a woman in the NorCal tennis community mean to you? A: As a sports journalist with more than 30 years experience, I have seen all the ups and downs and injuries and how sometimes everything goes right and others it doesn't but

Meet Jill: Jill has loved tennis since she was a child, and the sport continues to be a meaningful part of her life today. She is especially grateful that her husband and both of her sons share that love of the game. For Jill, tennis is about much more than competition. It is a source of fitness, friendship, support, and joy — and, of course, a great excuse for cute outfits. Q: What has tennis given you beyond the court - whether that’s confidence, friendship, community, or

Meet Chrissie: Chrissie Costamagna’s impact on tennis in Northern California goes far beyond the court. Yes, her accomplishments as a player, coach, and leader are remarkable, but what stands out most is the way she has consistently used tennis to bring people together, create opportunity, and serve her community. A former UC Davis player from 1983 to 1987, Chrissie built an outstanding playing career, earning USTA NorCal 5.0 Player of the Year in both 2000 and 2001, as well

Betty Olsen is proof that tennis truly is a lifetime sport. At 88 years young, Betty recently captained her Adult 65 & Over 7.0 team to the USTA League National Championships. She first picked up a racquet in her early 30s after entering a tennis tournament with her husband and quickly fell in love with the game. Since then, Betty has spent over 50 years playing, captaining teams, growing the tennis community, and even introducing three generations of her family to the sport.

In celebration of Black History Month 2026, USTA Northern California proudly recognizes Mr. Vincent Owens for his dedication to youth development through tennis and his enduring impact across Oakland and beyond. A respected leader on the USTA NorCal Diversity Committee, Mr. Owens has consistently advanced the mission of expanding access, representation, and opportunity within the sport. His volunteer service spans numerous campaigns, community activations, and youth-centered