A Matchpoint for Youth Sports: Inside Jesse Gotlib’s Play Tennis Kit Project
For many children, stepping onto a tennis court can feel intimidating. Between finding the right equipment, locating a regulation court, and learning complex rules, the barrier to entry can be surprisingly high. But in Southeastern Massachusetts, special education math teacher and longtime tennis coach Jesse Gotlib is changing the game—one portable mini net at a time.
Recognized recently by the U.S. Tennis Association of New England during National Coach Appreciation Month, Gotlib is combining a decade of coaching experience with his educational background to make tennis accessible to children of all backgrounds and abilities.
A Personal Note: We met Coach Jesse a couple of years ago, and we can personally attest to his passion for the sport and impressive coaching acumen. His genuine dedication to mentoring young players shines through in everything he does.
Bridging the Gap Beyond the Classroom
By day, Gotlib teaches special education math. By afternoon and weekend, he is deeply immersed in the local tennis community. A USTA Junior Team Tennis coach for the past 10 years who has led multiple teams to New England Sectionals, Gotlib’s roots in the sport run deep. He spent his first five summers coaching at the Sippican Racquet Club, eventually serving as Junior Director, before launching his own year-round, beginner-focused program, Gotlib Tennis.
However, Gotlib noticed a recurring challenge: schools and community centers often wanted to introduce racquet sports, but lacked the funding, equipment, or traditional courts to make it happen.
The $400 Solution: Play Tennis Kits
This spring, that gap began to close when Gotlib received a USTA New England Micro-Grant to launch his innovative Play Tennis Kit project.
Valued at approximately $400 each, these self-contained kits are designed to turn virtually any indoor or outdoor space—from a school gymnasium to an asphalt playground—into an instant tennis court. Each kit is stocked with:
- 12 junior racquets
- Foam tennis balls
- A portable mini net
- Tailored activities and instructional materials designed for staff with little to no tennis background
A Growing Movement Across Southeastern Massachusetts
The impact has been immediate. Gotlib has successfully delivered eight kits to local schools and community organizations, providing them with reusable gear that fosters a lifelong love for the sport.
By removing traditional infrastructure barriers, Gotlib’s initiative ensures that children who might never have picked up a racquet now have the opportunity to learn, grow, and play.
As Gotlib noted following his recognition, this milestone is “just the beginning.” Through creativity, community support, and a steadfast passion for teaching, this Dartmouth educator is proving that you don’t need a Grand Slam venue to make a monumental impact—just a commitment to passing the ball forward.
