Welcome to the MTG newsletter—your courtside download for what’s happening on (and slightly off) the court. Expect upcoming events, special programs, and member spotlights… plus the occasional unforced error we’ll pretend was strategic.
Summer 2026
Member Spotlight
MTG is powered by its members, so we're shining a spotlight on the people who make our community special. Each newsletter, we'll feature one member's tennis journey, life off the court, and a few fun questions along the way.
Meet Gloria Howard
When did you join MTG, and what brought you to the club?
I joined in Jan. 2015, after DECADES of being away from tennis. I wanted to get back into it, and to meet new people around the City.
What's your favorite part about being an MTG member?
Besides making incredible long-time friends, playing in different venues around the City.
Who is your favorite tennis player (or your tennis crush)?
Coco Gauff, Taylor Townsend, Daria Kasatkina
What's your signature shot?
“Signature shot” is a bit over-blown but I hit a one-handed backhand.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone joining MTG for the first time?
Hit with EVERYONE – any age, any gender, any skill level. You’ll make great friends and your tennis will improve dramatically.
Recap: MTG Wins 10 Medals at the 2026 Gay Games Valencia
MTG members returned from the 2026 Gay Games in Valencia, Spain with 10 medals, proudly representing our community at the first Gay Games ever held in Spain and the Mediterranean region. More than 10,200 athletes from 81 countries competed across 37 sports, making this a truly unforgettable celebration of LGBTQ+ sport.
Gold
- Zack Ray — Open Singles 18+
- Zack Ray — Open Doubles 18+
Silver
- Daphne Goldberg — Women's B Singles 18+
- Daphne Goldberg & Chrysanne Marzan — Women's B Doubles 18+
- Christopher Bland — C Singles 60+
- Tarek Mikati & Ryan Vanmeter — D Doubles 40+
Bronze
- Andy Hoffman — Open Singles 50+
- Christopher Bland — C Doubles 60+
- Daphne Goldberg — C Mixed Doubles 18+
- Ernesto Mourelo — D Singles 50+
Congratulations to all of our competitors for representing MTG with pride, sportsmanship, and excellence on the international stage.
Read the full recap and view photos from Valencia
Recap: Liberty Open 2026 Celebrates Competition and Community
The 2026 Liberty Open welcomed more than 150 players to New York City for a weekend of outstanding tennis, community, and connection. Hosted at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, players competed in 198 matches across 15 singles and doubles events, reaffirming the Liberty Open's place as one of the GLTA Tour's premier tournaments.
Beyond the competition, the weekend featured a conversation with tennis historian and The Open Era author Edward Schmit, hosted by comedian Chaka Khanvict, electrifying performances by Jason A. Rodriguez & the Vogue Troupe, and the unforgettable Love All Ball, led by ballroom icon Kevin Jz Prodigy. The tournament also raised funds to support The Trevor Project.
Tournament Director Kevin Ko reflects on the experience:
"The Banquet was a profoundly beautiful experience for me. It was one thing to help plan it on paper, but to be there in person was something else. The entire experience was beautiful. The lighting was dream-like, Chaka brought sass and glamour, Edward grounded the event with his deep insight on the psychology of being a professional athlete. But what was striking was that the joy and wonder I experienced kept growing through the night.
By the time we got to the performance portion, I was at, 'there's more?' When the dancers came in, light on their feet, composed, graceful, and in perfect formation. I was struck by how many there were and had a sense this would be like nothing I'd seen before. It left me with an expansive optimism. Might what comes next for our community be better than anything we've seen before?"
Read the full tournament recap, view results, and relive the highlights
Follow the conversation:
Represent MTG at the 2026 Atlantic Cup
Ready to represent MTG?
The Atlantic Cup returns October 3–4 in Philadelphia, and MTG is assembling a team of players from D through Open divisions to compete for this year's title.
Since 1992, the Atlantic Cup has brought together LGBTQ+ tennis clubs from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. for a weekend of spirited singles and doubles competition, friendly rivalries, and unforgettable camaraderie. Each city fields teams across every skill level, earning points throughout the weekend in pursuit of the coveted Atlantic Cup trophy—and a year of bragging rights.
Whether you're a seasoned GLTA competitor or looking to represent MTG in a fun team format for the first time, we'd love to have you on the roster.
Complete the Atlantic Cup Interest Form
Deadline: July 31
Join the MTG at GLTA Tournaments WhatsApp Community
Traveling to a GLTA tournament?
Join the MTG at GLTA Tournaments WhatsApp Community—a dedicated space for MTG members to connect before, during, and after tournaments. Coordinate flights, hotels, rideshares, practice sessions, ask questions, and stay connected throughout the weekend.
Whether it's your first GLTA tournament or your fiftieth, it's the easiest way to connect with fellow MTG members on the road.
The Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA) sanctions more than 70 tournaments worldwide each year, welcoming players of every skill level in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Join the WhatsApp Community
Learn more about GLTA tournaments
Exclusive MTG Member Benefit: Diadem Demo Racquets
Thinking about a new racquet?
MTG members can demo one of four brand-new Diadem racquets during MTG sessions at the National Tennis Center. Try them during drills or match play to discover which model best fits your game.
Available Models
- Elevate 98 v3 — Control-focused for advanced players
- Axis 100 — Spin-friendly with plenty of power and forgiveness
- Nova 100 v3 — Balanced and comfortable for a wide range of players
- Dream 105 — Maximum forgiveness and power, ideal for newer players
Learn more about the
Diadem partnership and demo program
Bonus: MTG members receive 15% off at DiademSports.com with code MTG.
Exclusive MTG Member Benefit: Tennis Warehouse Discount
Save on top tennis gear with Tennis Warehouse.
Whether you're replacing worn-out shoes, refreshing your tennis wardrobe, or picking up a new bag, MTG members receive exclusive savings.
Member Discounts
- 30% Off Shoes & Apparel
- 20% Off Prince Equipment
- 10% Off Bags
Discounts apply to MSRP. Product exclusions may apply.
Discount codes are emailed to active MTG members at the beginning of each quarter. The most recent code was sent in July 2026. If you didn't receive it, can't find it, or have questions, please contact Chris Phillips at membership@metrotennisgroup.com
Meet Your MTG Board
The Metropolitan Tennis Group is led by a dedicated team of volunteers committed to growing an inclusive, welcoming, and vibrant tennis community. Click on a board member's photo or name to learn more about them and the role they play in MTG.
Karen L. Funfgeld
Women's Director
Kevin Ko
Sponsorship Director
Seong-Moh Yang
Commissioner & Technology Director
Christopher Phillips
Membership Director
Ray Zhong
Social Events Director
Khai Nguyen
Communications Director
Help Build Our Community
MTG is 100% volunteer-run. Behind every MTG event, league, and program is a team of dedicated volunteers. If you'd like to help make our community even stronger, we'd love to hear from you.
Learn more and complete the Volunteer Interest Form
Stay Connected
Have a story to share, an idea for a future event, or feedback on the newsletter?
We'd love to hear from you. Simply reply to this email or reach out to a member of the MTG Board. Whether you're a longtime member or just joined the club, your ideas help shape our community.
Thank you for being part of MTG. We'll see you on the courts!
