Search this site

8/26/2026 John Isner inducted into the NC Tennis Hall of Fame surrounded by 19 NC Tennis Legends (Left to right) Mark Dillon, Don Flow, Andy Avram, Herb Bolick, Jim Corn, Keith Richardson, Janet Moseley, John Isner, Lindsey Linker, Susie Wall, Paula Hale, Rebel Good, Vicki Everette, JW Isenhour, Billy Trott, Jeff Joyce, Bonnie Vandegrift, Allen Farfour, and Cy King On August 26, 2026 the North Carolina Tennis Foundation inducted John Isner into the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame at the Winston-Salem Open. While John was unable to join us in Pinehurst this past January for the induction ceremony alongside fellow Inductees, Allen Farfour and Brian Kalbas, we couldn’t let the occasion pass without expressing our gratitude and appreciation for John’s lasting contributions to NC Tennis upon a recent return to his home state. Special thanks to Wendy’s, our presenting sponsor, whose support made this event possible (Keith Stonemen Class of 2012); to the 18 Hall of Fame members who welcomed John at the event; and to The Slaydon Family Bluegrass Band, representing the Greensboro Tennis Foundation NJTL Chapter, for entertaining guests and sharing their talent for music, love of tennis, and appreciation for the NC Tennis Foundation. Congratulations, John Isner – and welcome to the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame! Learn more about the Class of 2026 here: https://www.nctennisfoundation.com/_files/ugd/36be4c_ea0d18a90b4b426aafb6cc02c5143130.pdf Enjoy the induction & reception gallery pictures! https://nctennis.smugmug.com/Isner-HOF-2026

Stay up-to-date on what's happening with the NC Tennis Foundation! This NC Tennis Foundation newsletter is intended to keep our supporters informed about statewide events, donor impact, planned giving opportunities, ways to give back, NC Tennis history, and the many organizations and individuals making a difference and "enhancing the lives of people through tennis and education." View the first edition of our newsletter and sign up below!

Has tennis given you lifelong friendships? Has it taught you perserverance? Has it given you unexpected opportunities? A legacy gift to the North Carolina Tennis Foundation is one way to pass that love of the game forward. Learn more Here: https://nctennisfoundation.com/support

This Make-A-Will Month, consider including the North Carolina Tennis Foundation in your estate plans. Learn more here: https://www.nctennisfoundation.com/support

This summer, Love to Serve (LTS) will host two weeks of tennis and enrichment camps for youth ages 8–16 in partnership with the Raleigh Police Department. Participants will receive daily tennis instruction, healthy meals, and engaging enrichment activities including STEM projects, yoga, art, entrepreneurship, and wellness education. A special focus this year is creating a pathway for advanced players to pursue competitive opportunities through Junior Team Tennis and junior tournament play. By combining athletics, education, and mentorship, LTS seeks to support physical health, strengthen social-emotional skills, build character, and inspire a lifelong love of tennis.Through support from the JL Stacks NJTL Grant, LTS aims to increase participation in future National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) programming, improve social-emotional learning outcomes, expose youth to career and entrepreneurship opportunities, and encourage active, healthy lifestyles throughout the summer months. We thank our generous North Carolina Tennis Foundation (NCTF) donors for making it possible for the NCTF to award Love to Serve Tennis Foundation a $5,000 JL Stacks NJTL Grant. Visit nctennisfoundation.com to learn how you can help more young people discover and thrive through tennis.

The Greater Enrichment Program (GEP), in partnership with Calvin Davis and The Davis Foundation, provides high-quality out-of-school enrichment opportunities that help young people achieve academic success, build confidence, and develop the skills needed for productive citizenship. Serving Mecklenburg County, GEP's National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) program currently reaches 300 youth, with 100% of participants qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Grant funding will support GEP's annual Spring Tennis Festival and expanded summer tennis programming, serving approximately 300 students throughout Mecklenburg County. Resources will provide transportation, equipment, staff training, and safe playing environments while delivering culturally responsive coaching and mentorship. Through weekly instruction, students develop tennis skills alongside critical life skills including teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence. We thank our generous North Carolina Tennis Foundation (NCTF) donors for making it possible for the NCTF to award Calvin Davis and The Davis Foundation a $5,000 JL Stacks NJTL Grant. Visit nctennisfoundation.com to learn how you can help more young people discover and thrive through tennis.

Celebrating Achievement: Evan Faulkner Receives the 2026 Anthony Blackman Scholarship Evan Faulkner has been selected by the NC Tennis Foundation to receive the 2026 Anthony Blackman Scholars College Scholarship, an honor recognizing his commitment to academic growth, athletic excellence, leadership, and service to others. A dedicated tennis player and active community volunteer, Evan has built a strong record of achievement both on and off the court. Evan has been a member of the Enloe High School tennis team and has represented Ebony Racquet Club in Raleigh since 2021. His accomplishments include helping his Junior Team Tennis teams earn state and bronze-level honors, as well as being named Most Valuable Player for the 2024 Ebony Huskies and the 2025 Ebony Wolves. In 2023, he received the 14S Ebony Grizzlys Coaches Award, which recognized his respect for teammates and competitors, pride in representing his club, and commitment to responsibility and integrity. Through tennis, Evan has learned lessons that extend far beyond competition. The sport has strengthened his time management, teamwork, conflict resolution, and perseverance—skills he has applied in school, athletics, and everyday life. “I am not going to accept defeat when things get tough; I am going to do what I can to conquer the challenge,” Evan said. That mindset has helped Evan balance grades, clubs, sports, and service while preparing for the next chapter of his education. This fall, he will attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he will continue building on the discipline and leadership he has developed through tennis and academics. Evan’s commitment to serving others is equally strong. Since ninth grade, he has volunteered with Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church through AWANA, participated in holiday programs at a senior living facility where he has brought encouragement to residents. He has volunteered with The Lost Sheep organization, and with the 100 Black Men of the Triangle East during the annual MLK Day of Service at the North Carolina Food Bank. Evan’s dedication to excellence in the classroom, on the tennis court, and in the community reflects a young man prepared to meet future challenges with purpose and determination.

Mia Caruana of Raleigh, NC Celebrated as Inaugural Anthony Blackman Scholar Recipient for 2025 The North Carolina Tennis Foundation congratulates Mia Caruana, our inaugural Anthony Blackman Scholar recipient from Raleigh, North Carolina! Mia spent many years on court competing as a junior tennis player! Her breakthrough was reaching #1 in the NC 10U and 12U age groups. She continued her success throughout her junior career culminating in many achievements at Leesville Road High School. Mia was a member of multiple Conference and Regional Team Championships, individual Conference & Regional Runner-up in singles and doubles, and State Championship Finalist in singles and doubles. She was honored with selection to the Academic All-Conference Team, NC Tennis Elite 8 State Team, and recipient Team MVP and Coaches Award. In addition to Mia’s perseverance on court, she maintained a stellar 4.2 GPA while participating in several other extra-curricular activities in addition to high school tennis: interning to benefit rescued horses, volunteering at PAC tennis camps, and contributing to the Leesville Road High School Key Club. Mia enrolled at UNC Wilmington in fall of 2025 and continues to excel academically as a freshman, majoring in psychology with plans to pursue a career in children’s therapy. Tennis and education have deeply shaped Mia into the person she has become and positively contributed to teaching her discipline, patience, and the value of consistent effort. Mia shared, “As an adult, I know tennis will always be there – whether I’m playing in local leagues or hitting for fun with friends. As a lifetime learner and player, tennis and education have served as my cornerstones for development as a person. Both have helped me through difficult moments, opened doors of opportunity, strengthened my resilience, and inspired my purpose. I carry these lessons into everything I do, and I’m excited to use them to help others find healing and purpose in my future career.” Mia is grateful to the friends and colleagues who invested in the Anthony Blackman Scholars Endowment. The ABS support of her and future high school students will lead them to make the world a better place, just as Anthony Blackman did. This support will allow the ABS recipients to pay forward the investment they have been fortunate to receive!

The North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame is proud to introduce it's newest North Carolina Tennis members: Allen Farfour and Brian Kalbas. Learn more about them below! Allen Farfour to be Honored for Storied Career in North Carolina Tennis Allen Farfour, a dominant force in North Carolina tennis for over three decades, is set to be honored for his remarkable career as both a player and a coach. Farfour's journey began in the junior ranks, where he amassed an impressive collection of titles, including eight North Carolina State Doubles Championships and a State Singles Championship by age 14. His talent extended beyond state lines, capturing the 10 & Under Southern Open Singles and Doubles titles in 1969, making him the first North Carolina native to win the singles title. By 1971, his national standing was undeniable, reaching the semi-finals of the Boy’s 12 Nationals and earning a National ranking of #8 in singles. Brian Kalbas: A Legacy of Excellence in Collegiate Tennis Brian Kalbas, the legendary head coach of the North Carolina women's tennis program, has established himself as a dominant force in collegiate athletics. With a career record of 797-196 (.803) and a remarkable 583-111 (.840) record at UNC, he holds the highest winning percentage in ACC history. Kalbas has guided his teams to seven ITA National Team Indoor Championships and eight ACC Championship titles, including five consecutive from 2016-2019 and 2021. A two-time National Coach of the Year and an eight-time ITA Regional Coach of the Year, Kalbas has consistently positioned the Tar Heels among the nation's elite, with his teams making 13 NCAA Team Championship Quarterfinals appearances and seven semifinal appearances. Kalbas led the Tar Heels to their first NCAA Women’s Tennis Team title over neighbor and fellow ACC member, NC State in 2023. Click the button below to read more about each inductee! The North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame now includes 121 members with the addition of Allen Farfour and Brian Kalbas. The inaugural class was inducted in 1975. The North Carolina Tennis Foundation selects new members each year to add to the Hall of Fame during Tennis Weekend.

The NC Tennis Foundation “Play Tennis” license plate supports programs, grants, and scholarships that expand access to tennis for underserved populations across North Carolina. Visit your NC DMV to purchase a specialty or personalized plate for $30/year to help create meaningful impact through tennis and education. Learn how to get your license plate today!