Date: October, 12, 2026

ANN ARBOR/YPSILANTI, Mich. — Blue Sky Tennis, a Washtenaw County nonprofit creating access to tennis and promoting health and well-being through the sport, is entering its next chapter with a new Board of Directors and strong momentum from its first two years of growth.

 

Vincent Cavataio will serve as board chair, with Kellie Carbone as vice chair, Adam Bickersteth as treasurer, and Chrissy Barua as secretary. Ann Blakeslee and Martha Gove will serve as board members.

 

The organization has welcomed more than 1,500 youth participants since September 2024, including 700+ unique participants and 613 attendees in 2025 alone. As of September, more than 840 youth have participated in tennis programs in 2026 and the current Fall Outdoor class offerings will continue this strong momentum. Blue Sky Tennis now works with 12 part-time coaches, Vanda Shadigian as executive director/CEO and Penny Johnson as program administrator, and 20+ volunteers, offering free and low-cost programs, equipment, classes, camps, match play and other opportunities for youth ages 5–17.

 

Focused particularly on under-resourced communities, Blue Sky Tennis partners with local schools, recreation programs and youth-serving organizations across Washtenaw County. Its mission is to remove the cost barriers often associated with sports while giving young people a safe, inclusive environment to develop physical literacy, confidence, leadership and life skills.

As Blue Sky Tennis continues to grow, the organization invites community members, foundations, businesses and tennis supporters to help expand these opportunities for more local youth. Blue Sky Tennis programs are made possible entirely by philanthropy and community partnerships. 

 

To learn more or support Blue Sky Tennis, visit www.blueskytennis.com.