.png)
DALLAS TENNIS
& EDUCATION ACADEMY
Dallas Tennis & Education Academy
The DTEA is proud to represent one of the largest National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters in the United States. Our primary mission is changing lives through education and the sport of tennis. Dallas Tennis is a 3-time recipient of the USTA National NJTL of the Year Award and through our NJTL programs we provide over 1,000 Dallas children each year with tutoring, tennis instruction, life skills training, college preparation and tennis equipment. We’re proud to say our NJTL programming has produced 17 USTA National NJTL Essay contest winners over the past 20 years. Through the generous support of individuals, businesses, foundations, Dallas’s USTA leagues and the USTA Foundation we are changing lives every day through the sport of tennis.
For under-resourced youth, the DTEA provides community, fellowship, structure, and purpose. With the support and structure of the DTEA, our students find a purpose that not only helps them build and grow physically through a lifetime of sport, but our program also provides direction and the structure to achieve and grow in their self-esteem. The health benefits of tennis are vast, and by playing, young players develop a work ethic and learn to compete one-on-one with the ups and downs that come through each game. We are helping them to become champions of their own lives.
Learn About Us
Head Pro Craig Cole introduces our Junior Development, Junior Competitive, and Excellence Team programs, designed to help players progress at every level. In this video, he explains the structure, goals, and unique opportunities each stage offers. Hear how our coaching team helps athletes build strong fundamentals, competitive confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
100%
DTEA alumni have graduated college and pursued college and career
11,000+
Hours of tennis and educational instruction provided to Dallas youth by the Dallas Tennis and Education Academy
900+
Youth receive tennis and education programming every year.
Our Programs
After School Program
The After School Program (ASP) is open to youth ages 4-18 who have little-to-no experience playing tennis. ASP is free for all participants so that as many kids from under-resourced communities as possible can access tennis and life skills lessons. Students receive a positive first tennis experience in a fun and welcoming environment where they use larger, low compression Red Balls, smaller racquets, journals, and character building children’s books. Interested participants from ASP are encouraged to join Junior Development and move up the DTEA player pipeline so they can further develop their skills.
Classes are offered for two hours per week for 30 weeks during the Dallas ISD school year and align with the district calendar. Summer NJTL offers the same experience as ASP during 9 weeks in the summer.
To learn more, click here.
Junior Development
The Junior Development program is the starting point for youth ages 4-18 who are new to tennis. Every session, players are welcomed into a fun, friendly environment where they feel encouraged and included. We use 36-foot courts and larger, lower-compression Red Balls to allow students to rally and experience success in a shorter amount of time. Through game-based activities, players build hand-eye coordination, agility, and balance while also building friendships with their peers.
Classes are offered year-round at no cost and all equipment is provided. Students only need to bring athletic shoes, water, and a great attitude! Players are able to join at any time.
Located at Kiest Tennis Center
Tuesdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturdays: 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Junior Competitive
Junior Competitive is for intermediate to advanced players who are preparing for match play competition. Students practice at least three times per week and orange, green, and yellow balls based on their level. Players work towards increasing their UTR/WTN rankings through regular competition in USTA tournaments, Junior Team Tennis, and/or School Tennis. Members of this group are required to complete community service, turn in report cards, and model good sportsmanship.
Classes are offered year-round. Yearly cost is $600 for the first student and $300 for every additional participant. Financial assistance is available.
Located at Kiest Tennis Center
Monday - Thursday: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturdays: 9:00am - 11:00am
Excellence Team
The Excellence program is for DTEA’s highest level players belonging to Junior Competitive. At this stage, students train at least five times per week and are competing in USTA tournaments every month with the goal of getting recruited to play college tennis. Members of the DTEA Excellence Team are not only dedicated to succeeding on the court but are also leaders within the program and in the community. Students are required to complete community service and leadership development through the On the M.O.V.E. workshops.
Thanks to funding from the Nowitzki Foundation and the USTA Foundation, students receive life-changing opportunities to compete at the national level, build connections with other NJTL players, and learn from high-performance coaches and educators.
Entry is invitation only.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp is open to players of all levels, ages 4–18, and is designed to build well-rounded, confident competitors. Morning sessions focus on technical correction, film analysis, fitness, movement, and strategic development, giving players a strong foundation to improve their game. In the afternoons, campers apply what they’ve learned through structured match play, with incentives that reinforce the hard work put in during the morning sessions. Stay tuned for
Located at Kiest Tennis Center
Morning session: 8:00am - 11:00am
Afternoon session: 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Summer 2026 camp details!
Junior Team Tennis
Junior Team Tennis (JTT) is open to both beginner and advanced players and offers a fun, competitive team-based tennis experience. With 3–4 Sunday matches expected, players learn to compete while developing teamwork, collaboration, and sportsmanship through shared wins and losses. JTT keeps players engaged and improving their game, all while enjoying tennis in a supportive, team-focused environment.
Requirements: USTA Membership, consistent practice and program involvement
For more information, click here.
Player Spotlight
What I like most about the program is the community we have here at DTEA. Not only do my peers and I improve rapidly, we have a good time doing it. Here I have second family and they strive me to be my best self, everyday I build my connection with each person here.
Cruz Beltran, Senior
