CARLISLE, Pa. – Players and fans of the Dickinson tennis programs will notice a little change to the Hays Tennis Courts come this fall as the front four courts underwent a complete resurfacing in late May courtesy of a pair of grants from the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

The USTA's Tennis Venue Services grant program is designed to enhance existing tennis venues and construct new ones in order to provide increased playing opportunities in communities across the country. Since 2005, the USTA's TVS grant program has awarded more than $19 million in TVS grants, including $1.8 million in 2024 that impacted more than 500 courts in more than 60 communities.

Dickinson College received a $25,500 grant direct from the USTA as well as an $8,000 grant from the regional USTA Middle States branch to help accomplish the feat. The resurfacing included patching up cracks and problem areas on the courts in addition to putting down a new surface and re-painting the lines on the courts.

Red Devil head men's and women's tennis coach Cole Sutton offered his excitement about the new developments for his team saying "I am thrilled to have had our front four courts resurfaced this summer." "They were starting to show some wear and tear, so this should provide the ability to continue to train and compete on a top-notch surface. We were also extremely lucky to have been able to receive a grant from the USTA to help fund the project. This will have an impact not only on our team but also on the local Carlisle community that frequently uses the courts" added Sutton. 

"We are committed to supporting the enhancement and construction of tennis facilities in communities across the country," said Theodore Loehrke, Managing Director, Section Partnerships, USTA. "Investing in the development of tennis facilities nationwide helps support the USTA's mission of growing tennis to inspire healthier people and communities everywhere."