Anne Arundel|Local Event
2026 Anne Arundel County Tennis Hall of Fame
Event Details
Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County Announces 2026 Tennis Hall of Fame Dinner & Fundraiser
The Annual event at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium will honor seven local county tennis icons while raising funds for free youth programs outreach, community play, and adaptive tennis programs.
ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County has officially announced the 2026 Anne Arundel County Tennis Hall of Fame Dinner & Fundraiser, taking place on Friday, November 13, 2026, in the Admiral Lawrence Banquet Room at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
The annual dinner and induction ceremony brings together community leaders, tennis enthusiasts, and local supporters to honor the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Class:
- Bev Schwink - Champion of grassroots tennis, PTR-certified coach, and three-time USTA Nationals competitor.
- Don Carlson - Naval Academy leader, selfless coach, and mentor for Annapolis-area tennis players.
- Doug Lamartin - Annapolis Area Tennis School President, former Capital Gazette tennis columnist, and lifelong advocate for public tennis programs.
- Keith Puryear - Founding USNA Women's Tennis Head Coach, UMBC Hall of Famer, and 12-time Conference Coach of the Year.
- Steve Newcomer - Championship-winning player, veteran Air Force service member, and captain of 26 USTA league teams.
- Tom Schneider - Vietnam Combat Marine, retired ATF Special Agent, and legendary captain who led "Team Schneider" to four USTA Sectional titles and multiple National appearances.
- Tom Walsh - Retired educator and sportsmanship icon who has captained over 100 USTA teams, leading 11 squads to the USTA National Championships.
Veteran TV sportscaster, host, and producer Wiley Baker (AACPS-TV & NFHS Network) will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
"Our annual Hall of Fame Dinner is a celebration of the individuals who have built and shaped the local tennis community," said Louise Gengler Thomas, President of the Tennis Alliance. "More importantly, every ticket, silent auction bid, and sponsorship directly funds our mission to ensure tennis remains accessible to youth, families, and adaptive players across Anne Arundel County."
Event Information & Schedule
- Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
- Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Location: Admiral Lawrence Banquet Room, Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401)
- Tickets: $165 per person - includes Buffet Dinner & Open Bar (An Early Bird rate of $140 is available through October 23, 2026)
- Parking: Complimentary (covered by the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County)
- Attire: Cocktail Attire
Evening Schedule
- 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Doors Open, Registration, Cocktail Hour, Silent Auction, and Photo Opportunities
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Buffet Dinner, Open Bar, Final Call for Silent Auction, and Induction Ceremony
Sponsorships & Program Advertising
Local businesses, organizations, and community members can support the event through corporate sponsorships or program advertising. Program ads are available in Full-Page ($500) and Half-Page ($250) options, offering an effective venue to congratulate inductees, highlight local businesses, or market coaching services. All proceeds directly fund Tennis Alliance grassroots community programs. As the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all sponsorships, program ads, and direct contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
How to Attend & Support
Tickets, table packages, sponsorships, and program ad spaces can be secured online at aactennishof.org. For questions or sponsorship inquiries, contact Louise Gengler Thomas at lthomas@tennisallianceaac.org.
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About the Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County
The Tennis Alliance of Anne Arundel County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN# 46-4159121) dedicated to expanding tennis opportunities for all in Anne Arundel County and promoting the sport for health, wellness, and life. A certified USTA Community Tennis Association (CTA) and USTA National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapter, the Tennis Alliance delivers free community outreach, equipment distribution, and specialized adaptive programs (including Special Olympics, Wheelchair Tennis, and Blind & Low Vision Tennis). Recipient of the 2025 County Executive Citation, 2025 Accessibility Award, and 2026 Play Annapolis Trailblazer Award, the organization partners with local government, schools, and community groups to foster healthy, active living through tennis.
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