Our next Black History Month highlight shines on Vanita Phinisey, a leader, mentor, and advocate who continues to grow the game of tennis in Mississippi.

Vanita serves as Executive Director of Golden Triangle Tennis in Columbus, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and expanding tennis opportunities in the community. Golden Triangle operates as both a Community Tennis Association (CTA) and part of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) Network, offering year-round programming that develops tennis skills while also enhancing educational opportunities for youth. In addition to her leadership role, Vanita is a PTR-certified coach who teaches both juniors and adults through various programs, is the Executive Vice President of MTA's Board of Directors and her NJTL Chapter won Chapter of the Year this year!

Her tennis journey began later than most — in her early 30s.

“I started watching tennis on TV and was inspired by Venus and Serena who looked like me,” Phinisey shared. “It got me thinking, I can certainly do that.”

Inspired by Venus Williams and Serena Williams, Vanita headed to the park with a friend, Karen Turner, who later introduced her to the local tennis community. There she met mentors who encouraged her to register and join a team — even though she had never played before.

While working as an emergency room nurse, Vanita went online one day and registered for a 2.0 rating. That very night, teammates picked her up from work and drove to Tupelo for her first match, complete with a racquet and outfit in hand.

“They were certainly spoiling me and showing me the ropes,” she recalled. “I’ve been on the court ever since.”

Having previously run track and played basketball — including one year at the junior college level — Vanita says tennis quickly captured her heart.

“What I love most about tennis is that it is a game you can truly play for a lifetime. I honestly had no knowledge of anyone playing tennis while I was in high school; otherwise, I would’ve loved to have gotten into it much sooner. I do think it’s more mentally challenging compared to other sports.”

Her passion for the sport extends far beyond her own playing career. Under her leadership, Golden Triangle Tennis has created transformative opportunities for young players — including a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the US Open.

In 2025, 24 Mississippi juniors — most from the Golden Triangle NJTL — traveled to New York City to participate in the US Open Net Generation Kids on Court Experience. For many, it was their first time leaving the state, first time flying on an airplane, and first trip away from family.

“We flew in on Monday the 25th. ‘Experience Day’ was the 26th, and most flew back out on the 27th,” Phinisey explained.

Each child and guardian received grounds passes, toured the facility with Net Generation guides, and one member of the group — nine-year-old Skylar Powers of Columbus — was selected to participate in the coin toss for a main draw singles match. The juniors also participated in drills on Court 5 before professional matches began, using low-compression balls and soaking in every moment.

Beyond the courts, the trip included educational and enrichment components. Because students missed school, each was required to keep a journal documenting their experience. They met professional players, collected autographs, explored learning zones, and even enjoyed seeing parts of New York City before heading home.

“To be among those 72 experiences, we were proud,” Phinisey said. “We are a year-round program, and since New York, the kids have been inviting more friends out to practice.”

Making a trip of that magnitude possible required significant fundraising efforts.

“For a student and a guardian to make a trip like this, we had to raise funds,” she noted. “It’s not something we could attempt yearly, but I’d love to consider it every other year.”

Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering belief in what tennis can do for young people, Vanita Phinisey is building more than players — she is building confidence, character, and community.

During Black History Month, we proudly celebrate Vanita’s impact on and off the court and the lasting legacy she is creating for the next generation.