Seems like in recent times as soon as the calendar flips to November 1, the rush of the holiday season takes over. But one holiday fast on the way allows us all to take a day and reflect (and eat delicious turkey with all the fixings to our hearts’ and stomachs’ content) on the good things in life.

Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time when we can collectively say “thank you” and acknowledge what we are grateful for from the past year. In a tennis player’s year, I am sure there is much to be thankful for – everything from your league teammates to finally getting your serve just right to those netcord winners on key points. For a tennis parent, maybe you’re thankful your child has made lots of new friends, learned new skills and has been having so much fun thanks to the sport for a lifetime.

As a 501 (c)3 charitable organization, USTA Mid-Atlantic is not able to accomplish all that we do to promote and develop the growth of tennis without the support of the entire tennis community (and beyond). Your commitment is invaluable and we know comes from a deep passion for the game that connects us all.

So with Thanksgiving nearly here, we had to take a few moments and give some tennis thank yous too. We created this special message of thanks to you – our Mid-Atlantic tennis community — for all that you do to support the mission and grow tennis. We are thankful for YOU!

To learn more about USTA Mid-Atlantic’s impact through tennis visit www.usta.com/midatlantic.

Lauren Hoffmann is USTA Mid-Atlantic’s director of marketing, communications and membership. At Thanksgiving she’ll enjoy turkey two ways – smoked and deep-fried – and her favorite side dish is cranberry sauce.