Founded in 1974, the Staunton Waynesboro Augusta Tennis Association (SWAT) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation-chartered Community Tennis Association that promotes tennis-related events for players of all ages and abilities in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County, Virginia.
SWAT is a member of the the Mid-Atlantic Section, Virginia District of the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
Formerly known as the Staunton Tennis Association, it was originally founded by the late Col. Frank Pancake. In 2005, the Staunton Tennis Association recognized a need for tennis-related activities in the larger area, so it was expanded to include Waynesboro and Augusta County and the name was changed to SWAT, Staunton Waynesboro Augusta Tennis.
The organization boasts more than 100 membership families. Its activities are determined by a strong 15 member Board of Directors who are all are very active in administering and carrying out its programs. The Board is a diverse group of people who bring different skills to SWAT’s activities, all of which enables SWAT to accomplish its mission. The strength of the Board has been demonstrated over the last 38 years by the success and growth of the existing programs and the addition of new programs over the years. In keeping with our mission statement, SWAT offers programs that meet the needs of all levels and ages of tennis players. Our programs include both instructional training and tournament play.
Youth Programs
SWAT Youth Tennis Camp
Formerly called NJTL, this program has helped hundreds of children in our area learn to enjoy the sport of tennis! SWAT Youth Tennis Camp is held concurrently at tennis courts in Staunton and Waynesboro. Through the generous support of our sponsors—local businesses and individuals who contribute $125 each—we are able to provide over 20 hours of tennis instruction to our youth at an exceptionally low cost.
SWAT Junior Tennis League
Tennis instruction and match play for boys and girls ages 8 to 18
Schools Programs
SWAT hires local tennis professionals to visit area elementary and middle schools to provide beginning tennis instruction in PE classes. The objective of this program is to introduce children to tennis in the spring so that they will want to continue playing in the summer.
Rally in the Valley
A tournament strictly for youth players held at the end of the summer.
Scholarships
Two $1500 scholarships are given to high school seniors annually.
Whitescarver Memorial Award
A scholarship given annually to two graduating seniors from area high schools.
Adult Programs
News Leader & Waynesboro Florist Tournament
This tournament is SWAT’s signature event of the year. This tournament has been held in Staunton, Virginia since 1946 and has numerous divisions to allow for players of all abilities.
Century Tournament
A doubles only tournament where the sum of the ages of the partners must be equal to or greater than 100.
Salvation Army Tournament
A summer tournament which raises money for both the Staunton and Waynesboro Salvation Armies.
Hospice Tournament
A fall tournament which benefits our local Hospice of the Shenandoah.