Welcome to the MTG newsletter—your courtside download for what’s happening on (and slightly off) the court. Expect upcoming events, special programs, and member spotlights… plus the occasional unforced error we’ll pretend was strategic.
Spring 2026
Member Spotlight
MTG runs on its people—so we’re finally putting them in the spotlight (because honestly, the group chat can only do so much). Each edition, we’ll feature a member sharing their tennis story, life off court, and a few fun, slightly unhinged questions for good measure.
Meet Leo Norlin
When did you join MTG and why?
I was in Los Angeles Tennis Association when I was in LA, so joining a new LGBT tennis community is a “must-do” item. I heard about MTG when I was playing Orlando Tournament 2025, so I decided to join after I secured my job in New Jersey.
Favorite part of MTG?
Favorite part is always the organization, so well organized and you got nothing to complain about.
Favorite tennis player? (or your tennis crush!)
Cameron Norrie, so hot, though flopped.
What's your signature shot?
Serve
Any advice for new members?
Join the events hosted by MTG, they are so fun and so well organized!
Call for Volunteers
We’re looking for volunteers for two upcoming MTG events — the Liberty Open and Youth Pride at South Street Seaport — and would love your help. MTG is 100% volunteer-run, and every event we host depends on members stepping up to create welcoming, high-quality experiences for our community.
Liberty Open – Volunteer Needs
- Planning (before tournament) – Assist the Tournament Director with event planning and pre-tournament preparation
- Hospitality (during tournament) – Welcome players, manage registration, distribute materials, run raffle ticket sales, banquet set up
- Court Support (during tournament) – Help with setup, match flow and court coordination, manage 5-minute warmups, track scores, and update brackets
️ Youth Pride – South Street Seaport
- ️ When: Saturday, June 28, 2026 (12–6pm)
- Where: South Street Seaport Museum – Pier 16 & Pier 17
Youth Pride is a free USTA-partnered event celebrating LGBTQIA+ youth with a safe, inclusive space featuring music, DJs, games, food, performances, and community resources — while connecting the next generation to tennis. Volunteers will rotate shifts helping run the MTG booth and support event operations:
- Booth Host – Greet attendees and share MTG info
- Activity Support – Help manage games and activations
- Event Flow – Support wayfinding and general assistance
If you’re available — even for part of a shift — we’d really appreciate your support. Every role helps these events run smoothly and strengthens our community.
Learn more about other volunteering opportunities here: https://www.metrotennisgroup.com/volunteer
Member Benefits
This year we’ve added new member benefits and want to make sure you’re aware of everything available to you, both new and existing.
Visit the Member Benefits for more information:
WDL Rewind
The Finish Line is in Sight!
The Winter Doubles League is entering its final stretch, and it’s been one for the record books. Between the fierce competition and two major snowstorms that wiped out 24 matches, we are officially headed for the latest ending in MTG history.
Final Matches: April 26, 2026
The Competition: 96 players | 6 divisions | 168 matches
The Stakes: Glory, bragging rights, and trophies!
Click Here to Follow the Final Standings
Don’t forget to join us in May at our Outdoor Season Opening Party, where we will officially crown our Winners and Runners-Up!
Get To Know Your Board
Ray Zhong, Social Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
Jelena Alona Ostapenko
Go-to shot under pressure?
Tequila
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Jessica Pegula (so I can travel with her private jet)
Favorite place to play in NYC?
As a Fort Greene local, I show allegiance to Fort Greene Park.
Post-match ritual?
Gossip
Khai Nguyen, Communications Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
Strategic. Hopeful. Overthinking.
Go-to shot under pressure?
A lethal, sometimes accurate, mostly not, slice drop shot – because why not go for a low percentage shot under high stress
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Tommy Paul — I might have yelled a marriage proposal to him
Favorite place to play in NYC?
East River Park courts — the views are incredible
Post-match ritual?
Chocolate milkshake immediately, then replaying the trauma of being up 5–3 and losing 10 straight games (this really happened last weekend).
Christopher Phillips, Membership Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
Bipolar. Sweaty.
Go-to shot under pressure?
Topspin forehand
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Martina Navratilova (old-school)
Favorite place to play in NYC?
National Tennis Center, outdoors, under the big lights
Post-match ritual?
Soaking in the post-win nirvana or quitting tennis after a loss (for a few hours at least)
Karen Funfgeld, Women's Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
Competitive, strategic & determined
Go-to shot under pressure?
Forehand on a rope down the line
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Sabalanka, of course!!!
Favorite place to play in NYC?
Outdoors NTC or Central Park
Post-match ritual?
Post-match breakdown over cocktails
Kevin Ko, Sponsorship Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
aggressive, (a bit) impatient, risk-averse
Go-to shot under pressure?
wide-angle forehand
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Hsieh su wei
Favorite place to play in NYC?
West Side
Post-match ritual?
ham string stretches, lots of them
Seong-Moh Yang, Commissioner & Technology Director
Your tennis personality in 3 words?
Tenacious or exasperated
Go-to shot under pressure?
I invite you to face me on court to find out!
Dream doubles partner (real or fictional)?
Hsieh Su-Wei - hands of God, queen of the doubles court. She will do all of the hard work, and I get to admire from just a few feet away
Favorite place to play in NYC?
North Bergen, NJ. Tons of courts, no wait, play till you drop
Post-match ritual?
Handshake at the net, beer on the courtside bench with your former foe
