Boots on the Court
Strengthening military connected communities through tennis and leadership.
Boots on the Court is a nationwide initiative bringing free tennis community events to military installations across the country.
Our Approach
A community rally point for every generation
Boots on the Court brings free community tennis events directly to military installations, creating a healthy outlet where people of all ages and skill levels can discover a lifelong sport while developing leadership skills and healthy habits.
On and off the court, families, friends, and community members come together through thoughtfully designed activities that encourage multigenerational engagement and lasting connection. Guided by Beneath the Service's leadership work with the military-connected community, Boots on the Court intentionally creates shared experiences and memorable moments where tennis becomes a vehicle for belonging, personal growth, and leadership development.
How It Works
Tennis as a community rally point
Boots on the Court is thoughtfully designed to bring people together through tennis, movement, and shared experiences. Each event creates intentional opportunities for participants to engage across generations, discover a sport they can carry with them for life, and experience leadership in action. From the first serve to the final gathering, every element is designed to create connection, encourage participation, and leave participants with moments they remember long after the day ends.
Tennis for Every Generation
A lifelong sport designed for all ages and playing levels, from first-timers to seasoned players. Everyone picks up a racket and learns side by side.
Family and Community Together
On and off the court, activities bring family, friends, and community members of every interest level into one shared, multi-generational experience.
(re)Orient Leadership
Our (re)Orient leadership program is the leadership fundament of every event. Through tennis, we introduce important leadership principles, tools, and skills in a way that is engaging, practical, and lasting.
Open to All
Free and welcoming by design. The whole base is invited to play, connect, and grow, with no experience or equipment required.
Who It Serves
Open to military bases across the country
Nationwide military installations
Events travel directly to bases and installations across the country.
Free of cost to participate
Every event is completely free for military families and community members.
Open to all family members
Activities for all ages and skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned players.
Our Legacy
With gratitude to Dick & Liz Stockton
Boots on the Court was born from a simple idea held by Grand Slam champion and former world-class pro Dick Stockton and his wife Liz Stockton, to thank our troops through tennis. For years, they devoted their time, energy, and love of the game to bringing free clinics to military bases, welcoming thousands of service members and their families onto the court.
Boots on the Court continues its legacy as part of the Beneath the Service brand, carrying their heart for military families and their belief that tennis can bring people together into every event we run. Dick and Liz remain actively involved, supporting the program's growth and helping take Boots on the Court to the next level.
"Start where you are. Use what you have.
Do what you can."
Arthur Ashe · American tennis champion
Carrying It Forward
A personal connection to the game
Niki Marin · Founder & President
Niki Marin, Founder and President of Beneath the Service, comes from a long line of professional tennis players. Tennis has been part of her life from an early age and became her introduction to military service when she played at West Point. During her time there, she was named Patriot League Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year and helped win the conference title all four years.
Her late uncle, , was a multi Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medalist. Tennis has played an important role in Niki's own leadership journey, from competing at the collegiate level to learning some of her earliest lessons about discipline, resilience, competition, and self-awareness on the court. Her lifelong experience gives her a unique perspective on the connection between tennis and leadership.
Bring the Event to Your Base
Ready to rally your community?
We coordinate directly with base commands to bring a free, full-day event to your installation. Courts and space provided on your end, we handle everything else.
DC-area installations and Southeast US cities currently prioritized. Nationwide expansion in progress.