Gina Rickman Open 

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo Tennis Department is excited once again to offer the 3rd Annual Gina Rickman Open dedicated to celebrating the enduring legacy of Gina Rickman. This special event will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, and promises a day of exciting competition and community spirit at Kalamazoo College's Stowe Stadium, home of the USTA Boys' 16 & 18 National Championships.

Honoring Gina Rickman

The Gina Rickman Open honors the memory of Gina Rickman, a beloved figure in the Greater Kalamazoo community. Gina's passion for tennis, her exceptional coaching, and her profound impact on families will be celebrated through this tournament.

Her dedication to the sport and her work with young people left an indelible mark, and this event aims to carry forward her spirit.

NOW ACTIVELY REGISTERINGPLAYERS!
  • $25 registration fee per player.
  • Players can register as a team or individually if they do not have a partner at the time of registration.

FOR DETAILS AND TO REGISTER CLICK HERE      NOT ABLE TO PLAY OR SPONSOR? DONATE HERE!

BECOME A CHAMPION FOR OUR COMMUNITY: Sponsor the Gina Rickman Open!

Play for a Purpose

The primary goal of the Gina Rickman Open is to raise crucial funds for the YMCA Tennis Scholarship. This scholarship directly supports families receiving financial assistance, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game of tennis – a cause close to Gina's heart. Your sponsorship will directly contribute to making tennis accessible to a wider range of young athletes in our community.

Event Details:
  • Event: 3rd Annual Gina Rickman Open
  • Date: Sunday, August 23, 2026
  • Location: K College Stowe Stadium
Why Sponsor the Gina Rickman Open?
  • Community Engagement: Connect with a passionate and engaged local audience.
  • Brand Visibility: Increase your organization's visibility through various promotional channels.
  • Philanthropic Impact: Directly support the YMCA Tennis Scholarship and empower young athletes.
  • Honoring a Legacy: Align your brand with a meaningful event that celebrates a respected community figure.
  • Positive Association: Demonstrate your commitment to community well-being and youth development.
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference

We offer various sponsorship levels designed to provide valuable visibility for your organization while directly supporting a worthy cause.

Presenting Sponsorship - $500
  • Prominent Logo Placement: Your logo will be featured prominently on the tournament t-shirt (largest size).
  • Premier Web Presence: Your logo will be the largest featured on the Tournament Sponsor webpage.
  • High Visibility on Marketing Materials: Your logo will be included on tournament materials.
  • Verbal Recognition: Your organization will receive prominent shout-outs throughout the tournament.
  • Recognition at Awards Ceremony: Your logo will be displayed on awards presented to the winners.
Supporting Sponsorship - $250
  • Logo on Tournament T-Shirt: Your logo will be included on the tournament t-shirt (smaller size).
  • Webpage Recognition: Your logo will be featured on the Tournament Sponsor webpage (smaller size).
  • Verbal Acknowledgement: Your organization will receive shout-outs during the tournament.

We believe that the Gina Rickman Open offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Kalamazoo community while supporting a vital cause. We would be delighted to discuss how a partnership with this event can benefit your organization.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to confirm your participation, please contact Oak Saad.

SPONSORS: Click here to submit payment.

The Heart Behind the Gina Rickman Open: Daniel Henry's Story

For decades, Gina Rickman was more than a tennis pro at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo — she was the reason hundreds of local kids, many who never imagined tennis was "for them," picked up a racket for the first time. She built community on the court and off it, and everyone who played with her remembers the same thing: she made you feel like you belonged.

When Gina passed away in 2013, her son Daniel was only 14. He found his way back to her through the game she loved — playing at Kalamazoo Central, then Kalamazoo College, and eventually returning to coach boys tennis at Loy Norrix, his mother's own alma mater. For Daniel, every match is still a conversation with his mom.

That's what the Gina Rickman Open is really about. Every sponsorship dollar goes toward the YMCA Tennis Scholarship — holding open the same door Gina held open for so many kids, and helping write a legacy her son continues on.

Gina Rickman Obituary

WATCH DANIEL HENRY'S STORY  WATCH CH3 FEATURE STORY ON GINA RICKMAN