In a notable recognition, TennisNRG has been selected as a 2026 “Champion Company” by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. The distinction comes as part of a global leadership curriculum led by Linda Ginzel who is known for her work in organizational behavior and leadership.
Each year, Ginzel chooses a select group of companies whose real-world practices exemplify the principles outlined in her book, Choosing Leadership. For 2026, four organizations were chosen for in-depth study by more than 2,500 students worldwide. Among them, TennisNRG stands out; not just for what it does, but for how and where it does it.
A Unique Approach to Leadership Development
What makes TennisNRG particularly compelling is its focus on a younger demographic in leadership training: competitive tennis players between the ages of 11 and 18. While most leadership development programs are designed for corporate professionals or college students, TennisNRG integrates leadership principles directly into youth athletics.
By embedding lessons from Choosing Leadership into its personal development program, the organization helps young athletes develop skills such as self-awareness, accountability, resilience, and decision-making. This approach transforms traditional coaching into a more developmental experience, where performance and personal growth go hand in hand.
From the Court to the Classroom
Through its inclusion in the Booth School’s curriculum, TennisNRG will now serve as a case study for aspiring leaders around the globe. Students will examine how the organization adapts leadership frameworks for younger audiences.
Ginzel’s selection highlights a broader shift in leadership education: the recognition that leadership is not confined to boardrooms. It can begin much earlier, in environments where habits, mindset, and identity are still being formed.
As part of the 2026 curriculum, TennisNRG will influence thousands of students studying leadership across industries and continents.
For TennisNRG, the tennis court has become more than a place for competition. It is a training ground for the next generation of leaders.
