Community Through Competition

The North Metro Tennis Association, led by Mike Torres, is helping grow the game of tennis across the Twin Cities metro by hosting tournaments throughout the summer that bring together players of all ages and skill levels

Mike Torres’s passion is tennis. So when he was approached by the North Metro Tennis Association (NMTA) to help run one of their tournaments, he accepted. Now over a decade later, Mike is the Owner and Tournament Director of the NMTA — which hosts five USTA sanctioned tournaments each summer around the Twin Cities Metro Area. 

At the first tournament of the 2026 season — held at the Baseline Tennis Center on the University of Minnesota campus — more than 80 players participated. Mike says one of the organization’s biggest goals is continuing to grow participation while welcoming players of all backgrounds and skill levels.

“One hundred players per event is one of the goals we're trying to achieve, and getting new players involved,” he said. “This last tournament we had a lot of players that hadn't played tournaments, which is awesome”

NMTA offers a wide variety of divisions at their tournaments including several different levels of men’s and women’s singles and doubles as well as mixed doubles. At some events, there are parent-child divisions — like father/son or mother/daughter  — creating opportunities for families to compete together and get the whole family involved. Ultimately through the NMTA, there is a place for all people who are passionate about tennis. 

Mike, who off the court runs a recruiting firm, moved to the Twin Cities in the late 90s from New Mexico. He says it was then, after playing tennis for years recreationally and with friends, he decided to play more competitively. 

He says he hopes players leave NMTA tournaments with more than just match results.

“The fun aspect and connecting with fellow tennis players and creating that community and camaraderie is what I want people to take away,” Mike said. “That camaraderie of playing and having fun, while also being competitive and playing to win. And then forming that network through the tennis community because it’s huge.” 

Michael Lynne’s Tennis Shop is a longtime partner and proud 2026 Platinum Sponsor of the NMTA. For a full list of 2026 NMTA tournaments and registration details visit: mltennis.com/blog/north-metro-tennis-association-summer-tournaments

To learn more about the NMTA and get involved — whether as a player or a tournament volunteer — visit nmtatennis.com