Jabari Stafford
Managing Director at Philadelphia Tennis Club
Jabari Stafford is a lifelong racquet-sport enthusiast whose passion has become a career and an avocation From ATP-ranked tournament play to leading the finest clubs, his journey has been marked by excellence, camaraderie, and innovation in the sport.
Jabari has held various leadership roles, including Director of Operations at Jamira Tennis Center, Managing Director at Philadelphia Tennis Club, and, more recently, Racquets Professional and Pickleball Coordinator at Lancaster Country Club, one of America’s Top 30 Platinum Clubs.
As with the best practitioners of the sport, Jabari brings much more than athleticism to the game. Entrepreneurial attitudes and a philosophy of connection and culture underpin his experience A Philadelphia upbringing and early training instilled these values as he grew as a person The same principles now shape his leadership style, fostering long-term growth across all racquet sports.
A Family Tradition
Jabari first picked up a racquet at the age of five, when he began spending time at the Arthur Ashe Youth and Tennis Center with his sister, Emira Their father encouraged them to pursue the sport, building a private facility that provided the structure and discipline essential for their development The facility eventually became the Jamira Tennis Center, which was named after a combination of the siblings’ first names
What began as an individual training center developed into a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s tennis community Through the direction of Jabari Stafford, the Jamira Tennis Center expanded into a respected center for sporting success and socialization Apart from overseeing the facility’s racquet, fitness, and instructional programs, he also held adult group clinics and provided private lessons at multiple competitive levels His player-centered model and tactical training methods, especially with junior development programs, helped foster robust retention and competitive and recreational growth.
From Competition to Leadership
Even as he cultivated his leadership skills, Jabari continued to pursue his own athletic dreams A Division I college player at George Washington University, he competed at the highest collegiate level even as he pursued his degree in Business Administration and Finance.
Jabari’s involvement in college sports helped develop his leadership, mental strength, and strategic thinking. These skills would later become valuable in his professional management and coaching career
After college, Jabari joined the ATP and ITF circuits, competing in more than 20 countries He ranked in singles and doubles categories, gaining valuable experience in international training systems and performing at a consistently high level. That experience would eventually inform the coaching models he’d develop for clubs and athletes in his native land
Building Clubs and Communities
Following his on-court career, Jabari brought his competitive experience to leadership positions that bridged sport, business, and community.
As Managing Director of the Philadelphia Tennis Club, he managed all tennis and pickleball coaching operations, from youth programs and adult clinics through club-wide participation events He introduced computerized formats such as cardio tennis and live-ball sessions, created developmental pipelines for juniors, and renewed the club’s heritage by introducing new racquet disciplines into time-honored spaces.
At Jamira Tennis Center, Jabari continued to expand programming and boost operations with formal development plans, customized schedules, and member-only activities His work combined competitive training with wellness-centered engagement, emphasizing the value of tennis and pickleball as platforms for both athletic development and personal connection.
Jabari’s leadership ability was further enhanced at Lancaster Country Club, where he is now a Racquets Professional and Pickleball Coordinator. In this role, he constantly strives to deliver a high-impact member experience through one-on-one teaching programs and collaboration with hospitality staff His experience as a coach and community leader has been invaluable in helping uphold the club’s platinum standard of service and dedication to excellence.
Philosophy and Purpose
For Jabari Stafford, racquet sports have never been about competition they’ve been about character, discipline, and belonging Employing a blend of structure and understanding, he draws on his extensive experience in international competition and player development Whether working on racquet techniques with young novices or instructing seasoned players in the finer points of match strategy, each encounter is an opportunity to exercise his balanced perspective.
Through it all, Jabari’s coaching philosophy remains focused on mentorship He believes that every athlete should balance technical mastery with personal growth as they pursue their own path That’s why his programs typically combine fitness and mental conditioning with skill training
Jabari is no mere technician His work has always been informed by his broader vision of sports as a unifying force, encompassing inclusion, wellness, and engagement. This is apparent in his community clinics, social mixers, and club events, all of which bring people together with a shared sense of purpose
Continuing the Vision
Jabari Stafford’s path from a young player in Philadelphia to a pro competitor and respected sports figure is steeped in determination and passion. At Lancaster Country Club, he espouses the same values that drew him to the court as a child: commitment, creativity, and community The various roles he’s undertaken have only expanded his reach, allowing him to leave a lasting imprint on racquet sports on and off the court