The 5th Jonathan Bankhead
Memorial Smash Cancer Tournament
at the Rockbridge Club
on April 24-26, 2026
Recognized by the South Carolina Tennis Association with the
2024 Cam Littlejohn Community Service Award.
View Vanessa McAlister Bankhead’s acceptance of the award,
which was presented at USTA South Carolina’s 2024 Annual Meeting
Four-year total donated to SCOA Cares Foundation: $148,355
The Jonathan Bankhead Memorial Smash Cancer tennis tournament was started in 2021 and is dedicated to his memory and all those we have lost to cancer. The tournament also recognizes those cancer survivors who join us during tournament weekend.
About the Event
The tournament, its sponsors, and players have donated almost $150,000 since the tournament’s inception to support the patients and families of those undergoing cancer treatment at
South Carolina Oncology Associates.
Every sponsor dollar and all donations, including the silent auction, are contributed to SCOA Cares Foundation, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients receiving treatment at SCOA, the only comprehensive cancer treatment center in South Carolina.
Jonathan was a patient at SCOA and lost his 15-month battle against glioblastoma on January 12, 2020. The annual event is underwritten by the player registration fees and a generous grant from the City of Forest Acres.
“I am deeply impressed by the significant impact your tournament has made not only as the largest tennis event in the Columbia area but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity for our community. Your emphasis on channeling all contributions to the SCOA Cares Foundation ensures that local patients and their families receive vital assistance, reflecting the compassion and generosity that define our city.”
Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann,
in a letter to the volunteer committee
Media Coverage
2025 Coverage in the Columbia Star
2024 Coverage in the Columbia Star
2023 Coverage in the Columbia Star
2021 Coverage in the Columbia Star
2025 Tournament Photos
2024 Tournament Photos
2022 Tournament Photos (coming)
2021 Tournament Photos (coming)
Tournament Registration
2026 Player Registration click here
Contact Liam Wiggins at Rockbridge with questions.
Sponsorships or Donations
Contact a member of the 2026 volunteer committee to learn more
about sponsorships or silent auction.
Click here for Sponsorship Opportunities
Click here to donate by PayPal
2026 Volunteer Committee
Brian Reeves
Sheryl McAlister
Helen Russell
Steven Powell
Lynne Massey
Caroline Connare
Follow us:
@jbsmashcancertourney on IG
@jbsmashcancertourney on FB
Jonathan Bankhead Memorial Smash Cancer Tournament 