Janine Tabas, originally hailing from New York, has been a cornerstone of the Philadelphia sports and medical communities since 1999. A dominant tennis player and former Division 1 athlete, Janine’s journey in sports began early. In 1975, she broke barriers as the first girl to join the Major division of Little League in Great Neck, New York, where she played first base and batted lead-off. Throughout junior high and high school, she was a versatile athlete, playing on varsity teams every semester in track, volleyball, basketball, softball, and tennis.
Her tennis prowess was evident early on, as she became the Long Island High School Doubles Champion and a New York State All-Star Team Member, ranking #2 in girls’ doubles in New York State from 1980-81. Janine’s leadership skills shone through her roles as Tennis Director at Beth Sholom Jewish Day Camp and Tennis Coach at Kutsher’s Sports Academy.
At Dartmouth College, Janine was a standout on both varsity and JV tennis teams and also coached a boys’ basketball team. She participated in the Dartmouth Outward Bound program, further honing her leadership and team-building skills through activities like rock climbing, canoeing, and a wilderness solo.
Janine pursued her medical degree at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she continued to excel in intramural sports, becoming a tennis and racquetball champion and pitching for the men’s intramural softball team. She was also a member of the Richmond Volleyball League.
From 2003-2008, Janine served as the Team Ophthalmologist for the Philadelphia 76ers, making her the only female team physician at the time. Her expertise was indispensable on game days and in treating players both at the venue and in her office. She continues to treat upper-level Sixers management to this day.
Her commitment to the community is reflected in her board membership at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Center and her role as an assistant coach for the Main Line Girls Basketball Association. In 2022, she led the Women of Wills Eye in an Outward Bound high ropes course to build leadership skills among female physicians. She also supports the McGee Wheelchair Tennis Fundraiser and will begin serving on its committee in 2023.
A passionate and competitive USTA tennis player, Janine has been a member of four USTA National Teams and was a semi-finalist at the US National Grass Court Doubles Championship in 2019. She has won numerous club championships at the Germantown Cricket Club in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
Janine G. Tabas’s dedication to sports, medicine, and community service makes her a deserving inductee into the Hall of Fame. Her achievements and leadership continue to inspire and impact those around her.
