10.16.23
Meet Enam
Enam is a rising tennis star with a heart of gold, dedicated to both her sport and her community. For three years, she has been a standout player at the YTA Bushrod Park/Oakland Site, impressing with her skills on the court and her unwavering commitment to YTA's values. Enam and her father are active volunteers, exemplifying the program's dedication to supporting the community.
In 2023, Enam won the YTA essay contest with her insightful words that reflected her profound understanding of YTA's values. She quoted Althea Gibson, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging those who have supported us on our journey to success. Enam recognizes that achievements are seldom solitary; they are the result of collective support and mentorship.
Enam's personal growth is as impressive as her tennis skills. “I did not have any tennis skills at all, but since I joined YTA, I have learned and improved a lot. I appreciate my coaches very much. This program also made me more social and more confident. I’m less shy and more happy to speak up and talk in front of people."
During the summer, Enam had a remarkable opportunity that significantly impacted her. She attended the Carmel Valley Tennis Camp, a cherished partnership of YTA, which generously invites two YTA students to their sleep-away camp each year. Enam was among the fortunate few selected to participate, and it proved to be a valuable and transformative experience for her.
Her promising tennis career, combined with her humility and dedication, inspires everyone she encounters within the YTA community and beyond. Enam epitomizes the power of mentorship, community, and seizing opportunities, making her an exceptional role model for young tennis players.
03.29.23
Anthony and Brayden, Bushrod Park
Congratulations to Anthony and Brayden -- the twins played in their first USTA tournament recently and got their first win too! They are 10-years old and were playing in the 12 & Under Green Dot ball division.
Anthony had a tough second round, and was still upset about that loss when called up for his third round. Anthony said he thought of Rafa Nadal's quote: "losing is not my enemy, fear of losing is my enemy" when he went out for his final round of the tournament. In his words: "I tried not to think about the past and just the present.... In my final match, I played without worrying about losing to my opponent. Playing fearlessly and not thinking about my earlier disappointment helped me to focus on my game. I held my serve and I broke his serve most of the match. By letting go of the past and staying persistent, this allowed me to win the last match 6-3 and earn a bronze medal."
Brayden faced his own obstacles, and said how much YTA has helped his tennis game and more: "I like to go to YTA after school because I can play tennis with other people and make new friends with them. For example, I made friends with older kids and some younger kids, boys and girls....Going to YTA also helps me improve my tennis skills. My forehand and backhand have gotten really strong since the time we first started playing at YTA....I have learned that practice makes perfection....Finally, YTA is also free for all kids, so that you don’t need to pay for tennis, unlike other tennis lessons which usually cost a lot more. This allows all people to play and learn tennis."
Thank you to Brayden and Anthony's father, Phil, for interviewing them about their experience. And thank you to Phil also for being one of our invaluable volunteers with YTA!
10.13.22
YTA Student Wins National Essay Contest
Congratulations to YTA McLaren Park’s Devin S., who won the 2021 National award for the USTA Foundation’s annual Essay Contest in the Male, aged 11-12 category. Every year the USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest presented by Deloitte is held, open to NJTL Chapters nationwide. NJTL participants are asked to write essays answering a thought-provoking question requiring research and analysis. Awards are given to the top essay for Male and Female in age categories 10 & Under, 11 -12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18. Hundreds of essays are submitted, and winners receive a fully paid trip to NY for themselves and a parent or chaperone.
Devin and his mother recently returned from their trip, summer of '22, to New York City! Devin is pictured here speaking at the NJTL National gathering in NYC.
10.13.22
YTA Hunters Point re-opens!
This fall marked the re-opening of YTA Hunters Point, which had been closed since Covid. Partnering one again with the Willie Mays Boys & Girls Club, we opened at the start of the school year and are running programming Mondays and Wednesdays under the direction of long-time YTA coach and legend Coach Thomas White!
(YTA Hunters Point students warm up with volunteers from the women's UC Davis tennis team.)
02.16.21
Student Spotlight: McLaren Park Junior Team competes at World Team Tennis Nationals
Congratulations to YTA’s McLaren Park – they competed in the 2021 World Team Tennis Junior Nationals and came in an impressive second place! The event was held at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, the players faced rain delays and lightening warning delays, 8:00 am start times while still adjusting to the time difference, but according to Coach Wing-Yan, had a BLAST competing. According to Wing-Yan, it was their doubles play that really made the difference.
