Founded by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder the National Junior Tennis and Learning program continues to provide tennis to all those who wish to experience the game. The program provides children with an opportunity to learn tennis and a means for learning good sportsmanship and character. NJTL reaches more than 250,000 children nationwide. With over 26 chapters, USTA Texas has over 16,000 participants in the program. For more information on the NJTL program in Texas, contact the USTA NJTL Coordinator, Marcos Valdez, at 512-443-1334 x218 or email him at valdez@texas.usta.com.
2009 Texas NJTL Regional Rally Schedule
Established in 1988, Regional Rallies are one of NJTL’s longest running and most successful offerings. Each year, NJTL provides grants and equipment to selected Chapters/Programs that have the means to host a day or weekend tennis event extravaganza for NJTL participants in the local and neighboring areas.
Houston, July 17
The Houston Regional Rally was hosted by Houston Tennis Association at Memorial Park Tennis Center. With 188 participants, the teams were divided into QuickStart, 13 and Under Beginner, 13 and Under Intermediate, and 14 and Up. Teams battled it out for the title of Regional Rally champion in their respective age groups. After play, participants were treated to a viewing of Ice Age in 3D. Results from the Rally are below:
Quick Start
1st Place: Little Aces
2nd Place: Angels
13 & Under Beginner
1st Place: Little Z’s
2nd Place: Fire Bunnyz
13 & Under Intermediate
1st Place: Netters
2nd Place: Infinity
14 & Up
1st Place: All Courters
2nd Place: Sea Eagle
Dallas, July 18
Dallas Tennis Association hosted its rally at Samuell-Grand Tennis Center. 276 participants came out to take part in the rally. The teams were divided into QuickStart, 13 and Under Beginner, 14 and Up Beginner, and14 and Up intermediate. At the conclusion of play participants headed to the pool where they swam, ate pizza, and mingled. Results from the Dallas Rally are below:
Quick Start
1st Place: Victory Meadows
2nd Place: Dallas Pals
13 & Under Beginner
1st Place: Dumas Black
2nd Place: Dallas Starts
14 & Under Beginner
1st Place: Dallas Hotshots
2nd Place: Dallas Rangers
14 & Up Intermediate
1st Place: Dallas Jammers
2nd Place: CVTA
Thank you to organizers, volunteers, parents, and everyone who made these two events possible!
For more information and to register to participate in an NJTL Regional Rally, please click here. Program must be a registered NJTL to participate.
Texans Earn Arthur Ashe Art and Essay Contest Awards
To help commemorate the legacy of humanitarian and tennis great Arthur Ashe, USTA/NJTL sponsors an annual essay and art contest asking entrants to respond to the quote "From what we get, we make a living; what we give, however, makes a life." 10 National essay winners receive an all-expense paid trip to New York to be guests at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day, a daylong festival of kids’ tennis activities that includes interactive games, musical entertainment and free clinics.
Two participants in the Dallas Tennis Association NJTL program were awarded the top National prize for their essay submissions. Jacob Kim of Dallas won the Boys 10 & Under division, while John Wilson IV of Red Oak took top honors for the Boys 12 & Under division. In the art contest, Kelly Echeta of Houston received the top prize for the Boys 10 & Under division.
A full list of winners from USTA Texas is listed below:
| Division |
Gender |
Name |
NJTL |
City |
| 10 |
Male |
Jacob Kim |
Dallas Tennis Assoc. |
Dallas |
| 10 |
Female |
Katelynn Hernandez |
Houston Tennis Assoc. |
Houston |
| 12 |
Male |
John Wilson IV |
Dallas Tennis Assoc. |
Red Oak |
| 12 |
Female |
Brittany Echeta |
Houston Tennis Assoc. |
Houston |
| 14 |
Male |
Nathan Radke |
Dallas Tennis Assoc. |
Duncanville |
| 14 |
Female |
Olivia Rawlinson |
Dallas Tennis Assoc. |
Duncanville |
| 16 |
Male |
Reginald Walker Jr. |
Houston Tennis Assoc. |
Houston |
| 16 |
Female |
Harmony McGlothin |
Dallas Tennis Assoc. |
Mansfield |
| 18 |
Male |
Ramon Ramos |
Dallas Tennis Assoc. |
Dallas |
| 18 |
Female |
Samaria Mouton |
Zina Garrison Tennis |
Houston |
Congratulations to all of our 2009 winners!
To participate in the Contest, download the Contest Application.
For tips on how to run a successful, check the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest guide.
NJTL Regional Tennis Leadership Camp
The USTA Texas Section hosted the NJTL RTLC at the University of Texas -Austin Thursday, August 6th through Sunday, August 9th, 2009.
USTA Texas recently hosted the 2009 NJTL Texas Regional Leadership Camp on August 6-9 in Austin. Each participant was nominated by their respective NJTL chapter leader based on their leadership skills, dedication, and academic success. The campers enjoyed tennis along with educational and social activities.
After tennis drills in the morning, the campers experienced Barton Springs pool, Putt-Putt miniature golf, a tour of the Capitol, and the IMAX at the Texas State History Museum. Michael Center, the University of Texas Head Men’s Tennis Coach, spoke to the group about leadership and the importance of setting an example to others both on and off the court.
On the final day, campers were divided up on teams for a competition that included singles, doubles, and mixed doubles play. Thanks to camp counselors Bert Cole, Stephen Salazar, Luis Valdez, and Christine Wehrli. Also, thanks to all the volunteers and everyone who made the camp a great success!