2023 USTA Eastern Henry Benisch Scholarship Award Recipient

USTA Eastern is proud to honor juniors across our section who exhibit exemplary sportsmanship throughout their playing careers. Each year, the Junior Competition Committee selects one player to receive the Henry Benisch Scholarship Award. Named after a USTA Eastern past president, this award includes a $1000 scholarship to the college of the recipient’s choice. The 2023 honoree is Drew Fishback of Geneva, N.Y. Below, Fishback tells us what he loves about tennis and what good sportsmanship means to him.

The Henry Benisch Award is bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies exemplary sportsmanship throughout his or her junior career. Why has it been important to you to prioritize sportsmanship toward opponents, officials and others whenever you're competing?

FISHBACK: At a young age, I was taught by my parents to respect everyone regardless of whether it's a competition or not. My dad, who is a college coach, tells his players that it's better to be a nice person than a nice tennis player, even though it's even better to be both. It's been ingrained in my mind to treat players and officials how I would want to be treated. 

Is there a moment where an opponent showed great sportsmanship toward you while you were competing?

FISHBACK: Honestly, that's one of the reasons why I enjoy playing high school tennis because so many of the players exhibit great sportsmanship. They're not wrapped up in rankings, and they're just playing for the fun of it. 

When did you first pick up a racquet? What about the sport initially interested you and made you want to keep playing?

FISHBACK: I first picked up a racquet when I was four years old. The sport initially interested me because I saw how fun my older brother was having playing, so I decided to get into it. Eventually I kept playing because I wanted to beat him. 

What do you love about the sport today? 

FISHBACK: I love that no matter how much I keep training and practicing, there's always something you can improve. The work that I do on the practice court is probably one of my favorite activities just because I know I'm getting better and that I'm separating myself from my peers. 

How would you describe yourself as a player? What are the qualities you try to bring to the court as a competitor?

FISHBACK: I would describe myself as a smart player that sees the court well and has been developing a more offensive game over the last couple of years. I try to play each point with the same energy, and I want my opponent to feel like I'm never going to give him an opportunity to hit the shots he wants to hit. 

What would you say is your greatest moment on a tennis court so far? Why?

FISHBACK: My greatest moments on a tennis court have been hitting with my older brother throughout the years. I have improved drastically from being able to train with him, and although sometimes it is frustrating, I have enjoyed it in the long run because I know I get better from hitting with him. 

What is a challenge unique to tennis that you enjoy trying to solve?

FISHBACK: I am always trying to solve different ways to improve my game whether that is the actual tennis side of the game or the mental side of it. This challenge has allowed me to grow and develop as a stronger tennis player. 

Who is your favorite professional tennis player?

FISHBACK: Rafael Nadal is my favorite tennis player because he is a fighter yet at the same time extremely humble. Those are the traits that I want to develop as a tennis player. 

What are your future goals in the sport? 

FISHBACK: I want to play at a Division I school and then eventually try to play professionally. I will put in the work to be the best I can be and so we'll see how far that gets me.