A Young Leader’s Vision: How Alexandre Kroely Built a Team and Inspired a Community

In 2023, Alex discovered  Junior Team Tennis. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a 12U JTT team at his home club.  Undeterred, the precocious young tennis player took the reigns on starting a new 12U team. 

“I talked to my coach and friends about starting a team,” Alex remembers. “It was tough to convince everyone at first, but I was excited to play together.” His excitement became contagious, and before long, 11 players had joined him. Just like that, Alex’s dream came to life: his club’s first-ever 12U JTT team was born.

Learning, Growing, and Fighting Through Defeat

No journey is without its challenges, and Alex’s team was no exception. “We didn’t know the match format at the start, and we lost all our matches,” Alex says with a small laugh, looking back on those early days. For many kids, that kind of rough start might have been discouraging. But not for Alex.

Instead of letting those losses bring them down, Alex rallied his teammatesencouraging them to keep practicing, learning new techniques, and, most importantly, enjoying  the game. “We all have different skills,” Alex explains. “Mine is returning short and low balls.” With every practice and every match, the team grew stronger. The transformation was undeniable: by the end of the season, they went from losing every match to winning them all.

“The best part was seeing everyone improve,” Alex says. “We had so much fun that we all decided to keep playing next season.”

More Than Just Tennis

For Alex, tennis has always been about more than just hitting a ball. It’s about connection. “Every match is a chance to make new friends, even with our opponents,” Alex says. He loves that tennis allows players to build relationships on and off the court.

His favorite memory isn’t a big win or a trophy—it’s the moment his team first practiced together. “That first practice felt like the beginning of something special,” he recalls. “We got to learn new tactics and try them during matches. Playing with my friends and sharing those moments was the best part.”

Beyond the friendships, Alex believes tennis offers life lessons. “It’s a mental game,” he explains. “You have to stay calm, control your emotions, and keep focused under pressure. And it’s also about enjoying the game. The more you love what you do, the better you’ll be at it.”

A Leader on the Rise

Alex’s story isn’t just one of personal achievement; it’s a story of how one young person’s passion can create something bigger than themselves. By forming his own team, Alex didn’t just start a league—he made a space where other kids could fall in love with the game, grow as players, and forge lasting friendships.

And this is just the beginning. Outside of tennis, Alex enjoys swimming, diving, playing video games, and getting lost in Percy Jackson books. But tennis holds a special place in his heart—especially after attending his first professional tournament at the DC Open last summer. “Watching Brandon Nakashima and seeing how fast his serve was… it really inspired me,” Alex says.

The Future Is Bright

The Youth Leader Award at the Tennis Creates Awards is a well-deserved recognition of Alex’s leadership, vision, and perseverance. At just 12 years old, he’s already shown what it takes to be a true leader: the ability to inspire others, the courage to build something new, and the heart to bring people together.

As Alex and his teammates prepare for their next JTT season, the future looks bright—not just for them but for everyone inspired by Alex’s story. His journey reminds us all that leadership isn’t about age or experience—it’s about passion, resilience, and the desire to make a difference.

Alex said, “The more you enjoy the sport, the more you achieve.” And with his love for tennis and natural ability to inspire those around him, there’s no doubt that Alex Kroely’s journey is just getting started.

Congratulations to Alexandre Kroely for his incredible achievement. The world of tennis is better—and brighter—with young leaders like Alex paving the way.

Congratulations to all the 2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic award winners! Alexandre will be awarded, along with the other honorees, at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Annual Tennis Creates Gala, presented by OneLife Fitness, on December 7, 2024. Join us in celebrating their remarkable contributions to the tennis community. Tickets are on sale now—don’t miss out! Tickets can be purchased here.

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.