USTA Mid-Atlantic believes that not only is tennis for EVERYONE, but that through the sport lives improve by fostering health, connections, communication, and community. Maintaining and building connections and community is critical as the region continues to find ways to cope during the coronavirus pandemic. This is especially true among young people in our tennis community. To assist in this effort, USTA Mid-Atlantic established the #ServeItForward High School Ambassador program.
As part of the USTA Mid-Atlantic #ServeItForward campaign, the High School Ambassadors program is designed for high school tennis enthusiasts to engage and connect with other high school-aged youth to promote the sport of tennis. Using social media and virtual engagement opportunities, ambassadors will help the USTA Mid-Atlantic foster community with the region's young adults; encouraging them to get active and healthy. High School Ambassadors will be leaders and their work in this role aims to excite and engage youth through tennis and welcome more youth from all communities into the sport.
This year's inaugural #ServeItForward: High School Ambassadors are Sophomore, Yanik Brandon; Sophomore, Jack Clauss; Freshman, Andrew Hannan; Sophomore, Lilliana Mathew; Junior, Bradley Mwaliru; Senior, Grace Truong, and Junior, Derek Yan.
Our High School Ambassadors are passionate about tennis and they hail from across the Mid-Atlantic region including Charlottesville, Va., Baltimore, Md., and the Washington, D.C. metro area. All are members of their High School Tennis teams and have been playing for more than two years. Additionally, several of the ambassadors play USTA Junior Team Tennis and Junior Tournaments.
Here are a few fun facts about our ambassadors . . .
While one ambassador’s favorite shot is the backhand, the rest love a good forehand.
Three ambassadors aspire to play in a grand slam tournament. One would like to play doubles at the Citi Open.
Our ambassadors have many interests outside of tennis. Their off the court activities include scuba diving, varsity field hockey, entrepreneurship, the Baltimore Ravens and spending time with family.
To be chosen for the program, ambassadors were required to submit an application and a short 90-second video. These seven ambassadors were selected for their creativity, personality, and enthusiasm for growing the sport of tennis and serving our community. We are excited to have these wonderful players represent tennis and the USTA Mid-Atlantic with their positivity, sportsmanship, and leadership both on and off the court.
USTA Mid-Atlantic invites everyone to #ServeItForward, and get involved in helping to support tennis in the Mid-Atlantic Section as part of the recovery process we’ll all need. Learn more about how you can #ServeItForward and support the USTA Mid-Atlantic, a non-profit organization, as we bring the healing power of tennis to our Mid-Atlantic community.
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