Mid-Atlantic Youth Shine in National NJTL Essay Contest

Turns out that USTA Mid-Atlantic youth tennis players are just as skilled at wielding a pen as they are a racquet. More than 40 youth in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Chapters across the Mid-Atlantic participated in the 2023 USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Grant presented by Deloitte. These young writers competed to be one of just 10 national essay winners in this annual, prestigious program. 

Responding to the prompt: “ ‘No matter what accomplishments you make, someone helped you.’— Althea Gibson. In this quote, Althea asks us to think about the people that supported your achievements. In your own words, what does this quote mean? Who from your NJTL chapter helped you, how did they help you, and what impact has this made on your tennis skill and/or life?” participants under the age of 18 from across the country submitted their essays. Essays were reviewed locally and then went on to a National level review, and 10 total winners were selected.

Caleb Matthew from Prince George's County Tennis and Education Foundation was a national winner among 13 to 14-year-olds. 

Caleb and the other nine winners received a trip to New York City for themselves and a parent/legal guardian to be VIP guests at a special award luncheon held in their honor.

USTA Mid-Atlantic congratulates Caleb on this incredible accomplishment and recognition of his essay.

Ten other finalists from USTA Mid-Atlantic advanced on to the national round of the essay program. They include: 

10&Under

Madison Moore, Prince George's County Tennis and Education Foundation

Tita Musong, AASSTC Junior Aces

11-12 year olds

Jordan Knights, AASSTC Junior Aces

Jaiya Sankofa, Washington Tennis & Education Foundation

13-14 year olds

Zora Chatman, Metropolitan Tennis & Education Group

Caleb Matthew, Prince George's County Tennis and Education Foundation (National Winner)

15-16 year olds

Rena-Elisaeth Enwesi, AASSTC Junior Aces

Moses Bisong, AASSTC Junior Aces