Middle States

Every Ball Counts

August 25, 2023


Ever wondered what happens to old tennis balls? Join the club.

 

That was a major question and worry in the mind of Saige Roshkoff, from Haverford, Pa. The 17-year-old standout player saw an issue with old tennis balls being thrown out and wasted, so she decided to do something about it.  Since then, she’s kept upward of 40,000 tennis balls out of landfills by organizing a recycling program.

 

The recycling program provides the used tennis balls to schools and animal shelters in her local community.

 

For her efforts and her overall leadership qualities, Roshkoff was named to the inaugural Net Generation Aces team, launched at the 2019 US Open. The group of Aces is comprised of athletes between the ages of 13 and 17 who are making a positive difference in their local communities through creative and impactful tennis programs.

 

Roshkoff says her experience on the court has impacted her development personally as she makes her way through high school and begins looking toward next steps.

 

“For me, tennis isn’t just a sport, it’s my life, and it has shaped me into the person I am today,” she said. “The sport has not only taught me so much about myself and what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it, but tennis has also taught me so many life lessons. I like how playing competitive tennis makes me unique and sets me apart from other people.”

 

Roshkoff has been active in USTA Tournaments. She’s also a top player at Harriton High School, where she has been a star. A week after winning the PIAA 3A State Championship in 2018, Roshkoff and teammate Sophia Sassoli won the state doubles title.

 

Meanwhile, Roshkoff’s community work isn’t limited to donating tennis balls. She’s led fundraising efforts for Israel Tennis Centers, which provide tennis and life skills to underserved youth. 

 

As one of the Net Generation Aces, Roshkoff attended the 2019 US Open as part of a four-day VIP trip that included a suite experience at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day and a working session with USTA senior management and professional players, where the Aces provided feedback on current USTA initiatives and discussed ideas for future programming. They also had an opportunity to meet Net Generation ambassadors Venus Williams and Mike and Bob Bryan.

 

Back in 2017, Roshkoff was named to the USTA Junior Leadership team, which recognizes the finest U.S. junior tennis players who exhibit leadership, sportsmanship and character on and off the court. Her work in the classroom, as a player and as a community volunteer, has turned her into a model for many younger players.

  

Regardless of her success, Roshkoff remains hungry and is setting new goals.

“Loving tennis should not change if you are winning or losing,” she said. “I am very thankful for the opportunities and experiences tennis has given me that I will carry with me my whole life.”

 

Her work in the classroom, as a player and as a community volunteer, has turned her into a model for many younger players. And regardless of her success, Roshkoff remains hungry and is setting new goals. As an Ace, Saige now aspires to partner with the USTA to expand her recycling program across the country.

 

“Playing tennis has taught me discipline, motivation and a strong work ethic,” Roshkoff said. “I like pushing myself to be the best that I can be.”

 

Learn more about Net Generation Aces here.

 

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