USTA/MTEF GRANT RECIPIENT SPOTLIGHT: BOJANA POZDER 

Coming into the 2019 Midwest Closed Championships as the number one seed in the 16s division, Bojana Pozder of Wisconsin knew she had a lot to prove. But with the calm demeanor of a seasoned professional twice her age, Pozder worked her way through the seven-day tournament to earn herself a spot in the finals. After a hard-fought match, Pozder finished on top as the 16s girls' champion.

But for Pozder, there was one key element which allowed her to achieve her goals: a grant from the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation Inc. (USTA/MTEF).

Each year, the USTA/MTEF presents grants to junior players to aid in such areas as travel, tournament fees, and other financial elements that might prevent a junior from succeeding.  This year alone, nine players were awarded individual grants who competed in the Midwest Closed. Pozder was one of these players.

Pozder first heard about the grant opportunity through her home club, the Racine Community Tennis Association. At the recommendation of both her tennis community and parents, Pozder decided to apply for a grant. 

"The grant helped me financially to take lessons and travel expenses to prepare for the Midwest Closed, as well as other tournaments," said Pozder.

Pozder has been playing tennis since the age of eight with her parents and has loved the sport ever since. Through hours on court, Pozder has become a force to be reckoned with in the Midwest Section.

"I believe tennis is a good sport to maintain health and fitness, it's also a great sport for friends and family to get involvled," said Pozder. 

The win at the Midwest Closed was a big one for Pozder, not only to see her hard work pay off, but to know that her family was not burdened financially.  For this, Pozder is grateful to each and every donor who made her grant possible.

"I would like to say thank you to each donor, because without their support, I would not be able to reach this far," said Pozder.

Looking forward, Pozder is planning to start participating in more national tournaments as well as starting junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments with the hopes of playing college tennis. 

To learn more about the USTA/MTEF and how you can support local tennis players like Bojana in your community, click here.