Net Generation Ace:  Sophie Davidson 

Tennis runs in the Davidson family, so it was only a matter of time before 16-year-old Sophie became involved. A sophomore in high school from Central Indiana, Davidson became hooked on the sport because of her mother, Heather. As her passion grew, Davidson searched for more ways to become involved in the sport.

One such way has been through the inaugural Net Generation Aces program, a new initiative from the USTA introduced at the 2019 US Open. Through the program, young players from across the country are celebrated for their positive impact in their communities.

Davidson has been giving back to her community for as long as she can remember, most recently teaching summer camps and creating an encouraging environment for junior players. As a high school student, Davidson took the initiative to be the lead at her summer camps, something not many individuals her age are comfortable doing. Davidson is adamant, though, about her position as an agent of change in her community.

Davidson says that becoming part of the Net Generation Aces program has been a positive force in her life, introducing her to not only new people, but new ways to spread tennis throughout her hometown and beyond.

“The benefits of being a Net Generation Ace are getting to meet people from all around our country and sharing our thoughts and ideas,” said Davidson.

The Aces had the opportunity to attend the 2019 US Open to not only watch tennis but meet with USTA senior management and professional players, where the Aces were able to make suggestions for future programming in US junior tennis offerings.

Davidson is thankful for the opportunity to give back to the sport that has taught her leadership skills and provided her with lasting friendships.

“The best part about playing tennis is just being able to go out there and play the sport I love with the people I love,” said Davidson. “Tennis is not only a place to play but a place to make friends you can keep for a lifetime.”

The Indiana native plays as much as she can and currently plays at the No. 1 spot on her high school team. She also experienced success most recently at the National Junior Team Tennis Championships, where the team coached by her mother, Heather, finished third overall.

After high school, Davidson hopes to play in college at a Division I program. But until then, she will continue to take her duties as a Net Generation Ace seriously and make tennis stronger in the Central Indiana area, one player at a time.

“Overall, tennis is a sport you can play forever,” said Davidson. “It’s a sport to make great friends and be able to enjoy being on the court for a lifetime.

“Tennis is for everybody.”