Klotz, Williams Named JTT Sportsmanship Winners

Each quarter this year, USTA Missouri Valley will recognize Junior Team Tennis (JTT) players across our section who display outstanding character and performance by presenting them with sportsmanship awards. Our most recent winners are Kansas players Colby Klotz and Jazzmyn Williams. 

Both athletes participated in the 18 & Under section of Junior Team Tennis in Wichita, Kansas. Klotz played for Iconic Tennis and was coached by Janet Glaser. Williams played for the Jaguars and was coached under Janet Glaser and Amanda Cervantes. 

Klotz began playing school tennis in eighth grade and has participated in Junior Team Tennis for four years. 

“I joined [JTT] for more play during the off season,” Klotz said. “It was a lot of fun to meet new people who loved the sport, too.”

Glaser describes Klotz as a strong, dedicated teammate. 

"Colby drove an hour to participate with his team each week. In six weeks, some with bad weather, and he never missed a match,” Glaser said. “Colby is the type of player that you want as a partner, and that you fear as an opponent. He's a quiet giant with lots of hustle and determination."

After graduating from high school, Klotz plans to attend Cowley College in the fall of 2020 and will continue to play tennis through USTA. 

Williams began her tennis journey in eighth grade when she joined her school team. As part of an active family, Williams is involved in several sports including basketball, softball and pickleball, but tennis is one of her favorites.

“I just love to play, and I get to be out in the sun,” Williams said. “I love to be outside and it’s a good excuse for that.”

The positive energy that Williams brings to the court has impacted not only her Junior Team Tennis teammates, but even the opponents they face. 

"Jazzy creates a fun and competitive environment on court as well as off. She encourages teammates, and even opponents, to do their best,” Glaser said. “Jazzy has participated in winter and summer JTT for three years.”

Williams plans to attend Friends University in the fall of 2020 to begin her collegiate tennis career and pursue a degree in computer science.

Learn more and get involved in a local Junior Team Tennis program.