Alywn Mushonga Represents USTA at Multiple Community Events

City of Rolla Event

Rolla played host to a significant stretch of tennis in conjunction with National Tennis Month taking place in May. That included an open drop-in night for competitors each Monday in May, which culminated with a mixed doubles tournament at the end of the month.

Rolla also held clinics, games and social play for children and adults as part of two days of festivities for National Tennis Month on May 6-7 at Ber Juan Park. The celebration was free for individuals to participate in thanks to a USTA Missouri Valley grant. Mushonga helped run the programming both days, with USTA Missouri Executive Director Leslie Echols chipping in as well.

“Rolla’s tennis community is really strong,” Mushonga said. “For us to go there, it put a stamp for them because they were excited to have USTA involved. We went there to show them we notice how much they are putting into tennis. The sky is the limit for them.

“It was an amazing atmosphere. They had high school kids, the high school coaches, parents and volunteers from the community. They support the tennis community in Rolla. Me and Leslie Echols were just happy to be a part of it. Hopefully when we go there every now and then, it will get bigger.”

Jefferson City KidsFest

Most recently, Mushonga set up a tent and portable net on a basketball court to represent USTA Missouri at Jefferson City KidsFest. The long-running kickoff-to-summer staple featured games, demonstrations and activities on June 3 at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park. About 4,000 people attended the fun-filled day geared toward families and children, with about 60 kids trying tennis for the first time.

“KidsFest is one of my favorite events since I joined USTA,” Mushonga said. “We were just invited to set up a booth — there was nothing behind it or you’re going to get this many kids. But as soon as we set up, we had so many kids. Even the parks director was shook. We had kids from all backgrounds come by and tell us they have never experienced tennis before.”

Only three or four of the participating children had ever tried their hand at the sport before, and several adults jumped in on the action as well. Mushonga said he is looking forward to helping continue to grow tennis in the Jeff City area and through KidsFest, which was selected as USTA Missouri’s Event of the Year in 2021.

“It was an amazing experience to be able to give some of those kids a racquet for the first time and show their skills,” Mushonga said. “There are so many kids out there who don’t get the opportunity to be on the tennis court or have a racquet. They were just able to have fun. I really had a great time coaching 60-plus kids in about four hours. I’m definitely looking forward to going back and making it bigger and better. And providing more opportunities for the kids of Jefferson City.”

Mushonga noted he is continuing to work with other facilities within pockets of USTA Missouri to revitalize tennis programming or build it out for the first time. To learn how he can help, get in touch with Mushonga at mushonga@movalley.usta.com.