UNO Mavericks Tennis Teams Incorporate Ball Kids During Matches
If you’ve been to a University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks tennis match lately, you may have noticed something different: ball kids on the court. The Maverick Ballers was set up for kids to get exposure to tennis at an early age, and get an upfront glimpse of Division I tennis.
21 kids are taking part in the program this year, up from 14 last year. Wright Bantam is one of those kids.
"I love it! It’s so fun to see such good players up close,” he said. “I also like that I get a chance to be around the teams and coaches over the season. It’s cool to think that they’re playing their matches on the same court I get to practice and play on.”
“They become connected with our program, players, and staff,” said women’s head coach, Adam Summitt. “The hope is that with some of the kids who play tennis, they get motivated by seeing this level of tennis and think that they can also reach that level. Making them more driven to continue training and playing.”
Women’s player Colby Kelley said she really enjoys having the kids at the matches, and it exposes them to collegiate tennis at a young age.
“Having this younger generation of tennis players is exciting and often reminds me of my younger self,” Kelley said. “Seeing how happy they are to be there and how excited they are to be a part of our matches brings joy to every single one of us as players. Having ball kids also brings more people to our matches, providing us greater support and community engagement.”
“The implementation and success of the ball kid program has been fun to see and be part of,” added men’s tennis player Davis Lawley. “It helps promote our sport and give the kids who are interested in tennis an opportunity to watch and be involved in a very high level tennis match. ‘
Krista Christensen heard about the program at Miracle Hill, where her daughter Summer plays tennis. She said she jumped at the chance to be like a ball girl she sees on television at the U.S. Open
“Summer told us what she liked best about being a ball girl is that she gets to watch and learn from college players that she sees around Miracle Hill,” Christensen said. “For us, we love that she is interacting with the players and that all the players treat her so well and are great role models for her.”
Coach Summitt said they got the idea from the Arizona State program, which reached 75 kids in their fourth year of the program.
“Our goal is to get this program as big as possible,” he added. “We want to keep kids in the program returning year after year. This allows the kids to build confidence and the ability to help teach the others that are new to this program.”
To become a “baller,” kids must be between the ages of 8-14 years old, and can’t be in high school, per NCAA rules. Tennis experience is recommended, but not required. For more information, contact Summitt at asummitt@mavs.com.
Related Articles
-
![Visit the Tennis Fun All May page]( "May was National Tennis Month, and USTA Nebraska hosted a variety of events for players of all skill levels and ages to jump in on the fun.")
Tennis Fun All MayJune 03, 2025USTA Nebraska celebrated National Tennis Month in May with a series of events—including tournaments and a proclamation—with plenty more play opportunities available this summer. Read More -
![Visit the Top 2024 Stories page]( "A single yellow tennis ball rests on a white line on the tennis court.")
Top 2024 StoriesJanuary 02, 2025Relive—and re-read—some of our best USTA Nebraska stories from 2024. Read More -
![Visit the Letter from the President page]( "Pink flowers in the foreground with a tennis court in the background.")
Letter from the PresidentDecember 28, 2024USTA Nebraska President John Rademacher recaps a great year of growth in the district and requests your help for an even better 2025. Read More
Sign up for our Newsletter
Download the USTA App
