Eleven students named winners of inaugural USTA Missouri Valley NJTL essay contest

More than 70 students from across the section participated in the inaugural year of the USTA Missouri Valley NJTL essay contest, with 11 individuals selected as winners.

Participants from National Junior Tennis and Learning chapters explored the concept of leadership in their essay submissions. The students also detailed ways in which they believe they’ve been a leader.

The USTA Missouri Valley NJTL essay contest was open to students ranging in age from 10 & Under to 18 years old. Prizes for winning submissions included USTA Missouri Valley backpacks, notebooks and hats.

“I love how the contest encourages the development of written communication skills that the NJTL students can use as tools in all aspects of their lives, including personal and professional development,” said Jaren Glaser, manager of diversity, equity and inclusion for USTA Missouri Valley. “This opportunity challenges students to think critically and to learn to tell their stories while also advocating for themselves and others.”

USTA Missouri Valley NJTL Essay Contest Winners

10 & Under

Xavier McMaster, Britton Christian Church (USTA Oklahoma)

Rae Fisher, Britton Christian Church (USTA Oklahoma)

11-12 Years Old

Omid Fazel Najafabadi, First Serve OKC (USTA Oklahoma)
Livia Chen, Britton Christian Church (USTA Oklahoma)

13-14 Years Old

Pranav Madamanchi, Top Performance Tennis Academy (USTA St. Louis)

Victoria de las Heras, Top Performance Tennis Academy (USTA St. Louis)

15-16 Years Old

Jame Yang, First Serve OKC (USTA Oklahoma)

Lucia Markey, First Serve OKC (USTA Oklahoma)

17-18 Years Old

Harper Ruhl, First Serve OKC (USTA Oklahoma)

Darius Berman-Carter, Breakpoint Tennis & Life Skills Academy (USTA St. Louis)
Jesse Gonzales, First Serve OKC (USTA Oklahoma)