Mikaela Mikulec Selected as Junior Sportsmanship Winner

Mikaela Mikulec — a local standout USTA St. Louis youth competitor entering her junior season at MICDS — was recently chosen as a quarterly junior sportsmanship award-winner by USTA Missouri Valley. Mikulec collected a $50 gift card to Amazon as a reward for her efforts.

Mikulec was the No. 1 singles player as a sophomore on a stacked MICDS team that finished second in the MSHSAA Class 3 state tournament last year. She teamed up with classmate Rachel Li to claim the doubles consolation championship at state as well. Mikulec enters the 2022 girls’ tennis fall campaign as one of the premier prep players in Missouri.

Brad Heinemann, MICDS girls’ tennis head coach and boys’ tennis assistant coach, said Mikulec “consistently shows good sportsmanship.”

“She is always respectful of her opponents and truly understands that tennis is just another extension of life for her,” Heinemann said. “She is a caring, respectful person both on and off the court.”

Heinemann, who teaches fine arts at MICDS, noted Mikulec is an advocate for local and global initiatives. She formed a Ukraine awareness group and is part of the international council at her high school.

“Mikaela is fun and upbeat,” Heinemann said. “As her coach and teacher, she is a good communicator, listener and friend. She is not afraid to speak up when necessary.”

On the court during her prep career at MICDS and in USTA competition, Mikulec has been a force. Heinemann described her as a “very well-rounded player” who is “strong from all positions on the court and never gives away free points.”

“Mikaela is in peak physical shape,” Heinemann said. “She is a very consistent player and is mentally tough. This combination allows her to be able to work through difficult matches no matter the situation. She has had great success and continues to set goals for herself every year. She is a true leader on and off the court.”

To learn more about USTA Missouri Valley’s expectations on sportsmanship, click here. To nominate a USTA junior player for standout sportsmanship, click here.

USTA adult league competitors who witness or experience good sporting behavior can nominate their peers by clicking here.