Summer JTT Sportsmanship Award Winners

Each quarter this year, USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing two Junior Team Tennis (JTT) players across our section who display outstanding character and performance by presenting them with sportsmanship awards. Our summer session winners are Oklahoma players Aaron Peters and Genevieve Young. 

Both athletes participated in the 18 & Under division of Junior Team Tennis in Oklahoma City, and both were coached by Randy Painton of Oklahoma City. 

We got the chance to chat with these two following their recent awards—check out the conversations below. 

USTA.com: Why do you play JTT, and what do you like about it?

Peters: I enjoy both the competition and the team aspect of JTT. Much like high school tennis, I really enjoy the team format and the added bonus of meeting and getting to know other players in the area that I might not otherwise meet.  

Young: I've been playing Junior Team Tennis for about three years now. I started when I began getting seriously into tennis for the exposure and opportunities that it came with.

USTA.com: How did you get started playing tennis?

Peters: My father is an avid player and initially got me out on the court.  Several of my friends also picked up the game. I played golf as well with a bit of soccer, football and cross country sprinkled in. Eventually, I settled on tennis and have enjoyed my time on my high school varsity team.

Young: My dad definitely had a huge part in me starting tennis. One day he came up to me and asked me if I wanted to be a tennis player and I said no, but of course he didn't listen and made me start playing anyway. So then I started playing and have never looked back. 

USTA.com: What are your plans for after high school and what are your future tennis goals?

Peters: I plan to attend college next year, but depending on where I go, I don't know if I'll be able to play collegiate tennis.  If not, I'll certainly plan on intramural or club tennis if available.  As for future goals, I enjoy the sport, and see myself playing USTA league as an adult.  

Young: I plan on attending Cameron University next fall to get my bachelor's degree in nursing. I've considered playing tennis for college so I might possibly attend a smaller university where I could play on the team. Even if that doesn't happen and I don't end up playing in college, I never want to stop playing. I love the sport so much and have had some of the best moments of my life on the court.

Congratulations to our well-deserving winners. Learn more and get involved in a local Junior Team Tennis program.