New England Junior Player Council

FIRST-EVER NEW ENGLAND PLAYER COUNCIL LENDS NEW WAY TO INCORPORATE YOUNG VOICES INTO TENNIS DECISIONS

WESTBOROUGH, MA- The United States Tennis Association of New England (USTA New England) is excited to announce the formation of the inaugural New England Player Council. The council is formed by 10 young leaders from all areas of New England. The goal is to give young athletes an opportunity to have a voice in decisions that affect their game.

“It has been inspiring to see this idea take off and realize the interest young athletes have in helping make decisions about their sport. Our goal is to give them a seat at the table and learn from their experiences to shape future initiatives. Not to mention, the valuable leadership skills they will develop by being part of this group,” said Shawna Fors, Director of Player Development for USTA New England.

The Player Council will have the opportunity to work with and learn from other section players, receive volunteer credit hours and have the chance to help shape the council’s role within USTA New England.

“I think that it is important for junior players to have a voice in how USTA programs and tournaments are planned and run, and I think it is a really cool opportunity to get to work with some of my peers,” said Maddie Swire, a new council member from Sudbury, Massachusetts.

The Player Council Members are:

Mae Abreu from Farmington, Connecticut

Caitlin Cass from Newcastle, Maine

Caroline Driscoll from Brookline, Massachusetts

Niki Economidis from Stamford, Connecticut

Ben Grace from Concord, Massachusetts

Jordyn Lee from New Canaan, Connecticut

Erin McCusker from Norton, Massachusetts

Edward Nagler from Norwalk, Connecticut

Maddie Swire from Sudbury, Massachusetts

Sigmund Winiecki from Jaffery, New Hampshire

Players were selected through a competitive application process. Others who applied for the council were asked to be ambassadors to represent USTA New England. The intention of the ambassador program is to be inclusive of all young leaders who have shown an interest in having an influential role in their junior tennis careers.

About USTA New England

USTA New England, one of 17 regional sections across the country that comprise the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and developing the growth of tennis and increasing participation in the sport in New England by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit usta.com/newengland.