2026 USTA Texas Junior Awards

Congratulations to the 2026 USTA Texas Junior Award recipients.

Six junior players have been chosen as recipients of this year's USTA Texas junior awards. These awards recognize players’ efforts both on and off the court which reinforce and exemplify the spirit of the game.

The three girls who were awarded will be recognized at the ATX Open professional tournament in Austin later this spring, while the three boy recipients will be honored during the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship River Oaks Country Club in Houston.

Sebastian Zavala, Boys' 14U (Allen)

2026 USTA Texas Chuck McKinley Outstanding Player Award Recipient

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“This award is special and means a lot to me because it shows that my hard work and dedication is all paying off.  I am grateful to be honored with this prestigious award.” – Sebastian Zavala

Established in 2001, this award is presented to a junior player for achieving the most outstanding results at the national and/or international level during the previous calendar year. More specifically, it is awarded to the Texas player with the overall highest national ranking. Final selection is made using the USTA Junior Final Year End Combined Rank List.

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Cruz Beltran, 18 (Dallas)

2026 USTA Texas John McFarlin Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Recipient

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“Receiving this award means so much to me. Throughout my life, I make a great effort to be kind and loving towards everyone. Being awarded this recognition inspires me to continue being who I am.” – Cruz Beltran

Established in 1972, this award is presented to the outstanding junior boy in Texas who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the court. The recipient of this award is automatically nominated for the USTA Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship Award, when applicable.

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Emma Morgan, 16 (Klein)

2026 USTA Texas Mary Lowdon Outstanding Sportsmanship Award Recipient

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“Winning the 2026 USTA Texas Mary London Outstanding Sportsmanship Award means more to me than any win because it recognizes character, not just performance. To be honored for sportsmanship shows that the values I’ve worked to uphold have been noticed and appreciated. Tennis has always taught me that how you compete matters just as much as the result, and this award reflects the values I’ve carried with me every time I step on the court. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given throughout my tennis journey. My parents supported me from the beginning, teaching me to stay humble, grateful, and respectful no matter the outcome. My coaches pushed me to improve while holding me accountable to high standards on and off the court. Through them, I learned that true success is measured not only by results, but by how you treat others and handle challenges. This award motivates me to continue representing the sport with pride and integrity. I am thankful for every opportunity, lesson, and person who helped shape me into the player and person I am today. I will carry the meaning of this award with me as I continue my tennis journey." – Emma Morgan

Established in 1972, this award is presented to the outstanding junior girl in Texas who exemplifies outstanding sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the court. The recipient of this award is automatically nominated for the USTA Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship Award, when applicable.

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David Guerrero, 17 (Corpus Christi)

2026 USTA Texas Art Foust Sportsmanship Award Recipient

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“Receiving this award can help further expand the need for better sportsmanship across the sport of tennis. It allows me to expand the want for a better community regarding sportsmanship.  This award also puts me in a leadership role to my teammates and peers across the district. Let's not forget the pride and representation that it would push me to do more for my local Tennis community in Corpus Christi, as well as across the great state of Texas.” – David Guerrero

Established in 1962, this award is presented to a 18U Boy for his outstanding sportsmanship and fair play on and off the court.

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Brianna Landin, 17 (Big Spring)

2026 USTA Texas Maureen Connolly Brinker Sportsmanship Award Recipient

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“It is such an honor to receive this award. I am so grateful for the people who led me to this part of my life. Once I received the email, I shared it with my coaches. I jumped into their arms and they spun me around because they were so proud. That was a great moment in my life.” – Brianna Landin

Established in 1975, this award is presented to a 18U Girl for her outstanding sportsmanship and fair play on and off the court.

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Mattingly Bristow, 14 (Weatherford)

2026 USTA Texas Barbara Smith Sportsmanship Award Recipient

What does receiving this award mean to you?

“Receiving this award means a lot to me because it shows how much effort and dedication I have put into the game I love, tennis. It also represents the importance of good sportsmanship, which is something I always try to show on and off the court.” – Mattingly Bristow

Established in 2019, this award is presented to a 14U Girl for her outstanding sportsmanship and fair play on and off the court.

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