Q&A: Junior Comp Chair Melissa Chambers

USTA Texas: What info can you share about this year’s Slam?

Melissa Chambers: The bid went to the City of Plano, the Dallas Professional Tennis Association, and the High Point Tennis Center. There will be one round of doubles on Friday, June 7th. Singles will start on Saturday, June 8th, with the tournament Completing final rounds on Wednesday the 12th. 

Another exciting thing is that this will be the first year we have wheelchair events at our Slam, which will be held at the main site as well. Look for the online sanction form around March 1st!

USTA Texas: What big-picture takeaways did the Junior Comp Committee learn from 2023?

Melissa Chambers: That team events are very popular for all of our players, not just our elite players, but also the more intermediate and recreational players. These events give the kids a great opportunity to socialize and be in more of a team environment.

USTA Texas: What are you looking forward to personally as the committee chair?

Melissa Chambers: Using timed events for our L7 space. These are our newest players coming from different sports that have a specific start and end time. To attract these new players, we need to be family-friendly and not take up whole weekends. It is important to be innovative and try new things in the tournament space.  I'm sure there will be failures, but I will bet these timed events will be a hit!

We’re also looking forward to a player and parent educational initiative which will reinforce responsibilities and best practices. This is a collaboration with our Officials and Hispanic Engagement Committees.

USTA Texas:  In your opinion, what backgrounds make for a successful and effective committee? 

Melissa Chambers:  We have a great committee. It is a combination of experienced tournament directors, coaches, and parents. They all bring their unique perspective to the table.

Our committees have two-year terms. So now that we have that first year under our belt, and know what to expect and how we all work together, I am excited for this next year to be very productive.

USTA Texas:  What roles and responsibilities does the junior Competitive Committee have within the bigger framework of USTA, Texas?

Melissa Chambers:  The Junior Comp Committee’s role is to create initiatives and get feedback from the public on issues that parents and coaches would like. We take all of these ideas and see if they are feasible or not. Every year we try to choose, three to five large initiatives to focus on. Of course, throughout the year issues will come up that we address as one-offs, but we try to focus on our big initiatives to improve the overall player experience and junior pathway in the section.

We must listen to feedback from the public. I always keep this at the top of my list when I'm thinking through things. I think that we've done a pretty good job with that this last year and that's always going to be a goal of the chair because seeing what coaches, parents, and players have to say is so valuable.

USTA Texas:  What are you looking forward to most in the Junior space and why?

Melissa Chambers:  I’m very excited for this year's Texas Section tournament schedule. The staff did an excellent job with spreading out our higher level tournaments throughout the calendar year and focusing on geographic distribution. Now there are so many opportunities for players to compete at a variety of levels.

USTA Texas:  You’re also a parent to two junior players in Texas, what are things you do to help your kids prepare for the summer heat?

Melissa Chambers:  I start pushing electrolytes and fluids a day or two before they're going to compete. During the tournament trying to make the most of the time between matches so they can lower their body temperatures - air conditioning and/or shade, taking off shoes, and changing clothes.

They also bring their chairs that have built-in shade canopies. On the changeovers that gives them the ability to have 90 seconds of some shade. Their favorite snack in the summer is applesauce pouches they keep in their coolers. Plus, lots of electrolytes and towels. I feel like we're packing for a summer vacation every time we go to a tournament!

USTA Texas: What are some of the things you tell either of your children if or when they are on a losing streak or lose a few matches in a row?

Melissa Chambers: I have been in that situation many times! I remind them that they will play hundreds of matches in their lives. At that moment it feels very big and it is big because they've worked very hard. Losing is also part of the process. Every single player loses matches along the way. That's how you get better. You have to embrace the process and love it and love the work. Then the results will come.

And I always try to make them laugh! I mean they think I'm being silly and cheesy. I'm a very odd tennis parent. I never look at rankings. I couldn't even tell you what their rankings are.

Maybe once my son gets closer to college time it will matter more. But right now, it doesn't matter. What matters is that they're developing their game and that they're competing at a high level. And that they're engaged and they're enjoying themselves. 

USTA Texas: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Melissa Chambers: Yes, USTA Texas is so lucky to have a junior competitive department that is extremely hard-working and cares immensely about improving junior tennis. I know the whole junior comp committee is super thankful to have you guys as part of our team.