Electric atmosphere fuels Fred Johnson ALL Stars, Adapted Tennis Championships

While the USTA Missouri Valley’s annual Fred Johnson ALL Stars event was zipping along at Kossover Tennis Center in Topeka, Kan., an Intercollegiate Tennis Association tournament was happening concurrently on a handful of Kossover’s available back courts.

The joy and exuberance from players, parents and volunteers at Fred Johnson ALL Stars spilled over to those competing and spectating at the neighboring ITA tourney. The cheering was so loud, the energy so palpable that multiple ITA participants commented on the electric tennis atmosphere that had been created.

That came as no surprise to Fred Johnson ALL Stars organizer Jaren Glaser.

“People are just in awe of the level of play and atmosphere at the event,” said Glaser, manager of diversity, equity and inclusion for USTA Missouri Valley. “We have nothing but the best sportsmanship. We have people playing incredible points. But at the end of the day, everyone’s a friend at ALL Stars.”

Even those not directly participating in the event.

Tenis para todos

About 45 adapted tennis players ages 14 and older traveled to Topeka to participate in Fred Johnson ALL Stars, which was June 13-14. All levels of athletes were welcome, with red, orange, green and yellow ball singles and doubles matches taking place. Red and orange ball doubles matches included unified partners to offer support to competitors.

“It’s rare to see an event that is inclusive of all levels of player and provides a level-based play opportunity for them to compete at their best ability,” Glaser said. “That’s a cool thing we do.”

In addition to the on-court action, off-court festivities included an evening of bowling and dinner. Athletes, parents, coaches and volunteers were invited to participate. To wrap up Fred Johnson ALL Stars, athletes ran through a human tunnel to receive their medal. The medals were created by Jarvis Stirn, a Lawrence-based wheelchair tennis player who crafts unique 3D-printed awards.

Over 30 volunteers helped at the event, including local high school tennis players. Amy Mathew, USTA Kansas executive director, brought about a dozen of her friends and family from Sedalia, Mo., to volunteer alongside her for the entirety of the weekend. The multigenerational crew included both parents and kids.

The Topeka Tennis Association and Topeka Area Sports Commission provided gift bags for every athlete. Oleander Café catered meals throughout the weekend.

“I had multiple people commenting, ‘I wish all competition could be like this,’” Glaser said. “It’s not that it’s low-level — it is very much the mentality of what’s important is there. We’re here to compete and give our best. But also, most of all, we’re here to support each other as tennis players and people. That’s something to be learned from.”