Beyond the Baseline: Jordana Shmidman, Gilad Bloom Tennis Academy

Upon hearing the news about what happened in Israel last fall, New York City native Jordana Shmidman wanted to do her part to help bring some relief to all the people affected, which included a lot of family and friends who lived in the region.

“When the war broke out in Israel on October 7, I was devastated,” said Shmidman. “My family and friends are there, and I just felt so uncomfortable knowing that they were in danger while I was safe here in the United States. After hearing about the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association (JOWMA), I immediately knew I wanted to help, as JOWMA was sending doctors to Israel to help in hospitals and help with trauma training.”

Shmidman decided to use the sport she loved, tennis, as the vehicle to show her support to Israel.

“When deciding what to do, I knew I wanted to incorporate tennis,” she said. “Not only is it something I love to do, but my tennis coach is Israeli so I felt it was only right to include him as well.”

Her coach is Gilad Bloom, who runs his own tennis program in New York City following a decorated playing career on the ATP Tour, competing in all four major tournaments, and representing Israel in Davis Cup play for more than 10 years, as well as at the Olympics in 1988 and 1992.

“Jordana is very much in tune with current events and has a wide range of interests, so when the war in Israel started she immediately told me wanted to do something to support the Israel defense efforts and that she had an idea to organize a tennis event,” said Bloom. “Within a few days there was an event in the making and it was not only a beautiful fun outing for all who attended, she also raised a lot of money and awareness for the cause. It made me proud of her and she is such an outstanding young person!”

Bloom helped Shmidman organize the event and created a tennis fundraiser, Tennis4Israel, at New York Tennis Club in Manhattan.

“When it came time for the event, I was so nervous that I wouldn’t make enough to really make a difference in Israel,” she admitted. “But wow, was I wrong. The day before the event even happened I had already raised $30,000 and after the event I raised even more. The turnout was excellent and the support was incredible. I couldn’t believe it.”

Shmidman added:

“When everyone came out to support my fundraiser, I was so grateful. Knowing so many people cared was really inspiring, and knowing that when Israel is in danger, so many people were able to make time in their schedule to show support was so meaningful to me.”

Being able to use tennis to raise money for a cause that meant a lot to her was another example of the impact the sport can have, and more specifically, the generosity of the tennis community as a whole. Shmidman, who is 15-years-old, began playing tennis when she was very young but didn’t start playing seriously until the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

During that time, she would join one of Bloom’s clinic to accelerate the growth of her game. She was excited to play and eager to impress.

“The first day I joined, I was terrified,” said Shmidman. “I specifically remember telling my mom after the first practice that all I wanted was for Coach Gilad to yell at me because it would mean I was good and that he cared enough to make me a better tennis player. Gilad still reminds me of that until this day.”

While of course Bloom did not yell at her, he did care enough to make her a better tennis player and she has become a staple in his programming.

“From the first time I met Jordana, it was clear she was passionate about tennis,” added Bloom. “She always shows up with enthusiasm and a smile, and is thirsty for instructions. Jordana is a very social person and is always very friendly to the other students, and as a coach, that’s very rewarding.”

She had wanted to play with Bloom since the first time she started playing, and that desire has created a very motivated player who has demonstrated progress in the time since she began practicing in Bloom’s program.

“I would hear him coaching from the other court when I was playing. He was a tough coach but his students were talented and I wanted to be one of them so badly,” she said. “I wasn’t too good when I first joined, but even after just a month, I had made so much progress. Now it’s been two years and I can’t stop going. I love it. He brings out the best in each of his students and pushes us to be the best possible versions of ourselves.”

Shmidman is excited to continue playing and keep progressing as she works with Bloom to become both a better tennis player but also a better person. She is a shining example of the positive impact tennis can have.

“What I love most about tennis is the community I’ve surrounded myself in,” said Shmidman. “The other kids in my clinic are brilliant and the coaches are wonderful. I love the feeling of working hard and improving. Though I don’t always play my best, I always come out of each practice feeling happy.”

Despite her feeling like she doesn’t always play her best, she is using tennis to be the best version of herself and make a profound impact on causes that mean a lot to her, which is clearly evidenced by the fundraiser she held.

As Shmidman moves through her sophomore year of high school, she is committed to working hard on and off the court, and is embracing the training and practice habits she has learned under Bloom.

“He continues to amaze me with his fantastic stories and hidden talents,” she added. “It’s truly an honor to be his student, and I’m so lucky to be able to call him my coach. He took a chance on me in the beginning when I wasn’t too good. Gilad is an amazing coach and a great role model.”