USTA Eastern Metro Region Update: March/April 2014
A Message From USTA Eastern Metro Region President Jackie Clark
The USTA Metro Region Board held its first meeting of the year during the USTA Eastern Annual Meeting in White Plains in January. As we discussed our goals and plans for the year ahead, I stood there looking around the room and could not help but feel such a strong sense of community and connection. I felt exhilarated and excited, and it really got me thinking about what a profound effect tennis has had on my life. Aside from the competition, exercise, fitness, the stress outlet and the amazing feeling of hitting that ball, it goes much deeper on so many levels.
Through tennis, I have achieved success, fought through giving up at times, learned to grow from setbacks and failures (not always very easily), developed my confidence personally and skill wise, forged many new friendships with teammates and competitors, lost some friendships, experienced disappointment in others and disappointment in myself, bounced back, developed discipline, learned to work harder, was inspired, developed more compassion, became a better team player, strengthened my work ethic, developed better communication skills, felt support, smiled, laughed, cried, felt joy, felt sadness, felt inspiration, felt motivation, felt purposeful and learned to give more.
I have had the opportunity to meet many passionate, talented and good-hearted people who share the same love for the game. Having the opportunity to meet with and get to know many of the leaders and volunteers from all of the NJTLs, CTAs and USTA Member Organizations continues to inspire me as we share the same vision. I am looking forward to another incredible year in the tennis world!
Jackie Clark, President
USTA Eastern Metro Region
Metro Region awards grants
The USTA Metro Region Board has awarded a grant to help with expenses for Metro Region players to compete at the recent Second American Tennis Association Winter Invitational, presented by the USTA Middle States and Legacy Youth Tennis and Education. Approximately 50 diverse, high performance junior players, ages 14-18, took part in the event, representing northeast regional ATA and NJTL chapters from Middle States, Eastern, New England and the Mid-Atlantic Sections. The players also were involved in a college readiness workshop, a community service event and an evening bowling outing.
USTA Metro Grant Applications new being accepted
The USTA Metro Region has grant money available for USTA Member Organizations to grow tennis participation. The Metro Regional Board of the USTA Eastern Section is soliciting grant proposals from its New York City based USTA Member Organizations, who will support and participate in the Region’s mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis in the Metro Region. USTA’s Metro Region is focused on fostering participation in tennis and USTA programs with the USTA Member Organizations of New York City. Special consideration will be given to organizations seeking to expand tennis programs to the following groups:
â–ºSpecial Populations
â–ºMinority Populations
â–ºParks and Recreation
â–ºCommunity Tennis Associations
â–ºSchools/After School
â–ºWheelchair Tennis
â–ºSenior Tennis
The full application can be found online at www.metroregion.usta.com.
USTA Metro Region recognizes award winners
The Eastern Annual Meeting & Award Celebration was held in January at the Renaissance Hotel in White Plains, N.Y. During the event, many USTA members were honored for their work and dedication to the sport over the past year. Congratulations to the following award winners and thank you for your dedication to promoting the sport of tennis.
USTA Eastern Metro Region President Jackie Clark congratulates the Ron Smyth Parent Sportsmanship Award winner, Sherree Williams from Brooklyn, N.Y.
USTA Eastern Metro Volunteer of the Year Joani Akpan (second from right) is congratulated on her honor
USTA Eastern Metro Region Board and volunteers attending the 1st Metro Region Board Meeting of the year during the USTA Eastern Annual Meeting in White Plains, N.Y.
Congratulations to the Junior Awards winners for all of their hard work
Attendees gather for a photo during the Eastern Annual Meeting & Award Celebration
The Metro Region would like to thank all of the award winners for their hard work on behalf of the association
USPTA Eastern Contributor of the Year Mike Phillips with Metro Volunteer of the Year Award winner Joani Akpan
Staten Island Junior Team Tennis League off to a great start
It’s the best thing to happen to Staten Island tennis since Mary Ewing Outerbridge introduced the game of lawn tennis to the U.S. in 1874. The Birthplace of American tennis now boasts its very own USTA Junior Team Tennis league. The new League, which is coordinated by local teaching professional Bill Noonan, has 52 kids registered to compete in 12 & Under, 14 & Under, and 18 & Under age divisions.
“The children and the parents have really embraced the league,” said Noonan. “Junior Team Tennis allows kids to gain competitive experience in very fun way.”
The Staten Island Stars, Silver Lake Smash and Silver Lake Slice have been battling it out every Saturday night this winter at the Staten Island Community Tennis Center. Eric Olsen, who coaches the Smash, is happy that his son William is participating in Junior Team Tennis.
“Nowadays, so many kids take lesson after lesson, but they simply don’t play enough matches,” said Olsen. “Junior Team Tennis has filled a void here on the Island.”
Considering that this was the first year for the league, the future certainly looks bright.
