At just nine years old, Sahej Jaspal is already proving that leadership, kindness, and perseverance can shine brightly both on and off the court. As the recipient of the 2025 USTA Mid-Atlantic Tennis Creates Youth Leader Award, Sahej represents the next generation of players who see tennis not only as a sport, but as a way to bring people together and make a positive impact on the world.
A Passion Sparked Early
Sahej first picked up a tennis racquet when he was just three years old, guided by his dad, who introduced him to the sport through playful rallies in their backyard. “I first got involved with tennis by my dad,” Sahej shared. “He introduced me to it when I was three years old, and we would hit balls for fun. What keeps me passionate is how much fun it is to play, how I am improving, and how great it feels to win a hard match after working really hard.”
That passion has only grown stronger over time. Now a dedicated USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Team Tennis (JTT) player, Sahej led his team to playoff runs, competes in USTA-sanctioned tournaments, and practices diligently. His efforts have earned him the chance to represent the region in the international Little Mo tournament, an incredible milestone that speaks to his skill, focus, and commitment.
Learning Through Challenges
Despite his many successes, Sahej’s journey hasn’t always been easy. “Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced are getting frustrated when I lose or when I don’t play as well as I want to,” he said. “Sometimes I even thought about quitting. But I’ve learned that those tough moments are part of the journey.”
Through perseverance and his parents’ support, Sahej learned to channel his frustration into focus. “When I feel like giving up, I think about how far I’ve come and how much I still want to achieve,” he explained. “My dad has helped me a lot by talking to me and reminding me why I love the sport.”
A Heart for Others
For Sahej, leadership doesn’t stop at the baseline. He takes pride in helping others, especially through community service. He volunteered with a local soup kitchen, raised $6,000 for Children’s National Hospital, and supported housing efforts for underprivileged children in India. One moment that stood out to him came during a 5K fundraiser for the hospital. “I saw a young girl who was on her last day of having cancer handing out medals to the runners,” Sahej recalled. “Seeing her smile and knowing that I had helped, even just a little, made me realize how important it is to give back. It really touched me and made me want to do more for others.”
That empathy extends to his peers, too. Whether welcoming a new teammate or cheering for a friend who’s struggling, Sahej leads with compassion and inclusivity. He believes tennis should be for everyone—and he lives that belief every day.
Inspiring Others to Play
Sahej shares his love of tennis with others. He’s inspired friends and even his dad to join the sport. “When my friends start to lose interest in tennis, I invite them to hit around just for fun,” he said. “Once we’re on the court, they usually start enjoying it again. I tell them tennis is awesome because it’s not just about winning. It’s about having fun, staying active, and getting better each time you play. And I remind them that you can play tennis your whole life!”
His enthusiasm for the sport is contagious. At his local swim and tennis club, Sahej is known for his positivity and encouragement, helping younger players feel included and excited to learn. “I hope my story helps other kids see how awesome tennis can be,” he said. “It helps you stay healthy, make friends, and challenge yourself. I also hope it inspires others to give back to their community.”
Grounded in Gratitude
When Sahej found out he had won the Youth Leader Award, his first instinct was to share the news with his biggest supporter. “The first thing I wanted to do was call my dad,” he said with a grin. “I was really excited and proud. It made me feel like all the hard work I’ve put into tennis and helping others really mattered. I was also really happy about the free box of cookies they gave me!”
His humor, humility, and heart reflect the very best of what this award celebrates. For Sahej, the recognition isn’t just about what he’s accomplished. It’s a reminder to keep striving, giving, and growing.
Dreaming Big
Like many young athletes, Sahej has big dreams for the future. His idol is Carlos Alcaraz, and he often imagines the day he’ll step onto Arthur Ashe Stadium to face him at the US Open. “One day, I hope to become a professional tennis player,” he said. “That dream helps keep me going.”
But even as he dreams of grand slams, Sahej stays grounded in what matters most. Community, kindness, and the love of the game. He embodies the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s values of character, inclusivity, well-being, and service, proving that tennis can create not only junior athletes but leaders of tomorrow.
Join Sahej and the Tennis Creates Awards honorees at the Tennis Creates Gala on Dec. 6 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington DC. All proceeds from the Gala and Fantasy Clinic benefit USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s mission to champion tennis for healthier lives and communities, making the sport accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic. Through programs like Girls Rule the Court™, Jr. Player Scholarships, Facility Restoration Grants, and Community Engagement Grants, the Foundation is ensuring that every person, regardless of background or zip code, can experience the lifelong benefits of tennis.
For more information, Tennis Creates Gala and Fantasy Clinic tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit TennisCreatesGala.com.
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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.
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