Tag: youth tennis

Spring Tennis Preview: Standout Teams and Rising Stars from the 2024 State Championships

As spring tennis draws near, the Mid-Atlantic high school tennis scene is already buzzing with excitement following the thrilling 2024 MPSSAA State Championships at Wilde Lake Tennis Club (Columbia, MD). With remarkable individual performances and formidable team efforts, this year’s champions have set the stage for an electrifying season ahead. Here’s a curated look at some of the standout teams and players who are poised to make an impact this spring.

Team Triumphs and Regional Powerhouses

The state championships showcased the strength and depth of high school tennis in our region. In Class 1A, Williamsport (Williamsport, MD) clinched the team title, while in a hard-fought battle in Class 2A, Centennial (Ellicott City, MD) and Poolesville (Poolesville, MD) shared the spotlight—with Poolesville marking their third consecutive state championship. Thomas S. Wootton (Rockville, MD) emerged as the team champion in Class 3A, and Broadneck (Annapolis, MD) dominated Class 4A. These teams not only captured state honors but also signaled the competitive prowess that will carry over into regional play this coming season.

Standout Individual Performances

Several individual champions have captured attention with their stellar play:

  • Boys Singles:
    Hunter Liao of Boonsboro in Class 1A continues his impressive streak, clinching his third consecutive title. Meanwhile, Andy Wu of Poolesville in Class 2A has reaffirmed his status as a repeat champion, setting high expectations for the upcoming tournaments. In Class 3A and 4A, Mukundh Boopathi of Marriotts Ridge (Marriottsville, MD) and Bert Mackey of Winston Churchill (Potomac, MD) showcased their talent, hinting at promising careers ahead.
  • Girls Singles:
    Lauren Toms of Williamsport (Class 1A) and Shivaani Selvan of Hammond (Class 2A in Columbia, MD) have demonstrated finesse and determination on the court. Not to be overlooked, Olivia Mellynchuk from Broadneck repeated as the Class 4A girls singles champion, underlining her consistency and competitive edge.

These athletes have excelled at the state level and are prime candidates to shine in upcoming regional and spring events.

Dynamic Doubles and Mixed Doubles Action

Tennis is as much a team sport as it is an individual contest, and the doubles events were nothing short of dynamic:

  • Boys Doubles:
    Arjun Mistry and Hayden Speace of Liberty (Eldersburg, MD) brought energy and tactical brilliance to the courts during the Class 1A championships. In Class 2A, Jeeva Padmanaban and William Chen from Poolesville continue to build on their past successes, while Carson Campbell and Roger He from River Hill (Clarksville, MD) left strong impressions in the Class 3A championships.
  • Girls Doubles:
    Teams such as Caroline Aliftiras and Audrey Lillycrop from South Carroll (Sykesville, MD) during the Class 1A championships and the formidable pairing of Michelle Fradlin and Joanna Blackman from Centennial from Class 2A delivered exceptional performances. Additionally, Adelaide Houston and Adele Lair from River Hill in Class 3A have proven their mettle by overcoming stiff competition.
  • Mixed Doubles:
    In the mixed doubles events, exciting partnerships included Sydney Mossman and Michael Mooney from South Carroll (Class 1A) and the spirited team of Anissa Jean-Claude and Charlie Ernst from Broadneck (Class 4A). These pairs displayed a perfect blend of individual skill and teamwork, a formula that promises thrilling matches as the season progresses.

Looking Ahead to Spring

The state championships provide a glimpse of the high-caliber talent in our region, and the spring tennis circuit will showcase both emerging stars and seasoned competitors. Fans and stakeholders alike should keep an eye on these standout teams and individual players as they transition from state-level success to regional and interscholastic tournaments.

The blend of business acumen and athletic excellence that defines our organization is perfectly captured in the spirit of these young athletes. As spring tennis approaches, the anticipation is palpable—this is more than just a season of competition; it’s a celebration of dedication, skill, and an enduring love for the game.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to spotlight the players and teams that are shaping the future of high school tennis in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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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.

2025 VISAA State Tennis Championships Preview: Teams to Watch

Spring is right around the corner which means the 2025 Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) State Tennis Championships is coming up. Top programs across the state are preparing for another thrilling showdown. Last year’s champions are back to defend their titles, while rising contenders aim to shake up the rankings. With experienced returners and new talent stepping up, this year’s tournament promises to be one of the most competitive yet.

Boys’ Division: Who’s in Contention?

Division I: Can St. Christopher’s School Make a Repeat?

Defending champion St. Christopher’s School (Richmond, VA) will be the team to beat after a dominant 2024 performance. Their balanced lineup and strong doubles play helped them clinch last year’s title, and they’ll look to carry that momentum into 2025.

  • Collegiate School (Richmond, VA), last year’s runner-up, will be determined to flip the script after falling just short in 2024.
  • Bishop Ireton (Alexandria, VA) and Norfolk Academy (Norfolk, VA) are also programs to watch, with deep rosters capable of making a championship run.

Division II: North Cross Looks for Back-to-Back Titles

After winning last year’s Division II championship, North Cross School (Roanoke, VA) returns as a favorite, thanks to its dominant singles performances.

  • The Covenant School (Charlottesville, VA) was last year’s runner-up and could pose a contender against North Cross School.
  • Trinity Christian School (Fairfax, VA) and Highland School (Warrenton, VA) will look to build on strong semifinal appearances in 2024.

Girls’ Division: Who Will Rise to the Top?

Division I: Collegiate Faces Fierce Competition

After capturing the 2024 state title, Collegiate School (Richmond, VA) will be a frontrunner for the title again. Their depth and experience carried them to victory last season, but the field is stronger than ever.

  • The Potomac School (McLean, VA), last year’s runner-up, will be a key challenger. Their singles depth could be the difference-maker in 2025.
  • Episcopal High School (Alexandria, VA) and Trinity Episcopal School (Richmond, VA) are very competitive teams that could make deep tournament runs.

Division II: Can St. Anne’s-Belfield Hold On?

Last year’s champion, St. Anne’s-Belfield School (Charlottesville, VA), will try to defend their crown against a competitive field.

  • Cape Henry Collegiate (Virginia Beach, VA) nearly pulled off an upset in 2024 and will be a top contender this year.
  • The Steward School (Richmond, VA) and Foxcroft School (Middleburg, VA) are programs on the rise, capable of making a serious run for the title.

A Wide-Open Championship Race

This year’s state championships is on route to be an exciting one.Defending champions will look to cement their legacies, but hungry challengers are ready to take them down.

Will we see repeat champions, or will a new team rise to the top? One thing is certain—this year’s tournament will be one to remember.

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.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.

2025 Virginia Spring Tennis Preview: Can Tennis Siblings be the answer to winning multiple titles? 

Spring is nearly here, and with it comes the highly anticipated 2025 VHSL Tennis Championships! Schools across Virginia are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling season. Last year’s champions, like Langley, who took home both the boys’ and girls’ team titles in Class 6, and Broad Run, who dominated the Class 4 Girls Championship by claiming all three titles, have set the bar high. But with fresh faces and new rivalries, the stakes are higher than ever!

Could sibling power be the secret to success? Last year, the Rotaru sisters, Izzy and Lexi, stole the show in Class 4, taking the doubles title for Broad Run in a commanding 6-2, 6-3 win over E.C. Glass’s Tovia Carothers and Mary Kennedy. Will more sibling duos rise to the occasion this year and make their mark on the court?

As always, each season brings new challenges—seniors graduating, rookies stepping up, and coaches scrambling to find the perfect lineup. With the first matches kicking off in mid-March, the 2025 spring tennis season is already shaping up to be one for the books!

Boys Divisions

Langley took the Class 6 Team Bracket, while Deep Run’s Zach Fleishman took the Class 6 singles and doubles title with Grant Kroodsma.

In Class 5, Riverside claimed the team title against Frank Cox. Riverside’s Ricky Hota and Aarush Rajanala also defeated Neil Banga and Sam Dixon from Frank Cox to claim the doubles title. For the singles title, Matthew Onoff from Menchville defeated Neil Vanga from Frank Cox without dropping a game, 6-0, 6-0. 

Charlottesville won the Class 4 team title. Drew Perez took the singles title and Cole Lafors and Izaak Brown took the doubles title, 6-0, 6-3. 

Western Albemarle took the team title for Class 3. However, Graton’s Rainer Christiansen took the singles and doubles title with his partner, John Lee.

Finally, Bruton took the Class 2 Boys Team Bracket with Christoph Scweitzer and Max De Winter taking home the doubles title. Jack Clem from Richlands took home the single title. 

Girls Divisions

In Class 6, Langley took home the team title. In addition to the team title, Arakal Henryson Gibbs and Zosia Henryson Gibbs also took home the doubles title for Langley. Marianna Primatova from Fairfax took home the singles title. 

Douglas Freeman secured the Class 5 Girls Team Bracket. Ana Maria Rincon from Patrick Henry claimed the singles title while Maddie Tran and Mariana Tan Li from Riverside secured the doubles title. 

Broad Run secured all three championship titles for Class 4 Girls Championships. Lexi Rotaru secured the singles title and the doubles title with Izzy Rotaru. 

For Class 3, Maggie Walker claimed the team title. They also secured the doubles title thanks to Martina Ribera and Ella Wiatt. Blythe Sturman from Western Albemarle won the singles title. 

Marion Senior won two titles during the Class 2 championships. They won the team title, and Parker White won the singles title. Radford’s Lydia Pratt and Claire Fender secured the doubles title. 

In Class 1 action, Rappahannock secured all three titles. Sadie Packett won the singles title in straight sets against Addy bays from Twin Springs. Laney Williams and Maggie Wonderling secured the doubles title for Rappahannock. 

What to Expect This Year

The 2025 VHSL Tennis Championships promise to be an action-packed event full of intense rivalries, breakout performances, and unforgettable moments. With a mix of returning champions, hungry challengers, and fresh talent, the road to victory will be more thrilling than ever. Stay tuned—this is one season you won’t want to miss!

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.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.

2025 DC High School Tennis Preview: Sidwell Friends and St. Albans Rivalry continues for State Championships

Sidwell Friends and St. Albans Set the Stage for an Electrifying 2025 DCSAA Tennis Season

The 2024 DCSAA Tennis Championships at the S.E. Tennis & Learning Center delivered high-energy rallies, thrilling tiebreaks, and championship moments that will be talked about for seasons to come. From May 13-16, Washington, D.C.’s top high school players battled for supremacy, and by the end of the tournament, Sidwell Friends school and St. Albans school had cemented themselves as the powerhouses of the circuit. But with a new season on the horizon, the competition is only heating up!

Doubles Domination

The action-packed girls’ doubles final saw Sara Abouzeid and Natalie McIntosh of Sidwell Friends overpower Sayra Agca and Gabi Wilkins from Maret with an 8-4 victory, proving their chemistry and shot-making are second to none.

Meanwhile, in the boys’ doubles showdown, Cyrus and Cameron Zia of St. Albans took charge, outplaying Louis Anderson III and Boning Wang from Sidwell Friends to claim the title with an identical 8-4 scoreline. St. Albans made a statement—when it comes to doubles, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Singles Showdowns That Kept Fans on the Edge of Their Seats

The girls’ singles final was an all-Sidwell battle, with Sara Abouzeid and Natalie McIntosh turning from teammates into rivals for a match filled with momentum shifts. McIntosh took the first set 6-2, but Abouzeid fought back to win the second 6-3 and clinched the title in a heart-pounding 10-8 tiebreaker. If this matchup is any indication of what’s to come, fans are in for a spectacular season ahead.

On the boys’ side, Cyrus Zia of Sidwell Friends showed why he’s one of the most dominant players in DCSAA history, delivering a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Jack Sherner of Gonzaga High School. With an aggressive baseline game and strategic play, Zia sent a clear message—he’s not done winning yet.

Who Will Reign Supreme in 2025?

With their 2024 success, Sidwell Friends and St. Albans are stepping into the new season as the frontrunners. But in a sport where anything can happen, challengers are ready to shake up the rankings.

  • Sara Abouzeid and Natalie McIntosh will look to build on their dominance, but can a rising contender disrupt their reign?
  • Cyrus Zia is the player to beat—will anyone be able to challenge his dominance in both singles and doubles?
  • St. Albans’ Zia brothers have proven their doubles strength, but will a new duo emerge to take them down?
  • Maret and Gonzaga have talented rosters—could 2025 be their breakthrough year?

One thing is certain—the 2025 DCSAA Tennis Championships are shaping up to be an unforgettable season. With returning champions defending their crowns and rising stars eager to make their mark, the competition will be fiercer than ever. Get ready, D.C. tennis fans—the road to the next title starts now!

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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.

How You Can Give to Grow Tennis this Summer!

Kids want to play tennis and all we have to do is put them on a path to get into the game. But sometimes, things get in the way. The cost of lessons or tennis summer camp fees, or even equipment can be more than some can afford. This is why we fundraise! 

Your support helps youth players in need access the benefits of tennis. By contributing, you ensure all children have equal opportunities to enjoy the physical, social, and emotional advantages of playing tennis.

All children deserve to play tennis and scholarships from USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation make it so more youth can get into and stay in the sport.

Join USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation and support the Summer Smash challenge. This year all money raised in the challenge will fund scholarships for youth tennis players. 

And we need you now more than ever. 

The 2024 spring Junior Player Scholarship application period saw an incredible 40% increase since 2023. We’ve received more applications than ever before. We will exhaust all of our scholarship funding in this first round of applications. But so many more kids need help and need to be able to play tennis! 

Tennis continues to be an outlet for kids to get involved, make friends, and be active.  This year’s Summer Smash challenge will directly fund our Junior Player Scholarship so that  youth tennis players can gain the healthy benefits of the sport we all love! 

Let’s Smash the Challenge Together 

This challenge provides a fun, easy way for your team to compete against other Mid-Atlantic teams to see how much money you can raise for the USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Scholarship program. It’s truly a special experience. 

“It’s fun sharing something important to me and telling others about its benefits,” said Robin Sanford, the top fundraiser in the 2021 Summer Smash Challenge. “I also love a challenge!”

Since 2018, USTA Mid-Atlantic has awarded scholarships to 179 youth players to help cover expenses related to tennis and keep them playing. Our goal is to raise $5,000 to fund more youth player scholarships and meet the growing needs of players and their families/caregivers. 

Thanks to two generous donors, your impact will be doubled with a matching offer up to $5,500! This means we can raise even more this year, maximizing the benefits for our scholarship program with each donation.

Here are the easy steps to get your fundraiser on a roll: 

  1. SIGN UP
    Click here     to register as an individual with the option to join a team later!
  2. SHARE YOUR PAGE
    Personalize your page with your tennis story, photos and videos then share the news with your network.
  3. GET MORE SUPPORTERS
    Ask your friends and tennis teammates to join your team; you can send them a custom link to sign up on your dashboard. Also, share your fundraising page with friends and family asking them to support you so that more kids can experience the benefits of tennis!

“I set up my page and then emailed it to about 15 people individually, who I thought might be willing to help,” Sanford said. “These were family and friends who I thought would be willing to support my effort and help a good cause, they responded very generously.”

Here are four tips to help guide you toward a successful fundraiser: 

  • Make your first donation to your page, $5, $10, $25 or more is a great way to get started and show others you really care. 
  • Invite your fellow tennis players to join your fundraising team so that together you can reach your goal!
  • Share your fundraising page with family and friends and ask them to help you reach your goal. Share your page in a text message, on your Facebook page or Instagram page or even send an email! Friends help friends that ask! 
  • Send thank you notes to all who donate to your page and let them know they are helping to change lives through the sport of tennis!

The Perks of the Summer Smash 

Now, we do know tennis players love a little friendly competition! In recognition of that, you and your team could WIN big by going big with your efforts.

Summer Smash 2024 top fundraiser prizes:

  • Mubadala Citi Open Team Experience! Includes (15) tickets for your team to attend the 2024 Citi Open together this summer in Washington, DC among other surprises!
  • Enjoy a 2-hour tennis clinic for 8 at The Boar’s Head Resort, followed by refreshing beverages with your team at a local brewery in Charlottesville, VA.
  • Enjoy a Pickleball Social with a 90-minute clinic and a round-robin tournament for 16 people, including 8 players and their guests!

The challenge ends July 17th, so let’s get started!

Participating in Summer Smash is a great way to begin leaving your impact on the Mid-Atlantic tennis community, but your journey doesn’t have to stop there! If you’re looking to do more to grow tennis in your community, there are various ways to get involved year-round and make an impact.

Questions? Contact Anita Walker, Director of Development, awalker@mas.usta.com

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

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.