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Game Changer: Kemit-Amon Lewis’s Impact In Para Standing Tennis

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Kemit-Amon Lewis’s journey back to competitive tennis is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of community. His connection with Wilson and JTCC has been instrumental in his return to the sport, allowing him to push past barriers and redefine what is possible in Para Standing tennis.

In 2019, while working in St. Croix as a marine biologist, Lewis contracted a severe bacterial infection that led to septic shock and multiple organ failure, resulting in the amputation of his right hand, right leg, and parts of his left fingers and toes.

Despite these hardships, Lewis was determined to return to his active lifestyle. With the support of Wilson, he was able to customize equipment that allowed him to adapt his game, including a specialized prosthetic arm attachment for his racquet.

“Wilson has been incredible in helping me find the right gear,” he explained. “Having equipment that’s tailored to my needs has made a huge difference in my confidence and performance.”

His determination and hard work led him back to competitive tennis, where he participated in the 2024 Para Standing Tennis World Championships held in Italy. It was overseas during this tournament that Lewis encountered two other individuals associated with JTCC.

“I met [former JTCC Coach] Karl Lee and [JTCC Para Standing player] Nicky Maxwell at the World Championships in Italy,” Lewis recalled. “I had heard about JTCC, but I didn’t know about the Adaptive program until I met them. Once I got here, I knew it was the right place for me. The energy, the coaching, the players – it was exactly what I needed.”

Through his training at JTCC and his partnership with Wilson, Lewis reinforced his belief that determination, adaptability, and the right support system can help athletes of all abilities excel.

“JTCC has given me the opportunity to train at an elite level and work with amazing coaches,” he said. “It’s not just about improving my game—it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what’s possible.”

Photo credit: PJ Davis

Alumnus Stiles Brockett Clinches UVA Win Over #1 Texas

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In a moment that will be etched in University of Virginia tennis history, freshman and JTCC alumnus Stiles Brockett delivered a heroic performance to clinch the decisive point in the Cavaliers’ thrilling 4-3 upset over #1-ranked University of Texas on February 2.

In front of an electrified home crowd in Charlottesville, VA, Brockett showcased resilience and composure, turning the tide for Virginia in one of the most intense matches of the season.

With the Cavaliers trailing 3-2, the pressure mounted with no margin to spare as the final two singles matches neared a conclusion.

At the #1 singles match, 2024 JTCC ITF Boys’ champion Rafael Jodar fought off three match points to secure a crucial three-set win, tying the overall match score at 3-3.

All eyes then shifted to Brockett, who found himself locked in a grueling battle in the #5 singles match. After dropping the opener 4-6, Brockett dug deep, fighting back to claim the final sets 7-5, 6-3. The victory over #116 Lucas Brown marked Brockett’s first ranked win of his collegiate career.

“The energy of the match was unbelievable. There were a lot of fans, and the atmosphere was electric,” Brockett reminisced. “Having the opportunity to play in a match like that was amazing, and to clinch a match like that is what you dream of in college tennis. To win for my team and share that moment with my teammates was special, but it’s just one match, and there’s a lot of tennis left to play this season.”

Brockett is joined on the UVA varsity by fellow JTCC alumni RJ Fresen (senior) and Stefan Regalia (sophomore).

Alumni Spotlight: Jakob Esterowitz Stringing Along An Environmental Initiative

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JTCC alumnus Jakob Esterowitz has transformed his skills on the court into a groundbreaking venture off the court. Jakob founded Orobor, a company repurposing old tennis strings into sustainable polyester pellets. His journey reflects the unique blend of athletic and personal growth fostered at JTCC.

Jakob began playing tennis at the age of three and joined JTCC when he was nine. He trained in the High Performance program for nearly a decade from 2012-21.

“The coaching, mental conditioning, and fitness programs created a balance between working hard and having fun,” Jakob said. “That balance kept my love for tennis alive. Even though tennis is an individual sport, JTCC fostered a team atmosphere. The diverse coaching structure and focus on resilience taught me to push myself.”

Currently a sophomore studying mechanical engineering and playing NCAA Division I tennis for Boston University, Jakob applies the lessons learned from JTCC to both his academics and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Jakob credits JTCC’s environmental initiatives, such as the Recycle Balls program, for inspiring his work. Orobor currently collects discarded strings from 30 facilities and is expanding into more clubs nationwide.

“I wanted to create a solution to reduce the environmental impact of microplastics and CO2 emissions because I’ve seen firsthand as a player how much string we go through,” Jakob stated. “Seeing the Recycle Ball program at JTCC when I was younger showed me the importance of giving back to the community.”

Though busy with Orobor and college, Jakob remains connected to JTCC and keeps in touch with other alumni and coaches and visits when he can.

“JTCC shaped me as a player and a person,” he said. “The lessons I learned there continue to guide me in everything I do.”

Shristi Selvan Achieves Career-High USTA #15 National Ranking

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JTCC High Performance Player Shristi Selvan set a personal goal in 2024 to become a “top 25 player in the country” in Girls’ 14s by the end of 2025.

Just 30 days into the new year, Selvan now can aim even higher, having now achieved a career-high USTA national ranking of #15.

The Howard County native, who began training at JTCC five years ago, has rapidly climbed the rankings following a successful 2024 season that included a finalist finish in doubles at the prestigious Orange Bowl Girls’ 14s.  After starting the previous year with a rank of #60, Shristi can take pride in her remarkable progress in such a short time.

“It means a lot,” Selvan stated. “It shows all the work I’ve put in and that my results are actually starting to show.”

A key part of her success has been her growing comfort with tournament play.

“Over time, I’ve become more comfortable with tournaments, more relaxed, and I’ve advanced further when I compete,” she explained.

Her breakthrough moment came at the Orange Bowl, where she reached the doubles final and reached the Round of 16 in singles. The international event, often regarded as one of the toughest Junior competitions in the world, marked one of her biggest achievements in 2024.

For Selvan, the guidance from her team of coaches has been essential. “Coach Paula has been such a help to me, fixing my technique and helping me with my mentality,” she said. “Coach Peter is helping me with the mental side, and Coach Oliver and Ali are all helping me improve my game to go farther in tournaments.”

With a deep sense of gratitude for the team behind her, Selvan is now focused on her next goal of reaching a top 10 ranking before she ages out of the Girls’ 14s age group on May 16.

“I want to get my UTR higher and go deeper in major tournaments,” she stated with her eyes set on the future. “I’m determined to push myself further and get better every day.”

Kalista Papadopoulos: A Rising Star At JTCC

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At 15-years-old, Kalista Papadopoulos is quickly making a name for herself in the tennis world. A relative newcomer to competitive tennis, Kalista began taking the sport seriously only after COVID-19 disrupted her involvement in other team sports such as lacrosse and field hockey. What started as casual rallies with her older brother Jordan during the pandemic has now evolved into a dedicated pursuit of excellence on the court.

Kalista and her brother joined JTCC seven months ago in May. In that short time under the mentorship of Coach James Carr, Kalista has taken her game to the next level.

Describing herself as an aggressive baseliner with a growing focus on net play, Kalista credits JTCC for shaping her consistency and confidence. Her hard work recently paid off when she captured her first International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior doubles title in Peru with fellow JTCC High Performance player Reiley Rhodes.

“Winning the title in Peru was an unforgettable experience,” Kalista said. “The repetition we get in our training at JTCC is very helpful. Drills translate directly into match play, which makes new skills we practice feel second nature during competition.”

Looking ahead, Kalista’s goals are clear. She wants to play collegiate tennis at a top school and test her skills in select professional tournaments in the future. With her relentless drive and the support of her JTCC family, the future looks bright for this rising star.

“JTCC feels like home. We all push each other to improve, and that bond makes the hard work worth it,” she stated. “Having my brother here to train with me and challenge me is also special. I’m excited for what is ahead next year.”

JTCC Alumnus Denis Kudla Announces Retirement After 14-Year Tennis Career

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After an outstanding junior and professional career that left an indelible mark on the sport, JTCC alumnus Denis Kudla has officially retired from tennis after an impressive 14 years on the tour.

The first JTCC player to compete on the ATP tour, Kudla quickly gained attention as a junior in 2008 when he won the prestigious Orange Bowl 16’s, defeating fellow JTCC player Mitchell Frank, and ending the year ranked #3 in the ITF World Junior rankings.

His success continued as he reached the US Open Boys’ Singles finals in 2010 before transitioning to the ATP Tour as a professional.

Throughout his tennis career, Kudla celebrated several significant milestones, including breaking into the Top 100 at age 20 and reaching a career-high ranking of #53 in singles in 2016. Recognized for his powerful serve and strong baseline game, Kudla won nine ATP Challenger Tour titles over his career and had the honor of representing Team USA at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In 2015, Kudla attained his best Grand Slam result, advancing to the 4th round of Wimbledon before being defeated by US Open champion Marin Čilić.

Reflecting on his career in an Instagram post after his final match, in which he teamed with Desirae Krawczyk to help the United States sweep win the doubles semifinals of the United Cup, Kudla expressed his gratitude: “I could have never imagined what this life could give me and where it has brought me,” Kudla stated. “A blonde-haired, backwards hat-wearing kid from the DMV going on to be a professional tennis player! I am forever grateful to this sport I love.”

Two-time US Open semifinalist and JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe, who looked up to Kudla while training together as juniors at JTCC, paid tribute to his friend on social media.

“I really appreciate you bro, more than you can ever imagine. You truly helped me believe that being a pro can be a reality,” he wrote. “Thanks for giving me game and support as a youngin and still to this day. Nothing but love for you baldhead Kudla.”

While Kudla might be done competing in tennis, he certainly remains close to the sport. He began the newest chapter of his tennis career in December, agreeing to coach fellow American Reilly Opelka. Kudla’s influence has already been noticeable, as Opelka recently defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6(6), 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International.

JTCC President Vesa Ponkka, who witnessed Kudla’s growth as a junior, remarked on his legacy:

“Denis was one of the most important players we have ever had at JTCC. He established the work ethic, discipline, and professional mindset that define a player at JTCC. He decided at a very young age that he wanted to become a great player, and he worked tirelessly every day to make that happen.”

2024 JTCC Highlights

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Throughout the year, JTCC participants and alumni continued to leave inspirational memories for the entire community.

Thirteen-year-old Wheelchair player Spencer Davis left his mark earning a permanent place on the JTCC Walk of Fame after securing a prestigious United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Gold Ball in the Coed C singles bracket of the L1 Cajun Classic in Baton Rouge, LA in March.

JTCC’s 25th Anniversary Gala honoring alumnus Frances Tiafoe and University of Maryland president Darryll Pines raised more than $580,000 for the JTCC Community Champs (formerly GEICO Game On!) program providing access to tennis to youth in underserved communities in Washington, DC and Prince George’s County.

In August, JTCC hosted the inaugural Wheelchair Championships, an event that featured three tournaments in one, ranging from professionals on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit to amateurs and juniors in USTA events all competing in respective brackets. More than 50 players from around the world participated in the four-day event.

JTCC High Performance player Reiley Rhodes made headlines in November by securing her first three career ITF Junior titles in two weeks in Peru. Rhodes cruised to a J60 singles and doubles title before taking her game to the next level claiming a J100 singles championship the following week.

In the past two months, three alumni – Ayana Akli, Andrew Fenty, and William Woodall, each triumphed at the highest level, winning their first professional doubles tournaments as all three embark on pro careers.

Stay tuned for more inspiring memories and experiences for the JTCC community in 2025!

Community Champs Concludes Record-Setting Session I

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A record number of nearly 300 students ages 5-18 participated in nine weeks of JTCC’s Community Champs (formerly Game On!) Session I learning tennis fundamentals and gaining invaluable life skills in a rewarding experience filled with rallies, laughter, and growth.

Held at 12 sites across Washington, D.C. and Prince George’s County from August to October, Community Champs introduced young players to the essentials of tennis in weekly classes not only improving their racquet skills, but fostering teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, all in an atmosphere of encouragement and fun.

Led by dedicated JTCC coaches with the support of passionate volunteers, the program provided students with a meaningful athletic and community-building experience. JTCC coaches and mentors served as role models on and off the court, helping students with their emotional/creative skills and finding joy in learning and playing tennis.

Because of their commitment and progress, 28 students accepted invitations to continue training in JTCC’s Phase 2 Future Champs program where they have access to free classes to build their skills. This pathway is a core part of JTCC’s mission, offering youth who might not otherwise have access to tennis instruction the opportunity to explore and excel in tennis.

“Session I of Community Champs was a big success. We had our largest cohort of students coming to JTCC for continued training, with nearly 100% of students accepting their invitations,” Community Outreach Manager Ava Todd said. “This growth is a testament to the fun and engaging introductions to tennis that the coaches are providing at our partner locations. We look forward to seeing these students develop at JTCC.”

Congratulations to the 292 students who participated, and a huge thank you to the coaches and volunteers whose dedication made this session a success.

Reiley Rhodes & Kalista Papadopoulos Dominate In Peru

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JTCC High Performance Players Reiley Rhodes and Kalista Papadopoulos both captured their first Junior ITF titles at the J60 Arequipa Open that took place last month in Peru.

Battling the altitude and competing in singles and doubles draws dominated by South American players, Rhodes completely overwhelmed the field losing only six games during her singles title run. After easily defeating Bolivia’s Adriana Zurita 6-2, 6-2 in the final, the 15-year-old Junior star teamed up with Papadopoulos to win the doubles crown with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Samantha Alvarez and Aline Aveiro of Chile and Paraguay, respectively.

This was Papadopoulos’ first ITF title and Rhodes’ first two ITF titles. After the victory, Rhodes wasn’t done adding to her trophy collection, as she went on to win the J100 Arequipa Open, defeating No. 4 seed Daniela Gonzalez of Peru 6-4, 6-3 in the final.

Rhodes dominance was on full display, compiling 10 straight set wins during her title run.

“I’m happy and proud of the girls rising to the occasion, getting the job done, and trusting our training,” said Director of Champs II James Carr who accompanied the players on the trip.

“It’s great to see Reiley win on her first ITF trip. Kalista joined our program six months ago and has been very close to winning many titles, so seeing her win her first is great. Hopefully, they can win another one during the second week.”

After returning home, the players will be training for the prestigious Orange Bowl Championships and National Winter Championships in Florida.

JTCC Alumnus Andrew Fenty Captures First Pro Title

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Just one month after JTCC alumni Ayana Akli and William Woodall secured their first professional doubles titles, alumnus Andrew Fenty followed suit on November 10, securing his maiden pro crown at an ITF M15 tournament in Guatemala.

Fenty, the winningest player in the history of the University of Michigan tennis program, partnered with fellow American Tristan McCormick. The duo did not drop a set in four matches en route to capturing the title and marking an important milestone in Fenty’s career.

“Clinching the title was a great feeling,” Fenty recalled. “Just knowing it was your last match of the tournament and ending the week on a win is awesome. I would say this title is the most important for my career, and to know that I can still develop and improve is a great feeling.”

Reflecting on his success, Fenty credits his longtime JTCC coaches, Asaf Yamin and Oliver Akli, for his improved play in the past month.

“I played very well in the last three weeks,” Fenty said. “I made a couple changes in my game with Asaf and Oliver, which allow me to play more aggressively than I have in the past.”

Looking ahead, Fenty emphasized his desire to stay competitive and continue building momentum heading into 2025.

“My goals to end this year are to just compete hard and play as many matches as possible,” Fenty said.

JTCC High Performance Player Kase Schinnerer Commits To UNC

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After attaining the status as one of the most coveted Juniors in the nation, JTCC High Performance player Kase Schinnerer has chosen the University of North Carolina as his next destination to pursue his athletic and academic dreams.

The blue-chip five-star recruit and #11 player in the Boys’ Class of 2025, Schinnerer elected to join the Tarheels after being courted by several other schools.

“It’s a nice feeling to get rid of the stress of being recruited, and it’s just a good feeling knowing I made my decision, and I’m very excited,” stated Schinnererer. “You say the name “UNC” and everyone knows what it represents. The combination of athletics and academics was everything I was looking for, and Chapel Hill is beautiful. I really love the coaching staff and the guys on the team. It was the perfect fit for me.”

In March, Schinnerer initially verbally committed to the University of Florida, but after internal changes at the school, including two coaches and four players leaving, he “de-committed” and reopened the recruitment process.

Kase and his brother Erik joined JTCC in January 2023 after training at the Gomez Tennis Academy in Florida for two years. Schinnerer quickly ascended to being ranked as one of the top players in the nation, culminating in a current ITF World Junior ranking of #57.

Now entering a new chapter in his life, Schinnerer describes what he is looking forward to experiencing.

“I’m excited to be by myself, live by myself, live with teammates, be an adult, compete, and represent my school,” declared Schinnerer. “JTCC will always be my training base, and I have no doubt I’ll be back. This is a new experience, new chapter for me, and I believe JTCC has set me up for that.”

JTCC Alumni Ayana Akli & William Woodall Win First Professional Tournaments

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More than 6,500 miles apart, two JTCC alumni experienced euphoria on October 6 by claiming their first professional doubles titles.

Alumna Ayana Akli took home the Women’s Doubles crown at the ITF W35 in Redding, CA while halfway around the world in Tunisia, alumnus William Woodall triumphed at the Men’s Doubles ITF M15 tournament.

Akli, a three-time ITA All-American for the University of South Carolina, soared to the title without dropping a set after benefitting from two walkovers in early rounds.

“My play, to be honest, was not great, but it allowed me to find a way to push through not playing perfectly and get the wins,” Akli recounted. “Getting the title felt incredible, and it showed everything I was working on came through in the end.”

After turning professional earlier this year, Akli has her sights set on growth rather than rankings as she ascends into her next tennis chapter.

“I want to get better and get more experience so when I am in high-pressure situations, I trust myself,” Akli said.

Woodall, a two-time NCAA Team Champion at the University of Virginia, partnered with his former Cavaliers teammate Chris Rodesch. The pair cruised to the final also without dropping a set before earning a tight 6-2, 3-6, 10-3 win in the championship match.

“My level got better and better as the week went on. It was only my fourth event on tour, so I didn’t expect my level to be exactly where I wanted it to be,” Woodall said. “Winning the title felt great, but I immediately had an internal want for more. This was a good first step, but I believe I have a lot more to produce on tour.”

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