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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.”

JTCC Hosts Inaugural Veterans Tournament

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Eighteen proud Military Veterans came together September 20-22 to compete in the first JTCC Veterans Tennis Championships for a memorable weekend dedicated to honoring those who have served our country.

Players were treated to Paisano’s on Friday night as a social event before the tournament kicked off during the weekend with singles and doubles action both days.

Longtime JTCC member 92-year-old Dick Charlton excelled in the 70+ Singles and Doubles divisions reaching the finals in both events, while Sam Williams, a regular in the free weekly Veterans program at JTCC won the 70+ Singles Division with a 6-2, 6-1 victory over Charlton.

JTCC wants to thank the Department of Veterans Affairs for sponsoring the JTCC Veterans Tennis Corps program, which makes events like this tournament possible.

If you are interested in joining our program, click here.

ITA Bedford Cup Attracts Record Draw

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Eighty-two NCAA Division I female players from 11 area universities enjoyed abundant sunshine and perfect tennis weather September 13-15 at JTCC in the eighth Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Bedford Cup.

“It was an incredible field this year,” commented JTCC President Vesa Ponkka. “Looking across the courts to see more than 80 women representing the highest level of intercollegiate tennis was inspirational for the young girls who play at JTCC year-round.”

The field increased in 2024 from 56 players representing eight universities in 2023.

Players from Coppin State University, George Mason University, West Virginia University, George Washington University, Howard University, Loyola University Maryland, University of Maryland, Morgan State University, Delaware State University, Towson University and Mount St. Mary’s University competed in singles and doubles matches in draws based on their World Tennis Number (WTN).

Finalists in each flight earned trophies for their outstanding performances. All players, coaches and guests received JTCC bags and towels commemorating the event.

Four JTCC alumnae and two University of Maryland players had the “home court” advantage. Maryland’s Katherine Hung placed third in Flight 1 singles competition, while Howard’s Imani Jean (JTCC ‘23) and Morgan State’s Lauryn Hall (JTCC ‘21) placed fourth in Flight 2 and Flight 5 singles action, respectively.

Howard’s Jordan Grayson (JTCC ‘21), Mount St. Mary’s Amari O’Brien (JTCC ‘24), and Maryland’s Aida Essa competed in singles and doubles matches.

JTCC Hosts 200 International Players In Pre-US Open Junior ITF Tournament

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In preparation for the Junior Boys’ and Girls’ US Open, 200 of the Top Junior players in the world from 35 different countries battled at JTCC and competed in the J300 ITF Wayne K. Curry Prince George’s County International Junior Tennis Championships presented by Laurel Springs School.

Twenty JTCC players contended in the event, with Kase & Erik Schinnerer, Michael Chen, Nico Pedraza, and Jordan Papadopolous participating in the Boys’ main draw and Reiley Rhodes, Shivaani Selvan, Carolina Castro playing in Girls’ main draw action.

“This year’s ITF was successful. We fielded the strongest lineup of players we have ever had and the level of play was extremely high all week,” JTCC Director of International Operations Asaf Yamin said. “We are grateful to have amazing sponsors, staff, and volunteers who help make the event a success each year, and we hope to continue to grow and make this a special week.”

In Girls’ Singles, world #6 Teodora Kostovic from Serbia defeated American Thea Frodin 7-5, 6-2 to capture the girls title.

In Boys’ Singles, world #16 Rafael Jodar from Spain beat Charlie Robertson from Great Britain 6-3, 6-1 to win the boys championship.

Special thanks to Asaf Yamin who served as Tournament Director and John Niswander who served as Assistant Tournament Director for their dedication and hard work, as well as the sponsors, officials, staff, and volunteers who made the event a success on and off the court.

Frances Tiafoe Soars To US Open Semifinals

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Demonstrating the skills that make him one of the world’s top players, JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe advanced to the US Open semifinals for the second time in three years earning him the distinction of being the only American man to reach the semifinals two times since 2000.

In 2022, Tiafoe secured his spot in the penultimate round after famously defeating 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal in the Round of 16.

A fan favorite known for his charismatic personality and indomitable spirit, Tiafoe captured the hearts of fans worldwide with his gritty determination, exquisite shot making, and effervescent smile during his fantastic run in 2024 before falling in a five-set thriller to Taylor Fritz.

In the first two rounds, Tiafoe defeated opponents Aleksander Kovacevic and Alexander Shevchenko, losing only one set in the two matches. In the third round, Tiafoe avenged last year’s US Open quarterfinal loss to Ben Shelton, by defeating him in his first five-set match of the tournament that played out for nearly four hours.

In the Round of 16, Tiafoe knocked off Australian Alexei Popyrin, who had previously taken out 25-time Grand Slam Champion Novak Djokovic. After defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the quarterfinals, Tiafoe faced Fritz in the first All-American semifinals since 2005.

JTCC held a watch party at CP Hall in College Park, MD to support Frances in his bid to advance to the US Open Championship. More than 300 Tiafoe and JTCC supporters packed the venue for the historic semifinal matchup. ESPN was also on-site filming and showed Tiafoe fans cheering exuberantly after he won the third set.

Tiafoe and his twin brother, Franklin, have been fixtures at JTCC since their childhood. Their family’s journey began when they immigrated from war-torn Sierra Leone in West Africa to the United States during the 1990s. At JTCC, their father, Constant, was in charge of maintenance, and the Tiafoe twins could often be found traversing JTCC grounds with tennis racquets in hand, observing and emulating the coaches and players.

Tiafoe initially joined the JTCC afterschool training program. As his tennis skills flourished within this nurturing environment, Tiafoe progressed through the JTCC development pathway and began training as a full-time participant. After becoming the youngest winner of the prestigious Junior Orange Bowl at age 15, it wasn’t long before his prodigious talent propelled him into the world of professional tennis world in 2015 at the age of 17.

Tiafoe’s next challenge will be to represent Team World at the seventh edition of the Laver Cup, which will be held at Uber Arena in Berlin, from September 20-22, 2024.

JTCC Players Well-Prepared for Wimbledon

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JTCC players certainly didn’t let any grass grow under their feet at Wimbledon as three alumni raced to victories on the hallowed grass courts. Robin Montgomery fought through three matches in qualifying to earn her first entry into the women’s singles main draw. She followed up with an impressive first round defeat of Olivia Gadecki, 6-4, 6-4, to achieve a personal milestone winning her first Grand Slam main draw match.

The 19-year-old ascending star has achieved a career-high #138 WTA ranking in 2024 after reaching her first Hologic WTA Tour quarterfinal at the Libema Open in the Netherlands and advancing to the third round of the WTA 1000 Madrid Open where she lost to two-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka in a tightly contested three-set match.

JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe also impressed on the grass, registering two wins over Matteo Arnaldi and Borna Coric before falling to eventual 2024 Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match 5-7, 6-2, 4-6, 6-7, 6-2. Tiafoe, who defeated Rafael Nadal en route to reaching the 2022 US Open semifinals, is ranked #29 in the ATP world rankings and will compete in the Mubadala Citi DC Open beginning July 27.

In Boys’ Singles, JTCC High Performance player Kase Schinnerer made history of his own, registering his first main draw win at a Junior Grand Slam event. Schinnerer won two qualifying matches to gain entry into the 18 & Under Junior Boys main draw and has attained an ITF Junior world ranking of #57.

“We are thrilled to have three JTCC players perform so well at Wimbledon, and I’m personally very pleased I was able to attend Frances’ wonderful two sets to love comeback victory in the first round and also witness Robin Montgomery’s first Grand Slam victory,” said JTCC CEO Ray Benton.

Game On! Program Celebrates More Than 250 Graduates

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After a fun-filled session learning the game of tennis, 262 students, ages 6-12, graduated from the Spring Game On! session that wrapped up June 9.

Held at 14 locations across Washington, DC and Prince George’s County Schools and Recreation Centers, students were immersed in tennis fundamentals and at two sites, 40 students also engaged in Academic Creative Engagement (ACE) educational activities in weekly classroom sessions.

Classes are led by JTCC coaches assisted by volunteers from the community and JTCC Champs players who serve as role models and mentors for the dedicated young players.

Excited to continue to practice the new skills they’ve learned, 68 students from the past session and Phase 2 programming throughout the year have continued their training at JTCC starting this summer.

Congratulations to all of the students, and thank you to all the dedicated coaches who continue to make the program successful!

Ali Agnamba Leads Team Togo In Historic Billie Jean King Cup Appearance

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JTCC High Performance Coach Ali Agnamba made history earlier this month by training the Togolese women’s team as they prepared for their country’s first appearance in the Billie Jean King Cup!

Agnamba, who hails from the small town of Kodjoviakope, Togo, coached the squad of five players during their two-week visit to JTCC as prior to their return to Africa for the 2024 Africa IV tournament that took place June 10-15 at the Ecology Club Kigali in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Federation Cup, is regarded as a highly prestigious event and recognized as the world’s largest annual women’s international team sports competition.

For Togo Team player Chakira Dermen, the opportunity to be part of her country’s historic appearance was special.

“It’s a big honor, because it’s our country and we know there will be a lot of people watching us, and we’re representing everyone from Togo,” stated the 21-year-old Derman who came to the United States last year to play collegiate tennis for Concordia University Nebraska.

Dermen and her teammates undoubtedly made their country proud.

In the Africa IV tournament, Togo got off to a fantastic start, winning all four matches in Pool A to dominate the competition. However, their great run ended with a tough loss in the promotional play-off against Pool B winner Algeria.

“Overall I was very satisfied with how everything went,” JTCC Senior Director of Player Development Ali Agnamba said. “I was very proud to represent my country and being chosen by the Togo Tennis Federation President to serve as captain was amazing. We competed very well to win our group and reach the finals.”

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