JTCC Marketing, Author at Junior Tennis Champions Center

JTCC Athlete Madeleine-Camille Preuninger Thriving in New Wheelchair

Posted on December 7, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

The tennis journey of JTCC MedStar athlete Madeleine-Camille Preuninger was transformed overnight when she was the surprise recipient of a free custom-fit sports wheelchair six months ago.

The Hartford, a leading provider of disability insurance that has dedicated itself for the past 30 years to making adaptive sports and equipment more accessible, awarded the wheelchair to Preuninger making an indelible impact on the tennis enthusiast who began playing at JTCC in 2021.

“Adaptive sports have not only saved my life and maintained my physical well-being, but have also empowered me with independence,” said Preuninger, a regular member of JTCC’s weekly Integrative Clinics on Mondays.

“Adaptive Sports are a constant challenge, keeping me strong while instilling the courage to attempt things I never thought possible,” she continued.

In 2023, JTCC was awarded a $50,000 grant from The Hartford to purchase new adaptive sports equipment, including nine top-of-the-line tennis wheelchairs. With the support of Move United, a national leader in community adaptive sports, JTCC rewarded Preuninger for her dedication and exuberance to the sport during a special event.

“I’m super thankful for having the opportunity to own a new chair because otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to purchase one due to the cost,” expressed a grateful Preuninger.

Preuninger’s custom-fit chair on the court helps her avoid injuries, enhance comfort, and allows her to focus on improving her skills.

Not only an active participant at JTCC clinics, Preuninger has given back to the adaptive community, volunteering as a Junior Wheelchair Players coach.

Moving forward, Preuninger plans to continue improving her skills as a player and a coach. She also hopes to share the importance of adaptive tennis and change perspectives on disabilities in France, where much of her family resides.

Special thanks to The Hartford & Move United for making dreams come true. Here’s to celebrating the passion and commitment that Madeleine brings to the world of wheelchair tennis!

JTCC Celebrates Arthur Ashe Legacy

Posted on November 27, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

More than 100 players, staff, and spectators packed the JTCC lobby on November 17 for the Arthur Ashe Legacy Foundation at UCLA’s panel discussion celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ashe’s first visit to South Africa.

In 1973, Ashe became the first Black professional tennis player to compete in South Africa’s National Championships. Before his arrival, Ashe told the South African government that he would not play in front of a racially segregated audience and would not accept limitations on his free speech while in South Africa.

The 90-minute discussion featured individuals who knew Ashe recalling stories about the tennis pioneer and discussing how today’s young athletes can build on his commitment to empowerment and educational mobility.

Guha Shankar, a Library of Congress representative, moderated the impactful discussion that included a distinguished panel that included South African author Mark Mathabane, 1988 Nigerian Olympic tennis player Dr. Sadiq Abdullahi, American Tennis Association (ATA) President Roxanne Aaron, Director of Swimming, Diving, and Tennis at Howard University Nicholas Askew, and Howard University varsity player and 2021-22 All-Conference Academic team selection Gabriel Knowles.

“The importance of this event was to bring together people who knew Arthur Ashe and experienced the trip to South Africa, but also to connect this history to a new generation of people,” said Yolanda Hester, historian and member of the Arthur Ashe Legacy Foundation. “We want the takeaway for everyone from this event to be to see what you can do to help make a difference and impact the world as Arthur did.”

An Escape From Chaos: Priyana Kalita

Posted on November 2, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

JTCC High Performance Coach Priyana Kalita’s story is one of resilience and determination.

Born in the bustling streets of Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, India, Kalita grew up amidst continual unrest due to fighting over the India/Bangladesh border 150 miles from her home.

In 2008, tensions escalated when a series of bombs in Assam killed 88 people and injured 500. Kalita, then eight-years-old, vividly remembers seeing the smoke from her school and hiding underneath her desk with her frightened classmates.

“It was tragic as we did not know what was going on. I remember being in shock. Kids were crying,” she described. ”Then after about 30 minutes, there was a curfew given by the government, and our parents rushed to pick us up.”

Needing an outlet from the pain, tennis became Kalita’s escape from the chaos.

Introduced to tennis by her mother as a means to channel her energy and instill discipline, Kalita fell in love with the sport and quickly became one of the best junior players in the nation.

“Tennis has given me everything,” stated Kalita, who started training at North East Tennis Foundation in Guwahati. “I can be myself in the sport, express emotions, and feel included in the game.”

Kalita’s dominance on the court was evident. After winning multiple state and regional tournaments, Kalita, at 14, ascended to become the #1 player in the state of Assam, #12 in India, and achieved a #490 ITF world ranking.

At 15-years-old, Kalita’s resolve was shown again when she left her family to join the Team Tennis Academies in New Delhi. Unable to afford training costs, coaches permitted her to train by becoming a paid hitting partner and using her earnings for rent and training expenses. Her journey eventually led her across the world to Oxford, OH, where she played Division I NCAA tennis at Miami University (OH) before pursuing a graduate degree in Sport Management at Florida State University.

After becoming an assistant coach at Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, PA, for one year, Kalita joined JTCC in June, 2023. Responsible for both individual and group instruction, Kalita emphasizes a coaching philosophy that values a cooperative environment between the player and coach.

“There should be a balance between listening to athletes and telling them what to do, as players need to be heard,” Kalita explained. “You have to understand it’s not a cookie-cutter approach with everyone. Every athlete is different, and you need to understand the athletes as an individual.”

Now 25-years-old and looking forward to her future, Kalita describes her biggest goal moving forward is “being able to support my brother financially through college.”

When asked what she would like people to take away from her story, Kalita responds, “Always keep finding solutions. Life is about problem-solving. There will be bad days, but you have to keep trying to get through them, as there will be good days as well.”

JTCC Players Crowned Winners at L4 Wheelchair Championships

Posted on October 25, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

Thirty-two of the top wheelchair tennis players in the nation competed earlier this month in the USTA L4 JTCC Wheelchair Tennis Championships presented by MedStar NRH.

The largest wheelchair tournament in program history with 32 competitors, the event featured 16 JTCC/MedStar players, including 13-year-old Spencer Davis, 38-year-old Bryce Doody, and 48-year-old Michael Flores, who were all crowned champions in their respective brackets. Doody and 38-year-old Harsh Thakkar, also a JTCC/MedStar player, were the winners in their doubles bracket.

Players were split into coed brackets by level of play, with Juniors competing in 18 & Under Singles and Adults participating in Coed A, B, C, and D brackets.

The top Adults in each of their respective divisions received prize money, with singles champions taking home $150 and finalists winning $75.

Davis, a dedicated member of JTCC’s Wheelchair Tennis Program, earned a first-place paycheck in Group C singles and won the 18-and-Under singles. Flores, who joined JTCC in October, made a triumphant debut, claiming the top prize in Group D singles in the first tournament action of his career.

”It’s remarkable to see players’ improvement and the growth of the sport over the past three years of the tournament, which started with 17 players in the first year,” said Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis Gabby Hesse. “JTCC wants to thank all the incredible sponsors, volunteers, and dedicated supporters who ensured the tournament’s success.”

Schinnerer Brothers Create Their Legacy

Posted on October 11, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

For JTCC High Performance players Kase and Erik Schinnerer, their dominance on the court shouldn’t be a surprise.

Born into a family of athletes, with their mother Lessia, a former professional tennis player, and their father Dan, a four-year letter winner at Yale University, the Schinnerer brothers have quickly forged an identity of their own at JTCC.

Fueled by their close bond and “lifelong rivalry,” the brothers’ dedication on the court has paid off. The pair own the distinction of holding the No. 1 ranking in the Middle States Section for their respective age groups and, most impressively, with Kase ranked #18 in Boys’ 18s USTA national rankings (as a 17-year-old), and Erik ranked 14th in the nation in Boys’ 14s USTA rankings.

Kase and Erik arrived at JTCC in January 2023 after previously training at the Gomez Tennis Academy in Florida for two years. Impressed by positive reviews from fellow players and coaches during tournaments, the duo are now members of JTCC’s Full-Time program.

In August, Kase achieved success when he competed in a J300 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior tournament held at JTCC. Initially winning a wild card to gain entry into the tournament that featured 26 of the Top 50 Juniors in the world, Kase advanced to the quarterfinals in doubles and the third round in singles.

“It was a big opportunity,” stated Kase, acknowledging what it was like competing in the tournament. “After winning a brutally long first match, the next round was the best win of my life, as the guy was #12 in the world!

Not to be outdone, Erik claimed his third USTA Ball in August, capturing the Silver Ball in the USTA Boys’ 14 singles championship. This achievement came on the heels of the USTA Clay Court Nationals Boys’ 14s Championship in July when he was a two-time champion earning a Bronze Ball in singles and Silver Ball in Doubles.

With the future bright for both ascending tennis stars, who would the brothers like to play against in a dream doubles matchup? “The Bryan Brothers,” Kase and Erik say in unison. “Just give us a few years to improve first.”

Stiles Brockett Commits to NCAA Champion UVA

Posted on October 2, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

JTCC High Performance player Stiles Brockett started training at JTCC in 2020 with a goal “to become the best player he could be”.

Three years later, Brockett not only is one of the country’s best junior players and Boys 16 National champion, but he recently verbally committed to join one of the best collegiate programs in the country at the University of Virginia.

A member of the Full-Time program at JTCC, Brockett is a Blue Chip five-star recruit who has amassed an impressive list of achievements, including three National Gold Balls at the 2021 Winter Boys’ 16s Doubles Championships, the 2022 Boys’ 16s Clay Court Championships, and the 2023 Boys’ 18s Doubles Clay Court Championships.

Upon graduating from JTCC in 2024, Brockett joins a prestigious Cavaliers program that has won back-to-back NCAA championships in 2022-23, and has captured six of the last 10 team championships.

Brockett follows the footsteps of other notable JTCC alumni, including Stefan Regalia, a JTCC 2023 graduate; Mitchell Frank, 6-time NCAA Champion, Luca Corinteli,3-time NCAA Champion, and Treat Huey, a former ATP professional who is currently serving as UVA Assistant Coach.

“I chose UVA primarily because of the incredible culture,” said Stiles. “The coaches have shown undying support and belief in me throughout the process. The team is super close, and the energy during practices and matches is unreal. I’m so pumped to join that environment and go to battle with the boys.”

“There’s a rich legacy connecting JTCC and UVA,” expressed JTCC Director of International Operations Asaf Yamin.

“Brockett will mark the 20th player JTCC has sent to UVA, as our longstanding partnership has yielded outstanding results. Stiles will be part of one of the nation’s top programs, enabling him to pursue both his on-court and academic aspirations. We are eager to see what he will achieve.”

JTCC Visits Croatia: A Davis Cup Adventure

Posted on September 22, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

With 27 enthusiastic JTCC supporters cheering wildly at courtside, it was a day of many “firsts” for Bob Bryan and Team USA as they defeated Croatia 2-1 in the opening match of the 2023 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage in Split, Croatia.

In his first match as Captain, Bob Bryan achieved what no other captain had been able to achieve before by defeating Croatia. Prior to the win, Team USA was 0-5 against Croatia. What made the victory especially “sweet” was that the match was in Croatia.

The Davis Cup Finals Group Stage featured 16 teams playing in four cities, with one “home” team at each venue and two teams from each group advancing to the eight-nation knockout Final.

Leading Team USA was an impressive contingent of players, including JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Mackenzie McDonald, and doubles specialists Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.

Among the stalwart fans sitting courtside behind the Team USA bench for all nine matches against Croatia, Netherlands, and Finland were Board chair Kathleen Horvath and CEO Ray Benton, joined by longtime JTCC supporters Mike Barnello, Steve Glover, and LynnDee Conley (who traveled nine time zones from Los Angeles), tennis tourism fanatics Donn Marvin and Mike Teeter, and more. All were dressed in custom JTCC Team USA apparel often seen on the Tennis Channel broadcasts.

“Meeting new JTCC supporters was very rewarding, and this journey was a resounding success in terms of excitement and promoting JTCC’s mission,” said Horvath. “We eagerly anticipate future trips that blend tennis with advancing JTCC’s cause.”

Captain Bob wasted no time in naming his brother Mike as Team USA doubles coach. The legendary twins own an impressive 25-5 Davis Cup record, the most wins ever for a Team USA doubles team.

In May, Bob and Mike were the honorees at JTCC’s 2023 Gala, sparking interest in JTCC’s first fundraising trip to Croatia. Stay tuned for the next Davis Cup adventure!

Para Standing Tennis Takes Center Stage at US Open

Posted on September 13, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

JTCC Para Standing players Nicky Maxwell and Ken ‘Rocket’ Rodriguez had the opportunity of their lifetime when the duo competed in a Para Standing Doubles match in Arthur Ashe Stadium preceding the US Open Women’s Singles Final on September 9.

Selected by the USTA based on their recent high level of play, Maxwell and Rodriguez were accompanied by JTCC Coach Karl Lee, head coach for JTCC’s Para Standing tennis program, and Oliver Akli, JTCC Senior Director of Coaches’ Development.

Maxwell, who’s British, was born with a congenital limb absence below the knee. A JTCC fixture since he attended a Para Standing tennis event sponsored by Hanger Clinic in January, Maxwell made his tournament debut at the Para Standing Italian Open in Turin, Italy, in the spring of 2023.

“It was an incredible experience to play on Ashe and a memory that I will treasure for a long time,” stated Maxwell. “None of this would have been possible without the steady support of JTCC coaches Karl Lee and Gabby Hesse. The center has taken me in and been my biggest supporter while also having the vision to see the potential of Para Standing Tennis long before I did myself.”

Born in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez lost his leg during his service in the Navy. During rehabilitation, he began playing tennis, and in 2022 he discovered JTCC, where he has become a regular participant in JTCC’s weekly Adaptive program.

“Tennis is one of those dreams you never knew you had,” Rodriguez said candidly. “Once I started playing, I started accepting more of my injury and how I look at myself. Tennis has been really helpful with my mental and physical health and pushes me beyond my limits.”

“Maxwell and Rodriguez epitomize effort and perseverance,” commented Coach Lee on the significance of the event. “JTCC will help show the world the potential of the Adaptive Athlete and how tennis can be a pathway of healing for everyone.”

The US Open produced a two-minute video of the exhibition featuring Maxwell and Rodriguez, which will provide a lifetime memory for the dynamic duo. To watch the clip, please click here.

Para Standing Tennis is tailored to individuals with ambulatory disabilities who choose to participate while standing, encompassing those with limb loss or differences and individuals with limited mobility, such as those with multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities.

Under the guidance of Coach Lee and Head of Wheelchair & Adaptive Tennis Gabby Hesse, who was unable to attend the event due to illness, JTCC boasts one of the strongest Para Standing tennis programs in the nation.

JTCC Alumnus Frances Tiafoe Advances to US Open Quarterfinals

Posted on September 7, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

JTCC alumnus Frances Tiafoe’s outstanding run at the 2023 US Open not only showcased his immense talent, but his continued ascent in the world of professional tennis.

With his impressive quarterfinal appearance, Tiafoe solidified his status as one of the top players on the global ATP Tour. His remarkable journey through the tournament, marked by gritty determination and exceptional shot-making, left fans and experts alike eagerly anticipating his future achievements.

In the first three rounds, Tiafoe defeated opponents Learner Tien, Sebastian Ofner, Adrian Mannarino, and Rinky Hijikata, losing only one set in four matches. In a hotly contested three-hour match in the fourth round, Tiafoe faced Ben Shelton, 2022 NCAA singles champion and friend. The third set reached its climax with an intense tiebreak during which Tiafoe found himself on the brink of clinching the set, holding a set point at 7-6. However, Shelton emerged victorious 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2.

The match between Tiafoe and Shelton was historic, marking the first Grand Slam quarterfinal to feature two Black American players. Tiafoe acknowledged the significance of the moment. “It’s great with two people of color going at it. Obviously, a historic moment,” Tiafoe said. “But ultimately, once you get out there, you just want to win.”

His dedication to kindling the passion in the next generation of tennis stars is exemplified by the recent establishment of the Frances Tiafoe Fund. This initiative, in collaboration with the USTA Foundation, is focused on breaking down barriers and ensuring tennis becomes a readily accessible opportunity for the youth in Prince George’s County and underserved communities across the nation.

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 the club’s grounds, tennis racquets in hand, observing and emulating the coaches and players.

Tiafoe initially entered the JTCC scene as a participant in the afterschool training program. As time passed, his tennis skills flourished within this nurturing environment. Progressing through the JTCC development pathway, he became a full-time participant, and it wasn’t long before his prodigious talent propelled him into the professional tennis world in 2015 at the age of 17.

Tiafoe will represent Team USA in the highly anticipated 2023 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage scheduled to take place in Split, Croatia, from September 12-17. A contingent of JTCC supporters will be making the trip to cheer on Tiafoe and Team USA.

Frances Tiafoe Fund Launches

Posted on July 31, 2023March 6, 2025 by JTCC Marketing

The extreme heat couldn’t stop the excitement that emanated from Pershing Square Stadium court at JTCC on Thursday, July 27 when Frances Tiafoe and the USTA Foundation (USTAF) announced the launch of the Frances Tiafoe Fund.

Hundreds of JTCC supporters filled the court to applaud the creation of the Frances Tiafoe Fund whose mission is to make tennis more accessible to youth in Prince George’s County and underserved communities nationwide.

During the program, USTAF representatives Jeff Harrison and Chris Widmaier addressed the extensive needs nationwide that the Tiafoe Fund will target through community outreach.

JTCC CEO Ray Benton and Tennis Channel commentator Brett Haber congratulated the JTCC alumnus on his generous commitment to inspire the next generation of tennis players.

Tiafoe addressed numerous media present and participated in a youth clinic filled with enthusiastic players where he provided his perspective on the importance of character.

“The biggest thing I want to tell all the young people who look up to me is it’s about the person first and the athlete second, Tiafoe remarked “You want to be remembered for who you are, and not what you’ve done.”

To mark the official launch of the Frances Tiafoe Fund, the USTAF made a $150,000 grant to the fund and Clif Bar donated $100,000 bringing the initial total in the fund to $250,000.

“Frances understands the platform he has for the next 10+ years as he’s winning championships,” commented USTAF’s Harrison. “He is truly a role model for kids across the country.”

Click the links below to enjoy media coverage from this exciting day:

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