Dressed in their stylish red, white, and blue Team USA Fila attire, JTCC players Stiles Brockett, Jonah Hill, Shivaani Selvan, and Clara Zou, captained by JTCC Senior Director of Player Development Ali Agnamba, led Team USA to first place in the IC Rod Laver North American Junior Challenge Regional Qualifying competition held in Nassau, Bahamas from November 9-11.
With a 4-1 win over Canada on the final day, Team USA completed the Regional Qualifying undefeated with triumphs over Team Canada, Bahamas Red, and Bahamas Blue, booking their place to compete in the IC Rod Laver World Junior Challenge Finals in San Diego in November 2023.
“Our trip to the Bahamas was a great experience for all our players, especially our girls because this was their first time competing outside of the United States,” Agnamba said. “I think everyone played well, and we are excited to see what we can do in the World Finals in San Diego.”
The IC Rod Laver World Junior Challenge Regional Qualifying competition takes place annually in November across five continents with the winners of each regional event competing in the World Finals the following year.
Each team consists of two boys and girls 16-years-old and younger, and each player competes in a singles and doubles match against the other countries in a round robin format.
In addition to the high level competition on the court, players have the opportunity to meet players from around the globe while participating in cultural activities and to host tennis clinics for children from underserved communities.
“On the first day of the competition it was raining off and on, so we had the opportunity to go to the Water Park in Atlantis,” Selvan said. “We all had fun and it was a great time. If we put in the hard work throughout the year, I think we can perform well in the World Finals.”
