The 2022 holiday season won’t be one soon forgotten by Austin Tennis Academy junior player, Jack Ingram. That’s because he’s headed back home carrying a prestigious ‘Silver Ball’ from the B18 doubles finals at the USTA National Winter Championships. Ingram and his partner, Christian Gonzales, had an incredible run culminating in playing a full third set in the finals match of the Level 1 tournament held annually in Florida.

While the dynamic duo came up short, it’s no small feat when it comes to making it into the finals at any of the six different national championships held by the USTA each year. Hundreds of junior players from across the country come to compete for the chance to win a Gold, Silver or Bronze ball. “It means the whole world to me,” said Jack Ingram. “When I was 12, I would have been happy just getting into a big tournament like this, and now getting a silver ball has made me even hungrier for what’s to come.”

Christian Gonzales, Coach Brian Notis, and Jack Ingram

Ingram’s primary coach, Brian Notis, is also excited about Jack’s accomplishment and what lies ahead. “It has been a privilege to be on this journey with Jack for nearly five years,” said Brian Notis. “There have been incredible highs and gut wrenching lows along the way. Through all of that, Jack has always bought into the process of working hard and smart to improve each day. I could not be prouder of him and I’m so happy for him that he’s gotten to experience such an incredible week. We are both looking forward to getting back to work next week to keep moving forward and shoot for the next goal and the one after that!”

Along with Ingram, there were nine other ATA players who qualified to compete at Winter Nationals: Matthew Cizmarik, Kenna Erickson, Lila Fuller, William McEwan, Nico Jamison, Aya Manning, Tristan Stine, Maddie Wasserman, and Elliot Wasserman. Erickson finished the tournament tied for 7th place of 128 players in G18S.

“It’s gratifying to see so many ATA players reaching the USTA L1 level of competition,” said Jack Newman, ATA Owner/CEO. “These players work for years on the court and in the gym to reach this level of accomplishment. To be in the 5th, 6th and 7th day of week-long tournaments tests you physically and mentally. Their parents make fantastic sacrifices to allow these athletes the opportunity to test themselves at the highest level. Kudos especially to Jack Ingram and primary coach Brian Notis for reaching the elite level of USTA Silver ball for winning 2nd place in B18
doubles.”