Jr Tennis – Page 2 – AUSTIN TENNIS ACADEMY

ATA PLAYER CAPTURES COVETED ‘USTA BALL’

The USTA Clay Court Nationals is an L1 tennis event that junior players from all over the country must qualify for in order to compete. The annual championship consists of 128-player singles compass draw and 64-teams draw with no consolation at each of the four different age levels in both boys and girls play: 12’s, 14s’, 16s, and 18s. At this year’s Clay Court Nationals, ATA player Tristan Stine and his partner Sibi Raja advanced to the finals of the B16 Doubles, and brought home a ‘USTA Silver Ball’. “It feels pretty good,” said Stine. “Both me and my partner played very well all week. It was a grind of an event so I’m glad to have made the final.”

“I’m so proud of Tristan,” said Brian Notis, Stine’s primary coach. “Tristan and Sibi had a fantastic week, but a couple weeks ago we weren’t even sure if he would be healthy enough to compete this week. Tristan just got cleared by his doctor to hit backhands after fracturing his left elbow. I know he never felt 100{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9} comfortable with his backhand this week and he didn’t have full confidence in the strength in his left arm, but it seemed to get better and better everyday. He fought through that adversity and nearly cramping after a 4-hour singles match in the 2nd round and competed great, was a fantastic partner, and was fearless all tournament. While the final was disappointing, he and Sibi have nothing to hold their heads down about. The level they brought in that final was simply
awesome.”

Stine’s biggest takeaways from the tournament may have helped him make it into the finals. “Hydrating and taking care of my body is key. The weather was brutal and the only way to play 100 percent was to make sure I was treating my body well.” One of the ways Stine found to treat his body, and mind, well was to go fishing ~ even just hours before both his semis and finals matches.

One of the messages junior tennis players hear over and over again at
Austin Tennis Academy is that you’ve got to practice the way you want to play in tournaments. Coach Jack Newman, ATA Owner/CEO, says he’s seen that kind of focus from Stine all year long. “Tristan Stine has been one of the most talented players at the Austin Tennis Academy this year; his ball striking ability and athleticism set him apart from many other players. However, to reach high levels of accomplishment, athletes must also cultivate work ethic, mental stamina and positive energy control. Tristan’s improvement in those three areas gave him the opportunity to prove his talent. I could not be prouder of the work he has done this year to earn this USTA Silver Ball.”
In fact, Stine hopes his summer will get even better saying he wants to “make another good run at Kalamazoo and bring the confidence I have in doubles to my singles game.” Hard Court Championships at Kalamazoo and San Diego begin in three weeks.

An interesting side note: Stine is one of two ATA players who work with Coach Notis as their primary coach who have earned a USTA Silver Ball so far in 2023. Jack Ingram earned his at the Winter Nationals in B18 Doubles.

OPENING DAY BRINGS MORE THAN A VICTORY FOR ATA PLAYER

Turning 17 couldn’t have turned out any sweeter for Elliot Wasserman while playing on opening day at the Boys 18 USTA Clay Court Championships in Florida. Not only did he break what he calls the birthday curse at Clay Nationals, but he won a third-set tiebreaker to upset the number six seed player, and he was named Baptist Health Boys 18 Player of the Day.

“It feels nice. I broke the birthday curse,” said Wasserman, who lost on his birthday each of the past two years in the 16s National Clay Courts tournament in Palm Beach County.

“Elliot Wasserman continues to be one of the hardest workers at the Austin Tennis Academy,” says Coach Jack Newman, Owner/CEO, Austin Tennis Academy. “His upset of a seed at clay courts is not surprising. He pays the price every day to be ready for that sort of opportunity.”

Click here to read the entire article written about Wasserman’s pressure-packed victory.

THAT’S A WRAP

The 2023 Texas Slam saw more than 50 ATA players battle it out on court in brutal heat during one of the biggest junior tournaments – nearly 1,000 players – in the country. Some were still competing on the very last day of The Slam. And ATA players brought home plenty of hardware from both on and off the court.

Here’s the list of ATA winners at the 2023 Texas Slam:

Aya Manning – Champion X 2 – G16s and G16 Doubles

Matthew Cizmarik – Finalist – B18s

Jack Ingram – Finalists – B18 Doubles

Joey Chang – 3rd Place – B12 Doubles

Kenna Erickson – 3rd Place – G18 Doubles

Elliot Wasserman – 3rd Place – B18s

Maddie Wasserman – 5th Place – G16s

Prior to the start of the tournament, the USTA Texas handed out its annual junior awards;
two ATA players were among the 10 recipients.

Kenna Erickson won the Maureen Connolly Brinker Award

Gavin Golod received the Paul Christian Sportsmanship Award

IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE

Junior tennis players, parents, and coaches have worked hard all year, put their best foot forward, and now, the votes are in! It’s time to find out who’ll be taking home an Academy Award this year. The answer will be revealed at the 2023 End of Year Party coming up Thursday, May 25.

This annual tradition at the close of every school year takes place on the grounds at the Austin Tennis Academy. The evening of May 25th will kick off with dinner and drinks at 6:00 pm. Then, the Academy Awards program will start at 7:00 PM.

5 SENIORS TO GRADUATE FROM ATA COLLEGE PREP

Members of the graduating Class of 2023 will receive their high school diplomas coming up Wednesday, May 24. The five seniors include: Dakota Clark, Nico Jamison, Hannah Kinder, Katie King, and Ben Kotzen.

Commencement will take place on the grounds of the Austin Tennis Academy at 6800 Spanish Oaks Club Drive in Austin. Doors open at 6:00 PM for viewing of the senior tables with the graduation ceremony beginning at 6:30 PM. There will be a dessert reception immediately following the ceremony.

FORMER ATA COACH RECEIVES TOP COLLEGIATE HONOR

In her 5th year as head coach of Brown’s Women’s Tennis team, Lucie Schmidhauser has been named Ivy League Coach of the Year. The award was announced following a vote of the league’s eight head coaches.

“Lucie Schmidhauser is one of the best college coaches in America; not just the best women’s coach, one of the best coaches period,” said Jack Newman, Owner/CEO of Austin Academy. “This will not be the last time she wins Coach of the Year.” Prior to joining Brown University as an assistant coach back in 2017, Schmidhauser worked at the Austin Tennis Academy, where she was a founding member and long-time coach.

This season, Schmidhauser led the Bears to an 18-7 overall record, the best overall winning percentage in the league this season, as well as a runner-up finish in Ivy play with a 6-1 record. The Bears currently sit at No. 72 in the ITA Division I Women’s National Team Ranking.

Congratulations Coach Schmidhauser!

ATA PLAYERS TO RECEIVE TOP HONORS AT CATA AWARDS BANQUET

The 28th annual Capital Area Tennis Association(CATA) Junior Awards Banquet will be held the first weekend in May, and several ATA players will be recognized, including one who will receive one of the night’s major awards.

Jack Ingram has been named CATA’s 2023 Male Player of the Year. He will also receive a CATA High School MVP award after being chosen by the coaching staff at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School as their Male MVP for 2023; he will also receive a $1,000 scholarship check.

Ingram is not the only ATA player who will recognized that night. Kenna Erickson and Nico Jamison will also each receive a CATA High School MVP award as the 2023 ATA College Prep Female and Male Players of the Year. Magdalene Ryan and Joey Wang will each receive a CATA Tennis Academy MVP award. All four players were selected by the ATA coaching staff.

The CATA banquet is held every year to honor Greater Austin area junior tennis player’s achievements and recognize the CATA 2023 Scholarship winners. There’s still time to purchase tickets. You have until 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 2 to purchase your tickets to attend CATA’s award banquet on May 7.

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

A big night coming up for Katie King! Her Signing Ceremony takes place Tuesday, April 25. Katie made her college choice to attend and play collegiate tennis at DePauw University, a DIII liberal arts college in Indiana.

We hope you’ll come out to celebrate this rite of passage for a junior tennis player. Festivities kick off at 6:30 PM on Court 6 at Austin Tennis Academy.

ATA RECOGNIZED AT STATE CAPITOL

A field trip to the Texas State Capitol by Austin Tennis Academy College Prep students and staff turned into something a little more special than just an ordinary outing. While at the capitol building in downtown Austin, CP students heard Representative Vikki Goodwin (D – District 47) read aloud in the House chambers a resolution recognizing ATA and its contributions to the area for more than two decades.

Resolution recognizing and honoring Austin Tennis Academy

DON’T MISS ‘EM! MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The end of the school year always brings with it two big events for Austin Tennis Academy: ATA College Prep Commencement and the End Of Year Party. Both events will be held back-to-back the week leading into Memorial Day weekend.

First up, graduation for the five seniors who make up CP’s Class of 2023: Dakota Clark, Hannah Kinder, Katie King, Ben Kotzen, and Nico Jamison. Commencement will take place Wednesday evening, May 24, on the grounds at ATA.

The following evening ~Thursday, May 25 ~ will be the End of Year Party where winners of this year’s Academy Awards will be announced. This event also takes place at ATA.

As soon as start times for each of the events have been finalized, this article will be updated to include that information.

D1 COACHES CARRY THE ATA TORCH IN COLLEGIATE TENNIS

On tennis courts in San Marcos last week, two collegiate women’s tennis teams battled; one from the northeast, the other from Texas. The match wasn’t between teams in the same conference; it was between teams led by two head coaches of NCAA Division 1 women’s tennis programs with mutual respect for one another and a long, deep Texas connection. There are 264 Division 1 women’s tennis teams in the United States; in 2020 (the latest stats available), only 39 of those teams, less than 20{37ef6ac642fae6f93f343032eb62785d28fa7a25a4a4f0267a12512c541c53a9}, were led by women. In 2023, among D1 female head tennis coaches, the coaching lineage for two of them runs through the Austin Tennis Academy.

Lucie Schmidhauser* and Kendall Brooks cut their teeth in coaching at ATA. “For me personally, it is incredibly gratifying to have been a part of their coaching journey,” said Jack Newman, Austin Tennis Academy Owner/CEO. “Coach Kendall Brooks and Coach Lucie Schmidhauser are two of the most high quality, high character individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I cannot think of two more qualified and gifted coaches to lead young collegiate athletes.”

Brooks is in her first year at Texas State University, while Schmidhauser is in her 5^th year at Brown University. Schmidhauser is beginning to reap the results of what she’s been implementing with her team over the past 4 years. Brooks is just getting started shaping and building her program. Even though the two coaches are in different places with their teams, they each credit ATA, and Jack Newman, for giving them the tools they say they still use every day as D1 college tennis coaches.

“What ATA does, it’s proven. It works,” said Lucie Schmidhauser, Women’s Head Coach/Brown University. “I’ve been basically using the system for the past 5 years. When I first took over, we obviously were not that good. This year, we won – for first the time since 1996 – a big Ivy League tournament that’s held every year in February. And we’re up to being ranked 42 in the country so far this year, and that’s the first time I think since 2014 that Brown Women’s tennis has been ranked. It does take time, but it’s definitely working.”

“I learned so much both as a person and as a coach at ATA under Jack; how to develop players and actually teach the game better, and to better understand the game,” said Kendall Brooks, Women’s Head Coach/Texas State. “As a college coach, at certain levels, you are still doing a good amount of developing players. You want players who come to you that you can continue to help improve, to tweak things here and there. For the most part, their game is intact, but you’re still doing a lot of developing. And I still pride myself on being a coach who can develop players even this late in their game.”

‘A master’ is the term Schmidhauser uses when referring to Coach Newman’s ability to motivate players to want to be better and to want to be really strong emotionally on court. Brown players are no strangers to this type of work. “We have what’s called the ‘Between Points Routine’ where we work on establishing routines between points, and that’s something that’s non-negotiable for our team,” said Schmidhauser. “You will not see very often any of our players having emotional outbursts on the court or not looking strong with their body language. That’s very important to our team culture and our competitive spirit.”

Mental tools, such as emotional control, visualization and scripting, are things Schmidhauser traces back to ATA, and still uses consistently. “Our team does a lot of mindfulness training before every practice. Our players are visualizing. We work on scripts about their games,” said Schmidhauser. “I learned from both Coach Doug Davis and Jack to write a script about your game, record it in your own voice, and then listen to it before you go on the court so you have complete clarity about how you want to play.”

Outside of the pro tour, college athletics is considered by many to be the pinnacle of coaching in tennis. Being successful, most often, is about more than what happens on the court. “As a D1 college coach, you’re really running a business,” said Brooks. “I mean you’re deciding who to give scholarships to, deciding who to recruit, developing team culture, and trying to set your program with a good foundation. I learned all those things at ATA.” In order to begin building that strong foundation, Schmidhauser remembers exactly what her main focus was when she first took over Brown’s program. “My biggest emphasis as a first-year coach was really looking for players who were not only athletically talented, good players, but my premium was definitely on good character.”

Both women point to Coach Newman’s ability to build a strong culture as one of his superpowers, and feel strongly about honing it as part of their own skill set. “The way he established the culture at ATA: very family-oriented, developing citizens of significance,” said Brooks. “I’m constantly trying to not only make my players better on court, but off the court and in the community, and who they are as young women. Giving them opportunities to learn how to be good leaders.” Schmidhauser echoed those sentiments. “I’m happy to report that our team culture is really strong and all of my players are empowered, passionate women of good character. That’s definitely something I’ve taken from ATA , and I will definitely carry that torch forward.”

*Voted Ivy League Coach of the Year 2023

REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 2

The biggest junior tennis tournament takes place every year in Texas, and you can bet Austin Tennis Academy will have a cadre of players competing, just like in years past, in the Texas Slam.

Players can begin registering for this tournament on Sunday, April 2. Registration will close on Friday, May 5. This year, the Slam will once again be held just north of Austin in Georgetown. Matches begin June 9 and run through June 15.

For more Texas Slam information, or to register starting April 2, click here.

IT’S OFFICIAL ~ SAVE THE DATE

Each year, the Shootout is the biggest event of the year for the Austin Tennis Academy and its community, and we would love for you to be a part of it all. Go ahead, now, and save the date in your calendar: Shootout 2023 will be held October 27 and October 28.

The first night – Friday, October 27 – will be the Player Party, which will be held this year in the Grand Ballroom at the Sonesta Hotel. Then, Saturday morning (October 28), teams will square off in a Calcutta-style tournament on the tennis courts at ATA.

The Shootout is ATA’s annual fundraising event for the Austin Athletics Scholarship Foundation which helps deserving student-athletes pursuing a disciplined lifestyle to reach their highest level of accomplishment through scholarship grants for travel, training, and academics. Awarded each year are multiple scholarships named after individuals with a deep connection to Austin Tennis Academy who have made significant contributions to the ATA community over the years. The Ashley Weinhold Scholarship Fund makes its debut this year.

For more information about AASF and Shootout 2023, or to make a donation, go to giveaasf.org

MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH A POWERFUL PARTNERSHIP

For nearly a quarter of a century, Austin Tennis Academy has partnered with an Austin-based non-profit focused on inspiring hope, eliminating poverty, and empowering people in Ethiopia and in Austin. At its inception, Austin Tennis Academy pledged to help raise or donate $1,000,000 to the A Glimmer of Hope Foundation . ATA players, parents and coaches have raised funds to drill numerous water wells, and to help build educational and medical facilities in the dry Tigray region of Ethiopia. In light of civil unrest in Ethiopia, Glimmer has been focusing attention to local issues facing Austin through Glimmer|Austin.

In 2022, Glimmer|Austin made its largest financial commitment in its twenty-year history, by supporting 21 local organizations and investing over $1.4 million. That level of giving impacted more than 5,400 people which included:

the homeless
those facing hunger or food insecurity
women and children living in shelters
individuals challenged with substance abuse addiction and recovery.

In parallel and in partnership, key individuals contributed an additional $1.6 million to our nonprofit partners, totaling $3 million in grants in 2022. Since inception in 2003, the foundation has granted over $11.4 million, locally, to more than 250 nonprofit organizations!

Over the past 23 years, ATA and its community have raised nearly $650,000 of that original $1,000,000 pledge. “I am proud of our partnership with Glimmer,” said Coach Jack Newman/CEO and Owner of Austin Tennis Academy. ” And proud of the work they are doing to make Austin a better place to live for all citizens.”

Here is Glimmer|Austin’s 2022 Impact Rep ort if you would like to learn more about the amazing work being done through this organization and its partners.

REGISTRATION OPEN

Austin Tennis Academy’s tennis camps for Summer 2023 will kick off the last week in May. In year’s past, many of our camps have filled up early, so we recommend registering as soon as possible to make sure your child gets in.

There are three different levels of camps offered in the morning, as well as the Tournament Tough group for Academy-level players in the afternoon. The first week of camp takes place the week of May 29 with the last week to be held the week of August 7 for a total of 11 weeks of camp over the summer. You can sign up your child for just one week or multiple weeks.

Click here or go to the Summer Camps tab on this website for more information as well as to register.

ATA COACH TO BE INDUCTED INTO UT-TYLER HALL OF FAME

The University of Texas at Tyler Athletics Department announced its 2023 Hall of Fame class, and Austin Tennis Academy’s Coach Brian Notis is among the inductees. “ATA could not be prouder of this well deserved recognition of Coach Brian Notis’ college team experiences,” said Coach Jack Newman, CEO/Owner of ATA. “He is the ultimate team player.” Coach Notis played on the 1994 men’s tennis teams, and both of those teams are part of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

“It is truly an honor to recognize the accomplishments of these outstanding former student-athletes, coaches and teams,” UT Tyler Vice President for Athletics Dr. Howard Patterson said. “They played a major role in putting The University of Texas at Tyler’s athletic program on the map, and we welcome them back to campus with open arms.”

The group will be formally inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Saturday, Mar. 25th. at 10 a.m. Those planning to attend or would like to inquire about ticket pricing are asked to please RSVP with Mychele Hughes at mhughes@uttyler.edu.

WINNING RESULTS FOR ATA PLAYERS AT ITF TOURNAMENT

A two-week trip to compete in ITF tournaments proved to be successful for two of Austin Tennis Academy’s junior tennis players. Kenna Erickson and her partner won the girls doubles at the Eau Claire ITF held the week of February 20th.

Kenna Erickson/Kayla Chung – Eau Claire ITF Doubles Champions

Just the week before, at the Medford ITF, Erickson and her partner advanced to the semis in girls doubles. Back in January, Erickson won the doubles title at the J4 ITF tournament held in San Jose, Costa Rica; it was her first international title. “Kenna continues to develop into a successful ITF competitor,” said Coach Jack Newman who accompanied Erickson and Cizmarik to both tournaments. “Her success in doubles will extend into singles as she improves her mental game.”

Raul de la Vega/Matthew Cizmarik – Eau Clair ITF Doubles Runner Up

On the boys side at the Eau Clair ITF, Matthew Cizmarik and his partner made it to the finals in boys doubles. “Matthew continues to win in doubles with whatever partner he plays,” said Coach Newman. “His partnering skills are outstanding and he is moving his way up the competitive ladder of ITF competition.”

Congratulations Kenna and Matthew!

NEW COACH JOINS ATA STAFF

Another alumnus returns to Austin Tennis Academy as the newest member of the ATA coaching staff. Jake Rother begins coaching duties on January 29th, more than a decade after attending ATA and ATA College Prep while in high school. Not only does Rother return to ATA, the move also brings him back to his home state of Texas.

For the past three years, Rother has been running the Barnes Junior Academy; held the Head Pro position at the Barnes Tennis Center in San Diego, California; and served as a hitting partner for ATP/WTA players competing in Open Pro events held at Barnes TC. One recent professional highlight: Rother coached quad wheelchair legend David Wagner at the 2022 US Open to the semis in singles and the finals in doubles.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Rother played college tennis at Tyler Junior College; named JUCO All- American in singles and doubles; and helped his team win the National Championship in 2013. After his sophomore year, Rother transferred to UTSA, and helped his new team win the C-USA title in 2015. After graduating from college, Rother coached on a collegiate level at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Montana State men’s team, as well as the Harvard men’s team.

Welcome aboard, Coach Jake!

ATA PLAYER WINS FIRST INTERNATIONAL TITLE

Friday, the 13th of January was anything but unlucky for ATA player Kenna Erickson. That was the day Erickson and her doubles partner, Linda Ziets Segura, won the doubles title in the J4 ITF tournament held in San Jose, Costa Rica.

“Kenna had an excellent week in San Josè, Costa Rica. It was her first time traveling out of the country and to bring home a title on the same trip is special,” said Coach Ashley Weinhold, ATA coach who traveled with Erickson. Erickson also made it into the semi-finals in singles of the same tournament. Coach Weinhold said “It was impressive how she bounced back from a tough semi-final singles loss and 45 minutes later brought out a strong level of energy and determination into the doubles final. Kenna and Linda played fantastic all week together and deserved the title – it was fun to watch them gel so easily. Kenna experienced some firsts this trip and I believe grew in the process which will help her in future tournaments and travel to come.”

The doubles championship is the first title Erickson has captured outside of the United States thus far in her junior tennis career. In the past 14 months, she has won two Gold Balls (2022 Easter Bowl, 2021 National Indoors), two Bronze Balls (2022 National Clay Courts, 2021 National Indoors), and a number of junior tournaments in Texas as well as around the country. “Kenna Erickson continues on the journey to reach the junior grand slam tournaments,” said Jack Newman, CEO/Owner of Austin Tennis Academy. “Her goal is to play the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open as a junior and to go on to be a pro competitor. That road requires you to travel to reach the international competitors who are trying to reach that same goal.”

“If it wasn’t for Jack Newman and the foundation (Austin Athletics Scholarship Foundation) Kenna may not have the opportunity to chase her tennis dreams,” said Jon Erickson, Kenna’s father. “Thank you to her coach Ashley Weinhold for her coaching and for traveling with her. Thank you to her team for preparing her, Coach Jack Newman, Coach Doug Davis and fitness Coach Migdoel Miranda, as well as the team of coaches and teachers at Austin Tennis Academy. What a community that we are so grateful to be a part of!”

ATA PLAYER BRINGS HOME USTA SILVER BALL

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.”

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