2022 recipients
| First Name | Last Name | State | College / University | Scholarship Name | Photo |
| Gabrielle | Blanks | GA | Clark Atlanta University | Dennis Van der Meer |
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| Anne | Guglielmo | LA | University of Alabama | J. Randolph Gregson |
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| Jamiya | Ivory | AL | Tuskegee University | Althea Gibson |
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| Rahul | Kumar | MS | Mississippi State | John Callen |
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| Lindsey | Lunn | MS | Itawamba Community College | Jim Warren |
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| Nicole | Neal | NC | North Carolina A&T | Nehemiah Atkinson |
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| Rachel | Phillips | TN | University of Tennessee-Knoxville | John Callen |
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| Hailey | Rider | TN | University of Tennessee-Chattanooga | Jack Mills |
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| Ezekiel | Salama | KY | Alabama A&M | John Callen |
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| Aniya | Sims | SC | Columbia College | Paul E. Scarpa |
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Gabrielle Blanks
Atlanta
Recipient of Dennis & Pat Van der Meer Higher Education Scholarship
High School: Georgia Connections Academy
Honors and Activities
- Volunteered at Effect Fitness Gym
- USTA Junior Team Tennis & Tournaments
- AYTEF and South Atlanta CTA NJTL Participant
- Participated in MLK Day and Community Clean-ups
- Atlanta Youth Tennis & Education Foundation Volunteer
- 250 volunteer hours while training at Junior Tennis Champions Center
College: Clark Atlanta University
Major Area of Study: Criminal Justice
Essay excerpt: Being able to receive my education online was a game changer for me. Online school enabled me to focus on both academics and tennis without worrying about getting behind with my lessons or being absent when traveling. It also taught me time management and independent life skills.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite player on the ATP tour is Monfils. I admire the way he doesn’t fold under pressure, and he plays the same no matter what obstacles are in his way. He has a beast mode mentality, and his grit is unmatched.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
Some advice I would give to a high school freshman is learn how to manage your time efficiently. As you get older and progress through school it will be important that you manage your time when it comes to doing schoolwork and studying, that way you have time set aside to relax and have fun. Work hard, play hard.
Anne Scott Guglielmo
Baton Rouge, La.
Recipient of J. Randolph Gregson Scholarship
High School: St. Joseph’s Academy
Honors and Activities
- Beta Club
- Four-Year Service Award Member
- Bill Ozaki-Sandy Hastings Sportsmanship Award
- USTA Alabama Tennis Family of the Year
- Two-Year Team Tennis Captain (MVP, All Metro and State Champion)
College: The University of Alabama
Major Area of Study: Business Marketing and Hospitality
Essay excerpt: I overcame the late start and maintained a top two ranking in the state of Louisiana which resulted in an invitation to be a member of the Louisiana Southern Cup team. I also became a high school State Champion. In the end, I know that if it weren’t for my broken arm, I may never have developed the drive and work ethic that helped me in tennis and will ultimately help me in the game of life.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite player is Coco Gauff because she and I were actually on the junior tennis circuit together! And although we were both 11 and 12, she was playing in the 18s and winning!
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
To a freshman entering high school, I would say enjoy every minute of the journey as it really does fly by so fast. Soak in the wins and the losses, enjoy your teammates, and use the opportunity to not just develop your tennis but to also grow your leadership skills and as a person
Jamiya Ivory
Gardendale, Ala.
Recipient of Althea Gibson Scholarship
High School: Hope Christian High School
Honors and Activities
- Volunteer Middle School Tennis Coach
- Volunteer Adult PTR Tennis Coach
- Volunteer Community Clean Up
- JTT Sectionals Sportsmanship Award
- USTA Junior Team Tennis
- James Lewis Education & Tennis Foundation NJTL Participant
College: Tuskegee University
Major Area of Study: Accounting
Essay excerpt: Tennis and education influenced my life because they gave me meaning. They helped me understand what God put me on this earth to do. I started at the James Lewis Education & Tennis Foundation NJTL in 2010. I was six years old. I played rally ball, 10’s, 12’s, and 18’s Junior Team Tennis, competed in tournaments around the southern section, attended tennis camps every summer, and now I’m a senior in high school teaching tennis and officiating matches. I said all that to say my growth in tennis has been nothing more than impressive.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite Tennis Players are Coco Gauff and Frances Tiafoe.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
I would tell freshmen entering high school to start doing everything right and never lose sight of who you are as a person. Surround yourself around people who support you and do not hurt you.
Rahul Kumar
Greenville, Miss.
Recipient of John Callen Memorial Scholarship
High School: Washington High School
Honors and Activities
- Beta Club
- Student Council
- Varsity Tennis Team
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Mu Alpha Theta- President
- Greenville CTA NJTL Participant
College: Mississippi State University
Major Area of Study: Computer Science
Essay excerpt: As an immigrant and a child of a single mother, I missed out on a lot of the moments and experiences that my friends had, which made me feel very lonely and left out. One day this all changed. My grandparents decided to play tennis with me at our community tennis courts, and on this day, I met one of my future coaches and mentors, Mr. Hall. He informed us about a free tennis practice held every Saturday morning. This practice is where I found my love and passion for the sport and met many of my lifelong friends and mentors who have supported me throughout my life.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite tennis player is Roger Federer because I like his quick and aggressive play style and how humble he is even after achieving so much success in his career.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
I would tell them that high school goes by very fast, and it is important to work hard because it will pay off in the end.
Lindsey Lunn
Greenville, Miss.
Recipient of Jim Warren Scholarship
High School: O’Bannon High School
Honors and Activities
- National Honor Society
- 4-H Club Parliamentarian
- Varsity Tennis Team Captain
- Student Government Reporter
- Greenville CTA NJTL Participant
- National Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Winner
College: Itawamba Community College
Major Area of Study: Psychology
Essay excerpt: Education and tennis have both steered me to my future as a psychiatrist. I have learned how to listen, and I am interested in helping others work out their problems. Tennis is a lifetime sport that can be played through all walks of life. Physical activity is very important at every age to keep both your mind and body healthy. I truly believe that the skills I’ve learned in tennis as well as through my education will drive me to a successful future.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
Serena Williams is my favorite tennis player because of her lifelong dedication and hard work.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
The advice I would give to freshmen entering high school is to take dual enrollment classes instead of AP classes when you get to that point in high school. With dual enrollment you get college credits which reduces the time it takes to get your degree.
Nicole Neal
Smithfield, N.C.
Recipient of Nehemiah Atkinson Scholarship
High School: West Johnson High School
Honors and Activities
- Varsity Tennis Team Captain
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Ebony Racquet Club NJTL Participant
- Future Business Leaders of America-VP
- Springfield Baptist Church Youth Ministry
- Distributive Education Clubs of America-President
College: NC A&T University
Major Area of Study: Journalism
Essay excerpt: My freshman year I knew I wanted to do a sport but didn’t know what sport. Then the tennis coach talked to me and convinced me to try out. After making the team and seeing how much I loved it – and was actually good at it, I decided to pursue it with all my whole heart and played non-stop for four years. I would love to be able to play tennis at the collegiate level next year. I have worked towards that dream for four years. While in college I will pursue a degree in journalism to become a photojournalist or editor.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
Naomi Osaka because of how confident she is in her playing and how she prioritized her mental health first.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
I would tell them to join the club, play the sport! It gives you a lot of new experiences, memories, and friends.
Rachel Phillips
Wartrace, Tenn.
Recipient of John Callen Memorial Scholarship
High School: Cascade High School
Honors and Activities
- Student Council
- National Honor Society
- Tennis Team Co-Captain
- USTA Junior Team Tennis
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
College: Tennessee Tech University
Major Area of Study: Agribusiness
Essay excerpt: For me, tennis and education have made a huge impact and have influenced my life in many ways. Tennis has allowed me to meet new, amazing people through my high school team and the junior tennis team of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is a wonderful sport that has taught me patience, diligence, and dedication. It has helped me form active and healthy habits that I will continue for the rest of my life. My education has opened my eyes to my ability to make a difference in the world. Going to school has taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and responsibility.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite player in the WTA is Coco Gauff because I admire her amazing work ethic and dedication. All of her accomplishments that she has made at such a young age are inspiring.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
My advice would be… you always hear that your high school years will go by in a blink of an eye, but no matter how many times we are told this, it never truly sinks in until you are sitting in your cap and gown. Please do not look back on high school with any regrets. Enjoy the time that you have and make the best out of every situation.
Hailey Rider
Mountain City, Tenn.
Recipient of Jack Mills Scholarship Fund
High School: Johnson County High School
Honors and Activities
- 4-H Honors Club
- National Honor Society
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Student Government Treasurer
- Tennis Team; All Conference & State Qualifier
College: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Major Area of Study: Interior Architecture
Essay excerpt: I started off as a beginner, but after lots of practice and hard work I won my way to the state tournament my first year of playing. Not only was it a huge accomplishment for me, but also for my school. It was rare that any of our sports teams made it to state. Even though the accomplishment was great, there was a deeper meaning to it. It proved to me that I am able to accomplish anything I put my heart too and it has changed the way I face several situations and goals in my life.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite tennis player is Maria Sakkari. The “aggressive” style she uses when playing makes her fun to watch.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
I would tell them to push themselves to be the best they can be because it pays off in the long run.
Ezekiel Salama
Shelbyville, Ky.
Recipient of John Callen Memorial Scholarship
High School: Gatton Academy of Math and Science
Honors and Activities
- YMCA Black Achievers
- Performing Arts/Music/Dance
- USATF Junior Regional Olympics
- Rising Stars of Kentucky Tennis NJTL
- State Winner- Arthur Ashe Essay Contest
College: Alabama A&M University
Major Area of Study: Mathematics
Essay excerpt: What inspires and motivates me is not only the time and dedication my coaches put into the game of tennis but their willingness to share and give back. I started playing tennis when I was only 4 years old and used the knowledge of the game throughout my entire life. To stick with something for that long is astonishing, and I could not have done it without my tennis coaches They invested time and energy into those who were less fortunate. I was raised in an at-risk environment. My mother was struggling to feed me and my sister, and my mother was just trying to keep me away from all of the chaos that was happening around us. I can admit that I was a little “hard-headed.” My Rising Stars NJTL group and my coaches invested time and energy, in making not only my tennis game stronger but helping me with my life skills and mannerisms. With their help, the possibilities that I have for the future are limitless.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite player is Gael Monfils. His style of play and effort is like no other tennis player I have seen. His hustle and athleticism are top tier. I love watching him hit astonishing shots in every game he plays.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
My advice to freshmen entering high school is to surround yourself with people (friends and family) that are there to encourage you and lift you up. Having a simple support system is beneficial in the sense that your friends/family spreading positivity will push you in the right direction, cheer you on, or even tell you if you have made a mistake.
Aniya Sims
Irmo, S.C.
Recipient of Paul Scarpa Scholarship
High School: Dutch Fork High School
Honors and Activities
- Church Praise Dancer
- Church Youth Leader
- Homeless Shelter Volunteer
- Domestic Violence Shelter Volunteer
- Varsity Tennis Team – Most Valuable Player
College: Columbia College
Major Area of Study: Business Administration/Sports Marketing
Essay excerpt: My life has revolved around tennis since I was seven, I picked up a racket and have not put it down since. I train on my off season- basically all year round. Tennis is something I look forward to doing in college and with me finally getting that opportunity I feel so honored and blessed to received something I have been dreaming about since a child.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite player is Naomi Osaka because her mental game is amazing. She is human, and she doesn’t hide how hard it gets.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
My advice would be to focus because big decisions are coming up. The parties and fun will ALWAYS be there.
Past Recipients
Here is a list of previous recipients: