McLaurin Bankhead, Columbia, S.C.
High School: AC Flora
Honors and Activities
- USTA SC Junior Player Committee Member
- Eastminster Presbyterian Church Member
- Jonathan Bankhead Smash Cancer Tennis Tournament Volunteer
- Junior Varsity Lacrosse
- Varsity Tennis-Sportsmanship Award
College: Auburn University
Major Area of Study: Interior Design/Education
Name of Scholarship: STF College Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: My mom and dad played tennis, and my siblings and I watched them as a toddler and a young child. My father was an exceptional player and could have played at the collegiate level. He passed away when I was in 9th grade and would come out to my games and watch from the car because he was too weak from chemotherapy and radiation. This is a memory I will cherish.
Favorite tennis player: My Dad. My dad was a college basketball player but in high school tennis and basketball were his two sports, even after college he picked up his racket again but continued playing basketball. He was a huge guy, 6’5 to be exact, so he had a lot of arm and leg coverage on the court. I always loved seeing him play and dominate doubles at the net. Seeing your dad who is everything to you as a little girl was so inspiring and that is why he is my favorite tennis player.
Advice to juniors: Enjoy it while it lasts and be true to yourself, I wasn’t a player that played all day and everyday of my life so in return I wasn’t the top player on my team, but also I saw a lot of girls that were on the top get burnt out and quit because they pushed themselves too hard and played all day and every day. I loved tennis because it was something I could do with my team with some of my best friends and just have fun, while doing something in my dad’s memory.
Cassie Cervantes, Bentonville, Ark.
High School: Bentonville West
Honors and Activities
- Varsity Track
- Chamber Orchestra
- Hispanic Honor Society
- Charity Challenges of Champions Volunteer
- Tennis Team Captain
College: Oral Roberts University
Major Area of Study: Business
Name of Scholarship: STF College Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: Both tennis and my education have taught me incredibly valuable lessons that have made me who I am today. They have taught me determination, G.R.I.T., work ethic, and courage. I have learned how to manage my time well and to stay motivated when times get hard, and these skills will help me be more successful in life and to reach my goals.
Favorite tennis player: Rafel Nadal because of his positive attitude, courage, he gives everything and his best effort on the court always, and his sportsmanship.
Advice to juniors: Always give your best no matter what and make sure you get something out of every match and practice, the toughest losses teach the best lessons and never give up on your goals because as long as you are consistent and keep a positive attitude towards yourself, you will reach them!
Adrina Doherty, Rex, Ga.
High School: Elite Scholars Academy
NJTL Affiliation: Get a Grip Tennis
Honors and Activities
- Mu Alpha Theta
- Beta Club
- Adademic Decathlon
- Church Youth Leader
- Varsity Tennis
College: Tuskegee University
Major Area of Study: Biology
Name of Scholarship: STF College Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: I have learned the ins and outs of the game. It has helped me learn so much about myself such as my level of determination, control, power, and discipline. Additionally, all the memories that I have gained while playing tennis hold a special place in my heart. But, I have also been impressed with the way and learning my power in this game…Tennis has taught me so much about myself it has given me the skills and determination that I need to further my education in becoming a pediatrician.
Favorite tennis player: Coco Gauff because she shows what it means to be a teenager and a professional athlete. She’s able to balance her social life along with her tennis life. Additionally, it is inspiring to see the mental strength and confidence she has on the tennis court.
Advice to juniors: To gain a good balance between your tennis life and social life because it helps you stay motivated and focused.
Micah Hill, Laurel, Miss.
High School: Laurel
Honors and Activities
- Beta Club President
- Teen Miss Meridian
- Distinguished Young Woman of Jones County
- USTA Mississippi JTT Sportsmanship Award
- MHSAA Girls State Individual Tennis Champion
College: University of Southern Mississippi
Major Area of Study: Computer Science
Name of Scholarship: Donnie Ellis & Keith Swindoll Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: As a student athlete, I have set goals to maintain a high GPA and be prepared on the court. During my high school career this often meant that I prioritized tennis over social outings with friends to practice or travel to a tournament. I learned prioritizing my goals was not a hindrance but a strength. The focus to graduate with honors and pursue a career in computer science as well as be a leader on and off the courts allowed me to see the goal through.
Favorite tennis player: Serena Williams; She is the absolute GOAT of women’s tennis. As a black tennis player, she encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and feel empowered while doing so. This is one of the many reasons representation is important in sports. You never know how much it will impact a person.
Advice to Juniors: Remember why you started playing this sport. It’s not because of all the wins nor losses, but you started because you had a passion for it. Keep focused on your goals, but don’t forget the love of the sport behind those goals.
Neo James, Charleston, S.C.
High School: Charleston School of the Arts
Honors and Activities
- USTA Junior Team Tennis Participant
- JTT State Championship Sportsmanship Award
- Graphic Design Committee
- Volunteer for Amor Healing Kitchen
- Member of Varsity Tennis Team
College: DePaul University
Major Area of Study: Animation
Name of Scholarship: STF College Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: I have been raised by my mom all my life, never having received assistance from my father. My mom has worked incredibly hard to make it possible for me to pursue my passion for tennis. She never thought she could afford my first private lesson, but over the years found creative ways to make it work for me. I am grateful. I have never stopped training or competing since I started playing in an afterschool program in a gym with no nets.
Favorite tennis player: Frances Tiafoe. I have always been extremely impressed by his game, always loving to watch the way he smacked the ball so hard. Also, his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a top-ranked tennis player is truly inspirational, it showed me the incredible heights one can achieve with enough determination. When I was younger, I was able to meet him in person and had the opportunity to practice at the same tennis center where he grew up training, thanks to another generous USTA Southern scholarship. This experience locked him in as my favorite player, inspiring me to chase my tennis dreams, like he did.
Advice to juniors: My advice would be to create a balance in your life and recognize that lackluster training sessions can be worse than no training at all. As a tennis player, you’re probably going to feel the pressure of juggling social life and academics alongside your passion for the game. Take a lot of time to make a plan that allows you to enjoy the sport to its fullest while thriving in the rest of your life. Do your best to stay locked into what you’re working on while on the court, or it may end up not being worth your valuable time and effort.
Kendall Moody, Columbus, Miss.
High School: Heritage Academy
NJTL Affiliation: Golden Triangle Tennis NJTL
Honors and Activities
- Model Congress
- National Beta Club
- MAIS Honor Society
- Golden Triangle Tennis- Junior Coach
- The Rowdy Foundation- In My Shoes Project
College: Northwest Mississippi Community College
Major Area of Study: Occupational Therapy
Name of Scholarship: PTR Foundation / Dennis and Pat Van der Meer Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: My life has been greatly impacted by both tennis and education in several ways. My escape from reality and a constant in my life has become tennis. Through sports, I’ve learned patience and how to never give up anything you believe in. Tennis provided me the chance to overcome my innate introversion and learn how to interact with others. Tennis has also taught me how to maintain my composure under pressure.
Favorite Tennis Player: Coco Gauff is my favorite tennis player because of her youthful age and aggressive style of play.
Advice to Juniors: I would tell a junior tennis player not to get discouraged and to constantly think positively.
Charlie Ratliff, Madison, Miss.
High School: Madison Central
Honors and Activities
- National Honor Society
- Mu Alpha Theta
- FCA Leadership Team
- Community Leader Award
- #1 Ranked Junior Tennis Player in Mississippi
College: Davidson College
Major Area of Study: Mathematics
Name of Scholarship: John Callen Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: Tennis has taught me the value of teamwork and how to work with other people through high school tennis and junior team tennis. It has also shown me the importance of handling your emotions and thoughts and the impact that this can have on you and those around you. Both tennis and my education have taught me the value of hard work and what you can achieve when you believe that you can.
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Frances Tiafoe because of his easy-going and fun attitude on the court.
Advice to Juniors: My life advice to junior tennis players is to always look on the positive side. Know that everything that happens to you happens for a reason. Even though something may seem bad on the surface, there is a greater purpose that will be revealed to you later. God is always with you no matter what and has a plan for your life. Everything that happens is part of His great plan for your life.
Justin Rieckert, Grovetown, Ga.
High School: Aquinas
Honors and Activities
- National Honor Society
- FLAIR Society
- Interact Club
- Ambassador: Green Racquets, Inc.
- Tennis #1 Singles all 4 years: MVP Soph-Jr yea
College: Dickinson College
Major Area of Study: Pre-Med
Name of Scholarship: STF College Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: Whenever I faced a difficult time in my life, I would often employ tennis as a method of isolating myself from the world, always entering into a relaxing state of mind. After a tough day at school, I craved the accomplished feeling I fostered on the tennis courts. Once distanced from all other pressures, I solely focused on tasks assigned to me with my coach. The feeling of completing multiple drills or improving my strokes eases my mind. The satisfaction that I felt on the courts replaced any discontent emotions I was carrying in other parts of my life. Reminiscing back on these experiences, I’m fascinated that a spherical yellow ball along with a graphite composite helped me endure other pressures in life.
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Roger Federer because of the humility he embodies both after a great win or a tough loss. The way he carries himself on and off the court demonstrates the utmost composure. From a young age, his commitment to the sport of tennis has driven me to push my personal limitations to chase a collegiate career. Legends like him are what junior tennis players should aspire to be in terms of his all-around play and exceptional character.
Advice to Juniors: I would advise all junior tennis players to strive to keep a positive mindset on the court. While it is easy to get discouraged, what distinguishes you from your competitors is your mentality as a player. Mental toughness is what creates the consistency vital to becoming a fierce opponent. Remembering to play one point at a time and keeping a clear head allows one to rise up in the face of their adversities.
Isaiah Robertson, Iuka, Miss.
Awarded the $20,000 Donald Tisdel Lawson College Scholarship by the USTA Foundation.
High School: Tishomingo County
NJTL Affiliation: North East Mississippi NJTL
Honors and Activities
- Beta Club President
- Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee
- Tennis Division Champion
- FBLA State Champion (Entrepreneurship)
- BSA Eagle Scout (Veterans Memorial Project)
College: Boston University
Major Area of Study: Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics
Name of Scholarship: Mike McNulty Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: I cannot image a time in which I will not be involved in tennis, whether as a competitive athlete, a trainer, or simply an enjoyment purposed participant. Tennis has ingrained within me the drive to compete honorably, the desire to utilize athletics in maintaining my health, and the skills necessary to sustain a healthy mind. As a person who suffers from diagnosed OCD, tennis participation has significantly decreased my symptoms and generated positive outcomes in all areas of my life. Tennis in conjunction with well-balanced participation in other activities, is a vital tool crucial to crafting a long, healthy life full of joy and success.
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Naomi Osaka. Naomi is my favorite player because she not only is a great tennis player, but also advocates for different social problems! She also won her first ever grand slam against Serena. I know it was a very controversial game, but I love that she still kept going even through all the controversy.
Advice to Juniors: My life advice to junior tennis players would be that you are never too far behind in a match to give up. I, personally, came back from many 0-5 matches and still won so always remember to never give up!
William Silberman, Cookeville, Tenn.
High School: Cookeville
Honors and Activities
- Student Body President
- Sports Editor of School Newspaper
- Member of Beta Club
- CHS Tennis Camp Group Leader
- CHS Varsity Tennis Team
College: University of Tennessee – Knoxville
Major Area of Study: Business Analytics
Name of Scholarship: STF College Scholarship, $4,000
Essay excerpt: My time playing tennis has been a perfect metaphor for life in general. Tennis is about something bigger than yourself. It’s about your teammates, your coaches, and your school. It’s about my mom and grandparents who have been driving me to matches and practice since I was a little kid. It’s about my coach who has been a father figure to me as a kid who grew up without a real father. When I am having a bad week, I can always hit a few serves to help clear my head.
Favorite tennis player: My Favorite Tennis Player is Nick Kyrgios because I enjoy that he plays tennis his way. He is anti-establishment and I like that.
Advice to juniors: My advice for younger tennis players is just to enjoy the team aspect of it more. A lot of people I feel like don’t appreciate that part of tennis. Just enjoy being around all of your teammates everyday.