Pathways to Success

NYJTL’s new tennis pathway begins with grassroots programs like the Community Tennis Program (CTP) and extends to the Scholar Athlete Program and beyond. But what does “beyond” truly mean?

For NYJTL, “beyond” means supporting alumni as they transition to college and early adulthood. In recent years, NYJTL students have attended prestigious universities like Syracuse and earned athletic scholarships at schools such as Texas State, Howard, Fordham, and Dominican. The Scholar Athlete Program has seen firsthand the impact of academic support combined with high-level tennis instruction, especially for underserved youth. However, the challenges that young adults face don’t end with high school graduation.

Recognizing this, Raiyan Nafee, Scholar Athlete Academic Program Director, established an alumni network to provide support through college and the start of careers. Whether its coaches staying personally connected with former students, offering guidance on internships and resume building, or hosting alumni practices during holiday breaks, Raiyan believes in the power of maintaining strong relationships and providing ongoing support for NYJTL graduates. Raiyan says, “It’s incredibly important to me that we don’t lose touch with our students once they head off to college. I want to ensure we’re giving them the tools and support they need for a smooth transition from childhood to adulthood.”

One success story is Shawn Mitchell Yon, a Scholar Athlete Program alumnus from the class of 2023. Shawn journeyed through NYJTL’s Community Tennis Program to the Scholar Athlete Program now plays on the tennis team for Howard University, a Division 1 program. In his first year and a half at Howard, Shawn has leaned into the NYJTL alumni network to navigate new challenges that come with balancing the demands of academics and athletics.

Shawn’s journey in tennis began at age six through a gym class program at his elementary school. A Queens native, he discovered NYJTL’s Community Tennis Program in his borough, where his love for the sport started to grow. His commitment to tennis was not confined to Queens— as a young boy Shawn ventured across all five boroughs, participating at every CTP site that NYJTL offered.

Reflecting on his time in the Scholar Athlete Program, Shawn recalls the impact of meeting Ahsha Rolle, NYJTL’s Director of Tennis and a former top 80 player on the WTA tour. Shawn shares, “Seeing someone who looked like me succeed in the tennis world was incredibly inspiring.” Beyond the initial inspiration, Shawn’s tennis game improved through top-tier drills and match strategies led by Jay Devashetty, the Director of Player Development at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis and Learning. Along with the extra hours spent on the court, the Scholar Athlete Program provided academic support, including tutoring and hands-on college application assistance. For Shawn, working with Raiyan to refine his writing and perfect his college essay helped his acceptance to Howard University, while the high-level training on the court secured him an athletic scholarship.

Although Shawn’s training and academic success earned him a spot on the Howard Men’s Tennis team, his freshman year brought a new set of challenges. In his first season, Shawn was eager to secure a position in the singles lineup but found himself sidelined for most matches. Shawn leaned on his former coaches, Ahsha and Jay, for advice on navigating the pressures of college tennis. Ahsha’s advice to “stay consistent and maintain perspective” helped Shawn refocus and stay patient.

When Shawn returned home to Queens over his winter break last month, he dedicated himself to preparing for the upcoming spring season. Reflecting on his time, he shared, “I was at Cary Leeds more than I was at home.” Shawn trained with Ahsha and Jay and joined current NYJTL players for practice sessions.

When he wasn’t focused on his own training, Ahsha offered Shawn a job at the Cary Leeds Center, where he assisted her in private lessons and coached clinics for both adults and young kids. For Shawn, the Cary Leeds Center has become a true second home—a place to refine his tennis skills, earn money to support himself, and connect with people he considers “family.” While coaching and playing with current NYJTL Scholar Athletes, Shawn embraced the opportunity to mentor the next generation of players. Whether training alongside Ahsha and Jay or visiting CTP sites across the city, Shawn encouraged young NYJTL students with a clear message: “If you put in the hard work, your dreams can come true.”

Shawn’s short-term dream became a reality when he returned to Howard in early January and learned he had earned a spot as a starting player. His journey reflects the success that can come from the pathways NYJTL provides, guiding students from grassroots tennis to college athletics. Shawn’s experience at Howard reflects the importance of the NYJTL alumni network, as the challenges young adults face often grow after graduation. Raiyan Nafee recognizes that the support and sense of community provided after graduation are just as crucial as during their time as NYJTL students.

 

36th Annual NYJTL Mayor Dinkins Cup: A Celebration of Youth Tennis and Scholarships

Sunday, June 9, marked the grand finale of our 36th annual Mayor Dinkins Cup at the Cary Leeds Center, showcasing the talents of over 550 young athletes from public, private, and parochial schools across all five boroughs. Named in honor of NYC’s first Black mayor and our dedicated board member, David N. Dinkins, the event stands as the largest free junior interscholastic tennis competition in the nation.

The week-long tournament culminated in an awards ceremony where 13 scholarships totaling $140,000 were awarded, affirming our commitment to supporting exceptional student-athletes in their educational and athletic pursuits.

Udai Tambar, NYJTL President and CEO, shared, “This year’s Mayor Dinkins Cup was a resounding success, and we were so proud to be able to kick off the summer in this way. The Mayor Dinkins Cup gives hundreds of kids the opportunity to partake in a week of friendly competition with their peers, all while earning prizes, spending time with family, and strengthening their tennis skills. And this year, we were able to award $140,000 in scholarships to youth who have demonstrated what it means to be a scholar and an athlete on the court and away from it. Thanks to all who make this work possible.”

Scholarship Winners and Tournament Highlights:

  • Louis Marx Jr. Educational Scholarship: Alex Chan, Onyx Fletcher, Daniel Rodriguez, Chantajah Mills, Autumn Clarke, James Walsh, Christian Torres-Juarez
  • Victor Kiam “Going For It” Scholarship: Olivia Lopez
  • Gavrin Family Foundation Inc. Scholarship: Adrian Neequaye, Jeremy Victoria, Austin Huang, Juliana Londono, Henry Cuamani Moyotl

Notable Tournament Winners:

  • Boys Varsity Team: Bronx Science High School (Winner), Townsend Harris High School (Finalist)
  • Boys Varsity Singles: Jeremy Victoria (Winner), Aaron Tokarz (Finalist)
  • Girls Varsity Singles: Debra Gil (Winner), Jade Saintard (Finalist)
  • Additional winners and finalists spanned categories from middle school to elementary levels, showcasing a broad range of young talent.

The event also featured family-friendly activities and giveaways, making it a memorable day for everyone involved. For more details on the tournament and to view photos, click here.

Congratulations to all our athletes for their remarkable performances and sportsmanship during this year’s Mayor Dinkins Cup!

Hundreds of Bronx Teens Participate in Mental Health & Wellness Event at NYJTL’s Cary Leeds Center

On May 18, 2024, NYJTL hosted an impactful event in partnership with Generation S.O.S. at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning. This initiative, part of NYJTL’s Mental Health & Wellness Day, drew hundreds of teens from the Bronx and surrounding areas to participate in a powerful, interactive program aimed at raising awareness and preventing substance misuse and other mental health issues.

Generation S.O.S., a national nonprofit known for its peer-driven approach, presented a program designed to educate and empower youths by sharing personal stories and providing critical information on the importance of maintaining positive mental health. They demonstrated how mental health issues so often lead to substance misuse and addiction.

The event kicked off at 11 a.m., bringing together over 350 teens from NYJTL’s programs. These participants engaged in a wide range of activities, such as creating small canvas paintings, journaling, peer-to-peer discussions, drumming, competitive games, and tennis. The highlight of the event was a talk by a special guest speaker, Arthur, who shared his compelling story of struggling with emotional and mental health issues when he was very young, and how these issues led to substance misuse. Arthur also shared his journey to sobriety, and the coping skills he has learned to help him navigate life’s everyday challenges — emphasizing how his life has never been better.

This event was held in mid-May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance started in 1949 by Mental Health America to bring attention to the importance of mental wellbeing. Across the country, individuals and organizations step up to raise awareness of, and help address the challenges faced by people living with, mental health conditions. This year’s theme, “Where to Start,” aimed to guide individuals on how to begin taking care of their own wellbeing. Mental health awareness is particularly crucial for youth, as half of all young people will experience a serious mental health challenge, often leading to substance misuse. The focus on substance misuse is so critical because addiction and drug overdose remain the leading cause of death among individuals under 30. This event highlighted the critical need to address these issues early on, ensuring that young people have access to the necessary resources and support. You can read more and access resources through Mental Health America’s website.

Robin Aviv, Founder of Generation S.O.S., stated “We believe that, through the power of peer-to-peer storytelling, kids will learn to identify mental health and emotional challenges (anxiety, depression, bullying, divorce, disordered eating, etc.) and come to understand they are not alone in their feelings. The NYJTL kids heard wonderful coping skills that the young speaker, Arthur, learned on his journey to becoming successful navigating life on life’s terms, without substances. At Generation S.O.S., we are in the prevention space. Our goal is to educate and empower kids with healthy coping methods, so they don’t have to turn to substances as the quick fix. Students invariably tell us our programs are the most impactful experiences they have ever encountered. We have reached over 100,000 teens and young adults through middle schools, high schools, college campuses and other nonprofits, and are thrilled to partner with NYJTL in this endeavor.”

DJ Rouzeau, Chief Program Officer of NYJTL, added, “At NYJTL, we believe in the power of community and education to address the critical issues of substance misuse and other mental health challenges among our youth. Partnering with Generation S.O.S. allows us to provide valuable information and resources while creating a supportive environment where teens can openly discuss their challenges and learn from each other. Through these collaborative efforts, we strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people, helping them make informed decisions and build healthier futures.”

Located in one of the nation’s most economically challenged ZIP codes, the Cary Leeds Center provided a fitting backdrop for this event. NYJTL, the largest youth tennis and education nonprofit in the nation, continues to reach over 85,000 K-12 youths across New York City, making a substantial impact through its tennis, education, and life skills programs.

Generation S.O.S.is helping teens and young adults make life-saving decisions about substance misuse and other mental health challenges. Last year, Generation S.O.S. reached more than 50,000 teens and young adults with its peer-driven model, which fosters open discussions about substance use and mental health without stigma. This event at the Cary Leeds Center is a testament to the power of community and collaboration in creating positive change.

For more information about Generation S.O.S. and its programs, please visit Generation SOS’s website.

Together, NYJTL and Generation S.O.S. are making strides ensuring that young people have the support and resources they need to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives.

An Essential Part of Brooklyn Communities

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) fosters holistic development for thousands of Brooklyn children and teens annually. Our free programming includes academic support, STEM and literacy activities, arts enrichment, wellness education, mentorship, test prep, tennis instruction, and more. Additionally, each year tens of thousands of Brooklyn students learn to play tennis in school from NYJTL-trained P.E. teachers.

By giving young people a wide range of accessible, no-cost opportunities to learn, play, and grow for more than five decades, we have become an essential part of communities throughout the borough.

Our annual impact in Brooklyn includes:

  • Supporting the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of 1,280 students in eleven Brooklyn public schools in our daily, comprehensive, school-based afterschool program. Read more about our ACES Afterschool Program.
  • Providing 943 Brooklyn students with summer academics and enrichment, helping them avoid the “summer learning slide” and continue their social-emotional growth between school years.
  • Offering free tennis instruction, equipment, and competition throughout the year to more than 2,290 Brooklyn participants, ages 5 to 19, at eight unique sites in the borough. Read more about our Community Tennis Program, including registration instructions.
  • Training more than 30 P.E. teachers from 24 Brooklyn public schools—and providing them with free equipment—so they can teach tennis to their students. Read more about our School Time Tennis Program.
  • Guiding 18 Brooklyn students in grades 3-12—selected based on their tennis commitment, scholastic achievement, and family income—along their paths to college, with intensive tennis coaching, tutoring, test prep, admissions counseling, and other critical support. Read more about our Scholar Athlete Program.

NYJTL is proud of its commitment to letting the profile of its students match the profile of New York City. More than 74% of our participants in Brooklyn are kids of color.

“It means that my school really cares about having other opportunities for us aside from just school itself. I like the program because it gives us new things to do, we can experience different things than we do in school, learn different techniques in our classes, and we can spend time with our friends and bond with each other.”

Nevaeh, NYJTL ACES Afterschool Program
8th grade, JHS383K (Bushwick)

“NYJTL means a lot of things, not just about sports and learning. It’s a social program — we can learn to make friends and we go on great trips. I like the program not only because most of my friends are here, but it also gives me time outside of school to do what I want to do, and try new things like tennis, playing basketball, and a variety of other activities.”

Trenton, NYJTL ACES Afterschool Program
8th grade, JHS383K (Bushwick)

“NYJTL’s goals are in alignment with what we believe as a community – focus on the whole child. The organization offers both enrichment and academic support with fitness and mental health all together. Students have the opportunity to engage in activities and develop interests that they may not have even known they had! NYJTL is not just “an after-school program” – they are truly a part of the PS 9 community.”

Principal, PS 009, NYJTL ACES Afterschool Program
Clinton Hill

“I love the Scholar Athlete Program and consider all of those involved in it as part of my family. This program gives me an environment and opportunity where I’m able to develop mentally with my character and physically in my tennis game. The staff here are all welcoming with smiles on their faces everyday, and provide us the routine and discipline we need to be successful. My goal in life is to grow the most I can, either playing D1 tennis in college, or even going pro!”

Julia, Brooklyn resident, NYJTL Scholar Athlete Program
9th grade, High School of Economics

An Essential Part of Queens Communities

New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) fosters holistic development for tens of thousands of Queens children and teens annually. Our free programming includes academic support, STEM and literacy activities, arts enrichment, wellness education, mentorship, test prep, tennis instruction, P.E. teacher training, and more. By giving young people a wide range of accessible, no-cost opportunities to learn, play, and grow for more than five decades, we have become an essential part of communities throughout the borough.

Our annual impact in Queens includes:

  • Supporting the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of 900 students in nine Queens public schools in our daily, comprehensive, school-based afterschool program. Read more about our ACES Afterschool Program.
  • Providing more than 1,600 Queens students with summer academics and enrichment, helping them avoid the “summer learning slide” and continue their social-emotional growth between school years.
  • Offering free tennis instruction, equipment, and competition throughout the year to approximately 5,000 Queens participants, ages 5 to 19, at 16 unique sites in the borough. Read more about our Community Tennis Program, including registration instructions.
  • Training more than 50 P.E. teachers from 37 Queens public schools—and providing them with free equipment—enabling them to teach tennis to their 22,500 students.
  • Guiding 25 Queens students in grades 3-12—selected based on their tennis commitment, scholastic achievement, and family income—along their paths to college, with intensive tennis coaching, tutoring, test prep, admissions counseling, and other critical support. In 2023, we opened this program’s first satellite site at Cunningham Park in Queens. Read more about our Scholar Athlete Program.
  • Partnering with the NYPD in Springfield Park North in southeast Queens to facilitate youth participation in the NYPD Summer Youth Academy where they learn about law, behavioral science, drug prevention, and gang resistance.
  • Regularly creating new offerings to meet students’ evolving needs. In 2023, our innovations included piloting a new initiative that provides all-inclusive, confidence-boosting tennis experiences for Queens youth from New York City Public Schools’ District 75, which serves students with autism and other significant challenges.

NYJTL is proud of its commitment to letting the profile of its students match the profile of New York City. More than 82% of our participants in Queens are kids of color.

“Everyone who is a part of the NYJTL community can teach you something new. The coaches not only teach you how to improve your game, but they teach you valuable life skills as well. NYJTL has shown me that hard work and determination build character.”

Natalie Gosek, NYJTL Community Tennis Program
Queens high school student

“With NYJTL in my school I always feel great because my parents can have time to work while I’m in after-school. There are fun activities to keep us entertained throughout the week. In addition, we have a great tennis team, and all the players are fun, brave, kind, and dependable.”

Aileen Cabrera NYTL ACES Afterschool Program
PS 127 Aerospace Science Magnet School (East Elmhurst, Queens)

“NYJTL’s Scholar Athlete Program not only helps me develop my tennis and academics but also helps me build new life skills. I wholeheartedly love this program. I have made many new friends and built many new relationships during my time here. Participating in the SAP program was one of my best life choices, and it is truly a privilege to be here.”

Kento Smith, NYJTL Scholar Athlete Program
Resident of Briarwood, Queens; Beacon High School student

PS/MS 219 has partnered with NYJTL for almost a decade. Many years ago, our Middle School Community asked for a quality after school program that provided enrichment and recreational activities. NYJTL provides that and more, alongside qualified program staff members with a focus on the safety of our students. Our school motto is What We Do Matters, How We Feel Matters, and Our Work Together Matters. NYJTL is an extension of our school’s vision and caters to supporting the whole child- academically, socially, and emotionally. We look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come.

Principal Marlin Vellon
P.S./M.S. 219 – The Paul Klapper School

The Winners of the 2023 NYJTL Mayor Dinkins Cup Are In!

The Mayor Dinkins Cup is the largest free junior interscholastic tennis competition in the nation, with players from all over New York City representing public, parochial, and private schools. This year we had 750 entries from public, private, and parochial schools in elementary, middle, and high school divisions and more than 500 kids in individual competitions representing all five boroughs and a total of 283 schools.

Formerly the Mayor’s Cup, NYJTL renamed the tournament the Mayor Dinkins Cup to honor NYC’s first Black Mayor and NYJTL Board Member, who served 35 years, David N. Dinkins. Below are the winners of the fierce competition:

 

? Mayor Dinkins Cup Final Awards Winners ?

Boys Varsity Team
Winner: Hunter College High School
Finalist: Beacon High School

Boys Varsity Singles
Winner: Erik Johansson
Finalist: David Clarke

Girls Varsity Singles
Winner: Chantajah Mills
Finalist: Debra Gil

Boys Varsity Doubles
Winners: Shawn Mitchell Yon/ Erik Johansson
Finalists: Stanley Hoo/ Vinay Palta

Girls Varsity Doubles
Winners: Chantajah Mills/ Jade Saintard
Finalists: Angelica Leon/ Patrycja Filonik

Boys Middle School Singles
Winner: Abel Jackson
Finalist: Tristan Stratton

Girls Middle School Singles
Winner: Isabella Doni
Finalist: Leila Patel

Boys Middle School
Doubles Winners: Abel Jackson/ Rowan Qalbani
Finalists: Antanas Daugis/ Tristan Stratton

Girls Middle School Doubles
Winners: Julia Ivanov/ Emma Palacio
Finalists: Isabella Miraflores/ Mana Brod

Boys Elementary School Singles- Yellow
Winner: Alexander Ferreira
Finalist: Buvan Muthusamy Girls

Elementary School Singles- Yellow
Winner: Anna Kapanadze
Finalist: Daniella Yoguyman

Boys Elementary School Singles- Green
Winner: Kareem Lubowski
Finalist: William Swiatocha

Girls Elementary School Singles- Green
Winner: Laura Jedlinska
Finalist: Astrid Narantika