Unleashing Potential, One Scholarship at a Time
Eligibility
Before diving into the application process, ensure you're eligible. Here's a refined snapshot of what we look for:
USTA Membership
Must be a current member.
Geographical Criteria
Current resident of a Southern state and must have had residence in a Southern state for a minimum of one school year.
Household Income Cap
- Annual household income of $125K or less.
Tennis Participation
- Played on a high school team for two years OR
- Participated in Junior Team Tennis, NJTL team or program for two years, OR
- Ranked in the top 500 in USTA Southern in the past two years
Application Essentials
Must include a high school transcript, a concise essay, a support letter, and financial documentation. Every section of the application must be completed and all supplemental information uploaded for consideration.
Recipient Responsibilities
Be prepared to actively participate in publicity related to your scholarship, cite the pivotal roles of tennis and education in your journey, and provide a photo and/or video.
Available College Scholarships
Investing in Future Leaders
We're committed to recognizing outstanding potential. The Southern Tennis Foundation increased funding amounts of the ten (10) annual scholarship assistance awards and will offer to two (2) $4000, and eight (8) $1500 awards in 2025.
Opens March 3, 2025
Closes April 18, 2025
View the factsheet
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Beyond the Monetary Value
These scholarships do more than assist with tuition costs. They represent belief, trust, and the promise of potential realized. Through them, we've witnessed the development of extraordinary student-athletes, poised to shape the future.
Current Recipients
Today’s Trailblazers
Allayna Barnett
Allayna Barnett
Brookhaven, Miss.
High School: Enterprise Attendance Center
Honors and Activities
· Class Vice President
· Beta Club
· Student Council
· Yearbook Editor
· Varsity Tennis Captain
College: Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Major Area of Study: Elementary Education
Name of Scholarship: Julie Ditty Qualls Scholarship
Jonathan Bickford
Jonathan Bickford
Hammond, La.
High School: Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Honors and Activities
· National Honor Society
· Spanish National Honor Society
· Beta Club
· All State Academic: Tennis, Soccer & Golf
· HIS Kids Volunteer
College: Louisiana State University
Major Area of Study: Electrical Engineering
Name of Scholarship: Mike McNulty Scholarship
Leo Nedkov
Leo Nedkov
Bluffton, S.C.
High School: Hilton Head Island High School
Honors and Activities
· Special Olympics Volunteer
· Musical Productions (Beauty & the Beast, Nutcracker)
· Sportsmanship Award
· Outside Foundation Volunteer
· Varsity Tennis Captain
College: Berry College
Major Area of Study: Kinesiology
Name of Scholarship: PTR Foundation/Van Der Meer Scholarship
Kathleen Rohr
Kathleen Rohr
Cookeville, Tenn.
High School: Cookeville High School
Honors and Activities
· Senior Class President
· National Honor Society Secretary
· Health Occupations Students of America
· Habitat for Humanity Officer
· Varsity Tennis Captain
College: University of Tennessee
Major Area of Study: Political Science, Pre-law Track
Name of Scholarship: Todd Crawford Memorial Scholarship
Valeria Rojas
Valeria Rojas
Gautier, Miss.
High School: Gautier High School
Honors and Activities
· National Honor Society
· Beta Club
· Key Club
· Trunk or Treat
· Varsity Tennis Captain
College: Mississippi State University
Major Area of Study: Molecular Biology
Name of Scholarship: Jeff Gray Scholarship
Zander Russell
Zander Russell
Sparta, N.C.
High School: Alleghany High School
Honors and Activities
· Student Government Association President
· National Beta Club Secretary
· Spanish Club
· Future Farmers of America
· Read Across America Volunteer
College: Duke University
Major Area of Study: Biology
Name of Scholarship: J.L. Stacks Scholarship
Past Recipients
Leaving a Legacy
Our alumni have ventured into various fields, carrying the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance they cultivated on the tennis court and in the classroom. Their successes stand as a testament to the efficacy and impact of our scholarship programs.
Bradey Minnich
Greenville, S.C.
Recipient of the Paul Scarpa Scholarship
Hometown: Greenville, SC
"High School: Wade Hampton High School
College: Citadel
"Major/Career Path: N/A
Essay Excerpt: Tennis is an individual sport, but tennis has created a brotherhood for me. "¦ Tennis has taught me in life there are good days and there are some days that just do not go your way, but if you wake up every day with the sole goal of being better than yesterday then you will succeed.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis Team Captain
- All Region Award
- United Ministries Volunteer
- Junior Team Tennis Sportsmanship award
- Most Valuable Player
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis is Novak Djokovic because his game is the most complete out of anyone. I love the way he returns big serves and plays with a fiery passion every time he steps on the court.
Advice to Younger Players: My life advice for younger junior players is to be patient, embrace every time you step out on the court and enjoy it.
Aidan Mahoney
Lake Charles, LA
Recipient of the Mildred F. Southern Academic Excellence Award
Hometown: Lake Charles, LA
High School: M Barbe High School
College: Boston University
Major/Career Path: Public Health
Essay Excerpt: I knew I had to change my unhealthy patterns of eating if I wanted to get back on top. So that is what I did-I not only completely changed my diet but also started working out in my free time. As I learned more about how the food I ate affected my body, I started to become in love with nutrition and the physiology of the human body.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis
- # 1 Ranked Junior in Louisiana
- National Honor Society
- Student Council
- Key Club
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal, simply because there is no other player who embodies such a love for the sport. Every match, every single point, he gives his all, leaving everything on the court. I admire his fight and passion for the game so much as I try to bring that same kind of intensity into my own matches. His work ethic after all these years of greatness with so many achievements is so inspiring to me. He's taught me that a champion is made not only through matches won on the court, but through tenacity and sportsmanship as well.
Advice to Younger Players: My advice to younger junior players would simply be to trust and enjoy the entire process. Do not take for granted all the fun you are having on court hitting with your friends, or the family memories made in traveling to tournaments in new places. Know that your hard work will pay off one day, even if it comes later rather than sooner. I personally did not experience the peak of my junior tennis career until being sixteen years old"¦ eight years after I started playing tournaments. This entire journey is a marathon, not a sprint, so try to soak up every magical moment on the court before suddenly your junior career comes to its conclusion, and you are wishing you could do it all again.
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Takuma Walter
Memphis, TN
Recipient of the Mildred F. Southern Academic Excellence Award
Hometown: Memphis, TN
High School: White Station High School
College: University of Florida
Major Area of Study: Neuroscience
Essay Excerpt: I picked up my first racket when I was seven years and ever since then, I have not been able to put it down. I always strive to be the best I can be and enjoy the competitive nature of the sport. I also have learned many things from tennis such as time management, wisdom, and determination. I am excited to take all these skills and everything else that I have learned from this sport to the next level. I will continue my educational and tennis career at the University of Florida majoring in Neuroscience.
Activities and Awards
Eagle Scout
HS Tennis Team Captain
2011 Arthur Ashe Art Contest Winner
2017 Tennessee State Jr. Qualifying Doubles Champion
2018-2019 Commercial Appeal Player of the Year
2018 TSSAA Large Class Tennis Singles State Champion
High School Orchestra
Tennis Memphis NJTL
Motto or Quote: "If you want to see a miracle, be the miracle." - Morgan Freeman
Favorite Tennis Memory: My favorite memory was last year when our team won our sectional match with only 3 out of the 6 varsity players showing up. This resulted in our team automatically defaulting 3 matches in a format where the first team to win 4 matches wins. We ended up clutching the victory with the score of 4-3. What is amazing about this is that every match was close and competitive and our number 6 player who was a freshman had to be moved up to our number 3 spot.
"
Sherry Aschenbach
Columbus, GA
Hometown: Columbus, GA
High School: Hardaway High School
College: Berry College
Major Area of Study: Kinesiology, Exercise Science, and Athletic Training
Essay Excerpt: Out of all the communities that I am a part of, the tennis community holds the most importance to me. Throughout the years, I have learned a lot from tennis such as discipline, responsibility, sportsmanship, and dedication. The coaches and mentors I have had along the way, have helped me on the tennis court and in the classroom. With their help I was able to excel on the tennis court and maintain a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Tennis has shown me the importance of physical education in a person's life. With this being said, I am excited to be attending Berry College to purse a degree in Kinesiology, and to play tennis.
Activities and Awards
CORTA (Columbus Regional Tennis Association) Volunteer
Teen Council
National Honor Society
High School Choir
Highlands Church Outreach Volunteer
Beta Club Member
National English Honor Society Member
Principal's Honor Roll
Motto or Quote: "You can't win them all, but you sure can try." - Connie Mack
Favorite Tennis Memory: Meeting my college teammates for the first time
"
Trinity Oliver
Cary, NC
Hometown: Cary, NC
High School: Crossroads Flex High School
College: North Carolina A&T
Major Area of Study: English-Creative Writing
Essay Excerpt: This sport requires grace and one skill I had to learn, forgiveness. Tennis is a constant game of momentum shifts, and when the momentum was not in my favor or mistakes set in, I would blame myself. It made me question my competence, but I had to learn that mistakes do not define who you are. Once I realized this, my whole perspective change and I was able to learn more than just grace and forgiveness from tennis. I gained time-management skills, confidence, communication skills, and even improved my physical fitness. I am grateful for what it has taught me. I will continue to carry these skills and lessons with me, as I will play tennis and purse my degree in English-Creative Writing at North Carolina A&T.
Activities and Award
Ranked in the Top 50 in North Carolina
Captain of Junior Team Tennis
National Honor Society Member
DECA- Public Relations Chair
NSHSS Member
2019 Kappa Alpha Psi Scholar
Wake County Public Schools Honor
Young Adult Author
Motto or Quote: Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." - Oprah Winfrey
Favorite Tennis Memory: When I joined the Ebony Racquet Club Advanced junior tennis league, I was able to meet peers that enjoyed the game just as much as I do. I remember one tournament we travelled to Georgia to compete in the sectionals JTT tournament. That weekend was filled with laughter, competition and intensity. We played doubles on the court and relaxed afterwards by sharing embarrassing stories and past experiences. That weekend was the first time I truly was able to experience the team/family environment that can be created within the game of tennis.
"
Nyesha Nealon
Greenville, MS
Nyesha Nealon
Hometown: Greenville, MS
High School: Greenville High School
College: Jackson State University
Major Area of Study: Accounting or Nursing
Essay Excerpt: Tennis and education has been important in the development of the person I am today. I have been a USTA and NJTL member for the past six years. I have won the Arthur Ashe Tennis Essay Contest twice and attended the NJTL Leadership Camp for two years. Tennis has exposed me to new experiences such as traveling, watching professional tennis matches, and meeting professional tennis player, Frances Tiafoe. Tennis has also taught me skills such as being steadfast, enhanced my critical thinking, and to never give up. These are skills that I will not only continue to use on the tennis court, but also in my educational ventures. Tennis and education are very important to me, as I will continue my academic and tennis career at Hines Community College.
Activities and Awards
Cross-County Team
Beta Club
Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Winner, 2014 & 2019
EMT Program
Keep Greenville Clean
Teenette Art and Civic Club
USTA Junior Team Tennis
Greenville NJTL
Motto or Quote: "What's the world for you, if you can't make it up the way you want it." - Toni Morrison
Favorite Tennis Memory: Attending the USTA Southern Leadership Camp at Ole Miss
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Myesha Nealon
Greenville, MS
Myesha Nealon
Hometown: Greenville, MS
High School: Greenville High School
College: Jackson State University
Major Area of Study: Biomedical Engineering
Essay Excerpt: Playing tennis and maintaining good grades have opened-up many opportunities for me to explore the world. I have been a NJTL member for over five years and have attended the NJTL Leadership Camp for the past two years. I have won the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest, been named Most Valuable Player on my high school team over the past three years, and I help assist younger inspiring tennis players in my community. I have reached my future goal of being able to pursue my degree in Biomedical Engineering and tennis career at Hinds Community College.
Activities and Awards
Arthur Ashe Essay Contest Winner 2015
Rookie of the Year 2016
Most Valuable Player, 2017 & 2019
Technology Student Association-Vice President
100 Black Men Volunteer Hostess
Teenette Leadership Group
USTA Junior Team Tennis
Greenville NJTL
Motto or Quote: "We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." ~James Baldwin
Favorite Tennis Memory: My favorite tennis memory is the time I advanced to play at the state level. The spring of my 10th grade year was the first time that I got the chance to advance to state competition. I was very excited because I knew that passing district meant that I was making progress. Unfortunately, I lost in the first round at the state competition, but I was so grateful to have made it to that moment. I made my teammates and coaches very proud. This will always be a tennis memory that I will never forget.
"
James Qu
Greer, SC
Hometown: Greer, SC
High School: Riverside High School
College: Duke University
Major Area of Study: Computer Science/Engineering or Electrical Engineering
Essay Excerpt: Tennis has always been a learning experience for me, just like being in the classroom. I took away skills like how to handle certain situations, how to handle being under pressure, team building skills, and many more. School has also provided me with the knowledge that will ultimately help me achieve my goals. My sister has Down's Syndrome and because of it, it has created one of my biggest goals. This goal is to integrate electronic devices with artificial intelligence technology into the hands of people with disabilities to help them be less dependent. Having the opportunity to play tennis and accomplish my biggest goal is important to me, and I am excited that I will be able to do both at Duke University.
Activities and Awards
#1 Player & Captain on HS Tennis Team
Mu Alpha Theta- President
National Honor Society
Beta Club
French Honor Society
2020 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist
AP Scholar with Distinction Award
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award
Motto or Quote: "Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom."- George S. Patton
Favorite Tennis Memory: My favorite tennis memory occurred when I won the Boys 14 doubles title at the SC state qualifier tournament after saving match points in the final.
"
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Cherisse Trapp
Columbia, SC
Cherisse Trapp
Hometown: Columbia, SC
High School: Fairfield Central High
College: University of South Carolina
Major Area of Study: Computer Science
Essay Excerpt: I started playing tennis at a late age, but as soon as I started, I fell in love with the sport. It was very challenging at first, but I never would I have though I would have been able to accomplish what have accomplished while playing this sport. Tennis taught me how to believe in myself and that hard work pays off. I have worked so hard over the past 4 years, as I played number one for 3 years and I became captain of the team my senior year. I am happy to say that I will pursing a degree in Computer Science and playing tennis at the University of South Carolina.
Activities and Awards
All-Region HS Tennis
HS Tennis Team-MVP
HS Tennis Team Captain
FBLA
Beta Club
National Honor Society
Student Body Government
Griffin Ambassador
Motto or Quote: "Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."- John Wooden
Favorite Tennis Memory: When playing high school tennis there was this girl I had to play from another school, and she was really good. I played her three times that season, and I lost all three times. This just made me work harder, so then I signed up for a tournament where I was assigned to play her. I do not know what went on in my body, but I felt different this day. I went out there confident and with the knowledge that I was going to beat her, and I did. This day made me realize that if you put in hard work you can achieve greatness!
"
Funds and Endowments
Each scholarship is a legacy that changes lives. Once endowed, these funds create a perpetual impact, providing $1,000 annually to a deserving student-athlete over four years. Discover the stories and successes behind each named scholarship and see how they renew hope and opportunity every year.
J. Randolph “Randy” Gregson Endowed Scholarship
SOUTHERN TENNIS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE SERVED AS USTA PRESIDENT
The Southern Tennis Foundation established the endowed scholarship in memory of Southern Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Randy Gregson.
J. Randolph Gregson accomplishments:
- Played college tennis at Arkansas State and won several military titles while serving five years in the United States Navy.
- Won the USTA Southern Senior Doubles and National Clay Court Doubles in 1964.
- Wimbledon Senior Doubles semi-finalist in 1965.
- Served as USTA President, Southern President, and Louisiana President, as part of his decades of service.
- Graduated from the University of Texas as a petroleum engineer.
- Won two Southern Father-Son Doubles tournaments with Randy Gregson II.
- Helped “rebuild” tennis in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Born in Jonesboro, Ark., on Dec. 11, 1918, and passed on May 23, 2010
JL Stacks Memorial Endowed Scholarships
JL Stacks Memorial Scholarships Established
NAMED FOR FORMER COLLEGE PLAYER AND TENNIS PRO
The Southern Tennis Foundation (STF), the charitable arm of USTA Southern, announces the establishment of the JL Stacks Memorial Endowed Scholarships. A $60,000 endowment will fund two $1,000 college scholarships for incoming freshmen, which are renewable for three additional years. These scholarships were established by JL’s wife, Jean Stacks Harrold, to commemorate her late husband, who passed away in 2013.
JL (Jessie Lester) Stacks was born in Mooresville, N.C. in 1956. His passion for tennis began when he was 12 years old and started playing on the Davidson College campus tennis courts. He went on to play in junior tournaments around the state, often getting rides with friends. As his skills as a junior player improved steadily, he became a star player for North Mecklenburg (N.C.) High School.
Former STF Chairman Paula Hale describes how playing tennis with Harrold laid the groundwork for the scholarships. “After we played tennis one day, Jean asked me about opportunities to honor her late husband JL Stacks, who was a beloved pro. We discussed the educational scholarships the STF was working to endow and she immediately said, ‘That is what I want to do.’ She said JL was passionate about tennis and education and this would be the perfect way to honor his legacy. The STF is extremely grateful for this endowment and for Jean’s generosity.”
TThe foundation awards 10 annual scholarships of $1,000 to incoming college freshmen. The STF’s scholarship committee determines which two recipients will be awarded the JL Stacks Memorial Scholarships.
CW Stacks, JL’s brother, said, “We were fortunate to have many role models while we were growing up. One of them was, Dr. James Causey, who introduced JL and me to tennis. I am certain that my brother would say that the life lessons we learned through tennis helped us achieve our parents’ goal and our goal of becoming accomplished, responsible, and caring individuals. My sister, Vickie, and I are thrilled that our sister-in-law Jean Stacks Harrold has chosen to honor our beloved brother by providing funds to assist deserving students attend college where they, too, can begin achieving their life goals.”
“JL loved growing up in Davidson around the college tennis program. Those college players, along with CW, were heroes he could emulate. His success in the investment world was achieved only after significant struggle and I attribute overcoming those struggles, at least partly, to lessons learned on the tennis court,” said Dean Channel, a dear friend and business partner of JL’s from BB&T Scott & Stringfellow. “JL would be very proud of the endowment,” he added.
Though JL’s parents were not able to attend college, they highly valued education, worked hard, and made many sacrifices so that their children could do just that. This made it possible for JL to play No. 1 on the Florida Southern College men’s tennis team. JL worked as hard off the tennis courts as he did on them. He was elected to the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society and earned a B.S. in Business Administration.
After college, JL continued to excel as a player and as coach. He reached the finals of the N.C. Adult Closed Tennis Championship in 1985. JL enjoyed his work as Head Tennis Pro at country clubs in Birmingham, Ala.; New Orleans; Gainesville, Fla.; and Raleigh, N.C. Students old and young greatly improved their tennis abilities and enjoyed their time on the courts with JL.
“We have so many fond memories of our time learning tennis with JL. Our almost daily after-school lessons were something that we really looked forward to. When JL pushed us hard on the tennis courts, we knew that it came from a place of caring and wanting us to achieve our full potential. He encouraged us to do well and was there to console us when we failed. Our time with JL taught us more than just how to become better tennis players, but how to become more well-rounded people. We were truly blessed to find a coach and friend like JL. We’re so happy that his legacy lives on in this endowment,” said Murali and Vidyha Bashyam, two of JL’s former tennis students.
JL’s connections in tennis led him to a career in the financial sector. He joined Robinson-Humphrey as an investment advisor in 1988. In 1994, JL was asked to help form a Raleigh, N.C., office for Scott & Stringfellow. After becoming an Accredited Asset Management Specialist, JL was named Managing Director and served on the Advisory Board of BB&T Scott & Stringfellow. JL’s assistant Blake Manley noted that his consideration for others and his work ethic make these scholarships a perfect tribute: “JL believed and practiced … if you always do the right thing for your client, everyone wins.”
JL wrote this in an op-ed article in April of 2009 about A.J. Carr, a reporter for The News and Observer, whom he greatly admired, “Let’s face it, a strong character, gentlemanly behavior and unwavering integrity are obtainable to us all, yet in today’s world we are all too frequently reminded of their absence.”
According to JL’s business partner, Channel, “JL could have written that letter about himself. He too, was a gentleman of character.”
Jean Stacks Harrold described her desire to honor JL in these terms. “JL loved his work. He spent his days as a Money Manager doing what he enjoyed most — researching investment opportunities and staying informed about the choices he made. As an investor, the bulk of his net worth was invested on the same terms and in the same instruments as his clients. JL focused on risk before return, aiming to purchase at a rational price, shares in easily understandable businesses whose earnings were virtually certain to be materially higher in five, 10, or 20 years. As a result of JL’s wise and prudent investment strategies, I am thankful that I am able to establish this endowment in JL’s memory and continue his legacy. I am certain he would be honored, as it was his desire to give back. Our daughter, Claudia Stacks Twilley, and sons, Parker and David Stacks, share my enthusiasm. They are delighted that we have found such a meaningful way to recognize their father and his many accomplishments.”
Jack Mills Endowed Scholarship
Jack Mills Scholarship Endowment Fund Established
ESTABLISHED FOR SOUTHERN TENNIS HALL OF FAMER, PAST USTA SOUTHERN & USTA SOUTH CAROLINA PRESIDENT
The Southern Tennis Foundation (STF), the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southern Section, announces the establishment of the Jack Mills Scholarship Endowment Fund.
This endowment was established by Mills’ friends and admirers in his home state of South Carolina and throughout the section and nation to recognize a lifetime of contributions to the sport of tennis. The Jack Mills endowment will be used to fund college scholarships for exceptional student-athletes from the nine Southern states.
Mills, who lives in Columbia, SC, is owner and President of Mills Communications. An active tennis volunteer for over 40 years, he served as President of USTA South Carolina in 1977-78, and as President of the USTA Southern in 1988-1989. He was inducted into the South Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame in 1992 and into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame in 2009. He was a charter Board member of the South Carolina Tennis Patrons Foundation and a long-time volunteer for the STF.
Mills has an impressive list of accomplishments in the tennis world. He served on the USTA League Committee and chaired the Sanctions and Schedules Committee and the Public Affairs Committee, where he assisted in obtaining more than $700,000 in government grants as well as pro-bono USTA advertising appearances by Donald Trump and Jeff Gordon. He was elected a USTA Regional Vice President, representing four sections including Southern. In 1993, he was a member of the US Open Committee and he chaired the US Open Project Committee during the planning and construction of Arthur Ashe Stadium and the renovation of Louis Armstrong Stadium. He represented the USTA on the International Tennis Federation Olympic Committee before and during the 1996 games in Atlanta and was an advisor to the committee that focused on the construction of the tennis stadium and complex.
His dedication to tennis and his involvement in NASCAR, where he has worked with many of the sport’s top celebrities, have led to other achievements in the world of sports. He has been a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports, a board member of PE4Life, and Chairman of the Advisory Board for the College of Hospitality, Retail & Sports Management at the University of South Carolina. He was named one of the 25 most influential sports figures in South Carolina and listed among the state’s top 100 sports figures for the millennium. In 2002 he received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina’s highest civilian award.
The Mills Scholarship will provide $1,000 to help a worthy student offset the expenses of his or her first year of school. The awards will continue for three additional years provided the recipient remains a student in good standing, giving each scholarship a total value of $4,000. To qualify for a scholarship, students must demonstrate financial need and must have participated in tennis for at least two of their high school years, either on a school team or through tournaments, National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL), Junior Team Tennis or other USTA program.
Jim Warren Endowed Scholarship
Jim Warren Scholarship Fund Established
The Southern Tennis Foundation (STF), the charitable affiliate of USTA Southern, is proud to announce the establishment of an endowed college scholarship for former USTA Mississippi President Jim Warren.
Warren was serving as USTA Southern Director at Large on the Board of Directors when he unexpected passed away in his hometown of Jackson, Miss., last year. He also was the chair of the USTA Constitution and Rules Committee.
The Southern Tennis Foundation (STF), the charitable affiliate of USTA Southern, is proud to announce the establishment of college scholarship for former USTA Mississippi President Jim Warren.
The scholarship, worth $1,000 per year for four years, will go to worthy students who have been involved in tennis during their high school careers. The primary selection criteria will be academic achievement and promise, civic involvement and character.
JIM WARREN
USTA Southern Board of Directors Director at Large, elected in 2021
- President of USTA Mississippi President, 2015 – 2016
- Served as USTA Mississippi Grievance Committee Chair
- Served as USTA Mississippi Area Director
- Member of the USTA Constitution and Rules Committee
- Chaired the USTA Southern Constitution and Rules Committee
- Member of the USTA Southern Play It Forward Task Force and NTRP Grievance Committee
- Worked as a tennis official
- Born on Feb. 5, 1962 in Huntsville, Ala., and passed on Aug. 9, 2021
Nehemiah Atkinson Endowed Scholarship
SOUTHERN TENNIS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE SERVED AS NEW ORLEANS TENNIS DIRECTOR
The Southern Tennis Foundation established the endowed scholarship in memory of Southern Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Nehemiah Atkinson.
Atkinson, who was inducted into the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986, served as City of New Orleans Director of Tennis for 22 years. An accomplished player, he won more than 15 Southern singles titles, finished as a USTA national finalist on several occasions and was the recipient of the inaugural Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award. In 1997 he became the first Black player to be inducted into the Southern Tennis Hall of Fame.
Nehemiah Atkinson list of accomplishments:
- Avid tennis player since the 1940’s who specialized in singles competition
- Director of Tennis for the City of New Orleans for 22 years
- Won over 15 Southern Singles Championships and several Silver Balls as a finalist at USTA National Championships
- Represented Louisiana at Senior Cup competition, captain of the Southern 75’s team at the USTA Intersectional Team competition, 1993 USPTR Player of the Year and winner of the 1996 USPTR Men’s 70 singles title
- Recipient of the inaugural Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award and the T. N. Touchstone Memorial Trophy presented annually to a Southern senior player who displays outstanding sportsmanship and support of tennis in the South
- Played on the 1999, 2000 and 2001 United States Gardner Mulloy Cup Team which won the competition in 2001 to become world champions in the Men’s 80’s
- Inducted into the Louisiana Tennis Hall of Fame in 1986
Born on Sept. 8, 1918, in Biloxi, Miss., and passed on Feb. 9, 2003
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In Their Own Words
Cassie C.
2023 Scholarship Awardee