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 Caps
- $100K or less (with no children in college).
- $120K or less (with 1 or more children in college).
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. Every year, the STF awards ten scholarships of $1,000 each to deserving incoming freshmen. Stay dedicated, and this scholarship will accompany you throughout your four-year collegiate journey.
Opens January 1
Closes March 31
%20(1).png)
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.
Kimani Green
St. George, SC
Recipient of the Dennis & Pat Van Der Meer Higher Education Scholarship
Hometown: St. George, SC
High School: Woodland High School
College: Indiana Wesleyan University
Major/Career Path: Orthopedic Surgeon
Essay Excerpt: Since being a part of USTA it taught me how to be a better leader. Having to teach others and being a mentor really showed how good of a person I really can be. It showed me that I have a voice and how it does matter so I should use it to the best of my ability. But not only showing that no matter what is already on my plate such as playing Division II basketball, and school on top that just shows I can do it all. No matter what obstacles are thrown my way they will not stop me from what God has set for my life.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis
- Beta Club
- NAACP
- Region 6AA Tennis Player of the Year
- George Youth Sports League NJTL
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Serena Williams because she is what I call an excellent woman, mom, and athlete who shows that we, African American women, can do it all. She expresses women's rights and how it has been going on so long not only in the sport she plays in but around the world. She has stood up for herself time and time again, speaking out against double standards in sports, the gender pay gap, and sexist remarks. That is what makes Serena Williams my favorite tennis player.
Advice to Younger Players: I would l like to tell younger junior players is that no matter what obstacles are thrown your way in life do not let it be your stopping point to making it one step closer to your lifelong goals and dreams. You make your own path and lead it and not let others dictate the path they want you to follow. Make sure in whatever you plan to do go out there and do your very best. Always remember to put God first and everything will be alright.
.webp)
Lawson Godwin
Dunn, N.C.
Recipient of the JL Slacks Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Dunn, NC
High School: Triton High School
College: North Carolina State University
Major/Career Path: International Studies and Public Policy
Essay Excerpt: I look at our world in the same perspective as the court that I had first played on; our world is not perfect, and it never will be. With each center strap placed on the court, or each small change made, meaningful effects can be elicited.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis- Captain
- Beta Club
- SGA Executive Treasurer
- JROTC
- Big Brothers Big Sisters
Favorite Tennis Player: Too often in the sport of tennis, we are infatuated with who is the best-stats, years of experience, etc. However, that simply should not define who your favorite tennis player is; it should be a combination of several factors-beliefs, attitude on the court, the way they handle themselves. For this reason, my favorite tennis player is Naomi Osaka. Osaka is the exemplification of the person I aspire to be. Despite being faced with adversity, hate, and challenges as a younger tennis professional, Osaka continues to be herself on the court. She wears the names of victims of police brutality-not caring about her reputation being at stake, refuses press conferences in an attempt to shine light on mental health awareness and plays the best she can every time she gets on the court. These factors (and many more) are what make Naomi Osaka my favorite tennis player.
Advice to Younger Players: Tennis is about having fun. Sometimes, I look back at my juvenile years of playing, and I realize that I should have taken in the moment instead of being so focused on winning. I would practice every day, not enjoy myself when I played, and I began to not enjoy the sport. However, when I took breaks, focused on playing for fun, and stopped rushing the process of getting better, I began loving the sport I had loved all along. We only live this life once, and while you can remain dedicated to the sport, it is important to take breaks for yourself and those around you.
Makayla Cobbs
Reevesville, S.C.
Recipient of the Dennis & Pat Van Der Meer Higher Education Scholarship
Hometown: Reevesville, SC
High School: Woodland High School
College: Trident Technical College
Major/Career Path: Nursing
Essay Excerpt: When I began to play tennis, I was a bit nervous, but in the end, I became one of the best in my options. No matter how bad I was when I started, I now can say that I am better and am still improving to be great. When I get to college, I will find a tennis team that I can be a part of to continue my tennis career. I know that it will be challenging to hassle between playing tennis and becoming a nurse, but I know everything will work out in the future.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis
- National Society of High School Scholars
- TRIO Upward Bound
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- George Youth Sports League NJTL
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player would be Serena Williams. I say this because she reminds me much of myself from her determination and drive that she has. Every time that she was faced with battles, she always found ways to overcome those and become even better every time. I too am faced with things like this in my life, but no matter what I never let it stop me. I also loved seeing her play and always wished that one day I can be as good as her.
Advice to Younger Players: My advice I would give younger junior players would be to stay focus, set goals, and be determined. You have to stay focus not just on the counts, but in school as well. Always keep your grades up and never be scared to ask for help when you need it rather than wait until last minute for things. I say set goals because the more you set goals for yourself the more you would have that urge to want to achieve that goal. Lastly, you have to be determined, no matter what you face in your personal life you should always want to be better and do better than what you are already faced with. When doing all of these do not worry even if it feels like you are not, but one day you will be successful and live your dreams.
Anastasia Newsome
Elizabethtown, KY
Anastasia Newsome
Recipient of the Mildred F. Southern Academic Excellence Award
Hometown: Elizabethtown, KY
High School: Elizabethtown High School
College: University of Louisville
Major Area of Study: Biology and Neuroscience
Essay Excerpt: I started my high school tennis career at a very early age, as I earned a spot on the varsity team as a 5th grader. Having the opportunity to compete against older, more mature, and experienced tennis student-athletes increased my level of play on the court, while also getting a different type of exposure of the court. I felt like I had a step-up in tennis and school when I finally enrolled in high school. One of the biggest life lessons that tennis has taught me, was how to management the sport with school life. This lesson will be needed as I pursue a degree in Biology and Neuroscience, and my tennis career at University of Louisville.
Activities and Awards
Beta Club
Honor Roll
Varsity Cross Country
2018 Sophomore Tennis Player of the Year
2019-2020 Varsity Tennis Team Captain
Governor's School of Entrepreneurs Alumni
KHSAA Academic All-State First Tennis Team
Kentucky Girls State Delegate
Motto or Quote: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." - Steve Prefontaine
Favorite Tennis Memory: The bus rides back home from state were always the best. Everyone just bonding and having a good time, making it a great way to end a season!
"
Benjamin Koch
Abbeville, LA
Benjamin Koch
Brandon Koch
Hometown: Abbeville, LA
High School: Etowah High School
College: Louisiana State University
Major Area of Study: Pre-Law
Essay Excerpt: I started playing the sport of tennis at the age of three years old, when my dad took me to the city courts. Ever since then, I have fell in love with the game of tennis as it has taken me all across the United States. Tennis gave me the opportunity to meet friends, become aware of myself, responsibility, organization, how to build relationships, and even how to deal with conflict. I am a blue chip, ranked number three in the nation, and I am happy to have the opportunity to pursue degree in Pre-Law and tennis career at Louisiana State University.
Activities and Awards
Etowah High School Tennis Team
Louisiana 2-time Player of the Year
Easter Bowl Gold Ball in Doubles
3 Bronze Balls
Zonals Champion
Intersectional Champion
National Honor Society
Beta Club
Motto or Quote: "It's not about how hard you get hit, it's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."
Favorite Tennis Memory: When I won the Gold ball at the Easter Bowl in California in doubles with my partner and friend Welsh Hotard. That was a moment when I attained a goal that I had set for myself and I got to experience that moment with someone who is still my friend today and that I played all of my junior doubles with.
"
.webp)
Anna Thomas
Reidsville, NC
Anna Thomas
Hometown: Reidsville, NC
High School: Reidsville High School
College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Major Area of Study: Linguistics, German, Musical Theater
Essay Excerpt: Tennis and education have a relationship that makes it more than just a fun sport to play, for me. Tennis has taught me many lessons such as sportsmanship, strategy, problem-solving, and how to become a more responsible citizen. Tennis has also given me opportunities such as being able to intern with NJTL, participate in the Winston Salem Open, meet Frances Tiafoe, and continue my educational and tennis career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. So, what does tennis and education have to do with one another? Everything.
Activities and Awards
HS Tennis Team Captain
National Honor Society-President
Student Body-Vice President
International Baccalaureate Program
State NTJL Essay Contest Winner
International Thespian Society
HS Marching Band-Section Leader
Rockingham County Tennis Association NJTL
Motto or Quote: "Regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer. Regret is an eternal question you will never have the answer to." - Trevor Noah
Favorite Tennis Memory: My favorite tennis memory is going to the Winston Salem Open and getting the chance to meet Frances Tiafoe.
"
.webp)
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!
"
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.
"
.webp)
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.
"
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
Partner with STF
Your generous support can pave the way for more dreams to take flight. Donate, sponsor, or partner with us to ensure the next generation of tennis stars and academic achievers have the resources they need.
.png)
Stay Updated, Stay Inspired
Subscribe to our newsletter and remain in the loop. From new scholarship opportunities to heartwarming success stories, get a quarterly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox.
.svg)
In Their Own Words
Cassie C.
2023 Scholarship Awardee