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
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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
Maasiai Sales
Maasiai Sales
Atlanta, Ga.
High School: Healing Water Homeschooled Network
NJTL Affiliation: South Atlanta Community Tennis Association
Honors and Activities
· USTA Foundation NJTL Essay Contest Section Winner
· USTA Team Eubanks Excellence Program
· 18U JTT City Champion 2023
· 18U JTT City Champion 2024
· USTA Junior Tournament Player
College: Marion Military Institute, Ala.
Major Area of Study: Undecided
Name of Scholarship: Jim Warren Scholarship
Emmory Simmons
Emmory Simmons
Little Rock, Ark.
High School: Parkview High School
NJTL Affiliation: Small is the New Big
Honors and Activities
· Beta Club
· National Honor Society
· Student Council
· Baseline Tennis Center Camp Volunteer
· Tennis Team Captain & State Champion
College: Grambling State University
Major Area of Study: Nursing
Name of Scholarship: Mike McNulty Scholarship
Nyla Warner
Nyla Warner
Lawrenceville, Ga.
High School: Greater Atlanta Christian School
NJTL Affiliation: Coach Wink’s NJTL
Honors and Activities
· National Honor Society
· Beta Club member
· Nyla and Christinas Health Corporation Cofounder
· USTA Foundation NJTL State Essay Contest Winner
· Varsity Tennis
College: Savannah State University
Major Area of Study: Mass Communication
Name of Scholarship: Mildred F. Southern Scholarship
Lauren Wilder
Lauren Wilder
Greenville, S.C.
High School: Mauldin High School
Honors and Activities
· Beta Club
· French National Honors Society
· Fellowship of Christian Athletes
· Varsity Tennis Captain
· Harvest Hope Food Bank Volunteer
College: Samford University
Major Area of Study: Health Science
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.
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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.
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Cassie Cervantes
Bentonville, AK
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: Rafael 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!
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Charlie Ratliff
Madison, MS
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.
Isaiah Robertson
Luka, MS
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!
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.
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Kendall Moody
Columbus, MS
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.
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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.
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Micah Hill
Laurel, MS
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.
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Neo James
Charleston, SC
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.
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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