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
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.
Rachel Phillips
Wartrace, TN
Recipient of John Callen Memorial Scholarship
High School: Cascade High School
Honors and Activities
- Student Council
- National Honor Society
- Tennis Team Co-Captain
- USTA Junior Team Tennis
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
College: Tennessee Tech University
Major Area of Study: Agribusiness
"
Essay excerpt: For me, tennis and education have made a huge impact and have influenced my life in many ways. Tennis has allowed me to meet new, amazing people through my high school team and the junior tennis team of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is a wonderful sport that has taught me patience, diligence, and dedication. It has helped me form active and healthy habits that I will continue for the rest of my life. My education has opened my eyes to my ability to make a difference in the world. Going to school has taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and responsibility.
"
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
My favorite player in the WTA is Coco Gauff because I admire her amazing work ethic and dedication. All of her accomplishments that she has made at such a young age are inspiring.
"
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
My advice would be"¦ you always hear that your high school years will go by in a blink of an eye, but no matter how many times we are told this, it never truly sinks in until you are sitting in your cap and gown. Please do not look back on high school with any regrets. Enjoy the time that you have and make the best out of every situation.
Nicole Neal
Smithfield, NC
Recipient of Nehemiah Atkinson Scholarship
High School: West Johnson High School
Honors and Activities
- Varsity Tennis Team Captain
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes
- Ebony Racquet Club NJTL Participant
- Future Business Leaders of America-VP
- Springfield Baptist Church Youth Ministry
- Distributive Education Clubs of America-President
College: NC A&T University
Major Area of Study: Journalism
"Essay excerpt: My freshman year I knew I wanted to do a sport but didn't know what sport. Then the tennis coach talked to me and convinced me to try out. After making the team and seeing how much I loved it - and was actually good at it, I decided to pursue it with all my whole heart and played non-stop for four years. I would love to be able to play tennis at the collegiate level next year. I have worked towards that dream for four years. While in college I will pursue a degree in journalism to become a photojournalist or editor.
Who is your favorite player on the ATP/WTA tour and why?
Naomi Osaka because of how confident she is in her playing and how she prioritized her mental health first.
What is some advice you would give to freshmen entering high school?
I would tell them to join the club, play the sport! It gives you a lot of new experiences, memories, and friends.
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.
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.
Caroline Biddle
Brandon, Miss.
Recipient of the Mildred F. Southern Academic Excellence Award
Hometown: Brandon, MS
High School: Northwest Rankin
College: Ole Miss
Major/Career Path: Accounting and Political Science
Essay Excerpt: I started playing tennis when I turned ten years old in an attempt to get me interested in a sport. It was either tennis or cross-country; luckily, tennis took. I fell in love with the sport and have devoted thousands of hours to becoming better. My love for tennis leads me to my love of academics. Tennis was the reason I wanted to do so well in school, in order to qualify me for eligibility. My parents were also extremely strong influences with the idea of school coming first before tennis. I love tennis, but I am a true academic.
Activities & Awards:
- Northwest Rankin Tennis Team
- Beta Club
- National Honor Society
- National English Honor Society
- USTA MS Ready to Rally Volunteer
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Naomi Osaka because as one of the younger players on the tour, I relate to her the most. We share common experiences, such as the importance of mental health, and I find that if I met her in real life, we could be good friends. She became my favorite player after the controversial 2018 US Open final against Serena Williams. Even with the crowd audibly against her, she persevered and ended up becoming the US Open champion. I admire her for her strength.
Advice to Younger Players: My advice to younger players is everyone has a bad day of tennis. Tennis pros have bad days of tennis. I have had quite a few rough days and I never let it get me down. If you get in your head and say, "I can't play tennis," you will start to believe it and eventually hold yourself back. One bad day of tennis is not the end of the world, in fact it helps you identify with what you could do better to improve your game. Tennis is a lifelong sport, do not let a hard day hold you back from that.
DaQuarris Poole
Huntsville, Ala.
Recipient of the David Mauritson Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Huntsville, AL
High School: Columbia High School
College: Alabama A&M
Major/Career Path: Physical Education
Essay Excerpt: Since I started helping younger kids become better tennis players, I better understand the value of giving back to my community and why Coach Garrett invested in me. Now I have an intense passion for teaching kids and young teens. I feel great satisfaction in helping these kids excel in not just tennis, but also in life. Helping these kids achieve their tennis goals and dreams made me realize that I am capable of touching a life and using my influence to make a big difference.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis Team Captain
- JROTC Platoon Leader
- 100 Black Men of Greater Huntsville
- Varsity Football
- Youth Development Association NJTL
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Marin Cilic. I love his game and the way he moves. Cilic has excellent technique on most shots and overall has all the tools necessary to beat the best players in the world! Cilic has a great forehand. He has great technique and can hit the ball incredibly hard. He has a lot of variety with this shot. He can hit solid cross-court topspin shots, he can hit crazy flat winners and he can hit really nice angles as well. I personally think once he plays more aggressive and stands closer to the baseline there will also be plenty of opportunities to finish off points at the net.
Advice to Younger Players: My advice would be to get a better understanding of tennis. Play smarter not harder. I also think young tennis players should practice every day for at least 30 to 40 minutes a day. You are not going to get better if you practice every week. Lastly, never give up on your dreams. It may not happen when you want it to but one day your dream will come true if you keep going. I leave you with this. Be positive. Be happy. And above all be humble.
Elizabeth Vollmin
Wilmington, N.C.
Recipient of the JL Slacks Memorial Scholarship
Hometown: Wilmington, NC
High School: Hoggard High School
College: Queens University of Charlotte
Major/Career Path: Exercise Science
Essay Excerpt: Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to play college tennis. I have had the privilege of training with world class professionals throughout my ten years playing tennis. Tennis has allowed me to meet the most amazing friends and coaches. I have learned perseverance, commitment, dedication, leadership and so much more from this sport that will allow me to use those skills off the court and in the real world.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
- Student Council
- Tennis Instructor
- First Team All-Conference
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Roger Federer because no matter what he never gives up. He has numerous knee surgeries and people have always doubted his comeback. He proved people wrong and showed others that he is willing to fight until he no longer can anymore and that is why he is my favorite player.
Advice to Younger Players: Advice I would give to junior players is that you should soak in every moment in your junior tennis career because you never know when your last day of tennis could be. With high school tennis, my coaches always told me that it is going to fly by, and I never really believed them. But now that I am going to college, I get what they were saying. I took it for granted, all of the memories and friends that I made but I know I will keep in touch with them! Soak in every moment!
Eve Moore
Atlanta
Recipient of the Dennis & Pat Van Der Meer Higher Education Scholarship
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
High School: Westlake High School
College: Tennessee State University
Major/Career Path: TV/Film Editor
Essay Excerpt: I was born with hydrocephalus, a condition for which there is no cure. Hydrocephalus is when there is too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, commonly known as a "water-head." "¦ Many young people with hydrocephalus don't get the chance even to consider higher education. Despite having 10 surgeries, I have been seizure-free for almost five years. I do not take that lightly that I have been blessed regardless of the difficulties hydrocephalus brings.
Activities & Awards:
- Varsity Tennis
- Orchestra
- National Society of High School Scholars
- Junior Coach for West Atlanta Tennis
- South Atlanta CTA NJTL
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player currently would have to be Coco Gauff, seeing as she is the youngest tennis player in the top 100. It is really inspiring as a fellow young tennis player and watching her play just makes me that much more ready to go out and practice.
Advice to Younger Players: Some advice I have for younger players, please do not push yourself too hard. I know what it can be like to push yourself past your limit and I would not wish that upon anyone. Take breaks from things if you need to but remember to get back to it.
Jack Barney
Hilton Head Island, S.C.
Recipient of the Dennis & Pat Van Der Meer Higher Education Scholarship
Hometown: Hilton Head Island, SC
High School: Hilton Head Preparatory
College: University of South Carolina
Major/Career Path: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or Psychology
Essay Excerpt: When I joined my high school team in eighth grade, I was the lowest player on the roster. Sophomore year our team lost 5-3 in the state championship match, I was just outside of our top six players. "¦ Junior year, I made the top six and was ecstatic; unfortunately, our season was cancelled due to Covid-19. As a Senior and the captain, I look to make a contribution and hopefully win the championship title that has been five years in the making for me.
Activities & Awards:
- Captain of Hilton Head Prep Varsity Tennis Team
- Captain of Hilton Head Prep Varsity Tennis Team
- Captain of Hilton Head Prep Varsity Tennis Team
- Captain of Hilton Head Prep Varsity Tennis Team
- SCISA 2A State Championship Tennis Team
- The Mayor's Call to Service Award
- 2020 President's Volunteer Service Award
- Tennis Carnevale Scholar
Favorite Tennis Player: My favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal. I enjoy his energy and style of play. As well as the fact that we are both lefties.
Advice to Younger Players: My advice to junior players is to aim for a 1% improvement every day. Too many people overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what can be done over a year or years.
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