First 10 and Under Distinction Impresses Kentucky Kids

connection to usta comes before jtt team

By Ron Cioffi, USTA Southern

Wearing the JTT emblem boldly shows off the enthusiasm and desire to win of Kentucky's first 10U team in the USTA Southern Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships.

The team, coached by Rodney Chou, went to Aaron Browning, USTA Kentucky's Competitive Player and Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator, for help on designing their t-shirts. He made sure that the logo was an integral part of the design. With “Team Kentucky” on the back, the red shirts display with a huge USTA Jr. Team Tennis logo that goes nearly from shoulder to shoulder.

The team from four Kentucky cities had a connection to the USTA before the team was formed. Christopher Salamah said, “I play Jr. Team Tennis. Every team I play on is USTA.”

Michael Chou said and older relative played in a USTA program and he knew about the organization before he was signed up to play 10 and under. “He played in 12 and under. It’s cool because we from all over Kentucky,” he said about his current teammates.

This is the first year 10 and under teams have been invited to the USTA Southern Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships. This level plays on blended, 60’ lines with orange balls that have lower compression than usual balls and smaller racquets than older players use. This system is part of the USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis program which welcomes younger kids into the sport by providing age-appropriate equipment and rules.

“It’s great that we’re the first (10 and under) team here. It’s kind of historical,” said Natalie Chou.

The team’s enthusiasm for being the first representative in 10 and under section championships is infectious. See a video in which players from Louisville, Lexington, Owensboro and Versailles show off their team hats and shirts.