Educational Programs
NJTL Essay Contest
Each year, the USTA Foundation invites NJTL players from across the country to participate in a powerful writing experience: The NJTL Essay Contest
LEGACY is proud to participate in this tradition where youth can build their writing skills, explore and share their personal stories, and gain confidence in self-expression.
National winners have the opportunity to be recognized at the US Open through an unforgettable experience with the USTA Foundation.
How It Works:
> Each spring, the essay topic is announced.
> NJTL youth write and submit their essays to LEGACY, their local NJTL chapter.
> The USTA Foundation reviews and selects winners.
Winner Spotlight
NJTL Essay Contest Winner 2024
Bodhi wrote about his oldest brother Gabe and how he has been a continued inspiration for Bodhi as he progresses in his tennis journey. Gabe, a recent graduate and Division One tennis captain from Howard University, now coaches at LEGACY. “Gabe is my best friend and teaches me a lot about tennis, sports, school and things in general” writes Bodhi in his essay.
Winner Spotlight
NJTL Essay Contest Winner 2023
I wrote about Coach Kein because of his character and his coaching style. We weren’t sure what to expect and it was his coaching that made me feel at home. I hadn’t played tennis before but he still made me feel like a professional. He had a bond with every single kid even if they were new.
Winner Spotlight
NJTL Essay Contest Winner 2022
Like Mayor Dinkins, I am convinced that tennis develops positive qualities in players. You gain confidence when you get to a point. In your tennis career when you've experienced many failures, setbacks and successes, you begin to learn and understand what is possible. You gain character because there are many ways to express yourself in tennis. You show sportsmanship when you say good game even if you lost. You learn how to display good teamwork in doubles when you work together, communicate, and help each other win the match.
