New Essay Contest Gives Younger NJTL Players in the Midwest a Platform to Be Heard

In tennis, when the court changes, great players adjust their game, and that’s exactly what the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF) is doing in 2025.

Historically, the USTA Foundation’s annual essay contest welcomed a wide range of youth participants, including younger players in elementary and middle school. This year, with the national contest focusing on high school students, MTEF saw a unique opportunity: to create a space where younger voices in the Midwest could continue to grow, reflect, and share their stories.

The result is the 2025 USTA/MTEF NJTL Essay Contest, open to all NJTL participants in grades 3–8 across the USTA Midwest section.

This year’s theme invites students to reflect on perseverance:

“Everyone faces tough times sometimes. Think of a moment when something didn’t go your way or was really hard for you. What did you learn from it, and how did it help you grow or become stronger?”

The contest isn’t just about writing, it’s about empowerment! It gives younger athletes a chance to express themselves, think critically, and share lessons they’ve learned both on and off the court.

Essays will be judged on creativity, clarity, connection to the theme, and grammar appropriate to grade level. Submissions must be typed or neatly handwritten, entirely original, and turned in by July 11, 2025. The winner will be announced on July 21.

And the prize? A well-earned celebration:

Four tickets to the Cincinnati Open on Thursday, August 7 (day & evening sessions)
A two-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge in a KidKamp Suite
Water park passes for the whole family
Parking pass included
(Note: Transportation is not included)

Essays can be submitted online at qrco.de/MTEFEssay.

“We’re excited to shine a spotlight on our younger players,” said Zoy Brown, Midwest NJTL Director. “They’re creative and have meaningful stories to tell. This essay contest is one way we can help them grow mentally on and off the court.”