Bridging the Gap: How Support is Transforming Beatrice Bizzieri’s Tennis Journey
At the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation (MTEF), we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Today, we are proud to share the true story of Beatrice Bizzieri, a young athlete who refused to let circumstances sideline her dreams.
For years, Beatrice faced a hurdle no training could prepare her for: she lost her place to play. Her local facility was bought out, the courts were removed, and her coach moved away. It was a crossroads that could have easily marked the end of her tennis career.
However, the path stayed open thanks to the Oak Lawn Park District and a professional player from Iran named Saddam Alzoobaidi. While Saddam wasn’t a junior coach focused on technique, he provided something just as vital: a home. He welcomed Beatrice and her siblings, feeding balls and hitting with them several hours a week. Without Saddam’s hospitality and the Oak Lawn Park District facility providing an indoor court, Beatrice would have likely walked away from the sport entirely to focus on more accessible activities.
Saddam’s support kept Beatrice’s game alive and her competitive spirit sharp until the trajectory of her journey changed forever at the 2023 Team Cup. It was there she met Coach Basit Sayed. Despite the years without formal technical coaching, Coach Basit saw Beatrice’s raw potential and the elite player she aspired to become.
By Fall 2024, Beatrice’s family made the commitment to get her back into consistent training. Balancing the schedules of siblings, other sports, and work, they began a weekly commute to train with Coach Basit. His belief in her as a multi-sport athlete and his commitment to her technical growth provided the “missing piece” Beatrice had been searching for.
“Most importantly for a coach, I can tell he believes in me,” Beatrice said. “When I work with him each week, I build and sharpen my tennis skills, but I also feel like I am taking one step closer to reaching my ultimate goal of playing professional tennis.”
To honor her dedication and fuel her path forward, MTEF and our partners are thrilled to announce that Beatrice has been awarded two major honors:
- The Dorothy Kohl Grant: A $10,000 grant awarded to high-potential junior female players.
- The MTEF Individual Scholarship: A $2,500 scholarship to support her ongoing training.
These funds ensure that Beatrice can continue her weekly private lessons, keeping her eyes firmly fixed on a professional future. Beyond her individual work, she was also able to begin group training with Hendricks Elite Tennis during their summer camp last year and continues to return for weekly group practices. This has given Beatrice the invaluable opportunity to thrive alongside high-level players and coaches Marcy Hendricks and Jack Randall.
Help Us Write the Next Success Story
Beatrice’s story is a testament to what happens when we invest in the grit and heart of our Midwest athletes. It highlights the life-changing importance of community members like Saddam, who keep players on the court, and the transformative “Coach Basit” moments that take their game to the next level.
But there are many more players still waiting for their moment and the resources they need to keep playing. Will you help us champion the next generation?
Donate to USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation today. Every gift, large or small, helps a young athlete take their next step toward the court. You could make the difference.
