Two NYJTL Players Receive National Student Athlete Competition Medals

The National Student Athlete Competition runs throughout the school year. Report cards and tournament results determine the points earned throughout the school year. Ranking positions are updated on a weekly basis, depending on the player’s tournament results. The winners of the competition by the year end will have earned over $34,000 in annual college scholarship funds. Those who win their respected division will receive a portion of the $34,000 scholarship fund to be used towards their college tuition and education. There are four divisions within this competition, (Girls' High School, Girls' Lower/Middle School, Boys' High School, and Boys' Lower/Middle School).

NYJTL took the opportunity to speak with Justin and Isadora to get to know them better and their thoughts on receiving this award:

NYJTL: How old are you?

Justin: I am 16-years-old now and will be 17 in May.

NYJTL: Where do you live?

Justin: I live in Manhattan on the East Side.

NYJTL: What High School do you attend?

Justin: I am in the 11th grade and I attend the Brooklyn Technical High School.

NYJTL: What is your favorite subject in school and why?

Justin: My favorite subject in school is Pre-Calculus, because I find it challenging and enjoy the thought process involved in leading to a solid solution.

NYJTL: Who is your favorite tennis player and why?

Justin: My favorite tennis player is Roger Federer. I admire his fluid strokes. I also admire Federer for the way he handles himself off the court and remains modest through countless victories.

NYJTL: How long have you been with NYJTL’s Tournament Team?

Justin: I have been a member of the NYJTL Tournament Team for nine years.

NYJTL: What does receiving this medal for the National Student Athlete Competition mean to you?

Justin: Receiving this award means a lot to me. It represents all the hard work that I’ve put into my studies and with my tennis game. It’s nice to be recognized and I am very proud to have been selected for this.

NYJTL and Isadora Braune:

NYJTL: How old are you?

Isadora: I am 15-years-old.

NYJTL: Where do you live?

Isadora: I have been living on Roosevelt Island for my whole life.

NYJTL: What High School do you attend?

Isadora: I attend The Beacon School and am in the 10th grade.

NYJTL: What is your favorite subject in school and why?

Isadora: My favorite subject is English because there are so many powerful pieces of literature, and when you are analyzing a text there is never a wrong answer, just a different interpretation. 

NYJTL: Who is your favorite tennis player and why?

Isadora: My favorite player is Serena Williams because of her technique and her presence on the court.

NYJTL: How long have you been with NYJTL’s Tournament Team?

Isadora: I have been part of the NYJTL tournament team for 4 years.

NYJTL: Do you have an idea of what you would like to be when you grow up?

Isadora: I'm not sure yet but I am leaning towards psychology. 

NYJTL: What does receiving this medal for the National Student Athlete Competition mean to you?

Isadora: I am very happy to receive this award for the National Student Athlete Competition. Education has always been important to my family and I. Winning this award means a lot because it shows that I can be successful as a student, while pursuing a passion of playing a great sport like tennis. My goal is to receive a college scholarship with my grades and tennis background. I would also like to say, without the opportunities that NYJTL provides, my success on the tennis court would not be possible. For that, I really appreciate NYJTL’s constant support in improving my tennis.

These two young individuals have truly defined what a “Student-Athlete” represents and should reflect. After speaking with them, I have found they both have a passion for tennis and are striving to use tennis as one means towards receiving a college scholarship in the future. Isadora and Justin have a bright future ahead of them and NYJTL looks forward to hearing a lot more noise from the both of them on and off the tennis court.