Winter JTT season kicks off to much excitement

30 Jan Winter JTT season kicks off to much excitement

Posted at 20:04h in Local by
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As many of us huddle indoors under the warmth of blankets, junior players in USTA Kansas are hitting the (indoor) courts for another exciting season of Junior Team Tennis (JTT). This year’s winter season that kicked off in early January was quick to fill, indicating an eagerness of players to return to the courts.

“Our winter JTT programs usually fill within 24 hours after being opened just by word of mouth,” said Janet Glaser, USTA Kansas Junior Team Tennis coordinator. “[At this time] we have 35 registered and many asking to be on the sub list.”

Glaser shared that this year there are 17 different towns and 15 schools represented in JTT competitions, all within a 90-minute driving range.

“We have players from all classifications in KSHSAA: 3-2-1A, 4A, 5A and 6A,” Glaser said. “Many state finalists and medalists are playing, as well as kids who play JV on their school teams who are looking for the opportunity to play against players they would not normally see during the school season.”

The timing is also right for players heading into their high school seasons.

“The boys are happy to work on their games before the start of their high school season at the end of February,” Glaser said. “The mixed doubles component is especially popular and fun. And all really like the opportunity to play both singles and doubles on the same day, which is something that isn’t possible in the high school season.”

The format of JTT keeps juniors moving without waiting for a court to open up or a match to finish. Glaser shared this “no-waiting” format is hugely popular with both players and parents alike, and it allows for quite the cheering section.

“It’s 90 minutes of play. They’re never waiting on a match to end to begin theirs, and parents love it because their kid is always on court to watch,” Glaser said. “Speaking of which, we have an amazing attendance of players’ fan clubs. Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends all show up and are allowed to sit courtside. It gets pretty festive.”

Fanfare aside, JTT remains a growing hit with young players—and there’s no sign of this program slowing down.

“All in all, JTT is fun and fast,” Glaser said. “The play is inspiring, and the camaraderie is spirited. I’ve had many young adults tell me how much they wished this would’ve been available while they were in high school.”