Junior Sportsmanship - USTA Southern California

SPORTSMANSHIP

JUNIOR TENNIS  |  USTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SPORTSMANSHIP

JUNIOR TENNIS
USTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

PLAYERS, PARENTS, & COACHES.

Southern California prides itself on grooming players who display outstanding sportsmanship as they compete in our section and across the United States as representatives of #TeamSoCal. Good sportsmanship is as simple as following the rules and showing respect for the game and the opponent. 

We remind PARENTS to set the example for junior players by creating a positive and encouraging environment. We ask COACHES to stress the importance of sportsmanship as highly as the development of strokes and strategy. And we empower PLAYERS to accept victory and defeat with equal grace and dignity, while treating opponents with fairness and courtesy.

ULTIMATE SPORTSMANSHIP CHALLENGE

From September 22, 2023 through February 20, 2024, during the Ultimate Sportsmanship Challenge, USTA Southern California will use Match Tennis App to promote good behavior from players during junior tournaments. The purpose of this nomination and award system is to reward junior players who exhibit exemplary sportsmanship, with the ultimate goal of creating a more positive and respectful tournament environment for all participants.

Join in the Challenge and vote for specific players to earn prizes and even a chance to go to the 2024 BNP Paribas Open!

Junior Tennis

RECOGNITION OF SPORTSMANSHIP

We are proud to recognize some of the many players who are acknowledged for their impeccable sportsmanship at tournaments across Southern California. 

Tournament Directors and staff are encouraged to capture images of players who receive sportsmanship honors. To submit a player photo, please attach and email to sportsmanship@scta.usta.com

In addition, USTA Southern California’s Junior Competition Committee (JCC) and the Sportsmanship & Grievance Committee (SGC) bestow annual sportsmanship honors on players who embody the ideals of fair play and strong character. Each year, the committees select one boy and one girl per age division for their sportsmanship recognition awards. Players and officials are encouraged to notify the USTA Southern California office of any individuals who should be considered for these awards.

As a tennis player, it is important that in addition to just knowing and following the rules of the game, you also show good sportsmanship on the court. Sportsmanship includes respecting your opponents, playing fair and doing your part so that everyone is having fun!

The USTA provides resources in order to ensure positive play experiences and good sportsmanship. Learn more on the Rules of Tennis, Friend at Court and The Code by visiting USTA.com.

An important criteria for SCTA Foundation scholarship grants is exemplary sportsmanship.

The 2023 Kramer Future Champions Scholarship Grants are awarded three times in a calendar year. Submissions are now being accepted until February 28, 2023. Applicants should have a history of tournament competition with the goal to play collegiately or higher.

Click here to access the grant application.

JUNIOR SPORTSMANSHIP RECOGNITION

EVELYN HOUSEMAN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

The Evelyn Houseman Lifetime Junior Sportsmanship Award is generally presented each year to one boy and one girl who have exemplified good sportsmanship throughout their junior tennis careers. In addition to standing out for their sportsmanship, the awardees have also performed at an elite level on-court over the course of their career. This prestigious award includes a lifetime USTA membership for the winners.

The recipient of the 2023 award was Mika Ikemori of Huntingtom Beach. USTA Southern California congratulates Mika for her stellar junior career and performance both on and off the court.

2022 – Masato Perera & Anne Christine Lutkemeyer
2020 – Noah Zamora & Winta Woldeab
2019 – Siem Woldeab & Eryn Cayetano
2018 – Eric Hahn & Julia Deming
2017 – Timothy Sah & Jennifer Kerr
2016 – Bryce Pereira & Devon Jack
2015 – Brandon Holt & Ena Shibahara
2014 – Brandon Yeoh & Gabrielle Andrews
2013 – Garrett Auproux & Monica Robinson
2012 – Jonathan Hammel & Maegan Manasse
2011 – Marcos Giron & Sarah Lee
2010 – Daniel Kosakowski & Lorraine Guillermo
2009 – Walker Kehrer & Kaitlyn Christian
2008 – JT Sundling & Thien-Trang Nguyen
2007 – Ryan Thacher & Stephanie Hammel
2006 – Nicolas Meister & Cosmina Ciobanu
2005 – Sam Querrey & Kelly Stewart
2004 – Martel Campbell & Jessica Nguyen
2003 – Brandon Wai & Cindy Chu
2002 – Jesse Ferlianto & Judith DeVera
2001 – Chris Surapol & Lori Stern
2000 – Brian Wilson & Jieun Jacobs
1999 – Ryan Haymond & Abigail Spears
1998 – Jose Lieberman & Allison Bradshaw
1997 – Ryan Moore & Katey Becker
1996 – Bob and Mike Bryan & Faye DeVera
1995 – Kelly Gullett & Monique Allegre
1994 – Jakub Pietrowski & Ania Bleszynski
1993 – Cameron Lindee & Pam Trump
1992 – Jonathan Elsberry & Nikki Willett
1991 – Heath Montgomery & Cindy Kuragami
1990 – Brett Hansen-Dent & Branaca Elsberry
1989 – Neal Grover & Heather Willens
1988 – Michael Noel & Deborah Graham
1987 – Daniel Mattera & Dorey Brandt
1986 – Eric Peus & Wendy Ouwendijk
1985 – Woody Hunt & Catherine O’Meara
1984 – Craig Johnson & Mary Graber

Mika Ikemori
Great Park

SUSPENSION POINTS & GRIEVANCE

Players who bend the rules, display bad manners, throw equipment, or use foul language may be subject to suspension point(s). Any player who receives ten suspension points within a 12-month period shall be suspended from competing in sanctioned tournaments for three months (first suspension).

Players are not permitted to enter two tournaments with overlapping sanction dates. Players who do enter overlapping tournaments will be disqualified from both tournaments, lose ranking points from both tournaments, and will receive five suspension points.

For complaints or grievances about player or parent behavior that occurs during a USTA Southern California-sanctioned tournament, please click the link below to access a Grievance Form. Complete the form and submit it to the Sportsmanship and Grievance Committee. Grievances may include violations of SoCal regulations, standards of conduct, fair play, or good sportsmanship.  Anonymous grievances will not be accepted.

Please note that grievances related to USTA National-sanctioned events – even if played in Southern California – should be directed to the national Sportsmanship & Grievance office.