Lincoln High School in San Francisco was home to the first ever NJTL Cup hosted by USTA NorCal. The National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters organized teams of advanced players who were age 8 to 14 years old; they are all participants in an NJTL chapter.
The goal of the NJTL Cup is to bring NorCal chapter participants together for tennis coaching and an opportunity to play each other in a fun competition. Participating coaches received training as well.
The NJTL coaches who brought teams to the Cup were Jimmie Brooks (Seaside), Gabby Espiritu (Roseville), Lou Maunapau (SF Rec), Wing Yan So (YTA SF), Andre Jordan (Mustang NJTL), and Anna Kohtz (AK NJTL). 72 NJTL junior players and 10 NJTL coaches participated in the day of play which started at 8:30 and ended at 5:00.
Special thanks to all of the coaches and to USTA NorCal Youth Tennis Specialist David Hong who organized the on-court team; Nigel Pugh, Chair of the 10 & Under Tennis Committee trained the coaches and led on court drills; Amy Jensen, USTA NorCal Manager of Player Development and Dan Limbago from USTA National NJTL were on hand looking to identify player talent and hit with the kids.
Afternoon competition was led by Carl Mendoza. Mike Skinner, YTA President and founder of the NJTL San Francisco, spoke to the kids about the life and accomplishments of Arthur Ashe which was a highlight of the day.