Jr Athletes of the Season

Salazar of Midland High School

Fall 2021

The West Texas Tennis Association (WTTA) officially presented its WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season Award

to Montserrat (Montse) Salazar, Midland High School senior and tennis athlete, on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021 just before the Midland High vs. Permian High match at the Midland High courts.

This special award is presented to an individual in the West Texas community, twice each year, who has a great attitude, works hard in school and is an excellent team player in the sport of tennis.

"Montse has been a blessing to the MHS tennis program since the first day she arrived. She has shown improvement steadily and has a district championship to show for it already," Thomas Heiting, Midland High School tennis coach, said. "Montse wants to continue her collegiate career as a student-athlete playing tennis, so we are looking forward to the future and to see what it holds for her. This year, she is our team captain and all her teammates love and respect her. She leads by example and does an excellent job of it."

Thank you Tennis Warehouse, who graciously donated over $150 in gift cards to Salazar. An award and basket with items from Sgt. Pepper's of Midland, "Note"able and Petroleum Museum were presented to Salazar and her family, who surprised her at the ceremony.

Shortly after the award presentation, Salazar's team went WILD for her, with the cheering and clapping! Congrats, Montse!

Rios of Permian High School

Spring 2021

The West Texas Tennis Association officially presented its WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season Award to Patricio Rios, Permian High School

junior, in May 2021 in Odessa, TX.

“To receive this award in the West Texas tennis community is an

honor that Patricio has earned. He is one of the most committed and talented young men I have had the pleasure to coach and work with the past three years,” said Edgar Lazcano, Permian head tennis coach. “When he steps out on the court and you see his demeanor and focus, it is easy to see why he has excelled in our program at Permian High School. He is deserving, and we look forward to his progress and key role in Mojo tennis. Go Mojo.”

Coach Lazcano presented this special award, on behalf of WTTA, to Rios on Saturday, May 8 at MCM Elegante Hotel in Odessa, TX.

The basket included:

• WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season award

• $100 gift card to Tennis Warehouse, compliments of Tennis Warehouse

• Koozies, cups, water bottle, highlighters, etc., compliments of Scarborough Specialties

• Hand sanitizer, tennis balls and snacks, given by WTTA

The WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season Award is given to high school athletes throughout the Permian Basin area four times per year. Rios was the first Permian High School recipient. Congratulations!

Cross of Midland Christian School

Winter 2020

The West Texas Tennis Association officially presented its WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season - Winter 2020 award to 10-year-old Emersyn Cross, Midland Christian School tennis athlete, on campus. Cross plays both doubles and singles tennis matches.

In 2018, Cross began playing tennis competitively and has since then received 17 distinctive United States Tennis Association (USTA) medals and/or major accomplishments. In November, Cross received the Sportsmanship Winner Award for the entire 10 and Under age group (over 50 players) at John Newcombe Tennis Ranch (Newks) in New Braunfels, TX. Her team competed at the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) Texas Junior Grand Prix State Championship Tournament at Newks.

“USTA Texas is proud of Emersyn’s recognition of being a good sport, as well as her on-court performance. We see a bright future ahead for her in our sport,” Amanda Shaw, USTA Texas Junior Competitive Coordinator, said.
This season, her USTA team was nearly undefeated with 108-7 games won. Much less, Cross was undefeated in her matches won the entire tennis season. She was, in fact, the only female athlete on this particular USTA tennis team.

In October, although only 10-years-old, Emersyn played up a full division in the USTA Lubbock Future Stars 12 and Under group, and also brought home the first place gold medal. Last year, Cross was invited to represent West Texas at the USTA DFW Early Development Camp in McKinney, TX.

Although she does not have her next birthday until June, last week, Cross received notification that she had earned her way out of the 10 and Under green ball division and will only receive USTA credit if she plays in the 12 and Under (male/female) division. Cross is the only player in West Texas to advance their way from a junior division early. With nearly every tournament, Cross is one of the few, if not only, female athletes in her division. .One of Cross’ coaches, Mike Doty, USPTA and Director of Tennis at Midland Country Club, was asked to describe Cross on the tennis court. Easily put, Doty describes her as, “going above and beyond in sportsmanship, unbelievable talent and a junior all-star with true determination.”

Stewart of Midland High School

Summer 2019

The WTTA has presented Tyler Stewart of Midland High School with the Junior Athlete of the Season award.

Stewart has been a three-year varsity player for Midland High School and has continuously been one of the top juniors in his USTA age division throughout his tennis career.

“I am nominating Tyler for this special award because of his dedication during the out-of-school time that shows how committed he is to tennis. He played in two of the top tournaments in the country this summer - The Texas Slam and the Boys National Championships in Kalamazoo, MI, and did very well,” said Amanda Friday, USTA West Texas TSR. “These are prestigious, high level tournaments that take a lot of hard work in which to qualify for. Tyler always represents himself, his family and Midland with integrity and respect at all of the tournaments he travels to, often times winning our USTA sportsmanship recognitions. His fierce success on the court is rooted by humbleness and dedication.”

Congratulations, Tyler!

Sanchez of Fort Stockton High School

Spring 2019

Darryn Sanchez has been a four-year varsity player for Fort Stockton High School. He has played both doubles and singles during that time and this year played the number one line in the singles division.

The three-year honor roll student was voted as the 2018 Most Valuable Player. This year, Sanchez has been a finalist in

every tournament in which FSHS has competed. Sanchez is currently ranked #14 in his division in the USTA (United

States Tennis Association) Texas Section.

Going into district competition this spring, Sanchez had a 30-4 record and had recently won the championship at the Fort Stockton April USTA Challenger.

Sanchez finished as the first place District Champion at the 2-4A district meet in Seminole, TX. He then finished with the 1-4A Regional Championship in Lubbock, qualifying him for Texas’ state tournament in College Station later this month.

“Darryn has put in the work and dedication required to have a successful senior season,” Bert Rainwater, JTT Area League Coordinator, USTA Tournament Director and UIL Regional Site Director, said. “He has successfully balanced school, work and tennis this year - his senior leadership on and off the court has been a valuable asset and will be greatly missed next year.”

Arenivas of Odessa High School

Winter 2018

The West Texas Tennis Association officially presented its WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season Award to Jazmine Arenivas, Odessa High School senior, tennis athlete and inspiration to fellow team members, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2018, at the Odessa High School tennis facility.

Arenivas plays both doubles and singles tennis matches. She was selected by her coach, Katelyn Watts, to receive this award due to her outstanding work as a motivational team member to fellow OHS athletes.

“(Jazmine) has an amazing attitude on and off the court, is very motivational and a captain. Whether she wins or loses she has great sportsmanship and is the definition of a true leader,” said Watts.

We presented this special award to Jazmine that afternoon at the OHS tennis facility. Friends and family were ecstatic.

The WTTA Junior Athlete of the Season Award is given to high school athletes throughout the Permian Basin four times per year. Arenivas was the first recipient of the award for the Odessa area.

Castro of Midland Lee High School

Fall 2018

Midland Lee High School senior and tennis player Madi Castro was honored in a surprise ceremony with an award from the West Texas Tennis Association at Bush Tennis Center. Castro was named Junior Athlete of the Season, an award the WTTA gives to junior tennis players four times each year. Castro, who plays both doubles and singles tennis matches, was selected by Lee coach Jane Kauffman to receive this award because of her outstanding work as a motivational team member to fellow Lee athletes.

“It is a joy and pleasure to have worked with Madi for four years. Madi daily exhibits good sportsmanship, integrity and leadership on the Rebel tennis team,” Kauffman said. “On and off the court, Madi is a true example of why I love to coach.”

WTTA President Heidi Winkler, and Secretary Jessica Theimer, presented the award. After the ceremony, fellow Rebels encircled Castro and chanted her name, to much smiles all around.
Congratulations on being the first recipient of this prestigious award, Madi!

Castro is the first recipient!

Madi Castro was the very first recipient of the WTTA Junior Athlete. of the Season Award. Congrats, Madi!

Nominations

Do you know a great Junior tennis athlete?

Nominate them today! We're accepting applications for our next West Texas Tennis Association Junior Athlete of the Season. This award is open to tennis athletes, in the West Texas area, between the ages of 12 and 18. Recipients will receive many benefits, including recognition through social media, press release to local media stations, featured area on this website and much more.

Please send the following information and a tennis photo to WestTexasTennis@gmail.com.

Name:

Age and Grade:

School:

Do you play more Singles or Doubles?

What's your favorite shot?

Have you won any matches and/or awards through tennis?

When will you graduate high school?

Do you plan to play tennis in college?

What is a fun fact about you?

Do you have any other information you'd like to add?

Junior West Texas Athletes of the Season