Tryout for the Maccabiah Games and Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month with Ondrea Levitt

May is Jewish American Heritage Month and Ondrea Levitt, who has been involved with tennis and the Maccabiah Games for a great portion of her life, is proud of her Jewish heritage and is encouraging others to try out for the games! 

She started playing tennis at the age of 6 and continued her career on her high school team. She became more competitive shortly after graduating from college. In the last 12 years, Ondrea has played a lot of competitive tennis, including USTA local leagues, USTA NTRP Tournaments, and played in Club Championships. 

As she got older, she became involved with the Maccabiah Games. Dating back to 1932, the games have the aim of fostering Jewish identity, unity, and pride through sports. The USA sends its largest delegation to the Maccabiah Games of any sporting event, with over 1,000 athletes in attendance.

The Maccabiah Games, also known as the “Jewish Olympics” are the world’s third-largest international sporting event featuring participants from over 100 countries. With the 2025 games on the horizon in Israel, Jewish athletes are preparing for the event. Levitt, a seasoned veteran recalled some of her favorite memories from the games.

“Competing in the Maccabiah Games is a once in a lifetime experience – marching into the stadium for the opening ceremonies with the USA team is a thrill like no other,” Levitt recalled. “In addition to competing for a medal, you will meet Jewish athletes from over the world. It is an opportunity to build a lifelong connection to Israel and Judaism.” 

Maccabiah’s mission to build Jewish pride through sports and promote support for Israel, Zionism and Jewish continuity through athletic, educational, and cultural experiences for participants of all ages, is well represented in the athletes and competition. 

“I really enjoy connecting with other Jewish athletes around the country and the world,” Levitt added. “This organization means so much to me. I want to continue the legacy my father started. My children and husband are also committed to it. Knowing that the legacy will continue makes me incredibly happy. Once you get involved with Maccabi USA you will be ‘hooked’. The experience is life changing for all participants.” 

Her father’s first Maccabiah Games was in 1979 at the Pan American Games in Mexico City. She traveled with him to several places, including Israel and Venezuela to watch him play and he was the Chair for Masters tennis for many years. Sadly, he passed away in 2006, so in 2008 she wanted to keep his legacy alive and tried out for the 2009 Maccabiah Games in his memory. “That year I decided to try out for the team and I have played since then,” she recalled. “I have competed in five Maccabiah Games: Israel 2009, Berlin 2015 , Budapest 2019 (overall chair for all age groups), Israel 2022 (Masters Co-Chair) and Argentina 2023 (Commissioner for USA Tennis). I have also been a member of the Maccabi USA Board of Directors since 2019.” 

The competition is set to take place July 8 through July 22, 2025, but there is a golden opportunity for Jewish Tennis athletes, that’s right around the corner.  

Maccabi USA is hosting tryouts for the Masters Tennis Team, and you can try to make the team and play in the games! Tryouts are taking place October 6 through October 8 at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. Maccabi USA is looking for players to compete in the 35 & Over age group all the way up to 80 & Over, with 5-year increments. You must be a 3.5 & above rated player to tryout. 

For more information on trying out for a tennis team, contact Shane Carr or visit maccabiusa.com. 

“Bring your family, represent your country, tour Israel. It is an amazing event, and now more than ever we need to show our support and solidarity for Israel,” Levitt said.