Tryout for the Maccabiah Games and Celebrate Jewish Heritage Month with Scott Kalb

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

Scott has been playing tennis his entire life, with one of his early memories coming in the New York City Public School Athletic League, where he was a champion at age 13. He played through college and became a champ in the Ohio Athletic Conference singles champion. Scott is also a Maccabiah Games veteran, competing for over 16 years, and as Co-Captain of the USA Masters and Grand Master’s Tennis Team, he wants to see others get involved this year.

Often referred to as the “Jewish Olympics,” the Maccabiah Games are the world’s third-largest international sporting event and has featured participants from over 100 countries competing in a wide range of sports. The 2025 Maccabiah Games are just over a year away, taking place in Israel, and brings together Jewish athletes from around the globe for a prestigious sporting event. 

“I tried out for the USA Masters tennis team for the 2009 Maccabiah in Israel and qualified for the team, but I took a job overseas in South Korea and moved away for a few years with my family and was unable to join the Games,” Scott recalled. “Four years later, we moved back. I tried out again, made it, and played in the 2013 Maccabiah Games winning a gold medal in singles.”

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. 

“Marching into that stadium behind the US flag in the opening ceremonies is a thrill like no other. I love meeting new people and getting together with old friends,” he said. “I have been competing in the Maccabiah Games for over ten years and it is like an extended family. We all look forward to seeing each other and to playing together.”

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. 

“I have now played for the USA in five Maccabiah Games, three Maccabiah in Israel (2013, 2017, 2022), one European Games (Budapest 2019), and one Pan American Games (2023 in Argentina),” he said. “I have won eight medals; two golds and a silver in Singles, and three golds and two bronze medals in Men’s Doubles.”

“Meeting Jewish athletes from around the world, forming friendships for life, you can’t beat it,” Scott said. “If we can play together, and compete in sports together, we can learn to live in harmony and respect, and communicate openly with each other.”

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