USTA Florida 2024 JTT Season is Underway with Nearly 3,000 Athletes

The tennis courts across Florida are buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 Junior Team Tennis (JTT) Spring season prepares to be kicked off around the state. With enthusiastic young players ready to showcase their skills and sportsmanship, this promises to be an exciting season filled with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. 

Junior Team Tennis is a beloved program in Florida, providing aspiring young athletes with the opportunity to compete in a team environment while honing their tennis skills. From beginners to seasoned players, participants of all levels come together to represent their clubs and communities, while also learning some important life skills along the way. 

JTT is being offered in over 15 counties this season and has more than 2,700 participants. Teams from across the state are gearing up to face off in a series of matches that will test their agility, strategy, and determination.  

In Hillsborough and Pinellas County, Local Youth Play Coordinator, Leslie Herrion said these areas are growing like crazy. “Last spring, there were only 6 teams and 34 players participating in these areas, and all of those were in Pinellas. Fast forward a year later, and Hillsborough now has 25 teams and nearly 200 players participating, while Pinellas has 17 teams and over 100 juniors,” Herrion said.  

“Last Spring JTT spread to Okaloosa and Walton counties, expanding the play opportunities for players in Florida’s panhandle,” Local Youth Play Coordinator, Maggie Lochas said. “Participation more than tripled from 2022 to 2023 in the area and 2024 is already shaping up to be a great success.” JTT is growing and turning into one of the best junior sports any child can compete in. 

“In South Florida, we have more than 500 kids playing the JTT leagues for Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties every season,” Local Youth Play Coordinator, Tomas Echeverria said. “JTT is the best way to enjoy the sport as kids get to play with their friends, switch between singles and doubles, and compete against other teams.” 

The Spring season promises to be fiercely competitive, with players putting their skills to the test for victory in various age divisions and skill levels. To close out the Spring season, JTT will be hosting the Spring State Championships on June 1 and 2 in Tampa. Here, the top teams from around the state will gather for a two-day competition across multiple draws to determine a winner for each.  

Also exciting this year, the Northwest Florida JTT leagues will be hosting the Gulf Coast JTT Championship, coinciding with the USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Tournament on May 11 and 12. “The Championship will be welcoming JTT teams from across the northern parts of Florida, as well as teams from the southern regions of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi,” Lochas said. 

One of the biggest impacts JTT provides goes beyond the courts, and that’s the social skills and life lessons that it teaches to all the young competitors. “JTT helps kids learn to be more independent and self-confident. They learn sportsmanship, teamwork and relationship-building skills,” Herrion said. “They learn quick decision-making skills and at times are faced with adversity and challenging situations, which only furthers their development as individuals living in the real world. It’s a lifelong sport that will be something they can enjoy well into adulthood.” 

JTT continues to prove that tennis is far more than an individual sport and as they players prepare to conquer middle, high school, and even beyond that, they will learn how to work collaboratively. Some leagues began on February 10, but many more are getting started soon, so don’t miss your chance to participate in Florida’s fastest growing youth tennis league. 

For more information on Junior Team Tennis, visit ustaflorida.com/JTT. If you missed the registration date but still want to get involved, please contact your Local Youth Play Coordinator to find out if any teams are looking for players!