BPTA  Youth Program

Youth Program Spotlight 

Kira Jackman

I am Kira Jackman, a tennis enthusiast. At the age of 15, I am currently preparing for my 10th-grade year at The Mary Louis Academy for the 2023-24 academic session. While my academic passion lies in mathematics, I also harbor a deep appreciation for literature and reading.

Within the school setting, I am actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, including membership in the coding club, Genesians, and other clubs of interest. However, it is on the tennis court where my unwavering focus resides.

In the previous year, my tennis team and I achieved a notable milestone by advancing to the city finals. Though we narrowly missed securing the tournament victory, landing in the second place position, it remains a significant achievement in my journey. I take immense pride in the progress I have made, and I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming year with a determined resolve to claim the coveted first-place trophy without compromise.

Tennis, for me, serves as more than a sport; it is a source of personal confidence and a means to detach from life’s distractions. Stepping onto the court, especially in singles play, demands complete focus and dedication. I thrive on the thrill of victory and approach my practice sessions with the firm belief that “Practice makes perfect.”

While I do not lay claim to the title of the best just yet, I possess an unwavering belief in my talents and remain confident that I will ascend to the pinnacle of my abilities in due time.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my father, grandfather, and grandmother for their steadfast belief in my potential, even during moments of self-doubt. Additionally, I 

owe a significant debt of gratitude  to Brookville Park Tennis Association and the experienced coaches who have consistently offered encouragement and invaluable tips to refine my game.

My coach, the head of BPTA’s  youth program, Mr. Lawrence, deserves special mention, as he has not only played a pivotal role in enhancing my skills but has also made the learning process enjoyable through innovative games, lessons, and healthy competitions. 

From a personal perspective, I hold Coco Gauff in the highest regard as my favorite tennis player, as she consistently serves as a wellspring of inspiration for me. My ambitions revolve around the ongoing enhancement of my tennis skills, with the ultimate objective of making my presence felt on television screens at the U.S. Open, where I can contend with players of her exceptional caliber.

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Youth Program Spotlight 

Natalia Urbaez

Meet Natalia Urbaez, a passionate and multi-talented athlete and artist who has been making waves both on and off the  tennis court. Since the age of six, Natalia has been an avid tennis player and a proud member of BPTA’s youth program for an impressive 11 years.

Natalia’s journey has been filled with growth and achievement. She has not only developed her tennis skills but has also imbibed essential qualities of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. BPTA’s nurturing and supportive environment has also played a significant role in fostering her passion for the sport and instilling in her a sense of belonging to a vibrant community. Currently a Junior Honor Student at Francis Lewis High School, Natalia’s athletic prowess extends beyond tennis. She’s a force to be reckoned with on her school’s Cross Country, Indoor, and Outdoor track teams, and she even fearlessly takes on Flag Football. But it’s in the world of arts where  Natalia truly shines. From acting in musicals and plays to wowing audiences with her melodious voice in the chorus, she has garnered recognition and accolades for her exceptional performances.

Her passion for the Arts doesn’t end there. Natalia’s creative spirit  extends to writing novels, crafting captivating short stories and poetry, and even composing her own music. As an enthusiastic language learner, she has delved into Spanish and Japanese studies, and she actively participates in the Black Student Union club at her high school.

Beyond her achievements in academics and the Arts, Natalia also contributes her time and talent to her community.  Her dedication to service reflects her outstanding qualities of teamwork, compassion, and a competitive spirit. Not only does she mentor and coach young tennis enthusiasts and her father to improve their game, but she also volunteers as a mentor for the NYC DOE Middle School Performing Arts Boot Camp at Lincoln Center, nurturing the talents of rising eighth graders.

With an impressive GPA of 100.86, Natalia’s commitment to excellence has earned her a well-deserved re-induction into Arista (National Honor Society) and sets the stage for a promising college application process. As a senior, she will proudly lead the FLHS Advanced Concert Choir as a section leader and plans to continue her athletic journey by joining the tennis, indoor track, and flag football teams during her final year in high school.

With the support of BPTA also, Natalia’s journey is destined to leave a lasting impact on her life, her community, and those who have the privilege to know her.  She stands at the cusp of her future, Natalia remains undecided about her college choices, but one thing is     certain: wherever she goes, her passion, dedication, and talent will undoubtedly propel her to excel and make a positive impact on the world.

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