JMTA Long Island Hosts Scholarship Tryouts at Sportime Syosset

June 13, 2016 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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Photo Credit: Emma Fein

The John McEnroe Tennis Academy’s (JMTA) Long Island annex Sportime Syosset hosted its annual scholarship tryouts, where kids from around Long Island came to compete and play for a scholarship for the Fall 2016 campaign at the JMTA.

“We’re looking for talented, homegrown players who are athletic and show great sportsmanship and character,” said Mike Kossoff, Tennis Director at Sportime Syosset/Bethpage. “We have over 100 kids here and so many of them seem so motivated to be part of the program. I’m really excited about all the potential I’m seeing.”

The tryouts, which was open to players ages six through 16, evaluated players as they participated in drills, athletic assessments and play matches.

The Sportime coaches and directors weren’t necessarily looking for the most talented player in the crop, but someone who exhibited a great work ethic and attitude on the court.

“Mostly, its kids who are willing to work hard and who has a good head on their shoulders,” said Sportime Syosset coach Eric Meditz. “We want someone who is going to run for every ball and be able to take constructive criticism from instructors. We want the combination of character and talent.”

The JMTA team was seeking players with a foundation for them to build off of, and someone eager to join the successful programs.

“We want them to know that they will be part of something special. We’re all one team here,” added Kossoff. “We do things that separate us such as the college advistory process and video and photo analysis, where we chart your matches. We incorporate everything involved in the game, the mental, physical, tactical and technical parts, in order to put our players in the best possible situation.”



Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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