admin
Collin Matiza
HE is counting each day as it passes and as it passes by, he’s rubbing his hands with glee as he awaits to be crowned among the best junior tennis development coaches in the United States.
For him, it’s the final countdown to the podium . . . and he just can’t wait for the big day to come.
The anticipation is palpable.
United States-based Zimbabwean tennis coach Julius Mashonganyika will, on December 7, be crowned as one of the best junior tennis coaches in the United States.
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation this week officially announced Mashonganyika as a 2024 USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Award Winner in the category of Tennis in the Classroom.
This award recognises administrators, teachers, and school tennis providers who go above and beyond to keep their students active with tennis.
Mashonganyika, who has been based in the USA for more than a decade now and has won numerous coaching awards in that country, will receive his latest award at the 2nd Annual Tennis Creates Gala presented by Onelife Fitness on December 7 at the Salamander Hotel in Washington D.C.
He will be recognized on stage with other award winners. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation this week officially announced the winners of the 2024 Tennis Creates Awards, recognising exceptional individuals and organisations for their dedication to tennis and its impact on the Mid-Atlantic region. These awards celebrate those who embody the guiding principles of Community, Character, and Well-being and continue to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of tennis in the area.
The winners, who include Zimbabwean Mashonganyika, were chosen from a pool of inspiring nominees across the region, each with a compelling story of leadership, community service, and passion for the sport.
Their remarkable efforts have supported tennis and enhanced the lives of those in their communities.
USTA Mid-Atlantic will provide each award winner, including Mashonganyika, with two tickets to reserve seats at the Gala on December 7 for himself and a guest.
And the Zimbabwean coach yesterday said he can’t wait for the big day to come.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sports Hub from his base in the Mid-Atlantic region which consists of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C., Mashonganyika said he felt blessed to be recognized as one of the best junior tennis development coaches in the United States.
He is currently a tennis director/ business owner at Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Loudoun County is one of the affluent suburbs in the USA. There are plenty of winery farms, etc.
“It’s an exciting feeling to receive awards from organisations in the tennis industry (here in the United States).
“My achievements continue to inspire a new generation of Black tennis coaches and players in my community.
“I felt honoured and appreciated to win the award. Tennis is a sport I love with a passion and I do everything I can to get everyone to play tennis,” Mashonganyika said.
As the coach of Meridian High School and a high-performance coach, Mashonganyika has expanded tennis opportunities both competitively and in the community, especially through the Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative.
He moved to the USA from Zimbabwe in January 2010 before the World Soccer Cup in South Africa. Originally from Mufakose here in Harare, Mashonganyika is an experienced leader and coach with a successful track record of working in the tennis and facilities management industry.
He is also skilled in Sports, Facility Management, Club Operations, Developing Teams, Event Coordination/Management, and Sports Management as well as coaching and Event Management Training.
“I have demonstrated a history of working in the sports industry. Skilled in Event Planning, Customer Service, Coaching, and Sports.
“I’m currently serving as the Tennis Director/Owner at the Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative in Loudoun County, Virginia.
“I oversee a junior tennis development programme in Loudoun County including Tennis, Pickleball, Wheelchair Tennis, and Adaptive Tennis.
“The Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative is a high-performance junior tennis programme for 6-18 players in Loudoun County, Virginia.
“Before joining the Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative, I was the Head Tennis Professional at the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section in Loudoun County, Virginia. Before that, I worked at Worldgate Sports and Health Athletic in Herndon, Virginia., for five years, where I had multiple leadership roles including as a tennis specialist.
“I have been featured in Tennis Africa Magazine, USTA Black History Month, The Business of 10 and Under, and Tennis Industry Magazine and have received several awards including Tennis Industry, 2018 USPTA Top 10 Education Credit Earner out of more than 15 000 coaches worldwide.
“I’m a tennis expert as a Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) provider. I have attended facility management courses in London, England. My certifications include International Tennis Federation-ITF, PTR, USPTA, USTA High Performance, and Tennis Coaches Association of Zimbabwe.
“I was the 2023 USPTA Mid-Atlantic Division Star Award of the Year.”
As the Head Varsity Boys Tennis Coach of Meridian High School and a high-performance coach, Mashonganyika has expanded tennis opportunities both competitively and, in the community, especially through the Loudoun County School Tennis Initiative.
Online Reporter