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Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
UNITED STATES-BASED Zimbabwean professional tennis coach Julius Mashonganyika had the world under his feet on Saturday night when he finally received an award for his dedication to tennis in that country.
The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Tennis Creates Gala was held on Saturday night at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, DC, and it celebrated the Foundation’s commitment to fostering community, character, and well-being across the Mid-Atlantic region.
The evening, presented by One-life Fitness, supported their philanthropic efforts to fund impactful programs that make tennis accessible, helping to improve the health and well-being of the Mid-Atlantic region.
And six exceptional Mid-Atlantic honourees, including Zimbabwean coach Mashonganyika, were recognized for their dedication to tennis and its impact on the region.
These awards celebrate those who embody the Foundation’s guiding principles and continue to contribute to the growth and vibrancy of tennis in the area. The winners were chosen from a pool of inspiring nominees across the region, each with a compelling story of leadership, community service, and passion for sport. Their remarkable efforts have supported tennis and enhanced the lives of those in their communities.
The honourees were Luke Grimshaw, Community Champion; Black Girls Tennis Club, Provider Champion; Al-exandre Kroely, Youth Leader; Jen Kaine, Adult Leader; Julius Mashonganyika, Tennis in the Classroom; and Gordon Macgill, Coach of the Year.
And Mashonganyika could not hide his excitement after receiving his latest coaching award in the United States.
“I received my tennis award on Saturday, December 7th, at the Salamander Hotel in Washington, D.C. It was a very special day for me, and I thank my Lord. God is wonderful.
“I had a nice time meeting and talking to Patrick McEnroe, the former General Manager of USTA Player Development; he also serves as the captain of the US Davis Cup team and the current president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and is based in New York.
“Also, I met and talked to Martin Blackman, the current general manager of the United States Tennis Associa-tion Player Development, based at the Home of American Tennis Campus in Orlando, Florida,” Mashonganyika said. Blackmail also gave Mashonganyika a pat on the back for his latest achievement well-deserved honour.
Online Reporter