I'm not sure when the USTA revamped its criteria for juniors who wish to make use of the National Training Centers, but I ran across a list on the player development site that was new to me. I suspect this is new since last fall, when Higueras was named Director of Coaching for USTA Elite Player Development. Here's a sample of what is required from the 16 and older group:
Male Players Turning 16 and Older
ATP: Top 50 ranked American Men
ITF: American players ranked in top 100
USTA: Top 5 ranked players in singles in Boys 16's or 18's.
Or by invitation from our National Coaching Staff
Female Players Turning 16 and Older
WTA: Top 50 ranked American Women
ITF: American players ranked in top 50
USTA: Top 5 ranked players in singles in Girls 16's or 18's.
Or by invitation from our National Coaching Staff
I can't be certain that this was ever on the website before, but I think it's important that it be in writing. I appreciate that the USTA is considering their own rankings, which they rarely did before, because it gives players who prefer to stay in school and play only USTA events a chance to work at the National Training Centers if they choose. I know several players from years past who were not invited or encouraged to train with the USTA, despite very lofty USTA rankings and accomplishments. I hope that era is over.
The player grant criteria has also been revised, with three categories: Excellence, Development and Grand Slam. Although the 2009 Excellence grants form is not available, the Development one is, and it provides a detailed explanation of the categories and amounts reimbursed. The Junior Grand Slam grants are still disappointingly low, and probably account for the dearth of U.S. juniors in Australia this year, but Harry Fowler, Lauren Embree, Ester Goldfeld, Christina McHale and Alexandra Cercone will have $1500 checks coming to them.
The USTA adds these words to the Player Development Grant explanation:
Communication will be clear, understood and the arrangement will be mutually agreed upon by both parties prior to entering into the relationship.
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