Young Ukrainian refugee conquers NYC tennis scene

Mastering Tennis A Young Ukrainian Refugee's Journey to NYC Tennis Scene Dominance

As Mariia Vainshtein stepped onto the tennis court, her racket at the ready, she embodied the resilience and determination that had defined her life since fleeing war-torn Ukraine. From a young age, Mariia had been fascinated by the game of tennis, and with the help of dedicated coaches and mentors, she honed her skills to become a force to be reckoned with in the NYC tennis scene.

Early Beginnings

Growing up in Odesa, Ukraine, Mariia's introduction to tennis was not just about developing a new skill – it was also a prescription from her doctor to help her focus her eyes. As she began playing in junior tournaments, her natural talent and aggressive style quickly earned her recognition. Little did she know that her life was about to take a dramatic turn.

The Unpredictable Path

In February 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, sending shockwaves across the globe. Mariia's family, like many others, fled their home in search of safety. They packed for months, unsure when they would return or if they would ever see their homeland again. As they settled into a new life in New York City, Mariia faced an unfamiliar environment – not just the language barrier but also the cultural and social nuances that came with being a refugee.

Adapting to New York City

Mariia's early days in NYC were marked by struggles to adjust. She had limited English skills and felt overwhelmed by her new surroundings. But with the support of her family, coaches, and mentors, she began to find her footing. Tennis became her sanctuary, a place where she could express herself freely.

Mental Focus and Coaching

Under the guidance of Rob Cizek, Mariia's coach at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx, she learned the importance of mental focus. We talk to them about what happened, how they handled it, and how they can handle it better next time, Cizek said. It's a really important part of their growth, both on and off the court.

A Path to Success

Fast-forward to today – Mariia is now a high school tennis champion, having helped James Madison High School in Brooklyn win the Public Schools Athletic League championship in 2024. She's also won individual competitions and has her sights set on college tennis in the fall.

Takeaways

1. Find Your Sanctuary Identify what brings you joy and helps you focus.
2. Mental Focus Matters Develop strategies to handle adversity and setbacks.
3. Network and Seek Guidance Surround yourself with supportive people who can help you grow as an individual and a player.

The Sound of Success

As Mariia served the ball, the sound of her racket slicing through the air was punctuated by the satisfying thwack – a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there's beauty to be found in the game we love.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.