In today’s world, where content is constantly being thrown our way, it can be hard to pause and engage with something that truly stands out. But every so often, there’s a story that’s worth pausing to listen to, and this one is definitely worth your time.
One of our 2024 Atlas Tennis players, William Schmidt from Minnesota, shared his incredible story of growth and transformation recently with us and our partners at USTA Northern. Not only did his tennis performance skyrocket after participating in our program, but his entire outlook on the sport and life beyond tennis was changed.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into how Atlas Tennis helped Will take his game to the next level, how his journey has inspired him to push even further, and why our summer tennis trips could be the game-changer you or your teen is looking for.
How Atlas Tennis Helped William Schmidt Raise His Game
When William Schmidt set off on his Atlas Tennis journey, he knew he’d have the chance to play a lot of tennis during the three week tennis trip in Europe. Fast forward a few months, and his Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) jumped a full point—a huge accomplishment for any competitive player.
But it wasn’t just about improving on the court. Will credits much of his growth to the immersive experiences, diverse training, and coaching perspectives he received during the program. Atlas Tennis is designed not only to sharpen tennis skills but also to build character, confidence, and a deeper passion for the game through cultural experiences and travel. This unique approach is what sets us apart.
The Post-Atlas Journey: Inspiration and Purpose
What’s even more exciting is that Will’s journey didn’t stop after his time with Atlas Tennis. He left our program with a new sense of purpose and a clearer vision of his future in the sport. Atlas Tennis is all about inspiring young players to go expand their boundaries—and Will’s story is a perfect example of this.
The transformation he experienced has inspired him to continue pushing himself, both on and off the court. He’s now applying to study abroad in Germany for a year!
It’s a powerful reminder of how sports can help mold individuals into not just better athletes but more well-rounded people, better capable of facing different situations and challenges in every aspect of life.
Advice for Future Atlas Tennis Participants
Are you thinking about joining an Atlas Tennis trip this summer? If you’re unsure, take it from Will: The experience is life-changing. He encourages players considering the program to take the leap, reminding them that the connections they make, the skills they acquire, and the cultural experiences they gain will have a lasting impact.
The Atlas Tennis program isn’t just about improving your game—it’s about embracing new cultures, exploring different perspectives, and building lifelong friendships with like-minded players. For anyone passionate about tennis, this is the opportunity to elevate your experience to new heights.
Why Atlas Tennis Is More Than Just a Program
When Atlas Tennis was first created, one of our primary goals was simple: to provide young athletes with the chance to grow, both as players and as individuals. We want to inspire teens to become more excited about tennis, travel, and learning about new cultures. After hearing stories like Will’s, it’s clear that we are achieving that goal—and we couldn’t be more proud and excited to keep going.
The feedback from players who’ve participated in our programs is what keeps us motivated and excited to continue offering Atlas Tennis scholarships in the future. If you’re looking for an opportunity to challenge yourself and grow in ways you never expected, this is it.
Join the Atlas Tennis Community in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, we’re even more energized to offer new opportunities for players who want to experience the transformational journey that Will did. Whether you’re looking to improve your tennis game, explore new cultures, or gain valuable life experiences, an Atlas Tennis trip can help you unlock your full potential.
Stay Connected and Hear More from Atlas Tennis Participants
The full video of Will Schmidt’s story is available on our Instagram and YouTube channel, where you can hear more about his journey and what Atlas Tennis means to him. Don’t forget to like the post and check out the link for even more inspiring content.
We also want to hear from you! Has Will’s story reminded you of any impactful moments from your own tennis journey? Drop a comment below and share your experience with us.
Ready to take your tennis game to the next level? Apply today and get ready for an unforgettable summer of growth, learning, and tennis excellence.
