Net Rushers are Winners!
USTA STL/MO Valley recently featured Net Rushers’ tennis player, Nia Cooper, in an article celebrating Black History Month.
In the article, Nia discusses her dedication to the sport and her commitment to representing young Black girls in the world of tennis.
We are very proud of Nia’s achievements and her inspiring perspective.
December 2025
The Net Rushers’ Holiday Tennis Fundraiser was a tremendous success!
The event featured excellent catering and highly engaging, competitive tennis matches. We would like to extend a special thank you to the Spirit of Angela West African Drum and Dance Team for their spectacular performance.
We also sincerely thank everyone who contributed through monetary and food donations. We truly appreciate your continued support and dedication to our community.
October 2025
Layla Mason and Gabrielle Patterson were instrumental in helping their respective tennis teams qualify for the State Competition.
Gabrielle secured the winning shot in the final match, qualifying Belleville High School for the upcoming state tournament. Layla’s aggressive play contributed significantly to John Burroughs’ victory against St. Joseph’s.
Congratulations to both athletes on these remarkable achievement!
August 2025
Our Summer Tennis Program recently concluded with excellent feedback, highlighting a significant increase in junior player enrollment and parent participation both on and off the court.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the junior players, parents, coaches, and Board Members for their dedicated support and participation in making this season a success.
July 2025
Net Rushers’ junior players, Gabrielle Patterson and Layla Mason, achieved outstanding results at this year’s MID-TAC tournament in St. Louis. Layla Mason secured first place in both Girls’ Singles and Doubles, while Gabrielle Patterson earned first place in Doubles and second place in Girls’ Singles.
June 2025
Our Juneteenth Tennis Tournament was a tremendous success. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our culture and families, and the Net Rushers Junior Tennis Players performed exceptionally well.
Attendees enjoyed light refreshments, cold beverages, and the chance to reconnect with friends while enjoying classic music. It was truly an outstanding Juneteenth celebration.
February 2025
Nia Cooper of the Net Rusher has achieved a significant milestone as the first Black player in the history of the UIC program. In addition to her impressive performance as a competitor on the court, she has maintained an exemplary academic record.
We are incredibly proud of Nia’s accomplishments and her dedication to excellence both in athletics and academics.
December 2024
The Net Rushers Holiday Tennis Fundraiser was a tremendous success. It was a pleasure to see our junior players compete against adults and participate in the “Tennis 101 Lesson,” which provided an excellent learning experience for them.
Thank you for a wonderful event filled with fantastic tennis, delicious food, and great company.
July 2024
Net Rushers achieved notable success at the Indianapolis Mid-Tac Tennis Tournament, securing 1st Place in Men’s 3.5 Doubles, as well as 2nd Place in Girls’ 14 Doubles, and 1st Place in both Girls’ 14 and Girls’ 16 categories. Congratulations to Net Rushers on this commendable performance!
May 2024
Congratulations to the Net Rushers’ Silver and Gold 18 for winning 1st Place in the USTA Spring JTT Program. Great job Teams and Coaches!
April 2024
Congratulations to Nia Cooper of Net Rushers on a commendable tennis season. Her university, Chicago State, was crowned the 2024 Horizon League Tennis Champions.
Way to go, Nia!
February 2024
Net Rushers’ Nia Cooper has been recognized as a Shining Star!
She earned the title of Student Athlete of the Week following her impressive performance, securing two victories in her initial collegiate matches. Congratulations to Nia on this remarkable achievement!
December 2023
Net Rushers successfully concluded 2023 with our Pre-New Year’s Tennis Party. This event was a notable success, highlighting competitive match play, exceptional cuisine, and the opportunity to engage with both new acquaintances and long-standing friends.
October 2023
The St. Louis University Tennis Team, along with Net Generation and Net Rushers CTA, held a tennis clinic for junior and adult players, providing tennis instruction that included drills, games, and competitive play.
August 2023
Net Rushers’ Nia Cooper obtained a “Wild Card” to compete in Chicago’s Women Open – WTA Tournament. Although Nia lost the match, she was very competitive, taking her opponent to deuce on every game in the first set. We are so proud of Nia’s dedication, determination and persistence to excel in tennis at the Pro Level. “Way To Go Nia!!”
2020
Net Rushers named CTA recipient of the USTA – Missouri Valley Gold Star Award for outstanding contributions to the sport of tennis in the St. Louis area.
2019
Net Rushers CTA awarded the Outstanding Community Tennis Association of the year for USTA – St. Louis, Mo.
Net Rushers awarded the Outstanding Community Tennis Association of the year for USTA – St. Louis and USTA -Missouri Valley.
2018
Net Rushers CTA player receives the Good Sportsmanship Award for USTA – St. Louis and USTA – Missouri Valley.
Net Rushers CTA junior player receives the Good Sportsmanship Award.
2016
Net Rushers CTA coaches and volunteers awarded the Community Service of Excellence Award.
2015
Net Rushers CTA coaches and volunteers awarded the Community Service of Excellence Award.
Net Rushers CTA awarded the Outstanding Community Tennis Association of the Year for USTA – St. Louis.
Net Rushers CTA awarded the Outstanding Community Tennis Association of the year for USTA – Missouri Valley.
2011
Net Rushers CTA receives the NJTL Chapter of the Year for the USTA – St. Louis.
Net Rushers CTA receives the Community Service Excellent Award for USTA – St. Louis.
2010
Net Rushers CTA awarded Event of the Year : NJTL Kids Day for USTA – St. Louis and USTA – Missouri Valley.
2009
Net Rushers CTA receives the Outstanding Community Tennis Association Award USTA – St. Louis.
2008
Net Rushers CTA player named the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest winner.
2007
Net Rushers CTA Awarded the NJTL Section of the Year for USTA – St. Louis.
2002
Net Rushers CTA awarded the Outstanding Contributor to Team Tennis Award.
2010
Net Rushers CTA awarded Event of the Year : NJTL Kids Day for USTA – St. Louis and USTA – Missouri Valley.
2009
Net Rushers CTA receives the Outstanding Community Tennis Association Award USTA – St. Louis.
2008
Net Rushers CTA player named the Arthur Ashe Essay Contest winner.
2007
Net Rushers CTA Awarded the NJTL Section of the Year for USTA – St. Louis.
2002
Net Rushers CTA awarded the Outstanding Contributor to Team Tennis Award.
2001
Net Rushers CTA novice players advanced to regional team tennis competition.
2000
Net Rushers CTA awarded the Member Organization of the Year for USTA – St. Louis.
1997
Net Rushers CTA named the NJTL Chapter of the Year for USTA – St. Louis.
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Net Rushers’ (Nia Cooper) gets “Wild Card” to compete in Chicago’s Women Open – WTA Tournament
Net Rushers’ Nia Cooper obtained a “Wild Card” to compete in Chicago’s Women Open – WTA Tournament. Although Nia lost the match, she was very competitive, taking her opponent to deuce on every game in the first set. We are so proud of Nia’s dedication, determination and persistence to excel in tennis at the Pro Level. “Way To…
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Volunteer with Us!
Thank you to everyone who supports us as instructors, chaperones, event coordinators, etc. Time is valuable and we appreciate the dedication. We are currently seeking additional volunteers to help hone the talent of our phenomenal players. You don’t have to coach or mentor. There is space for all volunteer opportunities. Interested? Fill out this form.…
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Net Rushers awarded Gold Star
In conjunction with USTA Missouri Valley celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Net Rushers Community Tennis Association led by Mary Owens Hudson has been named as a Gold Star award recipient. The award recognizes Owens Hudson and the Net Rushers CTA for contributions they’ve made to grow the game in the St. Louis area. Read more…
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Net Rushers featured in the St. Louis American
Net Rushers ‘strive to be the best,’ on and off court, organization offers free tennis lessons every Sunday during The summer. Read the full article here.
Net Rushers Community Tennis Association 