Garden City resident Alexa Graham was recently recognized by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for her outstanding performance this season at the site of this year’s US Open. She finished ranked atop the Girls 16 bracket of Eastern Award winners. It was her first time being given this award, which was based on her performance in eight sectional tournaments during 2013. Graham placed No. 1 in five of the eight, earning her the most overall points.
“This really meant a lot to me, I had to work really hard,” said Graham, who is starting her sophomore year at Garden City High School.
Graham has a private coach and a drill group who she works with six days per week to help refine her skills. Those skills have already allowed her to become a familiar name on the tennis landscape prior to having a full license.
She first put herself on the map last year by winning the Nassau County individual girl’s title at the age of 14, defeating the No. 1-ranked player in the county. At her age, it is too early to know where she will play at the college level, but it is certain there will be a lot of interest from coaches looking for elite talent.
