NJTLT Approaches 50 Years ‘Serving’ the Community
The National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton (NJTLT) is approaching its 50th year serving the community.
NJTLT has been creating opportunities for success since 1975 by enriching the lives of under-resourced youth through innovative tennis, education, and mentoring programs designed to prepare student athletes for the ultimate goal of successful college admissions and career placement.
They’ve had a 100 percent graduation success rate over the past 12 years according to Chris Liverman, Executive Director of NJTLT. “We’re providing opportunities for kids they would otherwise not have,” he said. “The kids need a little bit extra support outside of what they see on the street.”
Joseph Wong, who participated in the NJTLT program said, “NJTLT has helped me with the opportunity to have a [college] scholarship. NJTLT has changed me by helping me find my speaking voice.”
Morgan Martin, another participant, said, “I love NJTLT because they focus on the student-athlete. They focus academics before athletics.”
“We go to schools and offer free tennis,” said Liverman. “It’s an overall fun sport to get into.”
There are coaches who have been with NJTLT for more than 20 years. “They just have a deeper connection to the kids,” said Liverman.
Tennis was always a big part of Liverman’s life. “I came from a tennis family,” he said. “A great aunt was a tennis player. My mother also played tennis. The two introduced me to the sport. I’ve been playing my whole life off and on. I took it more seriously in college. It turned into a career.” His mom served on the NJTLT Board for 20 years. “She was a big part of what got me into tennis,” he said.
Liverman worked at a private tennis club for some time. Then looking for a change of pace—looking to serve the local community, he came onboard with Legacy Youth Tennis and Education in Philadelphia, one of the original chapters. He came onboard with NJTLT five years ago, beginning as program and communications manager.
The biggest challenge NJTLT faces is that there’s a shortage of coaches. “We’re trying to find creative ways to find local coaches in the community. We need to eventually bring in more experienced coaches,” Liverman said. Also, as a nonprofit, NJTLT is now in a stage where they see a lot of corporations puling back with funding. “We have to find other ways to gather income,” he said.
This summer a group of NJTLT kids were able to go to the U.S. Open and meet Francis Tiafoe, a professional player from Hyattsville, Maryland. He reached his career high at world No. 10 in singles on June 19, 2023. “Kids got to play on court with Francis,” said Liverman. “He stuck around afterwards to sign autographs.”
While that is a great achievement, Liverman says that becoming a professional tennis player is a long shot. Nevertheless, he offers this advice for aspiring players, “Get on the college team and strive for the best. Listen to your coaches. They’ve been there before you. They’re your leader, your mentor. They can certainly guide you in the right direction. Don’t say ‘no’ to opportunities that may take you out of your comfort zone. Find an opportunity that’s different than you’re doing each day. Eat right. Stay healthy.”
Liverman feels fortunate to have had leaders around him to share their knowledge about the sport and the life lessons they’ve learned along the way. He views tennis as a lifelong sport people of any age can play. “You can see all generations out there,” he said.
With NJTLT’s 50th anniversary upcoming, Liverman attributes the city of Trenton for their success. He said, “The Parks and Recreation have been a great partner, providing a place, two locations, east and west Trenton. During the warmer months, we’re at both of these locations.”
NJTLT also recently had their 30th annual gala. Two participants who gave speeches were Leah Pressley and Rosemary Esquivel. Pressley shared, “NJTLT helped me grow as a better tennis player and a better person in general. They’ve taught me both life skills and tennis skills.”
Esquivel expressed, “The NJTLT program has played an integral role in shaping my passion and success. The friendships I made and the lessons I learned extend far beyond the tennis court, instilling in me a sense of discipline and perseverance that I carry with me to this day.”
To learn more about NJTLT, visit: https://www.njtloftrenton.org/
