From Little Sister to Leader: Jaileah's SPUT Journey

Sometimes the best journeys start with a simple moment. For Jaileah, it was watching her older brother Chueshe take tennis lessons with SPUT. That admiration sparked a question to her parents—"Can I play tennis too?"—that would open the door to what became a defining chapter of her life with Saint Paul Urban Tennis.

Since then, Jaileah has embraced nearly every opportunity SPUT offers. She started with summer and fall lessons, then progressed to Junior Team Tennis, and eventually earned a spot on the competitive SPUTniks team. As she grew older, her journey came full circle: she joined the Warrior Leadership Program and became a coach herself, passing on the same passion that first drew her to the courts.

Her enthusiasm shines brightest when she talks about the summer of 2022—her first season coaching tennis. "It is a summer that warmed my heart, and I made so many memories with my students and coaches from SPUT," Jaileah recalls warmly. That transformative experience taught her a powerful lesson: "I had learned that I will make an impact on these students' lives just as the coaches who coached me growing up." It was a summer of growth, new friendships, and self-discovery.

Through programs like the Warrior Leadership Program and coaching, Jaileah developed strong leadership skills. But perhaps the most valuable lesson came through personal challenges. When COVID-19 stopped her from playing tennis for several years, she faced a difficult decision about returning to the sport. "Although I was scared to go back to playing tennis, there were so many people who welcomed me back and supported me," she shares. This experience taught her that "it is never too late to start and that it is okay to start over."

What makes SPUT special for Jaileah? The people and the program that shaped her. "Through SPUT, I met so many amazing people who inspired and still inspire me to be a better person," she reflects. The organization didn't just teach her tennis—it gave her confidence: "SPUT showed me that I need to use my voice and that my voice matters."

Her growth as both a player and person was nurtured by SPUT's unique community approach. "There were many amazing coaches and friends who gave me great advice and knowledge on and off the tennis courts," Jaileah explains. "What people forget is that you can learn so much just by talking to other people and that is how I gained more knowledge about tennis and life."

The impact of SPUT extends far beyond the tennis court for Jaileah. "It is a program I grew up with and where all my summer memories reside," she says with deep appreciation. "SPUT will always have a special place in my heart, and I will cherish all the memories, whether happy or sad, and people whom I have encountered."

To those facing setbacks or considering a fresh start, Jaileah's journey offers powerful encouragement. Her story proves that with the right support system, it's never too late to return to something you love—and that sometimes starting over leads to the most meaningful experiences of all.

Her journey exemplifies how SPUT's combination of inclusive community, skilled coaching, and diverse opportunities can help young people grow both as athletes and leaders.