NJTL Network: Sharing Our Stories - NJTL of Trenton

As Middle States continues celebrating its 100 year anniversary, the National Junior Tennis and Learning of Trenton (NJTLT) is looking forward to its own anniversary. In 2025, the historic NJTL will celebrate 50 years. 

Currently, the program serves more than 1,000 students around the Trenton region, focusing on introducing tennis and educational opportunities to the Trenton community through programming at Cadwalader Park, Villa Park, and its close connection with public schools.

“What keeps me coming back is being a part of the youth’s journey,” Liverman said. “I’m here for the students as a mentor and a caring adult, providing guidance and support whether it’s a student's first tennis lesson, first match, or after a hard loss.”

Liverman credits the hardwork and dedication of the coaches and staff at NJTLT for keeping the students connected and engaged in tennis. He also mentioned the program's mission: to strengthen character and enhance the lives of youth by providing opportunities and instruction in nutrition, education & tennis.

He said he is especially grateful for two veteran coaches working with the program now: JoSeph Revell and Andy Stoll. 

“Andy cares so deeply about the kids and goes above and beyond for his students, more than anyone I have ever met,” said New Jersey’s Community Tennis Manager, Lori Schwartz, who also calls Stoll her “go to” guy.

As a career social worker, Revell combined his passion for tennis with his passion for nurturing and impacting the lives of the youth in his coaching career. 

“The kids know I am here for them, in tennis and in life,” Revell said. “I enjoy helping youth fulfill their potential, find belief in themselves. They trust I am out for their benefit.” 

Growing up as a self-described shy kid himself, Revell takes great pride when students tell him how he has helped them communicate better with their parents and how former students return with gratitude for feeling seen, no matter how good or not they were at tennis.  

The lives that NJTL of Trenton impacts continues to grow. Whether it be through providing thousands of dollars in college scholarships, enrichment programming with partnerships like The Lawrenceville School, Ryder University and Bloomberg LLP, or simply creating an inclusive, safe community, NJTL of Trenton is making a difference on and off the court. 

For more information about the Middle States NJTL Network, please contact Renee Bridges, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: bridges@ms.usta.com.

For more information about donating to the USTA Foundation, please click here. 

“Because of the NJTLT scholarship, I was able to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science and minor in French while being on the pre-medicine track,” Estrada said. “I look back on these past four years at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and I cannot help but think about how blessed I have been to receive such support from NJTLT.

Estrada is now in a Postbaccalaureate program for pre-medicine students at CWRU and University Hospitals.

“NJTL of Trenton has been one of the main reasons why I am where I am in my life right now,” Estrada said. “It is why I want to be a doctor. They taught me to want to give back to the community and to continue striving for excellence.”

While at NJTLT, Kandakai developed a strong bond with Coach Andy Stoll and expressed his gratitude for the organization’s dedication, commitment and belief in him. 

While attending Mercer County Community College, Kandakai still found to come back and volunteer his time as a coach. 

Following his passion for coaching tennis and his father’s footsteps, a tennis coach back in Liberia, and all he learned from NJTL Kandakai opened his own tennis academy in Lawrence, New Jersey called AlSaah Tennis Academy.

“I believe in pursuing your passions,” he said. “I am eager to wake up every morning and chase my dreams.”

Rafa Nadal Academy Opportunity: Valentina Posso & Jude Yu

As part of USTA Middle States’ partnership with the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, two students from the NJTL of Trenton had the opportunity to participate in the week-long camp in Princeton, New Jersey. 

Valentina Posso and Jude Yu were selected by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director Renée Bridges to attend the Rafa Nadal Academy Camp in July.

Each day the camp included intense training sessions and valuable lessons to help players achieve success on and off the courts, while focusing on technical skills and the “Spanish way” of playing tennis. This method centers around footwork, endurance and consistency. 

“My time at the Nadal Camp was truly unforgettable,” Yu said. “I had a lot of fun meeting new people from my area who shared the same passion for tennis. Learning "Rafa's way" was particularly inspiring; it emphasized mental toughness, resilience, staying positive both on and off the court, and always showing good sportsmanship, no matter the situation.”

“It was a nice experience,” Posso said. “I’ll always remember with great affection the coaches who, with their extensive knowledge, guided me and offered me their friendship!”