STRETCHING THE LIMITS: Matthew Michibata of the Princeton Tennis Program has been named to the second USTA Junior Leadership Team. (Photo Credit: Erica M. Cardenas)

Written by Erica M. Cardenas

Matthew Michibata, who trains with Princeton Tennis Program, has been named to the second USTA Junior Leadership Team, which recognizes the finest U.S. junior tennis players who exhibit leadership, sportsmanship, and character on and off the court.

Matthew is a rising senior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South. It wasn’t until around the age of 12 that he found his passion for tennis. His first sport was baseball. “I chose tennis because I like the individualistic nature of the game where I have more responsibility and control over the outcome of the match,” said Matthew. “Playing tennis shaped who I am as a person today. I have learned that hard work, commitment, and staying positive on and off the court is important. Regardless of what happens in a match, it is how I react to these moments that is important. I also realized that winning does not shape who I am. It is how I conduct myself, with integrity and respect for the game and my opponents, that matters at the end of the day.”

Matthew is currently ranked No. 12 in the Middle States section and No. 297 in the nation. His recent results include a doubles win with partner Vishnu Joshi at the boys 18-under L3 at Schuylkill Valley High School, finalist in doubles with partner Will Wanner at the boys 18-under L4 Frosty Hollow Tournament, and semi-finalist in doubles with Will Wanner at the boys 18-under National L2 tournament.

Outside of playing tennis, Matthew volunteers as a tennis teacher for 10-20 year-olds with autism and composes and arranges music. He looks forward to playing tennis competitively at a Division 3 college in the Northeast.

The full article is available on USTA.com.