UPDATED 8/6/2026: Sam will play his first match Friday, August 7, 2026, at 8am at KCollege/ Stowe Stadium.
KALAMAZOO, MI – AUGUST 1, 2026 – The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo is bursting with pride to announce that its very own Sam Schumacher, a standout from its Junior High Performance program, will be competing in the prestigious 2026 USTA Boys' 18s National Tennis Championships. This highly anticipated tournament, affectionately known as "Nats at the Zoo," kicks off right here in Kalamazoo's backyard at Kalamazoo College's historic Stowe Stadium and WMU's Sorensen Courts from August 7st through the 16th. For decades, this event has served as a proving ground for future tennis legends, and the YMCA is thrilled that Sam will be part of this elite field.
This is Sam's second year competing having played in the 2025 USTA Boys' 16 National Tennis Championship.
Sam's journey to this national championship is a testament to his incredible dedication, hard work, and the strong foundation built within the YMCA's tennis program. He has been a part of the Y tennis family since he was just two years old, a commitment that speaks volumes about his passion for the sport and the supportive environment he found there.
A dream come true
Chris Schumacher, Sam's mother, who along with his father Chad, put all three of their boys through the Y's tennis program, shared a touching story that perfectly encapsulates Sam's long-held ambition from when he was just four years old at the 2013 Nats at the Zoo event. “I am competing here when I get older!” Sam declared. When Chris asked him why, he simply replied, “Dreams are Free.” That very dream, nurtured on the Y's courts, is now a reality. "We've watched Sam grow, develop his skills, and demonstrate remarkable sportsmanship, and now he's ready to take on the best players in the country in his age bracket," Chris added.
Chris further emphasizes the Y's broader impact on Sam: "The Y has provided Sam with so much more than just tennis training; it's helped him become a well-rounded athlete and person. He's truly done everything at the Y."
YMCA Association Tennis Director and Sam’s long-time coach, Oak Saad, will continue to serve as Sam's head coach from the sidelines at Nationals. Saad elaborates on the significance: “ Sam reaching his goal to make Nationals is huge. It means Sam is recognized as one of the very top junior players in the nation for his age group. It's not just about a strong ranking; it signifies consistent, high-level performance that places him among the most respected talents in junior tennis. He's earned this spot unequivocally through relentless dedication."
QUOTES:
This accomplishment isn't just a testament to Sam's individual talent, but also a powerful message for the next generation of aspiring athletes right here in Kalamazoo.
Y Coach Oak Saad: "We’re grateful that Sam has trusted The Y to be a part of his journey and to play a role in his development. Ultimately, this achievement belongs to Sam, and we’re honored to have supported him along the way."
Sam Schumacher: “My advice [to young players] is to just get out and play. Find a coach and trust the process even when it feels slow or repetitive because that is how you get better. Do not worry too much about wins and losses. Remember, you’re out there because you enjoy the sport. Tennis is fun and if you keep it fun you will find success."
Chris Schumacher: "We want this to be an inspiration for other youth to know they can achieve this level without having to go to a far-off tennis academy in Florida or Dubai. The quality training and dedicated coaching are right here at the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo."
Chad Schumacher: “Sam’s dream of reaching Nationals has been shaped by the support he’s received at the YMCA. The Y’s tennis program is truly unique- we are so fortunate that our local YMCA runs such a high quality program. The coaches there have created an environment where kids grow on and off the court. Coach Oak has been instrumental in Sam’s development, and after getting a taste of 16s Nationals last year, the Y helped him push even harder to earn his place in the 18s this year. We couldn’t have done it without our local Y. The Y's tennis program gave our boys a fantastic foundation, not just in tennis skills, but in discipline and sportsmanship. We're so incredibly proud to see Sam's hard work culminate in this amazing opportunity." ”
How to Follow Sam's Journey
The community is invited to come out and cheer Sam on and all the talented young athletes competing. The atmosphere at Stowe Stadium during Nationals is electric, and it's a fantastic opportunity to witness high-level junior tennis.
Updates on Sam's progress throughout the tournament, detailed play times, and rankings will be available by visiting the official USTA Boys' National Championships website here: https://ustaboys.com/ Many matches will also be live-streamed, allowing fans to follow along from anywhere.
Let's rally behind Sam as he represents the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo and our community on this national stage. Go, Sam, go!
