YMCA CELEBRATES SCHUMACHER'S DIRECT ACCEPTANCE INTO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
KALAMAZOO, MI – July 30, 2025 – 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 2025 USTA Boys' 16s National Tennis Championships. This highly anticipated tournament, affectionately known as "Nationals 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 1st through the 10th. 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.
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 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."
Direct acceptance is a big deal
What makes Sam's achievement even more remarkable is his direct acceptance into this elite competition. This distinction means Sam’s spot in the USTA Nationals is guaranteed because his consistent high level of play throughout the year has placed him firmly among the nation's elite. Direct acceptance indicates a player is automatically among the highest-ranked junior tennis players in the United States for their age division, a testament to his sustained excellence.
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."
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. As Chris Schumacher shared, "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."
Coach Saad expressed his deep pride: "Sam has always been a dedicated and thoughtful player. Seeing him reach this level, especially at the Nationals right here in Kalamazoo, is incredibly rewarding. He's put in the work, and he deserves every bit of this success."
This is a monumental accomplishment for Sam, and the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo couldn't be more proud to support him. As Chris concludes, "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." The community is encouraged to show him the full force of the Kalamazoo spirit.
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!
