Indianapolis, Indiana – Ten-year-old Sage Williams, a student in Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), has been named a finalist in the 2025 USTA/Midwest Tennis and Education Foundation NJTL Essay Contest, marking a significant recognition of both his personal journey and his growing love for the game of tennis.
Chosen from among many young writers across the Midwest region, Sage’s essay captured attention for its honesty, heart, and resilience. The contest, part of the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, challenged students in grades 3 through 8 to reflect on the theme “Growing Through the Game.” Participants were asked to write about a difficult experience and how it helped them grow.
For Sage, that topic hit close to home. His entry told the story of challenges he faced during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with remote kindergarten in 2020—a time when building basic academic and social skills proved difficult. As schools across the country scrambled to adapt to a rapidly changing world, Sage’s learning journey became especially complicated.
“Sage needed a small, nurturing environment, and he finally had a team that believed in him,” said his mother, Dr. Brooke Moreland, referring to the IPS Homebound program that supported him during the 2023–2024 school year. The therapeutic academic setting allowed Sage to receive personalized instruction and emotional support, helping him build confidence and thrive after years of school transitions.
Dr. Moreland, who serves as research and publications chair for the Peace and Justice Studies Association, described the program as a turning point. “The Homebound program gave us hope,” she said.
Sage’s struggles during early education didn’t just affect his academic progress—they also shaped the way his family engaged with their community. In 2021, his mother and grandmother launched a program called Ready2BSocial, designed to help children strengthen their social skills—an area where many kids fell behind due to pandemic-related isolation. Inspired by Sage’s experiences, the program has helped other students better connect with peers and develop essential communication skills.
Outside the classroom, Sage is described as curious, imaginative, and full of energy. He spends his free time exploring nature, drawing the bugs he finds, trying new playgrounds, and even sampling unique ramen flavors at Jungle Jim’s International Market. His enthusiasm also extends to tennis, which he discovered through his local NJTL chapter.
Through the NJTL program, Sage began to develop not just physical skills on the court, but also confidence and determination. This summer, he competed in his first tennis tournament—a proud moment for a boy who has overcome more than his share of obstacles.
“Sage’s story and spirit represent exactly what this program is all about—using tennis as a tool to build character, confidence, and community,” said Dax Lowery, executive director of NJTL of Indianapolis.
As a finalist in the 2025 NJTL Essay Contest, Sage’s essay stands as a testament to his resilience and growth. The recognition honors not only his writing skills but also his personal development—showing that even the youngest students can lead by example when given the chance to reflect, persevere, and share their story.
Finalists like Sage may also be eligible for additional opportunities through the USTA/Midwest section, including scholarship support and regional recognition.
For Sage and his family, this honor is more than just a moment of celebration—it’s a reminder of how far he has come and the possibilities that still lie ahead.
