The 23rd Annual Jana Hunsaker Memorial Wheelchair Tennis Tournament delivered another memorable weekend of community, competition, and legacy at the Commonpoint Queens Tennis & Athletic Center at Alley Pond, New York. Though rain forced the cancellation of most Saturday matches, the sun broke through on Sunday, providing a beautiful day for tennis as the tournament concluded with champions crowned across all divisions and a reaffirmation of the event’s enduring spirit.

Held in honor of Jana Hunsaker—a pioneer of wheelchair tennis in New York and former USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center program director—the tournament has grown into one of the longest-running adaptive tennis events on the East Coast. Her commitment to inclusivity and access continues to resonate more than two decades after her passing. This year’s event was once again directed by Aki Takayama-Wolfson, with support from John Hamre and Raegan Kritzer, and welcomed players of all levels in singles and doubles across A, B, and C divisions.

Play began on Saturday under overcast skies, but early afternoon rain brought matches to a halt and forced a full rescheduling into Sunday. Thanks to the efforts of tournament staff and volunteers, matches resumed smoothly the next morning, with players competing on five outdoor courts. The day featured a mix of high-level rallies, breakout performances, and the camaraderie that defines this event each year.

In the A Division singles round-robin, Owen Weiss emerged as the champion after defeating Lesly St Louis, Frank Ganther, and Bill Lehr. Weiss’s strong court coverage and shot placement set him apart in a tightly contested group. In A Division doubles, the pairing of Ganther and St Louis claimed the title, combining power and smart positioning to secure the win.

The B Division singles final saw Saheed Aare top Kiera Patterson in a competitive match that highlighted both players’ grit and focus. Aare’s poise under pressure made the difference. In B doubles, Jaime Zelaya and Tyrell Eddy took home the trophy after a well-executed run through the draw, marked by strong communication and balanced play.

Teena Katz delivered a standout performance in the C Division, defeating John Roberts in the singles final and then partnering with Liv Bennedetto to win the doubles title as well. Katz’s consistency and determination across both formats earned her well-deserved recognition and applause from fellow players and supporters.

Though match results were the focal point on Sunday, the event’s atmosphere offered something deeper. Families and volunteers gathered courtside, offering cheers and support in a way that made the weekend feel as much like a reunion as a tournament. That spirit was evident in every handshake and every rally. The tournament remains a gateway for newer athletes, a proving ground for seasoned competitors, and a tribute to the woman who helped make wheelchair tennis a fixture in New York City.

Tournament director Takayama-Wolfson reflected on the weekend by saying, “Every year, we see new faces alongside returning players. Even with the rain delay, the energy and commitment never wavered. That’s a testament to the players and to the spirit Jana brought to this sport.”

As the 23rd edition comes to a close, the Jana Hunsaker Memorial continues to represent the best of what adaptive sports can be—competitive, welcoming, and community-driven. Wheelchair Sports Federation President Hamre noted, “Jana didn’t just build a program—she built a movement. The fact that we’re here 23 years later, watching players of all backgrounds compete, learn, and connect—that’s her legacy in motion.”

With a strong showing in 2025 and the next generation of athletes rising through the ranks, the future of the tournament looks bright. Plans for next year’s event are already underway, ensuring that Hunsaker’s legacy—and the opportunities she fought for—continue to thrive on courts across Queens and beyond.

Additional photos from the event may be found here: https://photos.wheelchairsportsfederation.org/2025-Jana-Hunsaker/250608-JH