Dwight Global Travel Tennis Team is a Win-Win
Launched in September 2023, the Dwight Global Online School Travel Tennis Team was inspired by a partnership between Dwight Global Online School and the International Tennis Federation Juniors (ITFJ). The partnership gives the world's best young tennis players scheduling flexibility and the chance to benefit from Dwight Global's wide range of online education programs.
By all accounts, the travel team is a huge win for parents and students, especially talented junior tennis players seeking exposure to high-level tournament play while building community at the same time. This first-of-its-kind program is open to Dwight Global performance players in grades 6-12.
Traveling worldwide, the team has already successfully competed in ITFJ tournaments in Costa Rica, Uruguay, Guadalupe, and Barbados. Team members may join for just one tournament or for multiple trips.
Dwight Global — ranked one of the top two online high schools in the U.S. by Newsweek magazine — sets the platinum standard in online private school education and is the ideal choice for aspiring young tournament players who want to balance their pursuit of excellence on the court and in the classroom. Dwight, the first school in the U.S. to be accredited by The World Academy of Sport, has a 151-year tradition of academic excellence; top college acceptances; and provides flexible and year-round scheduling, while also customizing an educational path for promising student-athletes in grades 6-12. Dwight Global is the premier choice for international students as the International Baccalaureate (IB) program allows our students the ability to attend universities all over the world.
“It’s so important to be able to compete on the ITFJ tour while still being able to participate and complete classes,” said Livia Pett, a grade 10 Dwight Global student who lives in London. “Being able to join a group that shares the same aspirations and completes the same schooling is important, and offers stress relief!”
The team provides opportunities for students to play ITFJ tournaments all over the world under the watchful eye of top coaches and chaperones. Players experience new cultures and gain exposure to international competition. They train, study, and compete together.
Competition match play is prioritized alongside academic experiences. The trips provide a chance for sightseeing to historical sites and cultural outings. In Costa Rica, for example, students visited a coffee farm, a lagoon, and the most famous active volcano in the country.
Gabriela Finchelstein, a Dwight sophomore based in New York City, says, “I love being able to travel with other student athletes facing international competition while still being able to keep up with my school work. The memories I have made are truly unforgettable, and I will incorporate all the skills I learned both on court and off the court in the future.”
The Dwight Schools Vice Chancellor, Dr. Blake Spahn, captain of the undefeated 1994 Ivy League Champion Columbia University Men’s Tennis team, and father of ranked ITFJ player Ronin ’28, understands the benefits of flexibility and support when combining pre-professional pursuits with academics.
“I would have jumped at the chance to attend Dwight Global Online School when I was going through school,” said Dr. Spahn. “Having time to train, compete, and travel is crucially important for young tennis players, especially those looking to play at the college level, or professionally. Our students enjoy the chance to meet in-person during travel team trips, to socialize, study, train, and compete. The travel team is a win-win for everyone,” said Dr. Spahn.
