Houston, Texas – May 9, 2026 – Future stars of Houston tennis took to the courts Saturday as the Space City Tennis-sponsored HISD Middle School Doubles Championship unfolded across two venues. Thirteen teams from across the Houston Independent School District (HISD) competed in the one-day event, which featured round-robin play and a double-elimination playoff.
The girls’ division competed at Frank Black Middle School (FBMS), while the boys' bracket played out at Waltrip High School, drawing enthusiastic crowds of parents, coaches, and classmates.
In the Girls Division, Lilly Merrill and Zuri Jiwani claimed the girls' title with a decisive victory. The newly formed team controlled the net and kept rallies alive with steady groundstrokes.
“Our coach told us to stay aggressive, and it worked," commented Merrill, a sixth grader at FBMS and repeat winner of this doubles championship.
In the boys' final, which was played on Waltrip’s freshly refurbished courts, Oliver Wojecki and Arjun Patel defeated Henry Jones and Andrew Kash in an early-afternoon shootout.
Wojecki’s big serves and Patel's quick hands at the net proved decisive.
“Oliver was on fire today,” Patel said, grinning broadly. “We just kept telling each other to stay locked in. This win could be this team's last as the childhood friends are off to different schools next season.
Organizers noted the high level of sportsmanship throughout the day, with USTA junior development coach Cindy Benzon in attendance and area high school coaches scouting talent, underscoring the event's role as a stepping stone for HISD athletes.
The Heights High School tennis coach, Israel Corona, spoke to the players and parents about the importance of mastering doubles. “Fall season tennis is a co-ed team competition, integrating singles, doubles, and even mixed doubles into matches. A doubles win is just as essential as a singles victory."
Space City Tennis founder Karen Hackett (Coach Koko) addressed the crowd during the awards ceremony. “These middle-schoolers are the heartbeat of Houston tennis. Watching their focus, teamwork, and pure joy on the court reminds us why we invest in these programs. Every kid left here a better player and teammate.”
The championship is part of Space City Tennis's broader partnership with HISD schools, which includes after-school clinics, equipment donations, and pathway programs from elementary schools to high school and potentially to college tennis.
“Space City Tennis is honored to continue its mission to grow junior tennis in the city's public schools,” added Hackett.
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