The Cinderella of TEAM AGASSI -

By Ryan Wolfington

April 9, 2004 (5 days after her birthday)

From beginner to Supranational Champion in 4 years. This is a Cinderella story of how Andre Agassi, at the height of his success, used his influence to change the life of one 8 year old girl name Asia Muhammad. Just years ago this little girl was the laughing stock of the Las Vegas district tournaments; small, losing match after match to much more advanced players. She had just begun, and was part of the new Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club.  With two courts in the heart of Las Vegas's inner city, Asia and a group of other kids began what is now called "TEAM AGASSI." This was their chance to experience the often times unyielding world of junior tennis. But it was not long before this program went from beginners to champions. Just 1 1/2 years after it began the kids from TEAM AGASSI were reaching finals, winning tournaments and becoming a presence in the district. It was not long that many on the team were #1 in Las Vegas in their respective age groups and eventually top 5 in the section. Now 4 years later TEAM AGASSI is by far one of, it not the best tennis program in town. The tennis and after school education programs are free to the children thanks to the contributions from many of you to the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. But it is Andre Agassi's and Perry Rogers genuine and almost constant involvement that gives the program the additional life that has inspired all the kids to come out and play 6 days a week while maintaining academic excellence. Asia's grade point average for example is a 4.0.  Some on the team have gotten the opportunity to go to the Andre Agassi Charter School while many others attend local public schools.

The Andre  Boys and Girls Club Program not only develops incredible athletes, but promotes dealing with adversity by jumping on that wave and riding it to success. It is about never quitting, no excuses and doing the right thing. It is about discovering the principles in life that take a player to another level on and off the court. More then anything, I have noticed that this program has created a family environment where the fathers and mothers can come to practice, tournaments, and get involved in their child's life. And that is a big part of why this program is successful. You have Ronald and Faye Muhammad, Stan Breland, Jesus and Blanca Aguilar, Pun and Annie Vongman, John Baltas, Eric Linden, all parents, very much involved in their daughters and son's development. Here they can use tennis to teach life's greatest lessons. Lessons on faith, honesty, patience and determination.

The program offers children the opportunity to be a part of a "Character building" program where they are mentored in tennis skills, academic studies and leadership quality's. As part of the Boys and Girls Club, the Andre Agassi Foundation, along with it's sponsors,  have given children the opportunity to play tennis all over the United States. In some cases they have been given very unique opportunity's to play abroad as well, like their recent trip to England, where they played against a British junior team during Wimbledon. TEAM AGASSI members got to meet Serena Williams and of course spent some time with Andre Agassi at the world renowned event; After which they watched excellent tennis on center court. 

 To be on the team there just has to be a willingness to be an all around right person. Players are asked to participate and work at the Boy's and girl's club, at school maintaining a certain grade point average and to the game of tennis.

One does not have to look far to see the many levels of success this program has had for the various family's and players who have participated. Not only have these players done very well on the tennis court, but the game has had a domino effect injecting meaning and purpose into all aspect of their lives. The parents benefit as well. Stan Breland senior explained perfectly how this program has afforded him a vehicle in which to instill "Character" in his kids.

Ronald Muhammad just one year ago illuminated the principles of independence and self motivation when he told Asia to play tennis because she is led to not because he tells her to. For a week or so Asia was home while the other kids were showing up to practice as usual.. "Thoughts" of TV , game boy and other past times began to present themselves as possible alternatives to the daily practicing and almost weekly tournaments. But some where through the fire she found in herself a knowing that this game was for her, not because her dad wanted it , but because she was led to play it. Since then a new attitude has been in Asia Muhammad, and today at the girls 14's supernationals she expressed this "NO QUIT" attitude with a win in the doubles final 6-4, 6-2 over her peers which included the top 100 or so tennis players in America. This is a huge accomplishment. Even bigger is the ongoing, life changing things that are happening daily at the Boys and Girls Club, of which Asia's success is symbolic of.  With the effort of last years developmental coach of the year Tim Blenkiron and the ongoing support of the Andre Agassi foundation, many good things are to come. Just this week the finishing touches to a much needed third court are being applied, and a whole new crop of eight year olds are hanging by the fence hoping to be the next Asia Muhammad. Things are looking good for VegasTennis, thanks in large part to the inspiring efforts and performances from all of TEAM AGASSI.

Asia's 4 year timeline:

8 years old (4 years ago) - Began

9 years old - Won first tournament,  Marty Hennessy's Jr Circuit

Rookie of the year when she was 9

2001 Open Nationals 12 doubles

2002 12's SNOWBALL SECTIONAL SINGLES CHAMPION

2002 OPEN NATIONAL 12's SINGLES CHAMPION in Claremont, Ca

May 2003 Open Nationals 14 singles Champion

May 2003 Muterspaw National 12's singles Champion 

2003 14'S Great Pumpkin Sectional Singles Champion

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Cristala Andrews went 6-2 in singles at Supernationals,  bringing home the best results for a Intermountain girl in singles. She beat the number 3 and number 7 seed. This just coming off from a big Sectional Championship win at this Winters SNOWBALL.

Wesley Hancock had the best singles performance in the boys 16's reaching the quarterfinals of the main draw. This is unbelievable, considering this is the best players in the country, many of which go pro from 16-19 years old.