SPUT Alumni Spotlight: Yusra Aden
From Casual Player to Community Leader:
Yusra’s SPUT Journey
Sometimes the best journeys start with a simple moment. For Yusra, it was playing tennis with her dad when they spotted a SPUT lesson three years ago. That chance encounter opened the door to what would become an amazing adventure with Saint Paul Urban Tennis.
Since then, Yusra has embraced every opportunity SPUT offers. “I’ve done almost all the programs that SPUT has to offer,” she shares proudly, “from coaching to being coached myself, Warriors, and Employment PLUS – I’ve almost done it all.”
Her enthusiasm particularly shines through when she talks about her experience as a coach this summer. “I would always wake up excited for another day to see them laugh, smile, and make jokes,” Yusra recalls warmly. “These are some valuable moments that I will always remember.”
Through programs like Employment PLUS (EP) and coaching, Yusra developed strong leadership skills. Being trusted as a head coach gave her hands-on experience in guiding others. But perhaps the most valuable lesson came through personal challenges: “To never give up,” she states firmly. “I’ve learned this through my own tennis game, getting injured, not playing for months then coming back and not being very good. I had to learn to not give up and keep pushing.”
What makes SPUT special for Yusra? “The people,” she answers. “The many different people you’ll meet is an amazing thing that makes SPUT unique.” She particularly values the program’s inclusive atmosphere: “The kindness that is shown by everyone here is just one of the reasons the SPUT community is so lively, never excluding anyone for any reason.”
Her growth as a player has been supported by SPUT’s unique coaching approach. “Being taught by multiple high-level coaches that don’t care about your experience with tennis, rather your own knowledge and actually understand what they’re trying to teach you has helped,” Yusra explains.
The impact of SPUT extends far beyond the tennis court for Yusra. “The friends I’ve made through this program and the many different skills that I was able to improve on will always impact my life,” she reflects.
To those considering joining SPUT programs, Yusra’s advice is straightforward but powerful: “Try and do all the programs if you can, the experiences are worth it.”
Her journey exemplifies how SPUT’s combination of inclusive community, skilled coaching, and diverse opportunities can help young people grow both as athletes and leaders.