Jensen-Schmidt Tennis Academy for Down Syndrome

07/13/2025

SPEECHLESS!!

I have no words for how St. Louis has continued to support the JSTA.

From all the athletes (the most since before Covid), to the unbelievable Buddies, to our Coaches and down to our Parents, the love expressed within our community is unparalleled!

The sheer number of families and athletes that have come year after year after year is just beyond my wildest expectations…23 years and counting!

Lastly, the number of “my kids” that I coached or taught that continue to support our efforts is beyond humbling!! Transfiguration, Rosary, Barat, Viz and of course SLUH…teammates, students, parents of kids, kids of my athletes all coming out year after year. All of you together make this old, fat coach so happy and proud that all I can say is “I Love Y’all”!!!!!!

Can’t wait to see everyone Sunday afternoon at 12:00pm. PLEASE ARRIVE AT 11:30am.

Graduation will be around 2:30 or so…Get Ready!!

Vince

07/11/2025

The “Food Tour” of St Louis continues.

Today Zia’s on the Hill.

Hit literally the best rates donuts in the USA (Old Town Donuts in Florissant), The Pasta House, Pironnes, Fritz’s, Fitz’s (yes there is a difference), La Fuentes, Imos’s, Boccardi’s…yeah the Italians seem to be winning this race.

Ted Drewes, Ruiz’s, G&W Sausage Haus, Gus’ Pretzels, we will hit ‘em all before we head out. And YES we will be importing our Provel to Jersey.

You can take the boy outta St Louis…

07/11/2025

Ok folks…
One day until the JSTA hits the courts at our new home at CHESTERFIELD ATHLETIC CLUB.

We will start at 9:00am on Saturday and 12:00 noon on Sunday.

Please arrive 30 minutes early so we can get everyone registered, checked in and partnered with their buddies.

Speaking of our buddies, PLEASE let us know if you can volunteer this weekend. 2025 is our biggest St Louis event in many years and this is a call for “all hands on deck.”

There are lots of new things to experience this year so as I always say…GET READY!!!

See ya soon, Vince

06/26/2025

Just another reminder…

If you can make it, PLEASE let me know so I can have everything prepared for your arrival.

Vince

06/24/2025

06/18/2025

It sure was hot on the courts today at the Burbank Tennis Center, but sooo much fun! Even the Mayor had a blast sharing rhe courts with us

Can wait for tomorrow with more hitting, laughs, fun and good times.

Thank you to ALL the Buddies and Coaches for making this event, again this year, a HOME RUN!

See everyone tomorrow, ON TIME, at 9:30am.

Get some sleep and GET READY!

Coach

05/04/2025

I am so proud of our relationship with adidas (32 years) and what they have done for the special-needs community in general, our foundation (JSTA) specifically, and what they’re willing, and currently working on, for all the families that are blessed with Down syndrome athletes.

Go 3 Stripes!!!

One of the world's largest footwear companies is developing a shoe specifically tailored to the needs of people with Down syndrome.

04/03/2025

To all the JSTA families in St. Louis…

You have no idea how much your thoughtful gift meant to Dana and our Family.

JSTA started as a mere “idea” in STL and now goes all over the country, hopefully, creating smiles and opportunities for folks with DS.

This would not have happened if not for the trust in our notion, encouragement that we were not crazy and DS would not be a barrier to playing tennis, and the love you have shared with us for 23 years…and counting.

Even though we are in New Jersey, and the folks here treat us spectacularly well, please know we will never say “coooffee” or “dauuuughter” and our hearts still belong to everyone in the Lou.

The Schmidts cant wait to see the pizza with provel, the custard from Ted Drewes and most importantly the people we LOVE!!

Coach