Written By Devyn Levin
It is very rare that young athletes get to compete alongside their parents. But Jacob Solomon and his mother Kathy not only play tennis together, they have taken their talents halfway across the world.
The Solomons flew more than 5,000 miles to compete in the Pan American Maccabi Games in Argentina this past winter. Jacob played on the U16 boys’ tennis team and placed second in mixed doubles, fourth in men’s doubles and fifth in singles. Kathy played in the Masters 55+ Division and placed second in mixed doubles and third in doubles.
When Kathy was not playing on the Masters Tennis Team, she was on the sidelines cheering on her son. “My mom is my biggest supporter on the court,” said Solomon.
Tennis has always been an important part of Jacob’s life. He had a racket in his hand since he was three years old. He grew up playing with his mom, but says that their matches are more fun than competitive.
“Playing against my mom was fun, until I got better,” said Solomon.
Jacob is a rising senior at Saint Francis High School in Alpharetta, GA, which is just north of Atlanta. Jacob will represent his country again in the European Maccabi Youth Games in London this July. This time when Jacob travels across continents to play tennis, he will be flying alone.
Jacob will play singles and doubles on the U18 boys’ tennis team. Solomon says that he was happy with how he played in last winter’s Games but believes that his training will lead him to a gold medal in London.
“I was inspired to compete in London this summer based on how well Argentina went. The key to success this year is working on my forehand every day,” said Solomon.
At the start of each match, Jacob says the most important element is trying to see what his opponents’ weaknesses are. “When I know their weaknesses, I try to hit consistently to their faults,” said Solomon. He also says that reminding himself to focus on the ball is another important part to his performance.
The 2024 European Maccabi Youth Games are not the only thing on Jacob’s tennis agenda. Solomon dreams of continuing his academic and athletic career by playing tennis in college. “The dream would be University of Georgia,” said Solomon.
Jacob is excited and motivated to travel across the world again to compete in a sport that he, and his family, love so much. It all begins in July.
Devyn Levin is from Cherry Hill, NJ, and is a rising junior at The Ohio State University. You can follow her work at @devynlevin on Instagram and at maccabiusa.com.