Spotlight on Gus Grumet, USTA NorCal Junior Player of the Year

Each year, USTA Northern California (USTA NorCal) honors a junior player who has excelled at the highest levels of competition, both regionally and nationally. For 2024, the Junior Player of the Year recipient is Gus Grumet, joining an elite list of past winners that includes Jenson Brooksby, Mackie McDonald, CiCi Bellis and Ethan Quinn.

Gus had a phenomenal 2024 season, dominating the Boys’ 16s division and earning two singles Gold Balls—one at the National Clay Courts and another at the National Hard Courts in August, the most prestigious junior tournament on the USTA national calendar. At Hard Courts, he not only secured the title but also received the overall Boys’ 16s Sportsmanship Award. In total, he won four national balls across singles and doubles, culminating in a wildcard entry into the US Open Juniors singles main draw following his Kalamazoo triumph.

Beyond USTA juniors, Gus tested himself on the international stage, competing in ITF events and earning a wildcard into the ATP Challenger in Tiburon. All this while balancing high school tennis, where he went undefeated in NCS league play representing San Francisco University High School.

For most of 2024, Gus was ranked among the top five players in the nation in Boys’ 16s and held the No. 1 ranking in NorCal for 11 months, leading to his commitment to play collegiate tennis at Stanford University. In addition to being named Junior Player of the Year, Gus was also honored as the male USTA NorCal 2024 Junior Tournament Player of the Year, awarded to the player who held the No. 1 NorCal ranking the most months of the year.

Andrea Norman, Chair of the USTA NorCal Junior Council, caught up with Gus to talk about his incredible year, his advice for younger players, and what’s next.

Q: So Gus, what does this award mean to you, and what are you looking forward to in your last year competing in junior tennis?

A: Well, I grew up in NorCal, and I’ve been here all my life so I’ve watched a lot of players over time and watched people on the pro circuit come from where I am. It's an honor to get this award and to be in NorCal my final year. I don’t know if I can do better than I did this past year, but I’m going to try and just enjoy the process. 

Q:  You’ve achieved so much while also balancing high school tennis, academics, and earning a reputation for great sportsmanship. What advice would you give to younger players just starting their journey in junior tennis?

A: Balance is key. I think going to school helps a lot with that and to really enjoy the game and also enjoy the other aspects of your life. I think continuing to love the game, love tennis, is the most important thing. And you have to know the path is not directly upwards all the time. There's going to be ups and downs and now you just have to be prepared for that. Accept that and still be motivated. I just think balance and motivation are super important.

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to thank for supporting you on this journey?

A: I’d just like to thank my mom, my dad, my family and all my friends for supporting me all the time. And USTA NorCal as well for being really supportive throughout my entire junior career.