If you’re watching the US Open this month, keep your eye out for Ossining native Jamie Loeb. This year, Loeb, 20, a sophomore at University of North Carolina, won the 2015 NCAA Women’s Singles Tennis National Championship, making her the first woman in UNC history to do so. The win earned her wild card admission into this month’s US Open main draw.
“It’s an awesome accomplishment. I’ve always dreamed of playing in the US Open,” says Loeb, who was ranked 26th by the United States Tennis Association at press time. “When I was younger, I always went to the US Open with my family and watched all the professional players, and to actually be in it, it’s incredible.”
Loeb began playing tennis at age 3 at Club Fit in Briarcliff, and she later trained at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy on Randall’s Island in New York City. After winning a state title in 2010, her sophomore year at Ossining High School, she continued to excel and was named the top prospect of her class at John McEnroe. Loeb chose going to college over going pro, and, after her freshman year at UNC, she became champion of the highly competitive Inaugural American Collegiate Invitational for the US Open.
On August 3, Loeb returned to her hometown of Ossining, where the village celebrated her win of the NCAA Women’s Singles Championship by declaring it “Jamie Loeb Day.” Loeb’s family and friends gathered at the Nelson Park Tennis Courts, the same courts on which she once played with her high school’s team, so Loeb could hit a few balls with children from the Ossining Day Camp Program.
“We’re very fortunate to have not just a talented athlete come from our community, but also such a positive role model,” says Ossining Mayor Victoria Gearity. “We’re so pleased that Jamie’s come back to help inspire young kids and young athletes in our community.”
