Manha Aliza is a force to be reckoned with—on and off the court.

A lifelong tennis player, Manha faced an unexpected setback when a devastating knee injury required meniscus surgery. Stepping away from the sport she loves was challenging for the dedicated athlete, but what followed was a long road to recovery as she worked to rebuild both her strength and confidence.

Through hard work and determination, Manha made a full recovery. She then set her sights on a goal she had dreamed of for years: becoming a member of the US Open Ball Crew.

The opportunity came with a rigorous selection process. Of approximately 3,500 applicants, 650 advanced to the tryout stage, with 315 ultimately selected for the Ball Crew.

As a member of the Ball Crew, Manha was responsible for sprinting across the court and getting the ball to the service line during 90-minute shifts. The role required athleticism, focus, teamwork and commitment.

While watching some of her tennis idols compete was certainly a highlight, Manha says one of her favorite parts of the experience was meeting people from a variety of backgrounds and making new connections.

The experience also taught her valuable lessons about remaining calm under pressure and the importance of consistency. For Manha, being ready to perform each day—even when facing nerves or challenges—is just as important as talent. It is a mindset she knows she will carry with her long after the US Open.

A senior and exceptional student leader, Manha serves as captain of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team, where she plays second singles and is a Scholar-Athlete. Beyond the tennis court, she serves as Student Council President and is a member of the National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rho Kappa, Science National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Model United Nations. She also participates in track and field and is enrolled in a rigorous schedule of AP, IB and honors courses.

Looking ahead, Manha plans to pursue a career in medicine, with interests in pediatric care, anesthesiology and medical research.

From overcoming a serious injury to earning a place on the US Open Ball Crew, Manha’s journey is a testament to the value of perseverance, consistency and showing up—lessons she knows she will carry with her long after her time on the court comes to an end.