Rutherford tennis sisters inspired by Osaka, Gauff

High school champions cite top pros as role models

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:20pm

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Mbongta and Bi-Neh Awantang, sisters from Rutherford, New Jersey, have won the state high school tennis championship two years in a row. The sisters say they've been inspired by the success and activism of professional tennis players Naomi Osaka and Cori 'Coco' Gauff.

Why it matters

The Awantang sisters' success and their admiration for Osaka and Gauff highlight the growing influence of women's tennis and the ability of young athletes to find role models in the sport's rising stars, especially those who have used their platforms to advocate for social justice issues.

The details

Mbongta and Bi-Neh Awantang, both students at Rutherford High School, have dominated the New Jersey state tennis championships the past two years. The sisters say they've been inspired by the careers and activism of Naomi Osaka and Cori 'Coco' Gauff, two of the biggest names in women's tennis.

  • Mbongta and Bi-Neh Awantang have won the New Jersey state high school tennis championship in 2025 and 2026.
  • Naomi Osaka and Cori 'Coco' Gauff have emerged as leading voices in women's tennis in recent years.

The players

Mbongta Awantang

A high school tennis player from Rutherford, New Jersey who has won the state championship two years in a row.

Bi-Neh Awantang

The sister of Mbongta Awantang and also a high school tennis player from Rutherford, New Jersey who has won the state championship two years in a row.

Naomi Osaka

A professional tennis player who has emerged as a leading voice on social justice issues in recent years.

Cori 'Coco' Gauff

A professional tennis player who has also used her platform to advocate for social justice causes.

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What they’re saying

“Naomi and Coco have shown us that you can be a champion on the court and also use your voice to make a difference off of it.”

— Mbongta Awantang, High school tennis player

“We're inspired by how they've handled themselves with poise and grace, both as athletes and as role models for young people.”

— Bi-Neh Awantang, High school tennis player

What’s next

The Awantang sisters plan to continue their tennis careers in college, where they hope to follow in the footsteps of Osaka and Gauff by excelling on the court and using their platforms to advocate for important causes.

The takeaway

The success and activism of Naomi Osaka and Cori 'Coco' Gauff have inspired the next generation of young tennis players, like the Awantang sisters, to strive for excellence both in their sport and in their communities.