Ukrainian Teen Finds Tennis Success After Fleeing War

Mariia Vainshtein overcomes language barriers to become a New York City high school tennis champion

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Mariia Vainshtein, a 17-year-old Ukrainian refugee, has found success on the tennis court in New York City after fleeing the Russian invasion of her home country in 2022. Despite facing language barriers and other challenges, Vainshtein helped her high school team win the Public Schools Athletic League championship in 2024 and also won the individual title. She is now looking to continue her tennis career in college.

Why it matters

Vainshtein's story highlights the resilience and determination of young refugees who are forced to rebuild their lives in a new country. Her success in tennis has provided her with a sense of purpose and community after the trauma of leaving her home, and serves as an inspiration to other immigrant and refugee youth.

The details

Vainshtein was living in Odesa, Ukraine when the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Within days, her family fled to nearby Moldova before ultimately deciding to move to New York City, where her father's family lives. Vainshtein, who was in 8th grade at the time, faced significant language barriers and struggled to fit in at her new school. However, with the help of her tennis coach, Rob Cizek, she was able to improve her English skills and become a standout player, leading her high school team to a championship and winning the individual title as well.

  • On February 24, 2022, Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, prompting Vainshtein's family to flee the country.
  • In 2024, Vainshtein helped her high school team, James Madison High School in Brooklyn, win the Public Schools Athletic League championship.
  • In the summer of 2025, Vainshtein won the trophy for her division in the Mayor Dinkins Cup, a tournament for New York City players from both public and private schools.

The players

Mariia Vainshtein

A 17-year-old Ukrainian refugee who has found success as a tennis player in New York City after fleeing the Russian invasion of her home country in 2022.

Anzhelika Kotliantseva

Mariia Vainshtein's mother, who brought her and her sister to New York City after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Oleksandr

Mariia Vainshtein's father, who remained in Ukraine after his family fled to the United States.

Rob Cizek

Mariia Vainshtein's tennis coach at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning in the Bronx, who helped her improve her mental focus and English skills.

James Madison High School

The high school in Brooklyn, New York that Mariia Vainshtein attends and plays tennis for.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very proud of her. Very proud. I'm so excited that she's going to college, and she's gone so far in this short time.”

— Anzhelika Kotliantseva, Mariia Vainshtein's mother (newser.com)

“We talk to them, 'OK, what happened here? How did you handle this? How can you handle it better next time?' and I think that's something that sometimes gets overlooked. But to me it's a really important part of their growth, both off the court but also later when they face adversity, tough situations and they have some tools to handle that.”

— Rob Cizek, Mariia Vainshtein's tennis coach (newser.com)

What’s next

Mariia Vainshtein is currently applying to Ivy League colleges and is unsure if she will continue playing tennis at the collegiate level, but she has stated that she plans to play tennis 'no matter what' school she attends.

The takeaway

Mariia Vainshtein's inspiring story of overcoming language barriers and the trauma of fleeing war to become a successful high school tennis player in New York City serves as a powerful example of the resilience and determination of young refugees. Her success has provided her with a sense of community and purpose, and her story can inspire other immigrant and refugee youth to pursue their dreams.