Nevada is one of a handful of states split between two USTA sections, which means the first thing to do is figure out which side of the divide you're on. Once that's sorted, Nevada juniors have access to strong tournament calendars on both the Reno and Las Vegas sides of the state.
Your USTA Section: It Depends on Where You Live
Nevada is a split state:
- Northern Nevada (Reno area and north) belongs to the USTA Northern California section.
- Southern Nevada (Las Vegas area and south) belongs to the USTA Intermountain section (which also covers Colorado, southern Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming).
Check which district your zip code falls in before registering — your section determines rankings, sectional championships, and which point system your child's results feed into. If you're near the dividing line, confirm with your club or the section office.
How to Find Tournaments in Nevada
Start with the official USTA tournament search at https://playtennis.usta.com/tournaments:
- Enter your zip code and select "Junior" to see youth events near you.
- Filter by section — Northern California for Reno-area families, Intermountain for Las Vegas-area families.
- Pick an age division (12U, 14U, 16U, or 18U).
- Choose a level: L7 is the entry point — local, open to all, and low pressure. These are the ideal first tournaments. Higher levels (L6 through L1) come later; L1 is the national level and a long-term goal.
Las Vegas hosts a steady stream of junior events year-round thanks to the desert climate, while Reno-area families get both Northern California section events and a comfortable drive to Sacramento-area tournaments.
The Little Mo Pathway (Ages 8–12)
For players ages 8–12, the Little Mo program run by the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation offers regional tournaments across the country — the "Road to the Little Mo Nationals" — with top finishers advancing to the Little Mo Nationals in Austin, Texas each fall.
For this year's regional locations and entry deadlines, visit the foundation's official Little Mo site. Just search "Little Mo tennis tournaments" online to find it.
Practical Tips for Nevada Parents
- Know your section before you plan a season. Because Nevada is split, Reno families will mostly travel within the Northern California section (think Sacramento, Bay Area events within driving or short-flight distance), while Las Vegas families plug into the Intermountain circuit. Map out which cities host your section's events before committing to a tournament calendar.
- Take advantage of the long outdoor season. Southern Nevada plays outside nearly all year, and even northern Nevada has a generous outdoor window. That said, summer heat in Las Vegas is serious — summer tournaments schedule around it, but make sure your child hydrates, rests between matches, and you bring shade and plenty of water for long tournament days.
- Keep early tournaments local and low-stakes. With so many events available, especially in Las Vegas, it's easy to over-schedule. Start with nearby L7 tournaments, let your child learn the rhythm of tournament day, and add travel events only when they're asking for more.
Be the Wall
The best thing you can bring to a tournament isn't a coaching tip — it's calm. Win or lose, your child should know you're proud of the effort. Be the Wall: no yelling, no shaming, just steady support.
Want a read on your child's next matchup? Try the free tools at https://tools.utrguide.com/who-wins — understanding the odds helps you stay relaxed courtside.
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