SUNY Oneonta rising junior women's tennis player Julieta Eulau (Oceanside/Oceanside) had the experience of a lifetime this month being afforded the opportunity to represent the United States at the Pan Am Maccabi games in Mexico City.  Eulau competed on Maccabi USA's tennis squad in the Open Division for both singles and doubles.  Despite singles not going as well as she would have wanted, Eulau and her doubles partner came away with a silver medal for their efforts.  The games took place from July 5-15 and her coach was Alison Ojeda who is the Head Women's Tennis Coach at the University of Tennessee.
 
"The Pan American Maccabi games was an experience I will never forget," said Eulau.  "I was very nervous at first because of not knowing what to expect and not knowing anyone. It was my first time representing my country while playing tennis and the feeling was unbelievable."
 
Eulau earned the No. 1 singles spot in the lineup this past year where she also competed with her partner Alyssa Brault (Rochester/Churchville-Chili) at No. 1 doubles.  For the year, she put together an overall record of 25-11, which included a 9-6 mark in singles.
 
Together with Brault, the two combined for a 16-4 record in doubles including a perfect 6-0 mark in the SUNYAC last fall.  The tandem was rewarded with a second consecutive All-SUNYAC nod while Eulau also earned her first All-Conference honor in singles.  The pair helped lead Oneonta into the SUNYAC championship match last fall, which was the first time for the Red Dragons.
 
Eulau spoke about the surreal experience of receiving her USA clothing in the mail and how excited she felt.  "Once I got to Mexico City and saw the hotel and the sports club we were going to be playing at I was overwhelmed with excitement," she said.
 
Eulau went on about the cultural experiences she encountered and the people she met from all around the world.  She commented on how despite their differences, there was one commonality of being Jewish and passionate about sports.  "The opening and closing ceremonies, exchanging clothing with athletes from other countries, making new friends from all over the world, the friendly-competition, rooting for your country, watching other sports made it unforgettable and unique," Eulau said.
 
Eulau's part of the draw included three other tandems from host Mexico.  Her partner was rising junior Talya Zandberg from the University of Arizona who was born in Tiberias, Israel.
 
During the doubles competition, Eulau and Zanberg defeated a tandem from Brazil to advance into the semifinals where the two defeated Stella Jajati Rayek and Liora Stern Weisser before falling in the championship match to Janisse Kershenovich Gersson and Amanda Carolina Nava Elkin in a super tie-breaker set, 3-6, 6-3, 7-10.  One of the players from the Mexican duo in the gold medal match was internationally ranked.
 
"It was a thrill to win a silver medal for the United States and I was so honored to represent my country.  This experience has motivated me to train harder to go to the World Games and other Maccabi Games in the future."
 
Eulau concluded, "I would like to thank my coach Lonnie Mitchel, all the donors, the Maccabi committee and family who helped me fundraise so I could be a part of this amazing experience. I learned so much about myself, Mexico, Judaism, other cultures, and tennis that has made me a more open minded and well-rounded cultural person. I took so many positive memories and encounters that will stay with me forever. Can't wait for the next Maccabi Games!"
 
About Maccabi USA
Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs.  The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, and the Pan American and European Maccabi Games, as well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America.  As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
 
MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities It strives to provide Jewish athletes all over the world the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and Excellence in Sport.  Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.
 
Maccabi USA is a U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) Multi-Sport Organization.  The Organization is one of 38 MSOs nationwide to be recognized by the USOC for its ability to cultivate a national interest in sport and increase opportunities for participation internationally, nationally and at the grassroots level, and is rated as a four-start non-profit by Charity Navigator.