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Ukrainian Tennis Prodigy Thrives After War-Torn Escape

2/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Mariia Vainshtein, a 17-year-old Ukrainian tennis champion, fled the war to settle in New York in 2022 as her mother and sister relocated to the United States while her father remained in Ukraine.
She initially struggled with English and bullying but gained confidence through tennis and coaching.
She has excelled in competitions, helped her high school win a championship, and is preparing for events while applying to Ivy League colleges.

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Story summary

Mariia Vainshtein, a 17-year-old Ukrainian tennis champion, fled the war to settle in New York in 2022 as her mother and sister relocated to the United States while her father remained in Ukraine.
She initially struggled with English and bullying but gained confidence through tennis and coaching.
She has excelled in competitions, helped her high school win a championship, and is preparing for events while applying to Ivy League colleges.