U S TA F LO R I D A S E C T I O N
Table of Contents SEP T E M B ER /O C TO B ER 2012
USTA Florida Section Staff
C heck out which cities are hosting USTA/Nickelodeon family tennis events, and see other highlighted Florida events in October
11 Adult League Sectional Championships The best of the best met in Daytona Beach to determine who will represent USTA Florida at USTA League Nationals this month
15 I TF Super-Senior Championships
Florida players a pivotal part of U.S.’s record haul in Croatia
17 Bobby Curtis Junior State Doubles Championships
T op seeds and some surprises take home titles from Florida’s top junior doubles event
DEPARTMENTS
386-847-2497
LEAGUES
FEATURES 10 USTA/Nickelodeon Family Tennis Events & October Calendar
Molly Zimmer Tennis Program Coordinator, East Region 4 zimmer@florida.usta.com Sandy Marshall Director of Leagues/SLC marshall@florida.usta.com
386-671-8932
Dona Garcia Adult & Senior League Coordinator garcia@florida.usta.com
386-671-8936
Jodi Manning Mixed, Combo and Super Sr. Leagues Coordinator manning@florida.usta.com
386-671-8939
Kelly Vanhorn Leagues Assistant vanhorn@florida.usta.com
386-671-8926
MARKETING / MEMBERSHIP
RESOURCES Doug Booth Executive Director booth@florida.usta.com
386-671-8925
Laura Bowen Director of Marketing & Membership 386-671-8930 bowen@florida.usta.com
Lynne Salus Volunteer Development & Meetings Manager salus@florida.usta.com
954-625-6259
José Medina Information Technology Coordinator 386-671-8929 medina@florida.usta.com
Linda Matthews Executive Administrator matthews@florida.usta.com
386-671-8940
YOUTH TENNIS
Julie Claude Accounting Specialist claude@florida.usta.com
386-671-8933
Andy McFarland Associate Executive Director, Youth Tennis Division mcfarland@florida.usta.com
386-671-8927
Rick Vach Communications Coordinator vach@florida.usta.com
COMMUNITY TENNIS
904-535-9489
386-671-8934
Michelle Brown Team Tennis Coordinator brownm@florida.usta.com
386-671-8937
Linda Curtis Director of Community Tennis curtisL@florida.usta.com
904-281-1187
Rebecca Halpern Schools Tennis Coordinator halpern@florida.usta.com
386-671-8928
Amanda Becker Tennis Program Coordinator, North Region 2 becker@florida.usta.com
850-261-6192
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President’s Message
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850-510-6585
Around the Courts
George English Tennis Program Coordinator, Region 1 english@florida.usta.com
Tara Dominguez 10 & Under TMI Coordinator Greater Pensacola dominguez@florida.usta.com
561-313-1083
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Volunteer of the Month
Shelly Licorish Tennis Program Coordinator, West Region 4 licorish@florida.usta.com
407-403-5686
Debbie Ellsworth 10 & Under TMI Coordinator Village of Wellington ellsworth@florida.usta.com
407-551-9798
Cathy Nordlund Tennis Program Coordinator, South Region 8 nordlund@florida.usta.com
305-252-6591
Sheryl Rivas 10 & Under TMI Coordinator Seminole County rivas@florida.usta.com Ann Brown Competitive Education Coordinator brown@florida.usta.com
386-671-8942
Janet Sprague Tennis Program Coordinator, Region 6 sprague@florida.usta.com
561-385-7399
Andy Gladstone Competitive Tennis Coordinator gladstone@florida.usta.com
386-671-8931
Carla Williams Tennis Program Coordinator, Region 3 williams@florida.usta.com
216-406-8627
20 Regional Columns 29 Junior Profile 30 Quick Shots
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
Elizabeth Coates Youth Tennis Division Administrative Assistant coates@florida.usta.com
386-671-8943
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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President’s Message Thanks For Your Help
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s of early December of this year, Bob Pfaender will be taking over as president of USTA Florida, meaning that this will be my last President’s Message. The association is in good hands; Bob has made some changes to the organizational chart Dan Casey, USTA Florida President and brought in several new board members and many new committee members who bring fresh ideas to the association. Thanks to our executive director, Doug Booth, for all of his enthusiasm, insight and advice during my two-year term. He has remarkable energy, especially when considering he has been the association’s leader for 23 years. We are fortunate to have Doug, as he is regarded as
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one of the finest EDs in the country, historically rated highest by his boards, the other national EDs and the USTA national staff. I would also like to thank Andy McFarland for our spirited debates and brainstorming, Lynne Salus for her support and the rest of the 27 staff people who prove themselves day in and day out in Daytona and in the field. Thanks also to Don Cleveland, Bruce Boiko and Donn Davis who helped the association or me every time I asked. I would also like to thank the outgoing USTA Florida Board of Directors who worked so hard the last couple of years, both within Florida leading their councils and on national committees, where USTA Florida enjoys an alltime high level of participation and leadership positions. I acknowledge the executive committee for their wonderful support as we handled some of the day-to-day or week-to-
week issues that came up between board meetings. They are a harmonious group that deserves credit for being loyal to the cause, reactive and forward thinking, something we take for granted but does not exist in some other sections of the USTA. Lastly, I would like to thank the 50,000 or so Florida members who continue to support the USTA and its programs. I trust that Bob Pfaender and our President-Elect Nancy Horowitz will lead us down the path yielding the material growth of tennis, a sport for your lifetime.
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Courts Around the
Latino Tennis Coaches Workshop in Orlando in Oct. 6-7
UF Beats UCF for Club Tennis Gatorbowl Title at Gainesville The University of Florida (UF) and the University of Central Florida (UCF) took up right where they left off in last year’s rivalry on the USTA Florida Tennis on Campus circuit, meeting in the final of the first event of the 2012-13 season on the Gators’ home turf at the 2012 Gatorbowl, Sept. 15, 2012 in Gainesville.
The Orlando Tennis Center and the adjacent Sheraton Orlando Downtown Hotel will be the sites for the Oct. 6-7, 2012, USTA (United States Tennis Association) Diversity and Inclusion department’s Latino Tennis Coaching Workshop, titled “How Hispanic Coaches Can Impact Tennis Development in the U.S.” “Latino coaches can substantially impact tennis development and competition in the United States, providing more tools to attract, retain and develop more people playing tennis,” said USTA Florida Diversity Coordinator Shelly Licorish on the vision of the workshop. “Considering that there are more than 53 million Hispanic-speaking people in the U.S., this workshop can be also an excellent option for those coaches to expand and improve their business.” The mission of the workshop is to share with all coaches the most innovative information to help Latino coaches meet the challenges and gain SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
In the Gold Bracket final the UF “A” team defeated the UCF “A” team for the title, successfully defending their championship from the 2011-12 season. UCF stopped a potential all-UF final by beating the UF “B” team in the semifinals, while in their semis the UF “A” squad defeated the University of South Florida “A” team.
Schools can submit a request to add an event to the 2012-13 USTA Florida Tennis on Campus calendar, pending approval by the USTA Florida Section for tournament points. In addition to the winner of the season-ending Florida Tennis on Campus Championship advancing to nationals, the 2012-13 season points leader will also receive a national bid.
In the Silver Bracket the University of Miami “A” team was the victor, defeating a familiar foe in the UM “B” team. In the Bronze Bracket the UM “C” team defeated the UF “G” squad in the final. Also competing in the 2012 Gatorbowl was Florida State University and Florida Gulf Coast University. Last year UCF upset UF in the Florida Tennis on Campus Championships, ending a three-year championship run by the Gators. For the 2012-13 season the USTA Florida Tennis on Campus circuit has a new look as the co-ed club tennis teams from universities and colleges across the state compete at three levels of events—Grand Slam, Masters, and Tour.
The champion University of Florida “A” team visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts success in the U.S. tennis industry. The event is in collaboration with USTA Florida. The Hispanic workshops, which originated in the USTA Florida Section, are now being piloted by USTA national in the USTA Eastern, Texas, Midwest and Northern California Sections. By the end of the workshop, coaches will be able to: produce tangible benefits in new areas of their job; discover their own level of competencies; engage with leaders in 10 and Under Tennis,
Recreational Development, High Performance and the tennis industry; engage the potential market of 53 million Latinos; and embark on continued education and networking in their USTA Section and the rest of the U.S. The keynote speaker will be Gustavo Granitto, an expert on Latino tennis and a past speaker and seminar coordinator at ITF national and international seminars in more than 51 countries since 1985. Additional speakers are to be
announced. The registration fee for the event is $125 which includes a CD of presentations, folder program, coffee breaks, gifts, meet-the-experts sessions, and certificate of attendance. USTA, PTR and USPTA members receive a 10 percent discount on registration. The registration process is through host USTA Sections. For the two-day program schedule or more information, contact Shelly Licorish at licorish@ florida.usta.com.
Three Florida Tennis Officials Receive Honors at US Open Three Florida tennis officials received USTA officiating awards during the USTA’s 2012 Annual Meeting in New York, held during the US Open in September. “I do not believe there has ever been one USTA Section to claim all of these awards in the same year,” said USTA Florida Chair of Officials Sandi Pardon. “I was so proud of these officials and of our section.” Jake Garner
Rollie Shea of Orlando in Region 4 was presented the Nicholas E. Powell Award. The award is presented annually to an official in recognition of the importance of officiating SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
at the local level whose body of work is done primary at the grassroots level. These people are the backbone of officiating in USTA.
Robert Stalzer
The last Florida winner of the award was Clarence Corbin (Gulf Breeze, Fla.) in 2004.
Robert Stalzer of Palm Beach in Region 6 was presented with the Jack Stahr Award, given annually to an umpire in one of their first three years at the US Open in recognition of hard work, professionalism, technical ability and cooperative attitude. It recognizes outstanding work primarily as a line official. Other Florida winners of the award have been Vigi Dreker of
Boca Raton (1995) and Jay French of West Palm Beach (1997). Jake Garner of Tallahassee in Region 1 was presented with the John T. McGovern Award, the annual award given to a Rollie Shea chair umpire or line umpire who has given a lifetime of dedication, service and expertise to tennis officiating. Other Florida winners of the award have been George Duganne of Miami (1982), Charles Beck of Ft. Lauderdale (1985), Steve Ullrich of Tampa (1997), and David Littlefield of Palm Springs (2008).
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Around the Courts Jacksonville, Pinellas, Ponte Vedra Win $2K USTA Florida Video Contest Two winners was the original rule, but three passionate tennis organizations were each awarded $2,000 and a USTA Florida-sponsored family tennis festival at the location of their choice in 2013 after submitting winning entries in the USTA Florida “Share the Love” Video Contest. Entries from Jacksonville (Jax Youth Tennis Association), Palm Harbor (North Pinellas YMCA), and Ponte Vedra Beach (Michael Grant Tennis
U.S. Davis Cup a Home (Florida?) Affair in 2013 In September the U.S. Davis Cup team was beaten in the semifinals at Spain, ending a long road slog that saw them fight through away-tie upset wins on red clay at Switzerland and France. When the 2013 Davis Cup World Group draw was unveiled in September, it appeared the U.S. caught a well-deserved break. The U.S. will open with a home tie on Feb. 1-3 against the under-powered Brazilians. Assuming a win, the U.S. would then again get to host and enjoy some home cooking, likely against Serbia (Novak Djokovic, Janko Sam Querrey and John Isner Tipsarevic). While that match-up will be a tall order, if the U.S. could persevere, they would likely host a third-straight home tie, in the semifinals against Spain. Next year will be nine years since Florida last hosted a Davis Cup tie at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. Reportedly there are multiple Florida host cities petitioning the U.S. to host the Brazil tie, or possibly the pending Serbian tie which would be in April.
Academy) won the month-long contest that asked organizations how they would use a Share the Love grant and family tennis festival to grown tennis in their communities. The videos were voted on by USTA Florida followers on Facebook. “I am incredibly camera shy and it was very difficult for me to record my video entry for the Share the Love Grant,” said Michael Grant of the SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
The Davis Cup home-away format means the country that had to travel the last time the two met gets to host the next time around. While the U.S. finally drew an easy Davis Cup opener, some other top countries weren’t so lucky. Spain will still be the favorite when they travel to Canada in February, but Milos Raonic in singles and Daniel Nestor and company in doubles will pose an upset threat. The Czechs, who will play the final this year against Spain, in February have the toughest task, traveling to Switzerland (if Roger Federer is in the house). The U.S. last hosted a tie in July 2011, and Florida last hosted a tie in April 2004 when Andy Roddick, Fish and the Bryan brothers defeated Sweden at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts Michael Grant Tennis Academy, who overcame his camera-shyness with a dancing, bouncy presentation. “I was extremely nervous and almost gave up a couple of times, but in the end it was all worthwhile. Thank you, USTA, for giving us this unexpected boost. These funds will allow us to purchase balls, racquets and other equipment necessary to introduce tennis to communities in Northeast Florida. We can’t wait to host our first USTA-branded tennis festival.” Over the last two years the USTA Florida “Share the Love” grant program has returned approximately $600,000 in grants, supported by the membership dollars of USTA Florida members, back into the tennis community to support organizations and programs such as 55-over tennis, after-school programs, 10 and Under Tennis, and church, YMCA, and police athletic league programs. The 2012 grant application window for general Share the Love grants has been extended to Nov. 12, 2012. For more information go to www.ustasharethelove.com. To read the full story CLICK HERE.
Support Florida Tennis with the 2013 US Open Experience Fundraiser The USTA Florida Section Foundation’s 2013 US Open Experience Fundraiser is in full swing, raising money for tennis programs that assist
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youth, special-needs children, and building/ renovating tennis courts across Florida—and sending a lucky winner and their guest to New York and the 2013 US Open. The Grand Prize is a trip for two to the 2013 US Open, including two (2) tickets to the USTA President’s Box, round-trip domestic airfare for two (2) to New York and two (2) nights hotel accommodation, complimentary US Open Bus transportation to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, lunch in the USTA President’s Dining Room, hospitality in the President’s Suite, and access to courtside seating in Louis Armstrong Stadium, as well as Grandstand and all other courts. Second Prize is two 2013 courtside seats in Arthur Ashe Stadium, while Third Prize is
two 2013 Sony Open box seats for the men’s or women’s final. Tickets are a $20 donation each, and only 500 will be printed. Proceeds will benefit the USTA Florida Section Foundation’s grant programs that assist charitable organizations that provide tennis programs for Florida’s youth and special-needs populations, along with building and renovating public tennis courts. The USTA Florida Section Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit with a mission to “improve the health and quality of life of Floridians through tennis.” For more information on tickets for the 2013 US Open Experience Fundraiser, please contact Linda Curtis at (386) 671-8934 or curtisL@florida.usta. com, or visit www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Volunteer of the Month Eatonville’s McCall-Waters Named USTA Florida August Volunteer of the Month ABOUT TINA Birthplace: Saratoga Springs, NY Family Members: Timothy (son), and Tara (daughter) Favorite Movie: Lion King Favorite Food: Spaghetti Favorite Travel: Jamaica Favorite Shot: Backhand
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offering the 10 and Under Tennis format in Central Florida.
A 10-year veteran of tennis instruction, McCallWaters also recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of founding the Denton Johnson Tennis Corporation in Eatonville, Fla., a suburb just north of Orlando known as one of the first all-African-American communities in Florida.
“Eatonville had a Boys and Girls Club with many kids that had never played tennis,” McCall-Waters said. “I was in the beginning of developing the Denton Johnson Tennis Corporation, and these kids would be the among the first group of kids I would teach. I offered tennis lessons to the kids in this club free, and we traveled to play in USTA’s Rally League for competition, along with a tennis clinic from the Rollins College women’s tennis team and coach Bev Buckley.”
rassroots junior tennis for all ethnicities and socio-economic groups has long had a strong base in the Orlando area. This is in no small part due to teaching pros like Tina McCall-Waters, who continually strive to expand the reach of the “Sport of a Lifetime” to area schools and kids’ clubs.
“In 2002 I started teaching youth the game of tennis, I wanted to give back to this community what I’d received, an opportunity to learn the game of tennis free,” McCall-Waters said. “I didn’t stick with just 10 and under because many of the kids in Eatonville were 12 years old with nothing to do. “I’d learned the game for free from Mr. Denton Johnson, then traveled the U.S. playing tennis, meeting people from all walks of life and receiving a B.S. degree on a tennis scholarship from Indiana University.” Through the Denton Johnson Tennis Corporation she eventually partnered with the Central Florida Boys & Girls Club, establishing what has now grown into four sites and six elementary schools SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
From these relationships additional connections grew, and grants became available to further her work. She says the main goal is to give children, via tennis, every opportunity to be successful in education and life. Her passionate support of community and education extends to her annual volunteering at the Zora Neal Hurston Festival in Eatonville, celebrating the author, scholar and African-American feminist folk hero. USTA Florida congratulates Tina McCall-Waters as the August 2012 Volunteer of the Month for her selfless service to children in the Eatonville/ Orlando area, and providing tennis as a gateway to further education and success in life. To read the full story CLICK HERE. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Play Days More Than 90 Facilities Registered for USTA/Nickelodeon Family Events
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arents and kids can check out the list of more than 90 Florida USTA Free Tennis Play Days in celebration of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play to find an event near them in October. The events are an effort to get kids active and involved in tennis following National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. USTA Free Tennis Play Days provide kids and parents of all skill levels with the opportunity to experience tennis in a social and fun setting. The events are open to the public with an emphasis placed on family participation, effort and sportsmanship. Information will also be available on 10 and Under Tennis, Jr. Team Tennis leagues, other local play opportunities, and special free USTA memberships for qualifying participants. “These events can be festivals, Play Days, any type of fun get-togethers focusing on kids tennis,” says USTA Florida Director of Community Tennis Linda Curtis. “It’s also a great way for facilities to introduce kids and parents to additional play opportunities for the fall season.” For more information on individual events, go to www.YouthTennis.com.
October Florida Highlighted Events Calendar Oct. 1: Marion Oaks Tennis Play Day, Ocala, FL Oct. 2: USTA Free Tennis Play Day, West Palm Beach, FL Oct. 3: Marion Oaks Tennis Play Day, Ocala, FL Oct. 5: USTA FL Adult Mixed Section League 2.5/7.0/9.0 Chps., Daytona Beach, FL Oct. 5: 10 and Under Tennis Festival, Pensacola, FL Oct. 5: Nickelodeon’s World Wide Play Day, Naples, FL Oct. 5: #10 Team: Boca Orange Bombers Public Playday, Deerfield Beach, FL Oct. 5: Roger Scott Free 10 & under Play Day, Pensacola, FL Oct. 6: 10 and Under Tennis Festival, Jacksonville, FL Oct. 6: Orange County Fall Sectional BG12, Orlando, FL Oct. 6: Seminole County Fall Sectional BG14 & G16, Casselberry, FL Oct. 6: Seminole County Fall Sectional BG18 & B16, Altamonte Springs, FL Oct. 6: #11 Team: Boca Orange Bombers Public Playday, Boca, FL
Oct. 12: USTA FL Adult Mixed Section League 6.0/8.0/10.0 Chps., Daytona Beach, FL Oct. 12: USTA National M-D, Sr. M-D & Super Sr. Clay Court Chps., West Palm Beach, FL
Oct. 6: Nickelodeon’s 10 and Under World Wide Tennis, Boca Raton, FL
Oct. 13: NTRP Harvest Classic (Designated), Orlando, FL
Oct. 6: Free 10 and under Play Day, Bradenton, FL
Oct. 20: Recreational Coaches Workshop, Jacksonville, FL
Oct. 6: Jacksonville Red/Orange Ball Tournament Series, Fleming Island, FL
Oct. 20: 10 and Under Tennis Festival, Sanford, FL
Oct. 6: America’s Strong Youth Foundation-Free Tennis Play Day, Miami Lakes, FL
Oct. 20: 10-U Tennis at Gables Hispanic Festival, Coral Gables, FL
Oct. 21: HCTA/FORCE charity ladies doubles tournament, Tampa, FL
Oct. 6: Marion Oaks Tennis Play Day, Ocala, FL
Oct. 24: USTA National W50 Clay Court Chps., Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Oct. 6: Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, Palm Harbor, FL
Oct. 24: USTA Florida M30-50 State Closed, West Palm Beach, FL
Oct. 6: Port Orange Family Days-World Wide Day of Play, Port Orange, FL
Oct. 26: USTA Florida State Closed NTRP Chps., Boca Raton, FL
Oct. 6: Worldwide Day of Play at Treasure Bay, Treasure Island, FL
Oct. 31: Barbara Cooper Cup/Les Grandes Dames, W35-85, Winter Park, FL
Oct. 6: USTA Free Tennis Play Day, Wellington, FL
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Oct. 7: USTA National M50 Clay Court Chps., Sarasota, FL
Oct. 27: USTA Regional BG18-14, Miami, FL
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Adult League Sectional Championships Teams from Seven Counties Advance to USTA League Nationals
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eams from Alachua, Collier, Duval, Hillsborough, Marion, Orange/Seminole, and South Miami-Dade took home USTA Florida Section titles and advanced to USTA League Nationals during the USTA Florida Adult League Section Championships, held Aug. 10-12 (2.5/3.5/4.5 NTRP ratings) and 17-19 (3.0/4.0/5.0 ratings), 2012, at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. Winning multiple titles were Ocala, Hillsborough, Orange/Seminole, and South Miami-Dade. USTA League adult players are rated according to the NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) scale, which at the USTA Florida Section championships level rates from 2.5 (beginner) to 5.0 (advanced). The Women’s 4.0 team from Gainesville was selected in a random drawing of division winners, and the team will receive branded USTA Florida tennis outfits from the USTA Florida Online Store. The division-winning teams were:
The Men’s 5.0 champions from Naples
Men’s 3.5 division—Marion (4-0) finished ahead of Broward (3-1)
Men’s 2.5 division—Marion (3-0) finished ahead of Alachua (2-1)
Men 3.0 division—Orange/Seminole (4-0 team win-loss) finished ahead of Escambia (2-2)
Home Facility: Ft. King Tennis Center, Ocala
Home Facility: Ft. Gatlin Recreation Center, Orlando Home Facility: Ft. King Tennis Center, Ocala
Women’s 2.5 division—South Miami-Dade (3-0) finished ahead of Volusia (2-1)
Women 3.0 division—South Miami-Dade (3-1 team win-loss) finished ahead of Duval (3-1) by a 14-6 to 12-8 individual match win-loss tiebreaker
Women’s 3.5 division—Duval (3-1) finished ahead of Pinellas (3-1) (Duval wins tiebreak with a 12-8 to 11-9 match win-loss)
Home Facility: Crandon Park Tennis Center, Key Biscayne
Home Facility: Julington Creek Plantation, Jacksonville
Home Facility: Crandon Park Tennis Center, Key Biscayne
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Adult League Sectional Championships Men 4.0 division—Hillsborough (4-0 team win-loss) finished ahead of South Miami-Dade (3-1) Home Facility: Hillsborough Community College, Tampa Women 4.0 division—Alachua (4-0 team winloss) finished ahead of Sarasota (3-1)
Women’s 4.5 division—Hillsborough (4-0) finished ahead of Broward (3-1) Home Facility: Hillsborough Community College, Tampa Men 5.0 division—Collier d. Duval (3-0) Home Facility: Arthur Allen Tennis Center at Cambier Park, Naples
Home Facility: D.B. Racquet Club, Gainesville Men’s 4.5 division—Orange/Seminole (4-0) finished ahead of Broward (2-2) Home Facility: Orlando Tennis Center, Orlando
For the complete 2.5/3.5/4.5 winning teams and rosters CLICK HERE. For the complete 3.0/4.0/5.0 winning teams and rosters CLICK HERE.
The Men’s 4.5 champions from Orange/Seminole counties SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
The 2012 USTA League 2.5 Adult National Championship takes place Sept. 28-30, 2012 at the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The 3.5 Adult National Championship takes place Oct. 5-7, 2012 at the Jim Reffkin Tennis Center in Tucson, Ariz., and the 4.5 Adult National Championship takes place Oct. 26-28, 2012 at the Jim Reffkin Tennis Center in Tucson, Ariz. The 2012 USTA League 3.0 Adult National Championship takes place Oct. 12-14 at the Jim Refkkin Tennis Center in Tucson, Ariz., and the 4.0 national championships on Oct. 19-21 at the same location. The 2012 USTA League 5.0 Adult National Championship takes place Sept. 28-30 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif.
The Women’s 4.5 champions from Hillsborough County visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Adult League Sectional Championships
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The Men’s 4.0 champions from Tampa
The Women’s 4.0 champions from Gainesville
The Men’s 3.5 champions from Marion County
The Women’s 3.5 champions from Duval County visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Adult League Sectional Championships
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
The Men’s 3.0 champions from Orlando
The Women’s 3.0 champions from South Miami-Dade
The Men’s 2.5 champions from Marion County
The Women’s 2.5 champions from South Miami-Dade visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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ITF Super-Senior Championships Florida Players on 3 of 7 Winning U.S. Teams at ITF Super-Seniors
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lorida players competed on three of the seven winning teams as the U.S. won seven agedivision cups for the second consecutive year at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) SuperSeniors World Team Championships, Sept. 10-15, 2012 in Umag, Croatia. The 2012 event, the 32nd edition of the championships, consisted of 186 teams from 35 countries competing in 10 age categories from 60-and-over to 80-and-over. The U.S. capped off the final day of the championships by winning its third consecutive Queens Cup (Women’s 75 & over), defeating Germany, 2-1. The day before, the U.S. dominated with six championships, including a stellar performance in the Althea Gibson Cup (Women’s 70 & over), where the Americans did not drop a single rubber. In all, the U.S. advanced to the final round of nine cups, with the runner-up showings coming in the Doris Hart Cup (Women’s 80 & over) and Kitty Godfree Cup (Women’s 65 & over). Florida players on cup-raising teams were Naples’ Larry Turville (Von Cramm Cup, Men’s 60 & over), Ft. Lauderdale’s Mary Ginnard and Ft. Myers’ Toni Novack (Alice Marble Cup, Women’s 60 & over), and Coral Gables’ Donna Fales (Althea Gibson Cup, Women’s 70 & over).
Seniors circuit. Since its inception in 1981, the number of competitors taking part in the tournament has increased each year. In 1993, the ITF made the decision to divide the Seniors World Championships into two groups: Seniors (35-55) and SuperSeniors (60-80). Below are the championship-winning teams featuring Florida players:
The victorious U.S. Von Cramm Cup (60 & over) team
Von Cramm CupMen’s 60 & over (USA def. France 2-1)
Alice Marble CupWomen’s 60 & over (USA def. Netherlands 3-0)
Althea Gibson CupWomen’s 70 & over (USA def. Australia 3-0)
1. L arry Turville, Naples, FL, Captain
1. Tina Karwasky, Glendale, CA
1. Donna Fales, Coral Gables, FL, Captain
2. Paul Wulf, Salem, OR 3. Tony Dawson, Carmel, CA 4. Wesley Jackson, Rancho Mirage, CA
2. M ary Ginnard, Fort Lauderdale, FL
2. Cathie Anderson, Del Mar, CA
3. Martha Downing, Shingle Springs, CA, Captain
3. Charleen Hillebrand, San Pedro, CA
4. Toni Novack, Fort Myers, FL
4. Lurline Fujii, Honolulu, HI
The ITF Super-Seniors World Team Championships is the most prestigious team event on the ITF SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
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“ME GUSTA EL TENIS!” Join USTA Florida for a Celebration of Tennis, Family and Hispanic Heritage this Fall!
Register for our events, and you could win four tickets to the 2013 Delray Beach ITC or the 2013 Sony Open!
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U S TA F LO R I D A S E C T I O N
Bobby Curtis Jr. Doubles Champions Surprise Winners at 2012 USTA Florida State Doubles Championship
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eeded players dominated the finals at the 64th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Doubles Championships, the top doubles prize in Florida junior tennis, but it was two unseeded teams in the boys’ and girls’ 18s division that stole the show in Altamonte Springs at Sanlando Park, Sept. 22-24, 2012. Tallahassee’s unseeded 16-year-old twins Terrance and Terrell Whitehurst won the Boys’ 18 division, beating another unseeded surprise pair in Paul An’drey Pierre-Louis of Miami and Stephen Watson of Orlando 6-2, 7-6(3). “We played very well,” Terrance Whitehurst told the Tallahassee Democrat. “It was a real confidence boost. We’re playing more as a team and we’re being more aggressive at the net.” The two 16 year olds played up in the 18s division on the advice of their coach after this summer reaching the doubles semifinals at the prestigious USTA Boys’ National Championships in Kalamazoo, Mich.
Left to right: Boys’ 18 champions Terrell Whitehurst and Terrance Whitehurst, Tournament Director Brian Morrissey, and runners-up Stephen Watson and Paul An’drey Pierre-Louis
Left to right: Girls’ 18 champions Blair Martin and Gabrielle Rodriguez, Tournament Director Brian Morrissey, and runners-up Lyndsey Boos and Star Makarome
the No. 2 seeds, beating unseeded Alexis Aranda (Longwood) and Arthur Viallaneix (Sanford) in the final.
title. It was the second consecutive year winning the Girls’ 16s title for Rohrabacher, and an agingup second consecutive title for Switkes, who last year won the Girls’ 14s, and was runner-up in the Mixed 14s.
“It felt good to be in the higher division and do well and win,” Terrell Whitehurst said. “We expected to do well and win.”
The Girls’ 18s final saw another unseeded champion as the Tampa pairing of Blair Martin and Gabrielle Rodriguez upset No. 4 seeds Lyndsey Boos (Orlando) and Star Makarome (Wesley Chapel) 6-3, 6-3. Martin/Rodriguez also toppled the top seeds in the round of 16, and the No. 3 seeds in the semifinals.
The Whitehursts beat the top seeds in straight sets in the semifinals, while Pierre-Louis/Watson toppled the No. 5 and No. 8 seeds en route to the final. The runner-up Watson went on to win the Mixed 18s title with Palm Coast’s Kandis Legall as
The seedings held in the boys’ and girls’ 16s as top-seeded Shaun Berman (Miami) and Stephen Madonia (Lakeland) won the boys’ title, and topseeded Rachel Rohrabacher (Tampa) and Jaclyn Switkes (Ponte Vedra Beach) captured the girls’
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“We had a great time hosting this prestigious event,” said Sanlando site director Brian Morrissey. “It was nice to see the kids having so much fun playing the great game of doubles. Nearly all the matches went to the third-set tiebreakers, and there were so many fast exchanges and great reflex points, which always makes doubles so fun to watch. All the kids competed hard while showing great sportsmanship. Thanks to all the players and parents for making this such a fun weekend.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Bobby Curtis Jr. Doubles Champions The 14s, 12s and 10s divisions were held at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. The 14s divisions were highlighted by three players who made multiple finals — Gabriel Carvajal and Laura Fabrizi of Weston, and Davey Roberts of Palm Coast. Carvajal as the No. 2 seed in the Boys’ 14s with partner John Michael Holtmann (Coral Gables) captured the title, in the final ousting top seeds Christopher Ephron (Pensacola) and Roberts. Roberts then turned the table in the Mixed 14s final, with partner Magdalena Dobinda (Boca Raton), as the No. 7 seeds upsetting the topseeded Carvajal/Fabrizi. Fabrizi won the Girls’ 14s title as the top seed with partner Anna Bright (Boca Raton). Whereas last year three players swept to both doubles and mixed doubles titles in their age divisions, this year only one player, Boca Raton’s Christian Alshon in the 12s division, swept the doubles and mixed. Top-seeded in both the Boys’ 12s and Mixed 12s, Alshon won the Boys’ 12s title with Osprey’s Russell Benkaim, and the Mixed 12s with Sarasota’s Sophia Edwards, who won the Girls’ 12s Florida state singles championship earlier this year. The Alshon/ Edwards team finished one better this year, after last year finishing runner-up in the Mixed 12s. Edwards was also the runner-up in the Girls’ 12s final as the top seed with Port Orange’s Mira Gladstone, upset in the final by the No. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
Left to right: Boys’ 16 champions Stephen Madonia and Shaun Berman, Tournament Director Brian Morrissey, and runners-up Logan Walker and Trevor Foshey
3-seeded team of Hurricane Tyra Black of Boca Raton, and Gia Cohen of Bradenton. In the Boys’ 10 final, featuring the 10 and Under Tennis format on 60-foot courts with the orangelevel ball and abbreviated scoring, the Orlando/ Kissimmee combo of Guillermo Colon and Daniel Mangual defeated Tallahassee’s Anirudh Tammisetti and Savindu Wimalasooriya 4-1, 4-0. “The first ‘official’ Florida state doubles championships with 10 and Under Tennis division play was very exciting,” said USTA Florida Competitive Education Coordinator Ann Brown. “We were able to finish with a playoff for all the 10 and under teams on Saturday. We could not have asked for better weather this weekend.” The USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships represents some of the best
Left to right: Girls’ 16 champions Rachel Rohrabacher and Jaclyn Switkes, Tournament Director Brian Morrissey, and runners-up Sarah Dreyfuss and Alexis Franco
junior tennis players in the strongest of the 17 USTA sections across the country. The USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Doubles Championships is one of the few major events in the country that combine boys’, girls’, and mixed doubles in the same event. Here are the final-round results: Boys’ 18 Doubles Final Terrance Whitehurst / Terrell Whitehurst (Tallahassee) def. Paul An’drey Pierre-Louis (Miami) / Stephen Watson (Orlando) 6-2, 7-6(3) Girls’ 18 Doubles Final Blair Martin / Gabrielle Rodriguez (Tampa) def. (4) Lyndsey Boos (Orlando) / Star Makarome (Wesley Chapel) 6-3, 6-3 visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Bobby Curtis Jr. Doubles Champions Mixed 18 Doubles Final (2) Kandis Legall (Palm Coast) / Stephen Watson (Orlando) def. Alexis Aranda (Longwood) / Arthur Viallaneix (Sanford) 7-5, 6-4 Boys’ 16 Doubles Final (1) Shaun Berman (Miami) / Stephen Madonia (Lakeland) def. (2) Trevor Foshey (St. Cloud) / Logan Walker (Stuart) 4-6, 6-4, 1-0(7) Girls’ 16 Doubles Final (1) Rachel Rohrabacher (Tampa) / Jaclyn Switkes (Ponte Vedra Beach) def. (6) Sarah Dreyfuss (N. Miami Beach) / Alexis Franco (Largo) 6-3, 6-7(3), 1-0(7) Mixed 16 Doubles Final (3) Kaden Funk (Windermere) / Priyanka Shah (Orlando) def. Julianna Curtis (Tampa)/ Thomas Nelson Hughes (Lakeland) 7-6(2), 4-6, 1-0(6) Boys’ 14 Doubles Final (2) Gabriel Carvajal (Weston) / John Michael Holtmann (Coral Gables) def. (1) Christopher Ephron (Pensacola)/ Davey Roberts (Palm Coast) 6-4, 6-4 Girls’ 14 Doubles Final (1) Anna Bright (Boca Raton)/ Laura Fabrizi (Weston) def. Sasha Belaya (Nelbourne)/ Meible Chi (Weston) 6-4, 7-5
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Left to right: Mixed 18 champions Stephen Watson and Kandis Legall, Tournament Director Brian Morrissey, and runners-up Arthur Viallaneix and Alexis Aranda
Mixed 14 Doubles Final (7) Magdalena Dobinda (Boca Raton) / Davey Roberts (Palm Coast) def. (1) Gabriel Carvajal / Laura Fabrizi (Weston) 7-6(4), 2-6, 10-6 Boys’ 12 Doubles Final (1) Christian Alshon (Boca Raton)/ Russell Benkaim (Osprey) def. (2) Robert Hammond (Boca Raton)/ Michael Heller (Weston) 7-5, 6-2 Girls’ 12 Doubles Final (3) Hurricane Tyra Black (Boca Raton)/ Gia Cohen (Bradenton) def. (1) Sophia Edwards (Sarasota)/ Mira Gladstone (Port Orange) 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 Mixed 12 Doubles Final (1) Christian Alshon (Boca Raton)/ Sophia Edwards (Sarasota) def. (2) Robert Hammond / Charlotte Owensby (Boca Raton) 3-6, 7-6, 10-6
Left to right: Mixed 16 champions Kaden Funk and Priyanka Shah, Tournament Director Brian Morrissey, and runners-up Julianna Curtis and Thomas Nelson-Hughes
10 and Under Doubles Final Guillermo Colon (Orlando)/ Daniel Mangual (Kissimmee) def. Anirudh Tammisetti / Savindu Wimalasooriya (Tallahassee) 4-1, 4-0 Former world No. 1s Chris Evert, Andy Roddick and Jim Courier are among the players that have raised trophies in singles and/or doubles at the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships, previously known as the USTA Florida Jr. State Closed. Florida’s top event was renamed to honor the legendary Florida junior tennis organizer Curtis in 2012. The tournament is annually a launching pad for future college stars and pros. To see photos of all division winners CLICK HERE.
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U S TA F LO R I D A S E C T I O N
Region 1 East
by Kelly Tucker
10 and Under Tennis Going Strong in Tallahassee
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en and Under Tennis is going strong in Tallahassee with opportunities for children to learn the game at numerous locations throughout the city. What makes this program so much fun is the fact that children are introduced to tennis by providing them with the right-sized equipment and playing area. Racquets are sized for small hands, courts are made smaller, the balls bounce lower and don’t move as fast through the air, all translating into more fun and less frustration for participants. One local tennis professional, Randy Hock, is so excited about the program and its potential that he offers the program year-round and has seen remarkable growth. He believes that it is simply the quickest way to get children playing the game and to keep their interest. “Gone are the days when it took a typical child two years of private lessons before they could actually play a game from the baseline,” he said.
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Venom Foundation tournament competitors
With 10 and Under Tennis the benefits are immediate, and within a short time children are rallying and getting excited about playing tennis. In late August, Randy held a pizza and awards party for all the children who played in his summer 10 and Under Tennis programs. He also held a USTA Tennis Play Day at Killearn Country Club for more than 25 participants. A round robin format was utilized to allow participants the opportunity to play at least three (short) matches using two 10 and Under Tennis formats: 36-foot court play using red transition balls for ages 7-8; and 60-foot court play using orange transition balls for ages 9-11. A tennis bag from Tennis Couture was given out to the top girl, and a DriFit jersey and hat was given out to the top boy. Another USTA-sponsored Play Day will be held in late November.
If you are interested in signing up your 10-and-under child to play, please contact the coordinator at one of the following locations where the program is offered: Randy Hock Tennis at Woodgate Way at rhock63@aol.com; Southwoood (Sandy Layne) at sandyquickstart@ aol.com; Golden Eagle Country Club (Allen Long) at allen1383@comcast.net; Killearn Country Club (Nathalie Phelps) at nportmann@liberty. edu; Maclay School (Corbin Graves) at cgraves@ maclay.org; Walker-Ford (Lenin Mongerie) at omarmongerie@hotmail.com; Winthrop Park (Elyse Fenton) at flowerpot5474@yahoo.com; Killearn Lakes Racquet and Swim Club (John Vinson) at Johnvinsontennis@gmail.com; and Winthrop Park (Erika Harding/Tyler Simmons) at (850) 891-3920.
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Region 1 West
by Scott Harrison
1st Annual HHK Summer Open Mixed Raises Over $3,300
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he 1st Annual Helping Honduras’ Kids (HHK) Open Mixed Doubles tournament was held Aug. 11-12, 2012 at the Shoreline Park Tennis Courts in Gulf Breeze, raising more than $3,300 for the kids. Thirty teams participated in five round robin draws of six teams each. All teams played three matches on Saturday and two on Sunday. The format for play was two-of-three sets, no-ad, with a 10-point super tiebreaker for the third. With the heat and humidity of the August weekend, the format was welcomed by all players. The HHK Summer Open was the brain child of four area college sophomores after an early summer college ministry mission trip to Honduras. The four students, Clay Pfeifler, Cheyenne Chapman and Kelsey Simhachalam of Gulf Breeze, and Caitlin Arzaga of Baker, went with 15 other young adults for nine days to Honduras sponsored by the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, Soundside Campus. While on the mission, the students spent time at the Jungle School and the Hogar De Amor orphanage. Since a new orphanage is to be built, the local students decided to try to raise some funds to help out. Pfeifler, a former No. 1 played at Gulf Breeze High, suggested a tennis tournament and the fire was lit. The four hustled sponsors, players and the facility for the tournament. Shoreline Director of Tennis James Kober and his head professional, Whitney Mann, were enlisted to do the draws, set the times and run the event. Both days of the tournament featured lunch, water, soft drinks and beverages with a silent auction on Sunday. With over 30 sponsors and individual donations in addition to the teams’ entry fees, the more than $3,300 the students raised was a pleasant surprise to all involved. It was an extraordinary effort by all involved. Each division of play was named for a student in Honduras that the locals had come to know after their nine-day visit. The winners of each division were as follows:
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
The HHK team from left to right is Kelsey Simhachalam, Caitlin Arzaga, Cheyenne Chapman, and Clay Pfeifler
Lorenza: Rick Cuny/Kim Schmidt d. Clay Pfeifler/Tory Gray 6-3, 2-6, 10-7 Joven: Paul Einhardt/Laruen Halstead d. Truli Hartley/Harley Spann 6-3, 7-5 Lula: Scott Harrison/Allison Randol d. Jennie and Ben Barrow 7-5, 6-1 Julio: Scot and Grace Allen d. Jay and Huntley Jimenez 6-3, 3-6, 10-7 Ruth: J.P. and Allen Musgroves d. Tara and Pat Daril 7-6, 1-6, 13-11.
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Region 2
by Rick Vach
Region 2 Top Finishers at 2012 USTA Florida Adult League Sectionals
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ll USTA Florida league players dream of going to nationals, but the major hurdle, after winning local league play and regionals (no easy feat in itself), is winning at the USTA Florida League Sectionals at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. Let’s use this space this month to recognize the Region 2 teams from Gainesville, Jacksonville and Ocala that advanced to nationals, or finished in second place at the USTA Florida League Sectionals, held at the end of August in Daytona Beach. Ocala advanced two teams to nationals, both out of the Ft. King Tennis Center. The Ocala Men’s 2.5 team (3-0 record at sectionals) finished ahead of Gainesville/Jonesville Tennis Center (0-3) in an all-Region 2 battle in the 2.5 division in Daytona Beach. The Ocala Men’s 3.5 team were also sectional winners, posting a perfect 4-0 ahead of second-place Broward County. The Ocala 2.5 team was captained by Paul Scott Steinberg, with the team roster comprised of Todd Stafford Jones, Frank Owings, John Frederick Berg, Chris Prusak, Gary Crawford, Rick Durham, Burt Waldren, Steve Forrest, and Efren Vasquez. The Ocala 3.5 team was captained by John Wheeler, with the team roster comprised of Brian McGee, Jacob Chak, Richard Velez Perrone, Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Dwight Landmann, Kyle Randle Drawdy, Michael Pera Daniels, William Steigner, Paul Franck, Joel Raney, Dustin Carstenn, Justin Gregory Greene, and Chris Reed. Gainesville, in addition to their second-place team in the Men’s 2.5 division at sectionals, advanced one team to nationals when the Women’s 4.0 team out of D.B. Racquet Club swept their division in Daytona Beach without dropping a team match, finishing ahead of second-place Sarasota. The D.B. Racquet Club team’s roster during the season was Lenhs Louis (captain), Michiele Sherman, Terry Lynn West, Cathy Boon, Julie Garrish, Lori Glenn, Debbie Neubauer, Stephanie Davis, Theresa Anderson, Lynn Godwin,
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The 2.5 Ocala men after capturing the title at the USTA Florida Adult League Sectionals in August
Cynthia Thibault, Cristi Dobbs, Susan Comolli, Michelle Waters, Lidia Vesely, and Joy Ann Parker. Jacksonville had one team advance to nationals from the sectional event, and two teams that were edged from national berths, finishing second in their divisions in Daytona Beach. The 3.5 women from Julington Creek Plantation were the lone team from the Jacksonville area to win at the Florida Tennis Center, advancing to the USTA 3.5 Nationals, which will be held Oct. 5-7 at the Jim Reffkin Tennis Center in Tucson, Ariz. To read the full story CLICK HERE.
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Region 3
by Nancy Morgan
Pasco Pro Provides Tennis Opportunities for Kids
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hen Christina Hill rerouted her career from the medical field to a tennis-teaching professional 12 years ago, providing exposure to the game she loved to the kids was a critical part of her motivation. Leaving Jacksonville in 2000, where tennis opportunities were rampant, and settling in New Port Richey, Christina was shocked by the few courts available as well as limited playing opportunities, especially for the youth. Almost immediately, Christina became a local tennis volunteer that quickly expanded to the county and state levels. Soon, she began volunteering and teaching full-time to all levels and ages. Last spring, among her activities as a tennis advocate, Christina worked with New Port Richey’s Director of Recreation Elaine Smith to establish a partnership. As a result, Christina was able to expose tennis to about 250 elementaryage children, many that otherwise might never have that opportunity. “Four times in the spring, we invited three schools’ third, fourth and fifth graders to the recreation center to try tennis, karate, dance and gymnastics,” Christina said. “We rotated the kids every 30 minutes, I had the mini nets with small racquets and foam balls to use the 10 and Under
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Elementary school-age kids enjoying tennis at the New Port Richey recreation center
Tennis format. Most of the kids had never even held a racquet. “It was so much fun – and so rewarding – to see their faces light up when they got the racquets and balls and to hear their laughter as they played with their classmates. Of course, they all told me that tennis was the most fun!”
Christina plans to offer more opportunities for kids by hosting a USTA/Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play event this fall. Many schools in Pasco County are offering tennis in their physical education classes, Christina said, and now afterschool tennis will be a new motivation for her.
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Region 4
by Susie Rahimitibar
Women Playing Tennis for T.I.M.E.
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t is that time of year, when the courts fill to raise funds for a great cause— the fight against breast, ovarian and other gynecological cancers.
Co-founded by Elaine Lustig and Sheila Solomon in 1993, Women Playing For T.I.M.E. (WPFT) is a volunteer organization dedicated to making a positive impact on women facing cancer. The tremendous success of the first golf event led to the addition of a tennis event. What started as a two-day tennis tournament with 50 players has evolved into 12 individual private and public courts holding their own tournaments involving 350 players. Since inception, WPFT has raised over $8.6 million through signature golf and tennis tournaments and a variety of other events throughout the years. Funds directly benefit cancer technology, immediate diagnosis, and mammography and education at MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, part of Orlando Health. WPFT first focused its efforts on breast cancer, but with prevalence of ovarian and other gynecologic cancers, requests from patients and their families have been to also take a hard look at all cancers that affect women in financial support and research. In honor of the 20th Anniversary, WPFT updated their logo to incorporate a teal Gerber daisy to reflect their commitment to focus on gynecologic cancers that affect the women in our community also. WPFT’s Steering Committee is comprised of local women who have dedicated their time, financial resources and efforts to raising awareness and much-needed financial support for the early detection, prevention and ultimately a cure of cancers affecting women. Each October, women across the United States wear pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness month. However, WPFT wants women to know that any time is a good time to be aware of breast cancer prevention and treatment. Pink is always in season! Visit wpft.org to register online for a WPFT tennis tournament near you. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
Country Club of Orlando players at their WPFT Tennis event in 2010
In the Greater Orlando area here is where you can play/give: Oct. 1—Golden Bear Club at Keene’s Pointe hosted at Grand Cypress, contact chair Rita Mercier at rmercier001@gmail.com; Grand Cypress Racquet Club, contact chair Carolyn Avallone at cda613@gmail.com; Lake Cane Tennis Center, contact chairs Jane Huber or Clair Stoppler at janehubber66@gmail.com or clair@stoppler.com. Oct. 5—Country Club of Orlando, Azalea Park WAIT League hosted at CCO, contact chair Janie Miles at janiemiles@me.com; Ft. Gatlin Tennis Center, contact chair Shannon Hurley at slgmediations@aol.com. Oct. 20—Tuscawilla Country Club, contact chairs Carla and Dennis Bray at cbraytennis@gmail.com. Oct. 22—Heathrow Country Club, contact chair Jennifer Hawkes at jhawkes@heathrowcc.com. Oct. 27—Sanlando Tennis Center, contact chair Susan Baum at susanandeze@cfl.rr.com.
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U S TA F LO R I D A S E C T I O N
Region 5
by Lance Martin
Team Tennis Wraps; ITA Dick Vitale Event
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n July close to 100 junior tennis players from Tampa and Sarasota invaded Bath and Racquet Tennis Club for the first-ever Team Tennis Junior League (TTJL) State Tournament. Three age divisions (12s, 14s, and 16s) and eight skill levels played approximately 450 mini matches, almost 2,000 games, in a unique round robin format which included both singles and doubles. Players and their parents had a full weekend of competition and camaraderie and are already talking about the second “Battle of the Bays” next year. The sportsmanship was outstanding — no referees were needed, no players misbehaved, and no parents complained! Credit for that goes to all the coaches in this league. Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte counties won five of eight singles titles and five of eight doubles titles. We are very proud of our players! TTJL would like to extend sincere thanks to Bath & Racquet, their employees, and Tennis Director Eric Davidson for their exceptional hospitality and help in hosting this event. For information on this league please contact Sue Zipay, Sarasota League Director at suezip2@ verizon.net or call (941) 475-4489.
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Danielle Tormey and Ashley Tormey from Englewood Sports Complex, 16-and-under “B” division finalists
ITA Dick Vitale Intercollegiate on Nov. 9 The 3rd Annual ITA Dick Vitale Intercollegiate Clay Court Classic will be held at Lakewood Ranch on Nov. 9-11, 2012. The list of participating schools includes, for the women, two-time NCAA champion Florida as well as Memphis and Tennessee, schools that won the singles and doubles event, respectively,
in 2011. For the men, last year’s NCAA team finalist Virginia is back, as are national powers which include Pepperdine, Minnesota, and Duke. For more details, including sponsorship information, please contact tournament directors Chris Marquez or Paul Lederman at Lakewood Ranch at (941) 907-2255.
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Region 6
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
by Janet Sprague
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 7 Naples Takes Lead in Men’s 5.0, Advances to Nationals
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ast year the USTA 5.0 men’s team out of Naples ran all the way to the Florida Sectionals final before being swept 3-0 by Jacksonville. This year it was Naples’ turn to return the favor. The Naples men playing out of the Arthur Allen Tennis Center at Cambier Park beat Jacksonville in the final of the Men’s 5.0 Championships at the USTA Florida Adult 3.0/4.0/5.0 Section Championships in August at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. USTA League adult players are rated according to the NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) scale, which at the USTA Florida Section championships level rates from 2.5 (beginner) to 5.0 (advanced). Jacksonville teams advanced to nationals from 2007-09 before their streak was halted in 2010 by a Brevard County team. They rebounded in 2011 to again advance to nationals, but Naples starts a streak of their own in 2012. Making up the 2012 Naples men’s 5.0 squad are captain James Harris, Paul Reilly, John Gillette, Tyler Manring, Tye Myers, Franco Alice Mata, Eric Manring, Leland Kuk, Troy Rush, Jose Otavio Pastrello, and Jerome Moenter. Next up for the Naples men: the fast hardcourts and high-altitutde-like conditions of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the site of the annual joint
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The Naples 5.0 men’s champions
ATP/WTA event, on Sept. 28-30 in Indian Wells, Calif. USTA League provides fun and competitive matches for thousands of tennis players nationwide. It also gives players the opportunity to experience team camaraderie, to improve their tennis skills, to meet and compete against new players and to participate in competition beyond
local league play. There were more than 806,000 participants in USTA League in 2011 within the adult, senior and mixed doubles divisions and the section league programs. The program, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary last year, is the world’s largest recreational tennis league. Good luck to the Naples 5.0 men at nationals!
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Region 8 by Barbara Eisner Bayer The Inner Game of Heller
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immy Connors said that the game of tennis was 90 percent mental. According to Boca Raton’s Dr. Robert Heller, who has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology and is also a USPTAcertified teaching professional, strong mental skills help players of all levels perform to their true potential more frequently. What league player doesn’t need that? Inspired by Tim Galway’s book, The Inner Game of Tennis, Dr. Heller devotes a portion of his practice to helping tennis players of all levels master the mental game. He teaches sports enhancement strategies that help good players become great, improving beyond their current skill level. He also works with recreational players who have problems on the court, ranging from worrying about playing well enough, to feeling shame or embarrassment of letting down their team or partner. Dr. Heller teaches people to use their minds to create positive expectances about how they’re going to perform. Through visualization, his clients picture themselves performing well, and coping with challenging situations. He also provides techniques to reduce stress, anxiety, and other on-court distractions — like handling negative self-talk that runs through your head during critical times in the game.
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“Data suggests that between 50 and 75 percent of people who consult with sports psychologists about their game have other issues in their personal lives that are affecting their performance,” Heller says. He is uniquely positioned to handle all these issues with kids and families because, in addition to being a tennis pro, sports psychology consultant, and licensed psychologist, he’s also a former school psychologist. (Plus, he’s a really nice guy!) What advice can he offer to league players based on all his years of expertise? First, players need to learn how to communicate positively with their partners. Second, they need to stay positive during their matches, no matter what occurs. And finally, he advises that it’s a good idea to lower your expectations. Nobody is ever going to perform like a Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Maria Sharapova. “But you still must always have the belief that you CAN win,” Heller says.
Dr. Robert Heller on the courts
No matter what you do, you’ll never beat Federer, but if you integrate some of Dr. Heller’s tips into your training regime, you have a good chance of playing the best you can.
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U S TA F LO R I D A S E C T I O N
Photo Op
by Colette Lewis
Alexandru Gozun A
lexandru Gozun, known as Sasha to his family and friends, had never gone beyond the quarterfinals of a Level 1 USTA tournament until August, when he reached the finals of the USTA National 16s Championships in Kalamazoo and took home the silver ball from that prestigious event. The 16-year-old from Sarasota, seeded No. 32, saved three match points in his third-round win, and three times came back from a set down to advance, including in his semifinal win over No. 2 seed and local favorite Paul Oosterbaan. Gozun explained the keys to his 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 semifinal victory, even as the large Kalamazoo crowds enthusiastically supported his opponent. “Being positive, and don’t let emotions take you over,” said Gozun, who came to the United States four years ago from Moldova, a small country between Romania and Ukraine. “Because he’s hometown boy, he has all the pressure, everybody thinks he has to win it.” Gozun, who works with his coach Brandon Wagner in Tampa, fell short in the final, losing to No. 12 seed Henrik Wiersholm 6-4, 6-1, but he left Kalamazoo with renewed confidence and optimism, as well as some insight into what is required to play at the top junior level. “It was a great tournament,” said Gozun, who did not play Kalamazoo in 2011 due to a back injury. “It taught me to give my best when under pressure. You can’t have a day off or anything. You always have to be on top of your game.
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“And the big crowds, you’ve got to be prepared for that too. Coming back next year in the 18s, that will be great—hopefully in the finals,” he said, laughing.
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Quick Shots
Junior tennis squads representing the USTA Florida Section swept to titles in the 12s, 14s and 16s divisions during the USTA Zone Team Championships in late July. Each of the three squads recorded perfect 5-0 team match records during their events.
The USTA Southern Section narrowly defeated the USTA Florida Section (pictured) for the title at the inaugural Keith Donoff Men’s Challenge Cup, a senior team tennis event involving four USTA sections on Nov. 4-6, 2011, at the Western Tennis & Fitness Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012
At the inaugural National Family Tennis Championships, held at the Waldorf Astoria in Naples, Andrew Lake and daughter Evan (age 14, with dad and brother) of Davie won the Father/Daughter division, and David King and Kim Cashman of Clearwater, Fla., won the Husband/Wife title.
A stop on the Florida ‘Me Gusta El Tenis’ family Hispanic tour of tennis paired with cultural events through Orlando and South Florida in October. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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