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Table of Contents JAN UARY/ FEB R UARY 2011
USTA Florida Section Staff
FEATURES 8 2011 USTA Florida Annual Awards
22 tennis volunteers were recognized in December at the
USTA Florida Annual Awards & Volunteer Appreciation Weekend in Orlando
16 Foundation Board Profiles Three new board members to drive foundation giving to the
tennis community in 2012
27 USTA League Restructure
New league divisions, formats to debut in 2013
33 Meals of Hope
A ttendees at the annual awards take time to give back, packing meals for homeless families in Florida
DEPARTMENTS 4 5
USTA Florida President’s Message Around the Courts Tennis news you can use from across the state
15 Upcoming Events Calendar 19 Florida Region News Local news from the eight USTA Florida regions 26 Junior Spotlight 28 Junior News 31 Volunteer of the Month January award goes to school club tennis guru 32 Senior News Section champions from the 2011 Combo Senior season
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RESOURCES DIVISION Doug Booth Executive Director 386-671-8925 booth@florida.usta.com Lynne Salus Volunteer Development & 954-625-6259 Meetings Manager salus@florida.usta.com Linda Matthews Executive Administrator 386-671-8940 matthews@florida.usta.com Julie Claude Accounting Specialist 386-671-8933 claude@florida.usta.com
PLAY TENNIS DIVISION – COMMUNITY TENNIS Andy McFarland Associate Executive Director, 386-671-8927 Play Tennis Division mcfarland@florida.usta.com Linda Curtis Director of Community Tennis 386-671-8934 curtisL@florida.usta.com Rebecca Halpern Schools Coordinator 386-671-8928 halpern@florida.usta.com Michelle Brown Team Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8937 brownm@florida.usta.com Elizabeth Coates Administrative Assistant 386-671-8943 coates@florida.usta.com Debbie Ellsworth 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 561-313-1083 Village of Wellington ellsworth@florida.usta.com Sheryl Rivas 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 407-551-9798 Seminole County rivas@florida.usta.com Amanda Becker Tennis Program Coordinator, 904-281-1187 North Region 2 becker@florida.usta.com
Susie Bessire
T ennis Program Coordinator, 941-629-4733 Regions 5 & 7 bessire@florida.usta.com George English Tennis Program Coordinator, 850-510-6585 Region 1 english@florida.usta.com Shelly Licorish Tennis Program Coordinator, 407-403-5686 West Region 4 licorish@florida.usta.com Cathy Nordlund Tennis Program Coordinator, 305-252-6591 South Region 8 nordlund@florida.usta.com Janet Sprague Tennis Program Coordinator, 561-385-7399 Region 6 sprague@florida.usta.com Molly Zimmer Tennis Program Coordinator, 386-847-2497 East Region 4 zimmer@florida.usta.com
LEAGUES Sandy Marshall Director of Leagues/SLC 386-671-8932 marshall@florida.usta.com Dona Garcia Adult & Senior League 386-671-8936 Coordinator garcia@florida.usta.com Jodi Manning Mixed, Combo and Super 386-671-8939 Sr. Leagues Coordinator manning@florida.usta.com Kelly Vanhorn Administrative Assistant 386-671-8926 vanhorn@florida.usta.com
COMPETITIVE TENNIS Andy Gladstone Competitive Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8931 Ann Brown Bobby Curtis
gladstone@florida.usta.com Competitive Education 386-671-8942 Coordinator brown@florida.usta.com Sanctions Coordinator 386-671-8926 curtis@florida.usta.com
MARKETING / MEMBERSHIP / COMMUNICATIONS Laura Bowen José Medina Rick Vach
irector of Marketing 386-671-8930 D & Membership bowen@florida.usta.com Information Technology 386-671-8929 Coordinator medina@florida.usta.com Communications Coordinator 904-535-9489 vach@florida.usta.com
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President’s Message Tennis and Pets
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s I look back to my early years as a tennis pro at Tam O’Shanter Golf and Tennis Club in Pompano Beach, I reflect on how quirky I was to leave my Blue and Gold Macaw, Ralph, in Dan Casey, the pro shop and occasionally USTA Florida President bring him out to stand on a nearby sprinkler head while I gave lessons. All of our members knew Ralph, and were very tolerant of his obnoxiously loud squawks and seemed to check in with him when arriving at the courts. Although Ralph is long gone, there are some pets with long and continuing histories at tennis facilities. Take Mike Boone, the director of tennis at Howard Park in West Palm Beach. His dog Marney, pictured, has been a fixture with Mike since 1995, not only greeting players in the pro shop while Mike teaches, but regularly wandering out onto the court, marching with Mike from one side to the other while he demonstrates a technique to his student. Everyone at Howard Park knows him; even Mike would admit to the relative importance of Marney in delivering a quality experience to all of his members and students. What is it about tennis and pets? I am not sure, but I think as we humanize our pets, it stands to reason that they enjoy the game too! Share your story with Rick Vach of USTA Florida at vach@florida.usta.com. Marney and Mike Boone
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Around the Courts Young and Old Alike Enjoy 10 and Under Tennis Carnival in Port Orange
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he Port Orange, Fla., community just south of Daytona Beach came out to embrace 10 and Under Tennis in December at Airport Road Park when USTA Florida in partnership with the City of Port Orange debuted eight permanent 36-foot 10 and Under Tennis courts, and an additional four regular-sized courts lined for 60-foot play for children. Port Orange Mayor Allen Green, Port Orange City Council members, and USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth made opening remarks before an official ribbon cutting opened the new courts for play. Margaret Lee was one parent watching over the low side fence as her 7-year-old son rallied on the 36-foot court with a smaller age-appropriate racquet and low-compression, larger balls. “This is his first time playing like this — he did a session in the summer with the regular adult courts,” Lee said. “The courts are smaller and shorter which is good, it gives him more confidence to hit the ball. They make it more available for the kids and they can play longer. We play on the regular courts but they always go running for the balls, there is not as much hitting as chasing balls and they get bored and tired. So this is so much better and he likes it.” “The vision of a 10 and Under Tennis facility where not only children, but entire families can play tennis together has been over a year in the making for the Port Orange community,” said
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USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for the Volusia/Flagler counties area Molly Zimmer. “On Saturday, we saw our vision become reality, watching children of all ages having fun and playing tennis with their friends and family. The community came out to support the opening with the volunteers from the Port Orange Family YMCA, tennis players and tennis professionals and the Spruce Creek High School girls tennis
team coach and members from the high school tennis team.” The Airport Road courts are the result of grants from USTA national, USTA Florida, and the USTA Florida Section Foundation, the official charitable arm of USTA Florida, assisting non-profit community organizations to offer programming in youth tennis and adaptive tennis, among other programs. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts
Jack sonville Announced as Latest $100K USTA Tennis Market Initiative
& Recreation and the Jax Youth Tennis Association.
The USTA announced in January that Jacksonville will receive $100,000 of combined funding from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) national body and the USTA Florida Section as a designated “Target Market Initiative” to grow 10 and Under Tennis through local community partnerships, and tennis programming in K-12 Duval County schools and beyond.
“This will be a pilot event, and we want to take what we learn from this festival and duplicate the success at other Duval County sites in the fall of 2012,” said USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator Amanda Becker. “The Target Market Initiative is a three-year grant that we expect to show significant results in getting kids active. Tennis is one of the best ways for kids to become healthy and physically fit, and it remains the fastestgrowing sport out there.”
Programming will begin in February with physical education assemblies in designated schools, leading to a tennis festival at Burnette Park on Feb. 25, 2012. The festival will be organized by USTA Florida, Jax Parks JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
The USTA national Target Market Initiative began in 2011 as a $2.5 million investment in 25 tennis communities throughout the
United States to grow the game and encourage young people across the country to get active and participate in the format specifically for small children on child-sized courts with ageappropriate equipment. Jacksonville joins three existing Florida TMIs announced in 2011 in Hillsborough County (Greater Tampa), Seminole County (Greater Orlando), and the Village of Wellington (Palm Beach County). Other early partners in the venture include public and private tennis facilities and schools, the Jacksonville Mayor’s Office, Atlantic Beach Parks, District 2 of the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Section, First Coast YMCA, the Jacksonville Police Athletic League, the MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation, the Jacksonville Youth Tennis Association, and USTA national trainers among others. For more information go to www.USTAjacksonville.com. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts Roger Scott Tennis in Pensacola Named National Facility of the Year The Roger Scott Tennis Center in Pensacola, Fla., was named the “Municipal Facility of the Year” by Racquet Sports Industry (RSI) magazine in the publication’s January 2012 issue. The issue lists its 11th annual “Champions of Tennis Awards,” honoring people, companies and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis in 2011. “Roger Scott Tennis Center is a hotbed of tennis programming for players of all ages and abilities,” reads the awards article on the facility that features 18 hardcourts and 10 claycourts, all lighted, with the hardcourts including permanent 10 and Under Tennis lines. “Bruce Caton is the director of tennis, and he and his talented staff of seven pros administer adult and junior clinics, leagues (24 USTA League teams), 10 and Under Tennis programming, private lessons, a junior academy and much more. A free junior clinic every summer attracts 200 to 300 kids.” Also cited were the facility’s numerous events, including the annual Pink Ribbon Tennis Tournament for breast cancer, a USTA Pro Circuit tournament, and the Pensacola Open Wheelchair tournament. Caton says his motto is, “Surround yourself with good people and then get out of the way.” Caton also attributes the facility’s success to working with community liaisons, the City of Pensacola’s director of Neighborhood Services, and giving back to the community and its residents.
Roger Scott Tennis Center Director of Tennis Bruce Caton
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration Tennis’ Best Recognized at 2011 USTA Florida Annual Awards
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ore than 250 USTA Florida volunteers, staff and tennis community members gathered to celebrate the movers and shakers in Florida recreational tennis at the United States Tennis Association-Florida Section’s 62nd Annual Awards and Volunteer Celebration Weekend, Dec. 3-4, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando. “I always heard the word ‘celebrate’ over and over, and didn’t get it until this weekend and being a part of all these events,” said Robert Gomez, representing and accepting the USTA Florida Member Organization of the Year Award for the City of Coral Gables Parks & Recreation Department. “Seeing and hearing the stories of all these great award winners is really fantastic and it is truly a celebration of what is happening in Florida and tennis.” Highlights of the weekend included a Meals of Hope event where more than 100 volunteers packaged approximately 42,000 dried-food meals for homeless in the Orlando area, and activities such as national speakers, the annual awards, the 2012 “Future Forecast” for recreational tennis, tennis play events, a casino night, the “Breakfast with the Stars” and more. Full stories and video vignettes are available at www.ustaflorida.com.
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MEMBER ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR — VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR — City of Coral Gables Park s & Recreation Susie Rahimitabar of Orlando Department Susie Rahimitabar’s The tennis centers that are overseen and run by the City of Coral Gables Parks & Recreation Department are fully operational facilities offering more than 20 adult and junior instructional programs to the public. In fact, the centers have more than 80,000 visitors for social play yearly. The two tennis centers encompass 23 courts (10 lighted hardcourts and 13 lighted claycourts). In 2010, the city agreed to allow all Miami-Dade County residents to play for the same nominal fee as Coral Gables’ residents. In 2009, the city invested more than $600,000 for the renovation of Salvadore Park Tennis Center, while an additional $1.5 million has been approved by the city commission for the renovation of the Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center in 2012. The parks hold fundraisers for schools featuring pros who donate their time, and over the past 50 years, the city has donated its facilities to the 10-day Junior Orange Bowl free of charge, hosting more than 1,000 national and international juniors.
involvement with tennis covers many areas — and has touched many lives. When she established a Jr. Team Tennis Quickstart level, only six children participated. Since those humble beginnings, however, the program has grown extensively, with the 8 & Under and 10 & Under teams winning both the USTA Florida regional and sectional championships in 2011. As a local league coordinator, Susie has been heavily involved in 2.5-level beginner adult initiatives. With the help of her co-coordinator and son, Jason, she also created the “Free Agents” list to connect players looking for teams and teams looking for players. “I love what playing tennis — and living a tennis life — has done for the quality of my life,” she says. “Because I see how tennis has improved my life, I seek to bring this lifestyle to all who I feel would benefit from it, which is basically everyone.”
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration TENNIS FAMILY OF THE YEAR — The Dave Brown Family of Port Orange
FEMALE MERIT AWARD — Marilyn Bollo of Cocoa Beach
MALE MERIT AWARD — Donn Davis of Punta Gorda
When the Dave Brown brood relocated to South Florida in 1990, it didn’t take long for husband Dave, wife Ann, and son Aaron to have a positive impact on the local tennis scene. After landing a job as a teaching pro at C.B. Smith Park, Dave earned USPTA Master Pro status, which soon led to Dave and Ann taking over the operation of two active Broward County tennis facilities.
Love of the game. It’s a core motive to explain why so many individuals, like Marilyn Bollo, willingly devote copious amounts of their time and talent to USTA Florida. Bollo, who has been involved in various sectional activities since the 1990s, has amassed an impressive volunteer resume that includes serving as a Jr. Team Tennis captain, a women’s 3.5 league captain, a league coordinator for Jr. Team Tennis in District 17, a school coordinator for District 17 and Region 4, a fundraiser and coach of AAU Junior Olympics teams, and a USTA Florida Junior Recreation Council member.
Eleven years ago, Donn Davis transitioned into the role of USTA Florida volunteer because “my knees were shot” [after years of competition] and he felt it was time to give something back to the game he had loved for many years. It’s a decision he’s never regretted.
From 1995 to 1997, Dave worked to grow tennis through a variety of programs, leading as a community coordinator. In 2003, the Brown family relocated to Port Orange in Central Florida. The location may have changed, but the family’s tennis involvement remained as faithful and fervent as ever. Ann currently serves as the section’s coordinator of competitive education. Dave served as director and manager of the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach, which is where most of the section’s championships are held. Son Aaron, a former competitive junior player, became a USPTA-certified professional and teaches tennis at the Trails Racquet Club in Ormond Beach, and is now serving as the Jr. Team Tennis local league coordinator for Flagler County.
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She currently serves as a USTA Florida Volunteer Council member, a Volunteer of the Month coordinator, and a Nominating Committee member. According to Marilyn, who was also named 1999 USTA Florida Outstanding School Tennis Volunteer of the Year and 2006 USTA Florida Committee Volunteer of the Year, “As long as I’m still having fun, I’m going to continue as a volunteer.”
After getting his feet wet by volunteering for the Charlotte County Community Tennis Association and working with the USTA Florida Volunteer Council, Donn plunged headfirst into various sectional activities. Over the past decade, he has served in a dizzying array of leadership positions that includes president of the Charlotte County CTA (Community Tennis Association), acting as a USTA Florida District 13 director, and becoming a USTA Florida Board of Directors member. As a board member he eventually rose to the position of president, where he served with distinction. He has also chaired the USTA Florida Regional Directors Committee, the Nominating Committee, the Share the Love grant program, and served as president of the USTA Florida Section Foundation.
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration HALL OF FAME AWARD — Tommy Ho of Houston, Texas When a young phenom from Winter Haven burst onto Florida’s junior tennis scene in the mid-1980s, he did so with amazing gusto, shattering the record books and soaring to No. 1 in various USTA Florida age divisions. During an amazingly prolific junior career, Ho captured 17 USTA national titles, won two Orange Bowls, and became the youngest player at 15 years, 1 month to win the USTA Boys 18’s national title. Later that year, he became the youngest-ever male player to compete in the main draw of the US Open at the age of 15 years, 2 months. A month later, he continued his rapid rise on the pro tour by becoming the second-youngest male player to win a main-draw match at a toplevel tour event. After turning pro at the age of 15 in December 1988, Ho enjoyed a successful professional career that included cracking the Top 100 in singles and the Top 15 in doubles, winning four titles. Although chronic back injuries in 1997 forced him to retire from professional tennis, he looks back on his playing days with genuine fondness.
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MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD — Noel Charette of Bradenton
OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR — Mary Jane McGregor of Gainesville
Noel Charette likes to use the pen name “Noel the Terrible” as his byline when he writes for various tennis publications. But if the truth be told, he should choose a different moniker based on his altruistic efforts for the game.
Mary Jane McGregor, who began her officiating career in 2000 so she could join her husband and umpire with him after they retired, has been involved in the umpiring aspect of the sport from both an amateur and professional perspective.
Noel, who serves as the Tennis Life Region 5 writer, has received a plethora of positive feedback from local readers, who especially enjoy his articles that are editorial in nature. Two specific pieces that earned his praise were entitled “Ask Not What Your Club...” and “A Perfect Player.”
In addition to officiating at most of the University of Florida collegiate matches, which is an assignment that challenges her to be in control of a high-pressure event, Mary Jane especially enjoys working at numerous USTA League tournaments.
Over the past few years, Noel, who makes it a point to never miss a local charity match, has written articles for Florida Tennis, Totally Tennis, and the Longwood Athletic Club newsletter. In fact, Totally Tennis published a two-part article authored by Noel in 2010 on the NTRP, while his heartfelt article about his son was published in the September 2010 issue of Florida Tennis.
“These events allow me to ‘come home’ because I see so many of these players on a regular basis,” she said. “I especially enjoy working with the 2.5 teams. They are so enthusiastic and just love the experience.” One recent experience at the USTA Florida Adult Mixed Championships epitomized why she loves to officiate. “A man thanked me for his ‘best tournament ever’ — and he lost,” she said.
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration LEAGUE TENNIS COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR — Gina Field of Tallahassee
AL MILLS MEMORIAL ADULT TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR — West Coast Super Senior Cat II, ITF Level I
When Gina Field began competing as a 2.5 player in a local USTA League in 2005, she quickly got bitten by the “tennis bug,” which in the past had only extended to following — and loving — every minute she watched of the sport on TV.
When University Park Country Club was asked to host the West Coast Super Senior Cat II, ITF Level I Grand Prix tournament in November 2010 just two months prior to the scheduled start of the event, panic could have ensued, especially since the club’s staff had never hosted a tournament of this size or magnitude before.
Within a short time, Gina was serving as a local league coordinator, which is a role she has relished since the very first day. “I have a strong organizational background and pretty thick skin,” she said. “I thought I could handle the responsibility, but whew, if I only knew how many opportunities I would have to test those skills.” Her current responsibilities include coordinating the adult women’s night leagues as well as her recently-added role as Senior and Super Senior division men’s and women’s leagues coordinator this past year, which occurred when a local league coordinator resigned in the middle of the season and Gina stepped in for the remainder of the year.
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Fortunately, University Park Country Club and its personnel were ready, willing, and able to assume the challenge and determined to make it the best tournament in the series. During the tournament, the club provided food daily for the competitors in a designated players’ lounge, created a welcoming spectator area on the tennis center’s beautifully-manicured lawns, and hosted two low-cost evening events for the players. Many of the competitors said the event was the best-run tournament they had ever played in, which isn’t surprising when you consider that University Park Country Club has been voted “Best Place to Play Tennis” by Sarasota Magazine for 18 consecutive years.
FEMALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Donna Fales of Coral Gables Despite all the accomplishments the great Roger Federer has racked up in his legendary career, he will never match the incredible statistic of not having lost a singles match since July 2009. The woman who can lay claim to this amazing achievement is Donna Fales, who has spent an amazing five decades at or near the top of the sport in every age group she has participated in. During a successful pro career that stretched from 1960 through 1976, Donna maintained a Top 10 U.S. ranking six times, reaching a careerhigh of No. 5 in 1960 and 1962 and winning the national mixed doubles title in 1966. As recently as October 2011, Donna was the top-ranked player in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) world rankings in the Women’s 70 division, winning the ITF World Singles and Doubles Championships in Antalya, Turkey in October 2010 and captaining the Althea Gibson Cup Team, which won the ITF World Team Championships. In April 2011, she continued her triumphant streak, capturing the USTA National Women’s 70 Clay Court Championships.
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration MALE PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Mario Tabares of Miami Mario Tabares has compiled a No. 1-ranked, undefeated season unlike any other player in USTA Florida history in 2011 at USTA national adult events. Over the past tennis season, Mario rang-up a jaw-dropping 26-0 singles record and captured the No. 1 ranking in singles and doubles in both the USTA Florida and USTA National Men’s 45 divisions. Since November 2010, he has enjoyed a pristine run that includes winning singles titles at the USTA National Men’s 45 Indoor Championships, the USTA National Men’s 45 Clay Court Championships, the USTA National Men’s 45 Hard Court Championships, and the USTA National Men’s 45 Grass Court Championships. However, his passion for tennis doesn’t end there. In addition to owning a tennis store in Miami, MT Tennis Touch, he also finds time to teach tennis when he’s not competing in tournaments across the country. It’s not an understatement when Tabares says, “Tennis surrounds every day of my life.”
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BOBBY CURTIS JUNIOR TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR — Seminole County Fall Super Series
JUNIOR COMPETITIVE COACH OF THE YEAR — Cary Cohenour of Sarasota
The Seminole County Fall Super Series chose the classic Queen song “We Will Rock You” to describe its approach to coordinating the event because it strives to ensure that when the tournament concludes, the 140 or so players are suitably impressed and enjoy all aspects of the competitive and social experience.
Since opening Celsius Tennis Academy in 2000, Cary Cohenour has been instrumental in instilling a sense of pride, confidence, and commitment to both the sport of tennis and personal growth and development in all his athletes, whether they are starting out in the sport in programs such as 10 and Under Tennis, or working to become collegiate-level or professional tennis players.
Each year, Sanlando Park hosts seven USTA Florida-sanctioned youth tennis tournaments. In addition to the Seminole County Fall Super Series, Sanlando Park hosts the USTA Florida 10 & Under and 12 & Under state championships, a designated event in February, the USTA Florida State Closed 16’s and 18’s Doubles Championships in September, a sectional junior event in October, and a rookie event in November. The facility has also hosted many collegiate events such as The NCAA Division II Championships and the Sunshine State Conference Championships.
Cohenour’s passion for both the sport and players has helped more than 500 children learn and embrace the sport of tennis, both as a fun way to get exercise as well as a way to learn about the joys and challenges of competitive play. His commitment has spurred opportunities for many Celsius athletes to go on to qualify for college scholarships at more than 30 of the country’s leading colleges and universities such as Harvard, Brown, Columbia, Princeton, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, the University of Florida, the University of Miami, Tulane, NYU, and Syracuse University.
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration ALBERT CARRINGTON BALINK (JUNIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR) AWARD — Alex del Corral of Doral How apt it is that Alex del Corral chose the phrase “hard work really does pay off” to describe his approach to life and tennis? Currently ranked No. 1 in both the USTA Florida and USTA National Boys’ 12 divisions, Alex compiled an enviable list of tournament triumphs throughout 2011. In fact, it’s likely his trophy case was overflowing after winning the singles and doubles titles at USTA Florida events like the Ives Summer Super Series and the Coral Springs Super Series, and capturing the singles crowns at the Melanefy Fall Designated, the Polo Club Local, and the EKTA Super Series. On the national level, Alex continued his winning ways, capturing the singles and doubles titles at the USTA National Open Boys’ 12s and the singles crown at the USTA Boys’ 12 National Spring Championships. Playing up a division, he also went undefeated in the USTA Boys’ 14 Zone Team Championships in both singles and doubles.
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JIMMY GANTT MEMORIAL (Player Who Has Overcome Adversity) AWARD — Scott Plutt of Weston Scott Plutt, who is currently ranked in the Top 25 in the USTA Florida Boys’ 14 singles division, has been playing tennis for most of his life. However, his on-court success has required him to do much more than just keep his eye on the ball during a match. Because he suffers from Tourettes Syndrome, which is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics, the condition can wreak havoc during a match when stress levels are higher than normal. Despite suffering from the syndrome, Scott has never quit a match because of his condition, even though the heightened anxiety forces him to deal with much more than the strokes his opponent sends over the net. Calling on a courageous inner reserve of strength, Scott has exhibited an amazing ability to accept himself, which in turn has taught the tennis world how to accept and admire him.
WHEELCHAIR PLAYER OF THE YEAR — Marc McLean of Cape Coral Before a horrific car accident in 1987 left a then 18-year-old Marc McLean a quadriplegic, he had led an active athletic life that included playing football and basketball, running track, and participating in gymnastics. Dealing with such a traumatic life event could have led Marc down a very depressive path. However, instead of wallowing in self-pity, he earned his high school diploma a year later and then receiving a Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from Illinois State University. After relocating to Florida, Marc was introduced to wheelchair tennis in 1999 and won the first Florida tournament he played. In 2000, after attaining the No. 1 ranking in the Quad A division and being named Florida Wheelchair Tennis Athlete of the Year, he moved up to the Quad Open division in 2001. In 2011, his winning ways continued when he triumphed at the 2011 Quad Open singles at the Grand Rapids (Mich.) Championship and the 2011 Quad Open doubles at Hilton Head, S.C.
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR — Deb Anderson of Clermont Taking “no” for an answer is not something Deb Anderson accepts easily, which she readily admits. “I rarely take ‘no’ for an answer because I figure there is always a way to make something work,” she says. “I once asked my husband to make a call for me to ask a guy if he would play in a league, but when the guy told him no and my husband accepted it too readily, I told my husband it would probably be better if he didn’t make the calls after all.” Not surprisingly, when she called the gentleman back, he agreed to play in the league. Because of her tireless efforts, numerous leagues have been created in Lake County since 2007. Prior to that time, no leagues had existed in the area since the early 1980s. Anderson, who serves as president of the Lake County Tennis Association, is understandably proud of the milestones she and other area volunteers have achieved, such as establishing 10 & Under Tennis events, running a Jr. Team Tennis program, and getting six tennis courts built at North Lake Regional Park.
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OUTSTANDING DIVERSITY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD — Rodney Harmon of Miramar Over the years, Rodney Harmon has been actively involved in promoting multicultural diversity and inclusion in tennis. “Tennis has been my life, and I want to share my love of the sport with others, especially young people,” said Harmon, who served as the 2008 U.S. men’s tennis Olympics head coach, was named the 2010 USPTR Member of the Year, and volunteers on the 2011 PTR Board of Directors. From August 1997 through January 2002, he acted as director of multicultural development for the USTA. In this role, he had the opportunity to work with various USTA sectional staff and volunteers, allied organizations, local tennis programs, coaches, and players to help provide tennis to underserved communities. Since leaving the position in 2002, Rodney has continued to stay involved in this area through his work with the Camp ACE programs in the USTA Florida and Eastern sections, as well as by providing advice and on-court training to talented male and female multicultural players.
NJTL CHAPTER LEADER OF THE YEAR — Jackie Keller of St. Petersburg Jackie Keller’s commitment to the children in her community is evidenced through her participation as an NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) chapter leader. Over the past decade, Jackie, who is an active USTA League player, increased program participation from five to 300 children. She has also helped grow the program, which is coordinated through the St. Petersburg Tennis Foundation, by actively seeking and receiving a number of USTA education grants, as well as a USTA Florida Share the Love grant. Keller, who serves as director of the Courier’s Kids Program and director of programs and development at the St. Petersburg Tennis Center, also acts as a coordinator of Jr. Team Tennis and assists with the NJTL First Serve Chapter. Her dedication to NJTL is witnessed by the fact that the St. Petersburg Tennis Foundation has produced many winners in the NJTL National Student Athlete Competition, which enables 5th-12th graders to earn $75,000 in college scholarships each year.
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62nd Annual Awards & Volunteer Celebration SCHOOL TENNIS VOLUNTEER(S) OF THE YEAR — Debbie Maronic and Steve Vanoer of Tampa In their respective roles as supervisor of K-12 physical education and health and district resource teacher for K-12 physical education and health at Hillsborough County Public Schools, Steve Vanoer and Debbie Maronic have helped train approximately 750 P.E. teachers through the USTA School tennis program. Their introduction to the program began in October 2007 when over 300 elementary and middle school P.E. teachers were trained by USTA staff to teach the USTA School Tennis curriculum. Later that year, Hillsborough County Public Schools began offering an after-school program at approximately 40 sites. Between 2007 and 2010, Maronic and Vanoer offered three additional in-service trainings for its teachers. In the spring of 2010, they once again piloted an after-school program at seven sites culminating with a Play Day at the HCC Tampa Tennis facility for 50 students from three schools. That was followed in August 2011 by a training they did for 186 elementary physical education teachers from 145 elementary schools. Currently they are expanding local after-school programs through partnerships with HCC Tampa Tennis, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County Tennis Association, and the school district’s after-school program. JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUE COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR — Anita Klingenberg of Longwood Since becoming the local league coordinator for Region 4 at the beginning of 2010, about 1,100 players have registered to play Jr. Team Tennis in the region, which is a statistic Anita Klingenberg is extremely proud to proclaim. In the spring of 2010, she initiated the USTA High School Region 4 Conference for players
who were cut from their school tennis teams or did not make the top five lineup. The High School Conference, which is held at the same time as varsity tennis, culminated in a county playoff featuring Seminole and Orange County vs. Volusia County. In the fall, the High School Conference league offers match play and doubles clinics for players to prepare them for school tryouts. Because she is always conceiving new ways to improve programming, Anita is planning a middle school league for the region’s Jr. Team Tennis program for Spring 2012.
Upcoming Events Calendar Get out and play ! Adult/senior designated and national events, junior state and national, and other major events across Florida and the U.S. :
FEBRUARY Feb 2 The Checket Cup-Les Grandes Dames W(35-85), Ft. Lauderdale, FL Feb 4 Temple Terrace NTRP Spring Chps. (Adult Designated), Temple Terrace, FL Feb 4 Seminole County Winter Designated G(16-12), Casselberry, FL Feb 4 Orange County Winter Designated BG(18), Orlando, FL Feb 4 Seminole County Winter Designated B(16-12), Altamonte Springs, FL Feb 11 USTA Southwest Desert Wheelchair Classic 2011(ITF FS), Tucson, AZ Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Feb 13 West Coast Super Sr. Grand Prix (Designated, M(55-90)), Sarasota, FL Feb 13 East Coast Swing (Designated, M(55-90)), Boca Raton, FL Feb 17 Bluewater Bay Adult Chps. (Designated, MW(Open-80s), Niceville, FL Feb 20 West Coast Super Sr. Grand Prix (Designated, M(55-90)), Sarasota, FL Feb 23 PTR International Chps. (Adult), Orlando, FL Feb 25 USTA National Open G(14), Largo, FL Feb 25 USTA National Open BG(18), Tampa, FL Feb 26 USTA National Open (BG), various U.S. locations Feb 27 West Coast Super Sr. Grand Prix (Designated, M(55-90)), St. Petersburg, FL Feb 27 ATP Delray Beach ITC, Delray Beach, FL MARCH Mar 2 Les Grandes Dames Spring Cup, W(30-80), Oldsmar, FL Mar 3 Delray Beach Jr. Team Tennis Invitational, Delray Beach, FL Mar 3 Big Hitters Spring Sectional (BG18), Plantation, FL Mar 3 Midtown Athletic Club Spring Sectional (BG16), Weston, FL Mar 3 Pembroke Pines Spring Sectional (G14), Pembroke Pines, FL Mar 3 Cooper City Spring Sectional (B12), Hollywood, FL
Mar 3 Hallandale Spring Sectional (B14), Hallandale, FL Mar 3 Jimmy Evert Spring Sectional (G12), Ft. Lauderdale, FL Mar 5 USTA Pro Circuit (Women), Ft. Walton Beach, FL Mar 5 Raymond James Super Sr. Grand Prix (Cat. II, M(55-90)), St. Petersburg, FL Mar 6 USTA National Husband-Wife Combined Age 100, 120 & 140 Grass Court Chps., Palm Springs, CA Mar 11 USTA National Father-Daughter, Sr. F-D, Super Sr. F-D, Ultra, Mother-Son Indoor Chps., South Barrington, IL Mar 12 USTA Pro Circuit (Women), Clearwater, FL Mar 12 USTA National MW30’s Hard Court Chps., Austin, TX Mar 13 USTA National Spring BG 18 Chp., Mobile, AL Mar 16 Jacksonville Clay Court Chps. (Designated, MW(Open-75), Jacksonville, FL Mar 18 MCB National G14 Chps., Dallas, TX Mar 19 East Coast Swing (Designated, M(55-90)), Boca Raton, FL Mar 21 Sony Ericsson Open, Miami, FL Mar 21 USTA National M70 & 75 Indoor Chps., Houston, TX Mar 21 USTA National W35-85 Clay Court Chps., Houston, TX Mar 23 Cajun Classic Wheelchair Tennis Trn., Denham Springs, LA Mar 24 Tampa Palms Adult (Designated, M(Open,NTRP)), Tampa, FL Mar 25 USTA National FS, Sr. FS, Super Sr. FS Indoor Chps., Cherry Hill, NJ Mar 26 USTA Claremont ITF (BG18), Claremont, CA Mar 26 USTA Pro Circuit (Women), Osprey, FL Mar 28 USTA National M55 Indoor Chp., Boise, ID Mar 30 USTA National W40 Clay Court Chp., Palm Beach Gardens, FL Mar 30 Pensacola Wheelchair Open, Pensacola, FL
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Get to Know 2012 USTA Florida Section Foundation Board of Directors
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hey hail from the top of Florida in Jacksonville to the middle in Dade City and south to Longboat Key, and their experience and titles include presidents of tennis organizations, charitable organizations and industry. They are the six-person USTA Florida Section Foundation Board of Directors, driving the organization that is the official charitable arm of the United States
Name: Peggy Beard Hometown: Dade City, Fla. Current and former occupations: Currently retired; previous occupation, owner of tennis court construction company USTA Florida volunteer years: “many years” Favorite/memorable tennis-related experience(s): “My top choice would have to be winning the “B” mixed doubles tournament at our club after playing tennis only two years. The second-most memorable would be meeting Roger Federer at the 2010 French
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Tennis Association-Florida Section (USTA Florida). The board welcomes three new members for 2011-12: Kenneth Cherven of St. Petersburg, Celia Rehm of Jacksonville and B.J. Webb of Longboat Key. Together with the existing three members they are responsible for directing grant dollars and assistance for after-school and P.E. programs for at-risk and special populations;
Open in conjunction with an ITF Technical Commission meeting in Paris. Tennis has afforded me so many opportunities to meet and work with nice people.” Besides tennis my interests include... ”gardening, boating, fishing, cooking and grandchildren, but not necessarily in that order.” I love serving on the Foundation Board because...”it gives me an opportunity to get involved in the Florida Section and to give back to the game that has given me so much pleasure and opportunity.”
grants for programming for underprivileged and at-risk children and adults; and the renovation, refurbishment and building of quality public tennis facilities along with tennis programming and instruction. Here is a personal look at the six-member board of the USTA Florida Section Foundation and what drives their volunteer efforts:
Name: Kenneth P. Cherven Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla. Current and former occupations: bank president USTA Florida volunteer years: 1st year Favorite/memorable tennis-related experience(s): “Winning the Mark Knowles’ Celebrity Tournament with Mark Knowles in the Bahamas and having it featured on the Tennis Channel.” Besides tennis my interests include...”reading, travel, and coin collecting.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Get to Know I look forward to serving the Foundation because...”I have a passion for tennis and helping grow the sport, and serving those less fortunate by introducing them to the game.” Name: Donn Davis Hometown: West Lawn, Penn./Punta Gorda, Fla. Current and former occupations: small business owner USTA Florida volunteer years: 12 Favorite/memorable tennis-related experience(s): “Playing in the finals of the Equitable Family Tennis Challenge at the 1982 US Open.” Besides tennis my interests include...”being close to my family, RV camping, fly fishing, hiking, national parks — the mountains.” I love serving the Foundation because...”it’s a way to help others better know this great sport of tennis!”
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Name: Judy Foster Hometown: Clearwater, Fla. Current and former occupations: Parttime executive director, Suncoast Tennis Foundation, 2003-present; consultant (event planning); White House appointee under President Reagan — public affairs director and congressional affairs director for two government agencies; development director for several non-profit organizations. USTA Florida volunteer years: Began volunteering for USTA in 1999 as vice president of Suncoast Tennis Foundation — volunteer for almost 12 years; member of board of directors USTA Florida Section 2009-2010; member of board of directors of USTA Florida Section Foundation since 2008. Favorite/memorable tennis-related experience(s): “One of the best was teaching 10 and Under Tennis to several little girls who had ADHD and seeing how they captured the spirit of the game, paid attention and then signed-up with a pro for twice-weekly clinics. And planning and executing a number of USTA Block Parties where attendance exceeded 600 and created many new tennis players.”
I love serving the Foundation because... ”through the Foundation, USTA Florida is able to give thousands of dollars in grants and scholarships to deserving tennis programs and individuals. The at-risk, underprivileged and special populations, including children and adults, will benefit from the Foundation’s giving programs for after-school and physical education programs that will change the lives of so many children and other tennis programs to benefit adults of all ages.”
Name: Celia Rehm Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla. Current and former occupations: president, Jax Youth Tennis Association; past president, USTA Florida; current member of the national Tennis in the Parks Committee. USTA Florida volunteer years: 20 years volunteering for USTA Florida, 18 years on the USTA Florida Board of Directors Favorite/memorable tennis-related experience(s): “Many memorable moments, overall I have met wonderful people and have build great relationships through tennis enabling me to develop projects in the community and give back to tennis. Tennis has been good to me.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Get to Know Besides tennis my interests include...”gardening, I am a member of the Mandarin Garden Club and write monthly articles on the ‘yard of the month’ which are published in the Mandarin Sun and the Mandarin Newsline.” I love serving the Foundation because...”We now have a stream of funding coming in that will enable us to reach out and provide opportunities to Name: B.J. Webb Hometown: Longboat Key, Fla. “Been here since 2003, but I am a life-long Virginian.” Current and former occupations: Former mayor of Leesburg Va. USTA Florida volunteer years: 1st year Favorite/memorable tennis-related experience(s): “Perhaps my favorite tennisrelated experience was getting the tennis center built in Leesburg including nine outdoor courts and four indoor courts.”
kids and families who otherwise may not have opportunities to participate in the great sport of tennis. Additionally, through the Foundation, we have the opportunity to build relationships and additionally enhance the image of the sport in Florida.”
For the full-length bios go go www.ustaflorida.com. To view the USTA Florida Section Foundation website, and to support tennis in Florida by purchasing the Play Tennis Florida license plate, go to: http://www.florida.usta.com/grants/usta_florida_foundation/.
estate in Virginia that hosts over 200 equestrian events annually as well as maintains the historic mansion and makes the property available for other sporting events. I am on the tennis court 5-6 days a week and captain the USTA League 6.5 Combo team for the Longboat Key Public Tennis Center.” I love serving the Foundation because...”the opportunity to bring tennis to under-served communities and deserving individuals is a wonderful opportunity.”
Besides tennis my interests include...”I grew up in an equestrian family and am still involved with the Westmoreland Davis Foundation which maintains a 1,200 acre
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visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 1 East (Panhandle)
by Kelly Tucker
FSU Kicks Off 2012 Season with Wins
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he Florida State men’s tennis team, going into the 2012 season ranked No. 44, kicked off its season in January by shutting out No. 74-ranked University of North Florida, and followed up by defeating Florida A&M (7-0) and Troy (7-0) in a double header on MLK Day. Dwayne Hultquist, who is in his 13th year as head coach, is very excited about the potential of his young team, even though he has only four returning players and six new players. The ‘Noles have several stand-out players this year, including junior Jordan Kelly Houston from New Zealand who was ranked No. 57 in the ITF 18s rankings and was New Zealand’s Junior Player of the Year, and freshman Benjamin Lock from South Africa who played on the Zimbabwe Davis Cup team last year and was ranked No. 1 in Africa in the 18s. He also achieved a junior world ranking of No. 63. The women’s team, coached by Jennifer Hyde in her 8th year, began its regular season in January against Central Florida. The women are ranked No. 17 this year, the second-highest ranking in the school’s history despite not having any seniors or any players ranked nationally in
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The 2012 FSU men’s squad
singles or doubles. The women will play their toughest schedule with 17 of their 20 opponents ranked in the Top 75 in the country. The ‘Noles are especially excited about last year’s addition of an indoor tennis facility that can be used to practice and/or play in the event
of inclement weather. This is the only indoor facility in Florida used for collegiate play and one of only a few in the Southeast. The facility took 10 years to complete at a cost of $4 million. It was first used competitively by the women’s team in the spring of 2011 and for practice by the men’s team. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 1 West (Panhandle)
by Scott Harrison
Region Collects Awards, Titles
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he Roger Scott Tennis Center in Pensacola was awarded the 2011 Racquet Sport Industry Magazine Municipal Tennis Facility of the Year (see story in Around the Courts section).
Panhandle Tough in Men’s, Women’s USTA League The last two USTA Men’s 4.5 Florida Sectional champions have come from the Panhandle. In 2010, the Pensacola Portofino team went 3-1 losing to eventual national champs Caribbean 3-2. Captain Chris Bloomberg along with Michael Edge, Will Neuner, Buck Bobo, Rick Davis, Taylor Moore, Will Morris, Rick Cuny and Steven King played in the tournament. In 2011, the Okaloosa/Rosemary Beach team won the Florida Sectionals to represent at nationals. The Okaloosa/Rosemary team went 0-3 but all the matches were 3-2 and the deciding match was by a third-set tiebreaker. The team was captained by Jason McLemore with Adam Decker, Mark Hurst, Mike Matisons, Bob Sombathy, Brad Brown, Caleb Windholtz, Kevin Tucker, Wes Langford and Chris Decker participating. The Pensacola Senior 8.5 Combo team went undefeated to win the Florida Sectional Championship in January.
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3 Pensacola Teams Finish 2nd at Combo Sectionals The 6.5 Women’s Combo team from The Club in Gulf Breeze went 3-0 in their flight in the January USTA Combo Sectionals, then beat Orange/Seminole County (Red Bug Park) 2-1 in the semifinals before falling to South MiamiDade. Team captain Whitney Sumrall led Jocelyn Leveque, Aimee Panos, Jackie Barclay, Leigh Ann Causey, Christy Shane, Lani Spann and Julie Patrick to Daytona. The 6.5 Men’s Combo team from The Club went 3-0 in their flight, losing only one match. They were edged in the finals by MarionCounty-Ft. King 2-1, losing the No. 1 doubles in a third-set tiebreaker. Scott Allen was the The Pensacola Senior 8.5 Combo team, kneeling from left: Retsy Wilson, captain Mary Day, Debbie captain with teammates Mike Wroten, Ginny Graybiel; back row: Beverly Patteson, Diana Waters, Jean Lee and Penny Emling. Patrick, Brian Shane, Jim Pewitt, Marco Fuentelba, Gordon Paulus, David Jenkins defeated Orange/Seminole (Sanlando Park) and Glenn Shane. 2-1 in the semifinals before falling to Alachua County in the finals. Those who played in Finally, the Pensacola Men’s 7.5 Combo Daytona included Brent Scott, Robert Gaddy, team went 2-2 in their flight but got into the Jamie Whiteside , Mike Pitou, Nick King, Charlie semifinals by the second-place team drawing. Skelton (captain) and Calvin Moore. Making the most of their opportunity they
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 2 (North-Central Florida)
by Rick Vach
Jack sonville School, Festival Events Seeking Volunteers
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n January it was announced that the Jacksonville market received a $100,000 in combined funding from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) national body and the USTA Florida Section as a designated “Target Market Initiative” to grow 10 and Under Tennis through local community partnerships and schools programming (see full story in Around the Courts section). Now USTA Florida in the Jacksonville area is seeking fun and energetic volunteers to assist with tennis activities in 2012. No tennis experience required!
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Physical Education (PE) assemblies will be held in Jacksonville elementary schools on various dates in February, on weekdays during the day. “Activities are all simple and easy enough for any adult to be able to assist with, with no tennis background,” says USTA Florida Jacksonville-area Tennis Program Coordinator Amanda Becker. “Volunteers will need a background check which will be paid for by USTA Florida.”
children, and volunteers will be needed for oncourt activities, face painting (simple designs such as tennis balls and racquets), tennis ball cookie decorating station, tennis arts and crafts, photo opportunities, check-in station, and registration station. All materials and equipment will be provided. Volunteers interested in learning more can contact Amanda Becker at becker@florida.usta.com.
On Feb. 25 from 1-3 p.m., Burnett Park will host a Tennis Festival for elementary school-age
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 3 (Sun & Nature Coast)
by Nancy Morgan
Pro Circuits Return to Region 3 in 2012
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egion 3 rang in the New Year by hosting one of two USTA Pro Circuit events in Florida to kick off the 2012 season. In all, there are nearly 90 contests scheduled nationwide this year with a total purse of almost $3 million dollars. Innisbrook Resort, a Salamander Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor, held court for the season’s first $25,000 USTA Women’s Pro Circuit contest in January. Directed by the Ace Sports Group, Inc., a local sports management company, competitors ranked as high as No. 150 battled through a 32-player draw on the clay courts with teenage sensation Grace Min claiming the title, ranking points and prize money. It was an all-American semifinals with Min beating Lauren Davis in an outstanding threesetter, and Gail Brodsky eliminating University of Florida 2011 NCAA national champion team member Lauren Embree in a straight-set duel. In the final, Min beat Brodsky 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Throughout the week’s competition, a variety of community-based activities were held, including a Doubles Pro-Am, USTA League Captains’ Day and a yoga tennis clinic. In March, the Clearwater Women’s Open, a $25,000 USTA Pro Circuit event, makes it 8th annual appearance on the hardcourts at the
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Innisbrook Pro-Am participants
Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex. Keep tabs on the event as it planning continues by logging onto www.clearwateropen.com. Men’s Pro Circuit action begins in Region 3 in mid-May on the clay courts of Harbor Island Athletic Club in Tampa and in late June at Innisbrook. After last year’s Futures win at Harbor Island, former University of Arkansas standout Blake Strode raised his ranking to No. 399 and continues his childhood dream of a professional tennis career. Innisbrook’s $10,000 Futures attracted many standout college players finished with their
school year and NCAA play, as well as those returning to competition after injury, such as Jesse Levine. The competition helped launch the career of Rhynne Williams, a two-time All-American at the University of Tennessee, who now has earned a No. 512 ranking. This year is the 33rd for the USTA Pro Circuit and includes prize money ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. Most important to the players is the incentive to earn ranking points to one day achieve Grand Slam status. For the spectators, the USTA Pro Circuit affords the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow in professional tennis. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 4 (Central Florida)
by Susie Rahimitabar
Shining Stars of USTA Jr. Team Tennis
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r. Team Tennis (JTT) has a rich 20-year history in Central Florida. Last year more than 90,000 children participated in JTT in the United States, and 507 players (64 teams) went to Surprise, Ariz., for the Jr. Team Tennis Nationals in October of 2011.
Ben said, “This was a truly incredible experience. To be given the chance to do one of the things you love most while representing your state, and all the while being able to spend time with your friends after a hard day’s tennis, is an opportunity like no other.”
Anita “Nita” Klingenberg, current JTT coordinator for Orange/Seminole Counties, feels the unsung heroes are the JTT captains.
Brian Sephton, the team’s coach & Ben’s father, is a big supporter of the USTA’s JTT program. He promotes JTT because it introduces players at a young age to tennis as a fun team sport; it promotes doubles play and a wide variety of shot-making and tactics, and how to work with a partner; and players learn responsibility and fairness at an early age by calling lines themselves.
“They are mostly parents who captain the teams and receive no compensation other than seeing all the children out on the courts playing and having a wonderful time,” she says. Nita should know that this is true as her own son, Ben Sephton, had a wonderful time in JTT last year with his local team in the Intermediate 14 & under division. After winning the USTA Florida Summer Section National Qualifier, The Acers represented Florida at nationals. The Acers won their flight and then advanced to the finals by beating the Pacific North-West team in the semifinals. They lost in the finals to the team from North Carolina. Ben also won the Sportsmanship Award for the entire tournament.
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Klingenberg added, “Team Tennis builds communities — families (often as many spectators as players) are all at the courts on a Sunday afternoon watching, playing and having a wonderful time. Team Tennis is for all levels — beginner, intermediate and advanced players, and provides the opportunity for all children to be part of a team, stay healthy and play a sport for the rest of their lives.”
Ben Sephton
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 7 (South Gulf Coast)
by Fran Coryell
Naples Wins Fort Myers-Naples Challenge
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n November the Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs held the 31st annual Fort Myers-Naples Challenge. For over three decades, players from the two cities have gone head to head in hopes of winning the Naples-Fort Myers Cup, as well as bragging rights. Teams are selected by their captains, and this year both teams were led by veteran captains Jeff Timmer for Fort Myers and Pete Minarich for Naples. Jeff is the director of tennis at Colonial Country Club and Pete is the director of tennis at Pelican Marsh. This year’s challenge differed from previous years as the number of matches was reduced by not holding the junior divisions. Both captains felt that it was more beneficial for the juniors to be allowed to focus on their USTA tournaments and rankings without adding additional requirements for their time. However, a smaller challenge certainly did not hamper the enthusiasm of the players or the crowds who came out to watch all matches. Both captains praised the job performed by Director of Tennis Paula Scheb, her staff, and all the volunteers from the Bonita Bay Club for all the effort they put forth in hosting the event. This year’s challenge was played in front of the biggest crowds ever, estimated at over 500 people, to watch the 19 matches that were played. Paula credits a concerted effort in getting the word out through the press and through direct marketing at the various tennis clubs in the area to bring out the fans.
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The Bonita Bay Club in Bonita Springs
Said Paula, “We know what makes it special for the players who participate and donate their time is playing in front of large crowds of tennis enthusiasts. We went all out to get as many people as possible to watch, and really put on a first-class event. This year, we were able to add actual live scoring for the individual matches and match totals for the two teams, so the crowd could really follow the event and see where the two teams were up to the minute.” This year’s event was won by the Naples team 13-6. The Fort Myers team started off strong in the beginning as the matches were completed in
two batches. Naples was able to secure victory in the second round of matches as they were able to dominate the tiebreakers, masking the true competitiveness of the event. The players were treated to a party hosted By Carabas Italian Restaurant, and the challenge was sponsored by Ritzman Tennis, Page and Tuttle, and the Alan Systems Group. In addition, a raffle was held with the funds being raised donated to the Lee County Community Tennis Association. By putting on such a well-run event, Paula was able to secure the rights for the Bonita Bay Group to host the event for 2012. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 8 (North Gold Coast) by Barbara Eisner Bayer Stranger in a New Tennis Land
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ennis players are deeply embedded in their communities — they generally have a network that offers them unlimited opportunities to play and compete. So what happens if you must leave your comfort zone and relocate to a new land where you know no one? That’s what happened to Melissa Pollner, who recently moved to South Florida, so that her daughter could train at the Evert Academy. Melissa had been playing league tennis for 10 years, and had recently reached a pinnacle in her passionate avocation — her USTA 3.5 senior team from Westchester, N.Y., won the 2011 USTA 3.5 nationals title. Melissa loves USTA League tennis because it’s fun, competitive, and she enjoys sharing her passion for the sport with other players. While she was flying back to New York for regionals and sectionals, she looked at different clubs in her area, but none had any USTA League action. Meanwhile, everyone in New York was asking her if she found a team yet! Back in Florida, she was asking everyone she met about USTA Leagues, but to no avail. Finally, she went to the USTA website and used the “Find a league” feature. That led her to the USTA Florida local league coordinator (LLC) for the area, who sent her name to captains in the area.
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Melissa Pollner (right) with new USTA League teammates Carol Heller and Bev Feurring
At long last, she received a call from a USTA 4.0 captain. Bingo…she had found her team. If you’re relocating, Lou Armstrong, the LLC in Broward County, recommends taking the following steps: First, check with public clubs in the area in which you live or work. If you cannot locate one with a USTA team at your level, contact the
LLC. You can find one in your area by going to ustaflorida.com, clicking on the league pulldown menu near the top and clicking “contact your coordinator.” Once you contact your LLC, she will submit your contact info to the captains at your playing level. She cannot place you on a team, but a call from a captain could be minutes away. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Photo Op
by Colette Lewis
Katerina Stewart
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iami’s Katerina Stewart was the underdog in the final of the Junior Orange Bowl against top seed Tornado Black, but “Killer Kat,” as she’s known to friends and family, played a near-perfect match to win the girls 14s championship at the University of Miami’s Neil Schiff Tennis Center. Stewart, the No. 6 seed, dropped only 16 games in her seven wins, with her 6-1, 6-3 victory over Eddie Herr 16s champion Black demonstrating just how well she played throughout the week. “I was anticipating a harder match, so it was kind of surprising,” said the 14-year-old, who trains with her father Caesar at the Next Level Tennis Academy in Miami’s Tropical Park. “I just stayed in the moment, played my game, and I won.” On hand to support Stewart were several dozen family members and friends, attired in matching “Killer Kat” t-shirts designed by her aunt. “I love having people watch me, so it really helped,” said Stewart, who reached the quarterfinals in the 14s division at the Eddie Herr a few weeks prior to her Junior Orange Bowl championship. “It got me pumped up.” Stewart, who won the USTA Florida State Closed 16s last summer, could not have been happier with the Junior Orange Bowl title. “It means everything,” said Stewart, the first Miami girl to capture the championship since Mary Joe Fernandez in 1983. “I’ve been training for this for so many years and I finally won it.”
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Photo: zootennis.com
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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League Restructure USTA Florida Leagues Add 65-Over, Mixed Tennis Divisions for 2013
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predict a significant increase in the coming years in league participation, with changes designed to better align age groups with current and future league populations.
n line with the USTA League restructuring to take place in 2013, the USTA Florida Section has announced that three additional age divisions will be added for 2013 — Adult 65 & Over, and Mixed 40 & Over and Mixed 55 & Over. The Adult 65 & Over division will feature three doubles matches offered at the straight levels of 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, & 4.5 for local league play and the 6.09.0 NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) levels at championships. This Adult 65 & Over division joins the three previously-announced adult divisions for 2013 — Adult 18 & Over, Adult 40 & Over and Adult 55 & Over. The Mixed 40 & Over and Mixed 55 & Over divisions will also feature three doubles matches each — the 40 & Over at the 6.0-9.0 NTRP levels, and the 55 & Over at the 6.0-8.0 levels. These mixed divisions join the previously-announced mixed division for 2013 of 18 & Over. USTA Florida Section league championships will be
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“USTA Florida is very excited about the upcoming age division restructuring as this is going to provide additional play opportunities, and more competitive matches for our members which will result in better NTRP ratings,” said USTA Florida Director of Leagues Sandy Marshall. “It will also allow players to participate in more homogenous groupings if they choose.”
offered for all the newly-announced divisions, with national championships to be determined. The new Florida league restructuring will take effect in January 2013, when the current monikers “Senior” (50 & over) and “Super Senior” (60 & over) will be replaced instead by a more representative grouping based on age (18-over, 40-over, 55-over, 65-over). USTA League research and focus group results
The 18 & Over and the 40 & Over divisions will feature both singles and doubles, while the 55 & Over and 65 & Over divisions will consist of three doubles positions. Mixed doubles will also consist of three doubles positions. Additional league restructuring possibilities include rule changes designed to give 5.0 and 5.5-rated singles players more league play opportunities, and will be voted on in 2012. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Fall Sectionals Jr. Team Tennis Fall Sectional Crowns 14 Champions
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eam tennis champions in 14 USTA Jr. Team Tennis divisions were crowned on Dec. 1718, 2011, at the renowned Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, Fla., at the USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis Fall Section Championship. Region 8 and Miami/Broward County was the dominant force over the weekend, capturing four titles in the 12-under Intermediate Flight “B” (Sunrise Tennis Academy), 14-under Intermediate Flight “B” (ATPF Miami), 14-under Intermediate Flight “C” (Sunrise Tennis Academy), and 18-under Advanced (Sunrise Tennis Academy).
18 Novice Miami Champions
Region 2 (Gainesville/Jacksonville) and Region 3 (St. Pete/Tampa) each clamed three team titles. Region 2 won division titles in the 12-under Intermediate Flight “C” (Florida Yacht Club Slammers, Jacksonville), the 12-under Advanced (Florida Yacht Club Zone Team, Jacksonville) Flight, and the 14-under Advanced (G-Power, Gainesville) Flight. Region 3 division title winners were in the 14-under Intermediate Flight “A” (Largo Hulk Smash), the 18-under Intermediate Flight “A” (St. Petersburg Country Club), and the 18-under Intermediate Flight “C” (Treasure Bay Pirates).
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18-under Intermediate “A” (St. Petersburg Country Club)
18-under Intermediate “B” (Cocoa Beach)
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Other winners were Pensacola Country Club in the 12-under Novice Flight, Westside in the 12-under Intermediate Flight “A,” Cocoa Beach 18s in the 18-under Intermediate “B” Flight, and the Central Florida Wildcats in the 18-under Intermediate “D” Flight. Approximately 100 team matches and 500 individual matches were played during the event. “The Fall Section Championship at Saddlebrook Resort was a great experience,” said USTA Florida Team Tennis Coordinator Michelle Brown. “Kids in the 18-Advanced and 12-Advanced flights had their first-ever experience of match play on grasscourts.”
18-under Intermediate “C” (Treasure Bay Pirates)
The USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships are held at the end of each local league season in Florida, where all the regions come together in one location to compete against each other in their age and skill level flights. USTA Florida crowns a section champion in three age divisions (12-under, 14-under, and 18-under) in the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced flights. For more information on USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis go to www.ustaflorida.com.
18-under Intermediate “D” (Central Florida Wildcats) JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
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14-Advanced (G-Power, Gainesville)
14-under Intermediate “B” (ATPF Miami)
12-under Intermediate “C” (Florida Yacht Club Slammers, Jacksonville)
14-under Intermediate “A” (Largo)
12-under Advanced “A” (Florida Yacht Club Zone Team, Jacksonville)
12-under Novice (Pensacola)
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Volunteer of the Month Club Tennis Guru Tharin Named Jan. 2011 Volunteer of the Month
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n her tenure as the boys and girls tennis coach at Palm Harbor University High School over the last 10 years, Irene Tharin’s teams have never lost more than three matches in a season. For this reason you would think her passion lies in the highly-competitive player development realm, but you would be wrong. Tharin receives a modest stipend for coaching tennis, and no compensation for the afterschool tennis program she oversees at Palm Harbor which has come to be known as the PHU Tennis Club/USTA Jr. Team Tennis Camp. Whatever their level, students either compete in the local USTA Jr. Team Tennis league, or attend the camp during the spring and fall — or both. “I sponsor the after-school tennis program which is about 10 years old, and runs four days a week for two hours, and averages about 50 players each fall season,” Tharin says. “All students must be USTA members to participate, and I take care of announcements, registration, awards, shirts, special events, parties, and act JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
ABOUT IRENE Birthplace: Brooksville, Fla. Family Members: Husband: Robert M. Tharin, Jr.; son: Jonathan Tharin (wife Concepcion); daughter: Antoinia (Toni) Harvey (husband Adam); granddaughter: Julieta Tharin Favorite Movie: Funny Girl Favorite Food: Chocolate Favorite Travel: Greece Favorite Shot: Backhand as the liaison between the school and the staff who run the camp, and the local USTA Jr. Team Tennis league.” While the elite players compete on the high school team, players that might otherwise be cut get the opportunity to hone their games on the club tennis team, in the camp and Jr. Team Tennis league, and to face a variety of competition. The camp is open to all area high school players, not just those from Palm Harbor. “We have has as many as six different high schools represented at our camp at a time,” Tharin says. “The camp serves as a place for players who are not on the top varsity teams at their high schools to play.”
“Club tennis,” already well-established at Florida colleges and universities through the USTA “Tennis on Campus” series of tournaments for college clubs, is also catching on at K-12 schools in Florida. Club tennis focuses on social networking, exercise, fun and team camaraderie more than cut-throat play, and helps students maintain active and healthy lifestyles. “To me, high school tennis clubs are the future of tennis,” Tharin says. “These are the players who are close to being adults and are most likely to play tennis as adults in college or in the community. This club gives students a good group with whom to belong and a great activity that promotes health.” With over 20 years volunteering in tennis, Tharin also has a say as a volunteer member of the USTA Florida Recreational Tennis Council, where she promotes the link between school tennis clubs and Jr. Team tennis. Her activism for the sport came to the attention of the USTA national body, which in 2011 named her one of 18 finalists out of 3,300 coaches considered for the USTA national Starfish Award, which honors outstanding high school coaches who implement a no-cut policy for their teams. “I was pretty shocked,” Tharin told the Tampa Bay Times. “We all just go about our jobs and don’t think about awards or anything like that. But, it’s very nice to be recognized.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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USTA League Pinellas, 4 Other Counties Win at USTA Florida Senior Combo Sectional
8.5 division to champion Escambia County. Hillsborough County won the Senior Men’s 7.5 division for the second consecutive year, a 2-1 victor in a final featuring both flight champions.
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Escambia compiled a 3-0 division record ahead of 2-1 Hillsborough to win the Sr. Women’s 8.5
inellas County USTA League teams were the big winners on Sunday at the finale of the 2011 season USTA Florida Combo League Senior Championships, held on Jan. 6-8, 2012 at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.
division. Marion County was the champion of the Sr. Women’s 6.5 division, defeating Polk County 2-1 in the final. Here are the champion teams from the 2011 USTA Florida Combo League Senior Championship:
Pinellas County was the only multi-team champion, claiming two division titles and finishing runner-up in another division. The event featured local league champion qualifying teams from Alachua, Collier, Duval, Escambia, Hillsborough, Indian River/Martin, Lee/Charlotte, Leon, Marion, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota/Manatee, and South Miami-Dade counties. Pinellas won the Sr. Men’s 6.5 division, finishing ahead of second-place Leon County, and the Sr. Men’s 8.5 division, finishing ahead of Escambia County. Pinellas teams almost claimed a third title over the weekend when in the Sr. Women’s 7.5 division Pinellas finished second to the Lee/Charlotte counties team, edged 2-1 in the final featuring both flight winners. Hillsborough County teams reached two finals, capturing the Sr. Men’s 7.5 championship over second-place Sarasota/Manatee counties, and finishing second in the Sr. Women’s JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
Marion County 6.5 women’s champions
Lee/Charlotte 7.5 women’s champions
Escambia County 8.5 women’s champions
Pinellas County 6.5 men’s champions
Hillsborough County 7.5 men’s champions
Pinellas County 8.5 men’s champions visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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USTA Florida Annual Meeting Volunteers, Staff Give Back at ‘Meals of Hope’ Event for Homeless
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lorida tennis volunteers met the 40,000 meals goal during the “Meals of Hope” event in conjunction with the United States Tennis Association-Florida Section (USTA Florida) Annual Meeting and Tennis Celebration Weekend, held Dec. 1-4, 2011, at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla. More than 150 event volunteers and guests participated in packaging meals that will be distributed to families in need in the Orlando area during the holidays and beyond. USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth wore a hair net and a USTA Florida “Share the Love” t-shirt as he measured dry food for packaging among one of the many packaging assembly lines, along with fellow staff members such as Director of Community Tennis Linda Curtis. “It was so heartwarming to see our volunteers embracing this wonderful event and working furiously to make sure all 40,000 packages were completed and ready to be delivered to families in the local area,” said Curtis, looking around at the more than 150 volunteers. “All of us walked away from the event tired, but with a smile on our faces, knowing that we were truly ‘sharing the love’ during this holiday season. It’s just another way of giving back, and that’s what our volunteers do.”
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From left to right: USTA national board member Dale Caldwell, USTA Florida President Dan Casey, and USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth
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USTA Florida Annual Meeting The USTA Florida Section Foundation contributed the $7,500 to purchase the food for the packaging event. The USTA Florida “Share the Love” grant program is a $500,000 initiative to put funding back into the Florida tennis community for a variety of projects. This funding is on top of the 90% of budget and membership dollars that USTA Florida returns back into the tennis community each year.
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Meals of Hope is a non-profit organization with offices in cities across the U.S., with the goal of packaging and distributing fortified meals to those in need. “This is phenomenal,” said USTA national Board of Directors member Dale Caldwell, a guest and speaker during the weekend, taking a break from loading pallets of dried food boxes during the event. “This is my heart, I’m involved
in a couple non-profits and this is what tennis is all about. I love the ‘Share the Love’ program, and this is just phenomenal. It brings people together, the USTA Florida Section does so many unique things, it’s really innovative, and I’d like to spread the word to other sections. This is especially great in this time of need.”
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Quick Shots
81-year-old Maureen Elko joins the children in hitting with low-compression balls during the dedication of permanent 10 and Under Tennis courts in Port Orange, Fla.
Port Orange Mayor Allen Green (right) and USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth (left) guide children in the ribbon cutting at the dedication of the courts for new permanent 10 and Under Tennis courts in Port Orange, Fla.
“Dr.” Judy Foster and “Dr.” Donn Davis represent USTA Florida in leading a workshop on community tennis association health during the 2012 USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop in New Orleans in January.
A number of Florida teams advanced to the Jr. Team Tennis Nationals, where the “904” team from Jacksonville finished 2nd in the 18 & Under Advanced division, and “The Florida Acers” from Orlando finished 2nd in the 14 & Under Intermediate division.
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