Net News Sep Oct 2025

Who won this year’s coveted plates?

Photo Contest Final Reminder! p. 28 ALTA Captain Appreciation p. 34 Summer League Standings p. 59

NEW DROP K-FRAME SPEED

SRespecting Time On And Off The Court

ince COVID and the uncertainty that accompanied that period, people seem more determined to extract as much as possible from their free time. However, there are still seven days in a week and 24 hours in a day, but our lives are now busier than ever. We want to play tennis and spend time with our friends, but we cannot devote our entire day to the courts. Increasingly, an abundance of commitments influences our need for early court departures. Three Dog Night may claim “One is the Loneliest Number,” but our line five players might beg to differ. Line five players and captains often are the only ones remaining at the conclusion of their match — no cheerleaders, no food, and no fun.

The noise level from our members about the length of a match day, and in particular, the time duration for five-line matches on two courts, continues to rise. There has been no shortage of solution proposals from our members. I must say, there have been some interesting suggestions such as requiring more than two courts to host a match, “babysitting fee” assessments levied on two-court teams, point penalties for tardiness, extended warmups, and multiple bathroom breaks. ALTA was built around subdivisions with two courts. Yet, our members’ views on the length of time it takes to play a match on two courts magnify a trend in tennis that cannot be ignored. Additionally, the conversion of tennis courts for pickleball has compressed the availability of tennis courts and thereby amplified our members’ growing aversion to lengthy match days. More than 300 of ALTA’s 784 active tennis facilities now offer pickleball play. That third tennis court we were able to access on match day often no longer exists.

Consequently, ALTA is taking steps to shorten your match day. We have updated our leveling and mapping strategies to keep you closer to home. Admittedly, we still have challenges, but we are making progress, and we will continue to focus on your travel experience. We have virtually eliminated the third set from our Senior Leagues in favor of the third-set 10-point tiebreak. We have rolled back the fifth line from our Senior Mixed League for the 2026 winter season. In our Junior Leagues, we have reduced the minimum number of players required for a roster, which in turn increased the number of junior teams for the fall season by over 30 percent, keeping the teams closer to home.

USTA National recommends a tennis match (line) length of no longer than 1.5-2 hours utilizing third-set tiebreakers, no-ad scoring, reduction of lines or timed match formats to manage match times. To shorten our match days, we are exploring the elimination of the full third set in favor of the third-set 10-point tiebreak for all adult leagues. This measure also enables a facility to schedule court usage more efficiently. Yes, we have those individuals that “hate” the tiebreak concept, preferring endurance as a determinant. On the flip side, we have the players/captains that embrace the idea of a more structured day, while relying on match and tiebreak strategy for the win. Regardless of your preference, we believe all sides will appreciate the benefit of the additional time recovered with a match format change that can then be reallocated to other personal, off-court adventures.

Rita Maloof ALTA President

For the latest news, information and events.

altatennis.org facebook.com/Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association instagram.com/ALTA_tennis netnewsmag.com

2025 ALTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 770.399.5788 Website: altatennis.org

President Rita Maloof

First VP David Rowe

Secretary Keri Beck

Treasurer Susan Levin

VP Men’s League Drew Meyer

VP Thursday Siobhan Schaeffer

Women’s League

VP Sunday Diane Royston

Women’s League

VP Senior Day Leagues Rusty Jones

VP Senior Leagues Seth Appelbaum

VP Mixed Nicole Jennings

Doubles League

VP Junior Leagues Kim Freeman

VP Junior Gina Woods

Challenge Ladder

VP Special Programs Mark LaRotonda

VP Events & Tournaments Carol Brasher

VP Pickleball Greg McAfee

President’s Appointee Peggy “Gidget” Kettle

2024 President Chequetta Allen

2023 President Linda Shepherd

ALTA Foundation Rep Karen Harris

2025 ALTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairman Lamar Scott

2023 ALTA President Linda Shepherd

2024 ALTA President Chequetta Allen

2025 ALTA President Rita Maloof

ALTA Foundation Cameron Turner

President

2024 Elected Member Stephen Murray

2025 Elected Member Karen Sullivan

Treasurer Susan Levin

2025 ALTA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President Cameron Turner

Treasurer Susan Levin

Secretary Karen Harris

NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING,

President/Publisher John Hanna

Managing Director Robyn Sobelson

President Emeritus Larry Lebovitz

News Editor Emmy Powell

Features Editor Cory Sekine–Pettite Art Director Tracy Stalling

Advertising & Megan Willis

Production Manager

Account Executives Jennifer Gonzalez Sherry Gasaway

Circulation Manager Amy Fine

Accounting Marilyn Walker

Copy Editor Gina Clance

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct all advertising, circulation and editorial inquiries to 770.650.1102. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies. Printed in U.S.A. The ALTA logo is a protected trademark™.

Barry – Resurgens Patient & ALTA Member

SEPT/OCT

September 19

National Talk Like A Pirate Day!

UPCOMING FALL CITY FINALS

ROSTER REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR WINTER LEAGUES

SEPTEMBER 30

Remember—Senior Mixed Doubles is going back to FOUR LINES

OCTOBER Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Cheese Pizza Day!

Fall Season Begins

Adult League Tennis September 2

Juniors September 6

Pickleball September 22

2025 ALTA SPONSORS

THURSDAY WOMEN

OCTOBER 23 - AA

OCTOBER 30 - A, B, C

SUNDAY WOMEN

NOVEMBER 1 - AA

NOVEMBER 9 - A, B, C

MEN

NOVEMBER 1 - AA

NOVEMBER 8 - A, B, C

SENIOR DAY WOMEN

NOVEMBER 3

SENIOR DAY MEN

NOVEMBER 5

JUNIORS

NOVEMBER 1

NOVEMBER 8

2025 ALTA CALENDAR

SENIOR MIXED DOUBLES

Sep. 30 2026 Winter roster registration begins Oct. 21 2026 Winter roster registration ends

MIXED DOUBLES

Sep. 30 2026 Winter roster registration begins

Oct. 21 2026 Winter roster registration ends

SUNDAY WOMEN

Sep. 7 Fall play begins

Oct. 19 Fall play ends

Oct. 25 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 10/26)

Oct. 26 Fall playoffs round 2 (rain date 11/1)

Nov. 1 City Finals AA levels (rain date 11/2)

Nov. 2 Fall playoffs round 3 (rain date 11/4)

Nov. 9 City Finals for A, B, and C levels (rain date 11/16)

MEN

Sep. 6 Fall play begins

Oct. 18 Fall play ends

Oct. 25 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 10/26)

Oct. 26 Fall playoffs round 2 (rain date 11/1)

Nov. 1 Fall playoffs round 3 and City Finals for AA levels (rain date 11/2)

Nov. 8 City Finals for A, B, and C levels (rain date 11/15)

THURSDAY

WOMEN

Sep. 4 Fall play begins

Oct. 16 Fall play ends

Oct. 21 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 10/23)

Oct. 23 Fall playoffs round 2 and City Finals for AA levels (rain date 10/28)

Oct. 28 Fall playoffs round 3 (rain date 10/30)

Oct. 30 City Finals for A, B, and C levels (rain date 11/6)

SENIOR DAY WOMEN

Sep. 2 Fall play begins

Oct. 14 Fall play ends

Oct. 20 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 10/22)

Oct. 22 Fall playoffs round 2 (rain date 10/24)

Oct. 27 Fall playoffs round 3 (rain date 10/29)

Nov. 3 City Finals for all levels (rain date 11/10)

SENIOR DAY MEN

Sep. 3 Fall play begins

Oct. 15 Fall play ends

Oct. 22 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 10/24)

Oct. 29 Fall playoffs round 2 (rain date 10/31)

Nov. 5 City Finals for all levels (rain date 11/12)

JUNIOR LEAGUES

Sep. 6 Fall play begins

Oct. 18 Fall play ends

Oct. 25 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 10/28)

Nov. 1 City Finals (rain date 11/2)

Nov. 1 Fall playoffs round 2 (rain date 11/5)

Nov. 8 City Finals (rain date 11/9)

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER

Nov. 30 Ladder closes

WHEELCHAIR--RUN/ROLL

Sep. 2 Wheelchair play begins

Oct. 14 City Finals (rain date 10/21)

PICKLEBALL

Sep. 15 Fall schedules post online

Sep. 22 Fall play begins

Nov. 3 Fall play ends

Nov. 10 Fall playoffs round 1 (rain date 11/12)

Nov. 15 Fall playoffs round 2 (rain date 11/16)

Nov. 17 Fall playoffs round 3 (rain date 11/19)

Nov. 22 City Finals for all levels (rain date 11/23)

REPORTED BY EMMY POWELL, CORY SEKINE-PETTITE, JOHN HANNA, AND GINA CLANCE

IMPORTANT—ALTA Adult Rule Changes

Senior Mixed Doubles Back to Four Lines

The ALTA Executive Committee voted to take the Senior Mixed Doubles League back to a four-line league . Effective with the winter 2026 season (registration September 30 through October 21), Senior Mixed Doubles will require at least five women and five men to be on a roster and will field one line of men’s doubles, one line of women’s doubles, and two lines of mixed doubles. The season runs January through March. If you have any questions, please contact the Senior Leagues Vice President at seniorvp@altatennis.org.

Players Added to a Roster

There also is an adult league rule change for adding players to a roster. Sometimes things happen at the last minute — injuries, illnesses, etc. — and captains need to add a person to the team roster to have enough players for a match. ALTA has made a change to its adult league rules to help captains who are caught in a dire situation just before match time.

The previous rule said players must be added by 11:59 p.m. the night before a match. Please read this carefully! The new rule allows players to be added up until the start time of the dual meet for REGULARLY SCHEDULED MATCHES. For matches played early or delayed by inclement weather, players must be added by 11:59 p.m. the night before the match.

You can find this rule on page one of the ALTA General Adult Rules:

1. Teams and Players

G. 6. In order for a player to be eligible to play in a regularly scheduled dual meet, they may be added up until the scheduled start time of the dual meet. To be eligible to play in matches played early or matches delayed by inclement weather, a player must be added by 11:59 p.m. on the day before match is played.

It can also be found in the Adult League Member Handbook on page 20 under “Adding Players.”

Bringing Home the Bag Tags

Pickleball has taken over the LakeHaven community in Cumming! Two brand new teams brought home Division Winner bag tags in their inaugural season (Spring 2025). The B7 and C7 teams were made up of long-time ALTA members, as well as some who are new to the league. Congratulations to both teams on their successful season! Keep up the good work!

Pictured here in the back row: Mukesh Singh, Todd Tyson, Daniel Hoffman, Srinivasa Kakara, Kiran Kumar Puran, and Jonathan Whichard. In the middle row: Sathya Koothan, Lauren Tyson, Surekha Souriendirin, and Apurva Maduranthakam Surenderpal. In the front row: Syed Ahsan, Krishna Gunturu, Linh Ta, Lisa Doherty, and Kelly Texter.

Remembering Eloise Adams

Long-time ALTA volunteer, Eloise Adams, passed away in June. According to her family, she was an avid and fierce tennis player — a true natural at the game. Adams volunteered for 33 years with ALTA as a coordinator and an overall coordinator for the Thursday Women’s League. She was an honorary lifetime member of ALTA and retired from volunteering in 2018. She was also a member of her Marietta Country Club teams until 2023.

TELL US!

Send your stories, compliments, complaints and questions to altaeditor@altatennis.org.

Alpharetta Getting Impressive Pickleball Facility

Dinking, drinking, eating, and working out — soon will be wrapped up into one experience at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club (ANPC). Opening in October 2025, ANPC will be all that metro area pickleballers could ever want!

Located in Alpharetta, ANPC will feature 18 indoor courts and a second-floor bar where members can grab a drink and watch the action.

Chris Wolfe will be the director of pickleball for ANPC, according to CEO Allen Hobbs. Wolfe, a Certified Master Instructor, brings decades of experience to the club as well as a great deal of enthusiasm.

“Sharing my love for this sport and helping players grow has always been my passion,” Wolfe said. “I’ve known many of you for years and recently met even more at our booth during the Atlanta Pickleball Championships. I’m excited to continue building this incredible community.”

Not only will ANPC members be able to participate in league play, clinics, and lessons from certified professionals, but they also will enjoy a full-service restaurant and a fully equipped fitness area. Building a true pickleball community is one of the goals of ANPC management. By providing a work/play/socialize environment, the club will be more than just a place to work out. ANPC is also planning a future outdoor phase, to include outdoor courts, dining, and concert/event space to further enhance the member experience.

“The acclaimed team behind One 41Trattoria — an award-winning dining destination in Johns Creek — will now lead our restaurant and bar operations under the name Kitchen One 41 at ANPC,” Hobbs said. “Led by Owner/Operator Sean Morehead and the incredibly talented Chef Brian, this partnership promises to deliver a sophisticated and welcoming food and beverage experience that matches the energy, elegance, and community spirit of ANPC.”

Get ready, North Fulton and surrounding areas! The ANPC grand opening is scheduled for October. Watch for updates at https://anpc.us.

Bryant and Niemeyer Take Their Place in Georgia Tennis History

Congratulations to Amy Bryant and Jon Niemeyer, the Class of 2025 inductees into the Sessions Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony (presented by First Horizon Bank) took place Saturday evening August 9 at the Marietta Country Club in Kennesaw. Bryant and Niemeyer become the 77th and 78th inductees to this distinguished group of individuals and receive the highest honor to be bestowed upon an individual for tennis in the Peach State.

Bryant is a former Emory University tennis All-American who became head coach at her alma mater in 2000 and led the Eagles to seven NCAA Division III national championships and compiled a 428-116 record over her 23 seasons. Bryant’s teams reached the NCAA quarterfinals 21 times and made the finals 13 times. Her squads were

Division III champions in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2016, and 2021.

Niemeyer has been a metro Atlanta tennis fixture for more than 50 years as a teaching professional, facilities manager, and court designer at DeKalb and Blackburn Tennis Centers, two of Georgia’s largest and most thriving tennis facilities. Niemeyer also served as a teaching professional at Druid Hills and Horseshoe Bend Country Clubs, and as facility manager at Racquet Club of the South and Stone Mountain Park Tennis Center.

In addition, Robert Sasseville was honored with the Dan Magill “Impact” Award. Sasseville has been a major force in Georgia’s tennis community, having served in a multitude of roles to assist both players and organizations. He has long served as a junior competition administrator and advocate, helping shape the future of tennis in the state.

Visit georgiatennisfoundation.org/hall-of-fame/inductees to learn more. The Georgia Tennis Foundation extends a special thank you to First Horizon Bank & Dr. Mark Kovacs for their support of the program. In addition, a salute to Lee Sessions, Jr., Hall of Fame Class of 2005 member, for his unwavering enthusiasm and support of this HOF named in his honor.

START Application

Open Now

Great news for local schools passionate about tennis! The ALTA Foundation has officially opened applications for its 2025/26 START program — Support for Teaching Atlanta Recreational Tennis. Designed to boost access to tennis in Title I high schools across the Atlanta Metro area, START offers funding for essential resources and equipment to help grow the game where it is needed most. The foundation is excited to collaborate with schools eager to bring the joy of tennis to more students. Applications are open now through Tuesday, September 30 at 11:59 p.m. Scan the QR code to apply or use this link: https://fs23.formsite.com/JM9Iha/vrkl0l0aje/index

You also can email ALTA Foundation President Cameron Turner at foundationpresident@altatennis.org if you have questions.

Let’s grow the game — together!

Photo by Laura Barnard

A Smashing Success for ALTA’s Tickle Palooza

The rainy spring season didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of ALTA members who came out to the Tickle Palooza at Sandy Springs Racquet Center in mid-June. Players participated in both tennis and pickleball round robin events. We had great food, prizes, and only a slight rain delay. A big thank you to the volunteers, especially organizer Carol Brasher, for helping to pull off a fun mixer for ALTA members.

by Laura

Photo

Barnard

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Sea Island is a paradise for racquet sports lovers—with 14 Har-Tru® courts, including eight fast-dry HydroCourts, squash, and pickleball courts. Find to enjoy daily lessons, clinics, partner matching, and round robin tournaments at our Forbes Five-Star resort. (866) 990-5231 • seaisland.com

PRO LEAGUE WRAP-UPS

Vickery Clinches the Summer LIV Championship

The LIV Pro Tennis League featured some of the highest-level tennis in Atlanta this summer. In the semifinal first round, Windward lost a competitive match to Martin’s Landing. In round two, Laurel Springs took on Vickery, with all three lines going three sets. Laurel Springs won line two, and Vickery took line three. It came down to line one, and Vickery clinched the other semifinal spot.

In the final, Martin’s Landing took line two. Vickery won in a tight third set match at line three. Again, it came down to line one. After three hours and 25 minutes, Elijah Melendez and Jake Kennedy beat Marcus Hurtig and Patrick Lazo (6-7, 7-6, 6-2) to clinch the title for Vickery.

“This season was an immense success,” said LIV Tennis founder Elijah Melendez. “Each season I am learning more and more and trying to improve it little by little for both players and spectators alike. Similar to last year, we will be running another season towards the end of the year.”

INTENNSE Takes Atlanta Pro League Championship in Thrilling Final at Atlanta Athletic Club

The highly anticipated final match at the Atlanta Athletic Club pitted league-leading favorites, Leave it to Lara!, against the surging comeback team, INTENNSE. The evening kicked off with an entertaining exhibition by the talented Atlanta Athletic Club Teaching Professionals, followed by a warm AAC reception for all players. Go

B I G G E R , TA L L E R , P I C K L E BA L L E R

The all-electric pickle phenom joins our line of high-per formance pickleball machines

With the tallest launch point available for realistic shot trajectories, it holds 185 balls and comes with preloaded drills, making it ideal for clubs, schools, and home cour t owners to maximize their drilling and amp up their game!

by Laura Barnard

Photo

Tennis! co-founder Shaun Boyce delivered a touching rendition of the national anthem, setting the stage for an exciting night of tennis.

Play began with intensity, as line one from both teams delivered an entertaining and skillful display. INTENNSE quickly secured victories at line one and Mixed Doubles. However, Leave it to Lara! answered with a win at the Legends line, narrowing the gap.

The championship ultimately came down to line two, where Leave it to Lara! mounted an impressive comeback to force a third-set tiebreaker. In a thrilling finish, INTENNSE emerged victorious, clinching the championship title!

INTENNSE teammates Billy Rowe and Vikram Hundal defeated Connor Hazard and Harrison Kim 7-6, 5-7, 10-5 to secure the championship win.

“I’m proud to be closing out my second year as commissioner of the Atlanta Pro League, especially after such a competitive season where every team remained in Finals contention until the final week,” said Marcus Rutsche. “We’ve achieved our goal of re-establishing the league as a permanent fixture in Atlanta, proving that there’s a passionate tennis community eager to support and celebrate high-level play. With the continued support of our sponsors and fans, I look forward to building on this tradition and bringing this incredible event back next summer.”

TO ADVERTISE:

DEADLINE:

November/December 2025 issue: Friday, October. 3, 2025

We Are Family

The Summit Swim and Tennis C7 Sunday Women submitted by Maria Molinelli

Captain: The person in command of a ship. Not only do our captains steer the ship, but they also fix the leaks, keep the barnacles at bay, and ensure the crew is happy, making us sea-worthy.

How that translates to tennis is this: Amber Leazenbee and Jess Barre set up affordable training that works for our team. They ensure we stay together as a unit, even when outside forces threaten to disrupt that bond.

During matches, they ensure we are either cool or warm, depending on the weather, and they provide an amazing spread of food and drink for our team, not to mention acting as gracious hostesses to the visiting team on our court.

They inspire us to strive for a level of personal excellence while ensuring that fun and friendship remain at the forefront. But more than that, under their leadership, we’ve built a family where once there was only a team.

Teammates recently threw a baby shower for me. It was a fantastic party, full of love and tennis!

We are there for each other on and off the court. We’ve grown as people and as players, and we could not have done it without them.

INTENNSE Wows Fans and Players In First Season

The name says it all—INTENNSE! This new way of playing and watching tennis in the Atlanta area wrapped up its inaugural season in August, and no one was disappointed.

INTENNSE CEO Charles Allen said the league’s first season laid the foundation for something transformative, not just for professional tennis, but for the entire tennis ecosystem. “We’ve built more than a league; we’ve built a platform where professionals, college athletes, and local talent all contribute to a dynamic, fast-format team experience that fans and families can rally behind,” Allen said. “Atlanta has been our proving ground, and the response from the community has been electric.”

That energy translated into action. Throughout the season, INTENNSE welcomed thousands of fans and hosted doz-

ens of players ranging from top-ranked professionals to rising NCAA stars.

Much of the league’s success came through its collaboration with ALTA. The partnership helped drive local awareness and created unique community experiences. Randy Jenks, VP of Partnerships, noted, “ALTA has been a tremendous boost for INTENNSE in our inaugural season in Atlanta, not only creating fan awareness of INTENNSE but also helping fans fill the void of the loss of the Atlanta Open.”

Jenks added that the league held community events for ALTA members of all levels, from under-10s to high-level juniors to adult club players. “INTENNSE is eager to help bring more INTENNSE playing opportunities and fan opportunities to ALTA members,” he said.

The INTENNSE Challenge Series also

played a major role this summer, giving current college athletes a rare opportunity to compete, improve, and earn prize money during their offseason.

Looking ahead, Allen said the momentum is not slowing anytime soon. “In 2026, we’re doubling down: five teams will be based in our Atlanta Hub, we’ll announce a second five-team hub, and our first college draft will open the door for the next generation of stars,” he said. “The Open Entry Challenge Series will expand, offering more opportunities for emerging talent, while our Atlanta players will deepen their community impact through even greater involvement.”

We’d like to extend a big congratulations to Team Atlanta which clinched the Bata Trophy for the victory by defeating Team Tampa for the first-ever INTENNSE championship.

BOAST Welcomes Iain Pound as

VP of Sales

BOAST, the tennis brand known for its irreverent style, has named industry veteran Iain Pound as Vice President of Sales.

Pound brings a lifetime of tennis industry expertise to BOAST, having served as U.S. and Canada National Sales and Commercial Director for Wilson Sporting Goods and U.S. National Sales Director for Fila USA. A former AA1 ALTA league player and teaching pro, Pound combines deep, grassroots connections with proven leadership in driving

“I’m honored to lead the BOAST sales team,” said Pound. “This brand’s fit, feel, and function are unmatched — and its history makes it one-of-a-kind. Exciting times ahead.”

Matt Feuer, CEO of BOAST, added: “Iain’s deep roots in the tennis world and proven ability to grow brands makes him the perfect match for BOAST’s next chapter — staying true to our rebellious heritage while reaching a new generation of players and fans.”

With Pound’s appointment, BOAST looks to strengthen its presence both on and off the court, continuing its legacy of delivering premium apparel to players and fans who value style as much as performance.

W ith 12 world-class tennis courts, 6 pickleball courts, and a dynamic program l ed by top pros, Sandestin serves up unmatched play for every level of athlete— all steps from the beach.

Gearing Up for Fall Special Pops

A great deal of excitement is in the air as Special Pops Tennis (SPT) prepares to host its 20th Annual Fall Classic. Tournament Director Helen Boudreaux has been working with committee members to ensure that this event will exceed all expectations for those attending for the first time or the 20th time. Since its inception, SPT has benefited from Atlanta tennis enthusiasts who are willing to share their passion for the sport of tennis and share a heartfelt commitment to helping others.

“Atlanta is a world leader in having so many people that love tennis and have a heart for helping others learn to play,” Executive Director Jim Hamm said. “The ALTA Foundation has been a supporter of this event all 20 years. They are responsible for our success both on and off the court.”

Since athletes with intellectual disabilities have limited opportunities to play on

a big stage, many of them consider this event to be their “US Open”! With a yearto-year retention rate over 90 percent, it is apparent this tournament is important and valuable to the athletes, volunteers, and families.

Special Pops volunteers create a lifetime of memories for themselves and the athletes that share the experience. This event depends on the many volunteers to offer their time and talent. While some volun-

EVENT DETAILS

Date: November 7-9

teer roles may require tennis experience, many off-court volunteer roles require no tennis experience.

For more details, check their website at specialpopstennis.org, or call Jim Hamm at 404.702.5820.

Join the fun and excitement as over 130 athletes from several states compete with a focus on having fun! The motto for SPT is “Play Tennis; Make Friends; Live Life.”

Location: Lifetime – Peachtree Corners

Time: On Court Action

November 7 – Play starts at 11:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

November 8 – Play starts at 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

November 9 – Play starts at 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Babolat at Wimbledon

To celebrate its 150th anniversary, Babolat gathered “the family” at Wimbledon this past summer. They arranged a photo shoot on Centre Court, including Eric Babolat, pro players, collaborators and stringers, along with Chair of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Deborah Jevans CBE.

Wringer Wear Announces Official Launch Event at The Painted Pickle in Atlanta

Wringer Wear, a performance-driven apparel brand revolutionizing the fast-growing sport of pickleball, officially launched its line of athletic wear in May at The Painted Pickle in Atlanta.

Built for the demands of high-intensity pickleball play, Wringer Wear debuts with a product line featuring exclusive DRYV Technology — an innovative dual-layer fabric system that combines sweat-wicking performance with builtin moisture absorption zones. By integrating towel-like functionality directly into the design, Wringer Wear offers players a solution to one of the sport’s most common frustrations: grip slips caused by excess moisture.

“Our mission is to elevate the player experience through technical innovation,” said Jason Aspes, Co-Founder of Wringer Wear. “With DRYV Technology, we’re not just introducing apparel —

we’re solving a problem for players who demand more from their gear. We’re proud to debut Wringer Wear right here in Atlanta, where pickleball has exploded in popularity.”

The launch event featured product demonstrations, an exclusive first look at Wringer Wear’s premiere collection, and top regional players putting the gear to the test. Industry leaders, local media, and pickleball enthusiasts were on hand to experience how Wringer Wear is raising the bar for functional athletic wear.

Wilson Unveils Ultra v5 Racquet

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. has unveiled the Ultra v5, the latest evolution of its acclaimed Ultra racquet range, engineered for players who demand dominating power and pinpoint accuracy. Built for intermediate to advanced athletes, Ultra v5 unlocks a broader range of shot potential, making it the most versatile Ultra racquet Wilson has released.

“At Wilson, we innovate with intention, guided by direct feedback from our athletes,” says Jason Collins, global general manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “The needs of today’s players are constantly evolving, and with Ultra v5, we’re delivering the next generation of explosive power and accuracy.”

Ultra v5 introduces a series of perfor-

a plant-based material by Arkema, these components also reflect Wilson’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.

• Electric Indigo Colorway: Bold and unmistakable on court, Ultra v5 makes a statement before the first serve is even hit.

A host of Wilson’s top athletes will be making the switch to Ultra v5, including Alex de Minaur, Qinwen Zheng, Maria Sakkari, and Marta Kostyuk.

EXPLORE OUR HOME IN THE MOUNTAINS Racquet, Golf, Wellness, Lake sports and more

• SI3D Frame Technology: Wilson’s proprietary innovation blends bestin-class stability with increased flexibility, creating a unique feel that enhances power, spin, and control.

• Consistent Spec Control: A tightened weight and balance improve swing consistency from racquet to racquet.

• “Click & Go” Bumper and Grommet System: Made for easy replacement with increased durability and a superior fit. Developed with Agiplast,

“Wilson has always supported my growth as a player,” says de Minaur, currently ranked No. 11 on the ATP Tour. “The new Ultra v5 gives me a whole new level of confidence on court — the power and precision are on another level.”

In celebration of the launch, Wilson also unveiled its first-ever, head-to-toe performance look inspired by a racquet debut. Kostyuk will be the first to showcase the full Ultra v5 look — including the Headliner Dress and Intrigue Tennis Shoe, styled to mirror the iconic Electric Indigo colorway of her racquet.

“This is more than a franchise release,” says Collins. “It’s a statement of our ongoing commitment to equip athletes with best-in-class gear that powers their performance from head-to-toe-to-hand.”

THE 22ND ANNUAL NET NEWS Photo Contest

NEW! Contest Rules and Regulations

1. You must be a member of ALTA.

2. Photos must relate to tennis and/or tennis play.

3. Do not use filters on photos with the exception of black and white or sepia.

4. Do not send screenshots.

5. Do not take photos of printed photos.

6. All contest submissions must be received ONLINE by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2025.

11. Judges reserve the right to title photos if no title is provided and to change the category into which a photo has been entered.

12. Photos not taken by the entrant must be accompanied by a release form signed by the photographer. ALTA and Net News are not responsible for any copyright violations.

NEW! Photography Specifications

3. Low resolution, non-reproducible images will not be considered for the photo contest. CATEGORIES:

7. Decisions of the judges are final.

8. Limit three entries per ALTA member.

9. Do not resubmit photos from a previous year.

10. Each photo entry must include a completed ONLINE entry form.

13. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the above rules and regulations.

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Prizes courtesy of

Last Issue’s Trivia Contest Winner Is …

Congratulations! We drew our winner from a pool of readers who submitted correct answers, and Tom Chae, River Glen Men A7, a pair of bags from HEAD! Try your luck with this issue’s contest and see if you can join the ranks of our previous trivia contest winners. Here is the original quiz and the correct answers:

1. When is the Junior Challenge Ladder Kickoff? August 17

2. Which scholarship recipient loves birdwatching? Parth Mody

3. What is the minimum number of players required for a Juniors roster? 6

September/October Trivia Contest

Enter for your chance to win a new Pure Strike Carbon Grey racquet from Babolat!

To enter the contest, correctly answer the following three questions, in addition to submitting a new favorite courtside recipe, and mail it to New South Publishing, Attn: Cory Sekine-Pettite, 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. Answers and recipes may also be submitted online at netnewsmag.com. Hint: The answers can be found in this issue.

Entry deadline: Tuesday, October 7.

1. Which ALTA captain has served in that position for the highest number of seasons?

2. What is the name of the restaurant to be located in the new pickleball facility in Alpharetta?

3. How many lines of play will the 2026 Senior Mixed Doubles league have and what are they?

Please submit a favorite courtside recipe along with this entry to be eligible.

Playing Tennis for Life

BY GINA CLANCE, NET NEWS CONTRIBUTOR

Editor’s note: This is a follow up to a Net News story from 2017. We checked in with Kathryn Buffington to see how she was doing, and her story continues to inspire.

Facing life’s challenges can cause us to shrink in fear, or it can cause us to fight back and refuse to give up. Kathryn Buffington chooses to fight. Her weapon of choice is a tennis racquet.

After being diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in 2006, Buffington was told she would never play tennis again. In fact, she was given just two to five years to live. Her response was, “Watch me!”

According to the American Lung Association, “PAH is a specific type of pulmonary hypertension that is caused when the tiny arteries in your lung become thickened and narrowed. This blocks the blood flow through your lungs which raises the blood pressure in the lungs and causes your heart to work harder to pump your blood through those narrowed arteries. Over time, your heart loses the ability to effectively pump blood throughout your body.” Buffington has taken many medications for this disease, has traveled to the Mayo Clinic for treatment, and has made many changes to her way of living. Two things she has refused

to give up — doing family activities and playing tennis.

“I firmly believe that a positive attitude is essential to good health,” she said. “I’ve always tried to concentrate on what I can do, not what I can’t. I found ways to get in the pool with my grandchildren when they were young. I tried to make it to as many of my grandchildren’s sports event as possible — swim meets, basketball, soccer, baseball, football, track and field, volleyball, equestrian trials…”

In 2007, Buffington was told by her doctors if she wanted to play tennis, she had to wear an oxygen tank on her back, carry her drug pump in a fanny pack, and place a hard plastic cover over her chest to protect her Hickman catheter from being hit by a tennis ball. She then had to get permission from ALTA and USTA to play with all that gear. She did this until 2012, when she was allowed to shed the oxygen tank for good.

“The doctors at Mayo have found that once you are stable on combination therapy you actually benefit from start/stop exercise, like doubles tennis. They encourage me to continue playing as long as I can,” she said. “They have used my situation to encourage others with PAH to do start/stop exercise … as their pulmonary rehabilitation.”

“I’m hoping to continue to play until I’m at least 80. …I find that nothing hurts when I’m on the court! The endorphins that are released take the pain away!”

It comes as no surprise that Buffington has been asked to speak to others about her amazing journey. She has traveled to several states with pulmonary hypertension specialists to talk to newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers, explaining how to maneuver through complicated procedures such as changing intravenous Remodulin (a drug used to help increase exercise capacity and lessen PAH symptoms, including shortness of breath and fatigue).

“I’m passionate about telling my story to help others deal with adversity,” she said. “I continue to serve as a mentor to newly

Buffington with Mixed Doubles captain and partner Andy Casey.

diagnosed patients through the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), and occasionally they ask me to tell my story in their magazine or on podcasts.” This 74-year-old wife, mother, and grandmother certainly keeps her calendar full — with family activities, helping others through the PHA, and playing on several tennis teams throughout the year. In 2025, Buffington has played ALTA Mixed Doubles, Sunday Women, Thursday Women, Senior Women, and Senior Day Women. She also plays in round robin tournaments and USTA leagues.

“I’m hoping to continue to play until I’m at least 80,” she said. “My PAH remains fairly well under control with the therapies and meds I take. I find that nothing hurts when I’m on the court! The endorphins that are released take the pain away!”

Most people would find it hard to keep up with Buffington. Many might not have faced the challenges of PAH in the same way she has. One thing is certain, she is living out one of her favorite life mottos: You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.

“I’m just so thankful to be alive, playing tennis, enjoying my family, volunteering in my community and completing our goal of traveling to all 50 states last April,” she said, “I have a strong faith in God, and I was on a multitude of prayer chains through the years. I’m one of the lucky ones!”

If Buffington wanted to play tennis, wearing a backpack oxygen tank was a must for several years.

136 SEASONS 116 SEASONS

Are They Crazy? Or Awesome?

BY GINA CLANCE, NET NEWS CONTRIBUTOR

Anyone who has captained an ALTA team knows the challenges that come with the job. Making sure all players have paid ALTA dues, creating lineups, assigning food — these are just a few of the tasks that come with the title of “Captain.” Many will lead their teams for a season or two before they pass the baton to the next volunteer. But imagine taking the job for more than 100 seasons! That’s approximately 1,800 players, 700 lineups, and about 1,700 food assignments!

ALTA truly appreciates the work these captains who have volunteered for so many seasons! To show our appreciation, we are highlighting some of ALTA’s real heroes:

Edward Howard (Laurel Park) 136 seasons

“Why did I become a captain? I felt like I could do a good job,” Howard said. “One year became two … two became three … and the rest is history! I most enjoy the camaraderie on the teams. I enjoy building teams and watching them become City Champions. I am a team-oriented guy, and I don’t like drama!”

Many of Howard’s teammates praised his dedication and ability to lead teams. “Edward’s the captain who somehow juggles schedules, line-ups, and last-minute sub requests with the same flair he brings to his signature color-coordinated sneakers and outfits,” said teammate Crews Enochs. “Even when he’s not swinging a racquet, his energy and dependability keep the whole squad dialed in.”

Another teammate, Lisa Cox, echoed the sentiment, “I have played on several of Edward’s teams throughout the years. Edward seems to know everybody, old and young. I have made many good tennis friends due to this. I hope to keep playing with Edward as long as he continues!”

Bill White (St Ives CC) 116 seasons

“When I first started captaining, we would vote for the new captain at the end of each season,” said White. “My name was put in by my teammates and I would get elected. Then after a few years, no one else would run and I would be elected by unanimous vote. Then we stopped voting, and it was my job to put the team in each season.”

White is honest about his favorite part of being captain. “I would be lying if I did not say trying to win a plate,” he admitted. “But the second would be getting to play with some great people at St Ives. Getting to know their families and seeing their children grow up to become some fantastic adults. It seems like yesterday they were in grammar school. Now they’re graduating college and starting families. ALTA is like a family.”

“What makes Bill a good captain? His complete dedication and numerous hours on and off the court helping teammates/ friends,” according to teammate Stephanie Butler. “He is always willing to help mentor, guide, and direct his teams on and off the courts. He is truly St Ives tennis.”

108 SEASONS 102 SEASONS 101 SEASONS

Dee Lavender (Pinetree CC)

108 seasons

“I didn’t start playing tennis until I was 40 years old. I had never picked up a racquet prior to that time,” Lavender said.

“Needless to say, I fell in love with the sport. When the captain on the team I was playing on said they wanted to step down, I volunteered to do it. I guess the rest is history. My favorite thing about being a captain is getting together with my teammates on a weekly basis, as well as meeting other teams. I have been lucky enough to meet some pretty great people through tennis and being a captain.”

“Dee has tremendous passion for the game of tennis and is now carrying that same passion over to pickleball,” said Larry Schnall, director of tennis at Pinetree Country Club. “She and her late husband, Mike, kept the tennis at Pinetree going strong throughout the years during the good and bad times. We are very fortunate to have Dee be a part of our tennis and pickleball family at Pinetree.”

Kathleen Dunlap (Carl Sanders YMCA)

102 seasons

“I have enjoyed captaining ALTA teams because I love playing and watching tennis,” Dunlap said. “I have been lucky to have great teammates who rise to challenges like rainouts, distant away matches, and being acting captain when needed. After all these years, I feel knowing the rules has made the job easier, but it has been nice to have ALTA coordinator support when needed.

“My favorite thing about being a team captain is my teammates,” she added. “I have met a lot of really nice people who are now my good friends. And I love seeing teammates supporting each other, on and off the courts. My husband, daughters, and their husbands also play on my teams, so that is an added bonus.”

“Kathleen is calm and unflappable especially when things aren’t going well or another captain is being difficult,” said husband and teammate Mike Dunlap. “She is committed to

the team and works beyond the call of duty. For example, she will take on all rescheduling duties for rainouts, including scheduling the times of matches and reserving the courts for all five lines. A logistical challenge.”

Jennifer Maceyko (Village Mill)

101 Seasons

“I’ve captained ALTA teams for so long because it brings together everything I value: friendship, fitness, strategy, and community,” Maceyko said.

“Tennis has always been a passion, but what keeps me coming back season after season is the joy of bringing people together, creating great memories through the sport I love to play.

“My favorite part of being a captain is putting the puzzle pieces together — pairing players in ways that set them up for success and watching those partnerships grow,” she continued. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see teammates build confidence, improve their game, and form lasting friendships — on and off the court. For me, it’s never just about the score or the ‘bag tags and plates’ — it’s about the shared laughs, amazing food table, and strong bonds built through tennis. My teammates are truly like extended family. Being a captain has allowed me to create a supportive space where people feel encouraged, valued, and connected. That’s what makes it all worth it — and why I’ll keep doing it for as long as I can.”

“It’s actually hard to put into words everything Jen does and gives of herself as a captain,” said long-time teammate Jennifer Fuqua. “The thought and time she puts into the lineups alone is just incredible. But it’s not just about being competitive, making sure that partners’ game styles are compatible, she also thinks about if the partners will have fun together! In addition, she goes out of her way to make sure that it is easy and convenient to play, often taking into consideration what is going on in her players’ personal lives. And she does all of this for multiple teams at a time! She truly is one of a kind and I don’t know what we would do without her.”

Look for more 100+ season captains in the next issue of Net News!

MIXED DOUBLES

Winter Registration is Sept. 30 – Oct. 21 Winter Season runs Jan. 4 – Feb. 15

Defaults vs. Forfeits

BY NICOLE JENNINGS, MIXED DOUBLES LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

Learning the correct terminology for the ALTA rules regarding defaults vs. forfeits can be a bit frustrating, so here is a great way to remember which one refers to which scenario. Let’s start with defaults. Defaults are when a team cannot put players on the courts. In this scenario, a team does not have enough players to fill their scorecard so the team will default a line(s). The Adult Rules define a default as “The loss of a match or matches by failing to be present for play within twenty minutes (default time) after the scheduled starting time.” Under IV. DUAL MEETS, Section E. “When a match is defaulted, it must be the lowest position.” When communicating with another captain about not having enough players to fill line five, the correct phraseology is “our team will be defaulting line five.”

Forfeits are when a team does provide players for the lines on a scorecard, but a rule was broken and the point taken. Forfeits are defined as “The automatic loss of any point(s) for any violation of these rules or as otherwise imposed as a penalty deemed

appropriate by the respective league vice president.” Examples of a forfeit are ineligible players, players not on roster, movement violations, or a player playing under an assumed name.

The most important detail to remember about defaults and forfeits is that defaults count against a team and forfeits do not. A team may have an average of one default per week/per season and avoid any penalties. This does not apply to forfeits.

The takeaway from this is that a team should always do their best to field all five lines. The Adult Rules have been modified as follows: Adult Rules I. TEAMS AND PLAYERS G. 6. “In order for a player to be eligible to play in a regularly scheduled dual meet, the player may be added up until the scheduled start time of the dual meet.” This is an important change in the rules to help avoid defaults.

Remember: A default is when players do not show, so points are given up by the team. A forfeit is when players show up and play but there was a failure to follow the rules, so points are taken by ALTA.

Photos by Laura Barnard

Winter registration is Sept. 30 – Oct. 21

Winter season runs Jan. 3 – Feb. 14

Hit The Courts In January 2026

BY SETH APPELBAUM, SENIOR LEAGUES VICE PRESIDENT

Before the holiday season takes over, be sure to sign up for winter Senior Mixed Doubles! Winter and senior tennis go together like peanut butter and jelly. A perfect match!

The Senior Mixed League is going back to FOUR lines this season (Winter 2026) — one line of women’s doubles, one line of men’s doubles, and two lines of mixed doubles. It is the only adult tennis league in ALTA where this happens and is sometimes referred to as the “Senior Mixed Up League!”

This league is currently only played in winter, but we have had numerous requests to add it to summer. If only time and court availability were not issues. League enrollment has been very consistent over the past four years, but we always have room for more teams.

There are five main reasons to play Senior Mixed Doubles:

1. It’s a great way to start being active after the long holiday season.

2. It helps with that New Year’s resolution we all make to get fitter.

3. It’s a great way to stay in contact with friends and to meet new ones.

4. You paid your ALTA dues — play on as many teams as you can.

5. It’s just FUN — win or lose.

In the winter of 2025, we fielded:

• 219 teams

• 4,841 players

• 22 players per roster (average)

One issue that comes up EVERY year with winter league registration is ALTA members forgetting to pay their yearly dues before rosters are turned in. PLEASE PAY YOUR DUES early! You can even pay NOW for 2026. This will help captains turn in complete rosters and will help avoid any problems with adding players later.

It would be great to continue to grow this league. It starts with you — form a team or join an existing team. You only need 10 players to form a team, but a few more are advised. If you have any questions about how to start a new team, please reach out NOW! Email seniorvp@altatennis.org or call the ALTA office at 770.399.5788.

Don’t miss out on the chance to experience this great league! I hope to see you on the courts in January 2026.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

ALTA Wheelchair Tennis Players Take Nashville By Storm

BY MARK LAROTONDA, SPECIAL PROGRAMS VICE PRESIDENT

The National Wheelcats hosted their annual Music City Classic Wheelchair Tennis Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee, in June. Players from all over the Southeast and central part of the country took to the courts, including several ALTA members.

Six events were held over three days on outdoor and indoor courts. Many of the players were thankful for the indoor courts because the heat index limits were met each day. There were singles and doubles matches in each of the A, B, and C divisions.

In the A division, Rob Popelka, who has played tennis for 13 years, took first place in singles. He then teamed up with Samir Jusupovic, who has played tennis for 10 years, and the pair won the title in doubles. “Favorite part [of the tournament]? Some of my family that live close by were able to come watch me play, cheer, and hangout,” Jusupovic said.

In the B division, Mark LaRotonda, who has played tennis for 32 years, and his partner, Jeremy Perez of Joshua, Texas, finished first in doubles.

In the C division, Jordan Bates, one of ALTA’s juniors, beat Jen Speer, nine-year ALTA member, in the singles final. Speer and her partner, Scott Therrell of Chunky, Mississippi, finished first in doubles while Bates teamed up with fellow ALTA junior John Grimsley, to finish second. “This tournament has consistent staff and volunteers, which makes it feel like a reunion each year,” said Speer. “It is very well run, and a lot of effort is put into making it enjoyable no matter what your results are. The raffle is always fun, and the live music brings a touch of Nashville charm to the tournament.”

The National Wheelcats non-profit was established in 1957 to educate, encourage, and inspire individuals with disabilities through actively participating in sports. The organization’s mission is to help people become more independent and productive, as well as strengthen their physical abilities and emotional well-being.

Learn more at nationalwheelcats.org.

Rob Popelka and Samir Jusupovic

Samir Jusupovic and Rob Popelka with Samir’s family.

Jordan Bates and John Grimsley

Jen Speer

@mizuno_tennis mizunousa.com

MEN

Beyond The Roster: Why Captains Can’t Do It Alone

BY DREW MEYER, MEN’S LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

While a team’s success often is measured by its record, its very existence depends on the hard work of one person: the captain. These volunteers take on the immense responsibility of organizing, scheduling, and leading their teams, often with little thanks. But behind every great captain is a group of teammates who make the job more manageable. This article celebrates those unsung heroes — the crucial support system that turns a challenging volunteer role into a rewarding experience for everyone in the Atlanta tennis community.

The team psychologist: The captain’s right hand

This player is the team’s emotional anchor and the captain’s best ally. While the captain is busy with court logistics, this teammate “reads the room,” sends encouraging texts after a tough loss, and makes sure everyone feels included. His ability to foster a positive, cohesive atmosphere is a huge relief for the captain. By building and maintaining team morale, the team psychologist allows the captain to focus on the big picture, knowing that the team’s spirit is in good hands.

The closer: The captain’s secret weapon

The captain’s job involves a lot of pressure, especially when a crucial match hangs in the balance. The closer is the player you

hand the racquet to when it’s all on the line. He may not be the highest ranked on the team, but he has a knack for staying calm and performing when it matters most. His ice-cold composure and laser focus in high-stakes situations takes the pressure off the captain. When everyone else is tightening up, The closer is delivering, providing a consistent source of confidence that can change the outcome of a match and even a season.

The team cheerleader: The captain’s motivator

Every captain knows the team’s energy is a key factor in winning, and the team cheerleader is the one who keeps spirits high. This teammate is a source of boundless optimism, celebrating every good shot and reminding everyone that, win or lose, we still get to escape reality for a few hours every week and enjoy tennis with our ALTA community. When a match is going south, he is the first to offer words of encouragement. This positive energy supports the captain’s leadership and ensures the team’s atmosphere remains resilient.

So, the next time you see your captain tirelessly coordinating details, take a moment to look around at the teammates who make his job easier. The team psychologist, the closer, and the team cheerleader are the true unsung heroes who make the journey of playing ALTA not just possible, but also truly enjoyable.

by

Photos

Laura Barnard

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

BY DAVID ROWE, ALTA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

ALTA has always taken great pride in recognizing members who display great sportsmanship. The Senior Women pictured above are perfect examples of the comaraerie and sportsmanship of ALTA. Recently, we decided to name this award after longtime volunteer Loretta Phillips. She had a profound impact on ALTA and the Atlanta tennis community. Please join us in honoring this season’s Loretta Phillips Sportsmanship Award winners.

Whatever It Takes!

Senior Men: Chattahoochee River Club C3, Steven Custer, Bradley Selbst, Matt Gross Nominated by: Kevin Gregson, Parsons Run

We arranged to play our July 4th lines early. During our line three match, the skies opened up, and it rained. Although we planned to finish our match the next evening, Steven, Brad, and Matt offered to dry the court if we wanted to wait and continue play. Their neighborhood is 25 minutes from ours, so we preferred to try to finish the match. They dried the courts, the weather held up, and we were able to complete the match. The “above and beyond” effort of Steven, Brad, and Matt was greatly appreciated.

Being flexible is key!

Senior Women: River Oak S&R C1, Gloria Coble

Nominated by: Kim Shealy, Cedar Creek S&R

First match of the season and we, Cedar Creek S&R, requested an earlier start time to prevent the possibility of playing until 11 p.m., as many of the ladies still work. Pouring rain the evening before, volunteers and teammates from Cedar Creek worked hard to dry the courts and make them playable. The courts are well shaded, and with minimal sun during the day, it made it

True Good Sportsmanship on display at the Senior Women C3 City Finals (L-R) Hamilton Mill’s Angie Hutson and Lori D’adamio and Sugar Creek’s Eva Gleaton and Kim King.

difficult to dry the courts. Gloria and her team from River Oak agreed to a 6 p.m. start time and came with bells on ready to play at Cedar Creek.

Lines one and two were ready to play but with the heavy rain created ongoing issues with the shaded court. The team captains determined that Cedar Creek only had one court dry enough to play on. Gloria and her teammates jumped into action and reserved three courts in their subdivision for our first match! We packed up the food and both teams arrived at River Oak S&R ready to play. The match began at the original scheduled time. Play continued as the players asked for the lights to be turned on about 7:20 p.m. Luckily, one of the River Oak players is on the neighborhood’s board and both teams’ captains began searching for the switch, and the board member began making phone calls! Play continued with all lines complete by 10 p.m. Flexibility became the motto for the season. Thank you, River Oak S&R, for being so willing to accommodate and adjust on the fly and for making our first match of the season so enjoyable!

Kindness in the summer heat

Mixed Doubles: Druid Hills A8, Niccole and Scott Burton

Nominated by: Missy Martin, Cherokee Town Club

My partner and I played Niccole Burton and her husband, Scott, on Saturday June 14th. When the match concluded, my partner had medical issues due to the long match and heat. The Burtons were awesome to track me down when they knew he was not OK. They helped find a doctor, had the pro shop call an ambulance, and helped monitor him until help arrived. Niccole also continued to check in throughout the day to make sure all was well. They went above and beyond to show great sportsmanship!

TRIED TO PLAY EARLY, BUT…

We’ve scheduled our holiday match early. What happens if it rains on that date? Do we have until the default day to play the match?

Seth

Appelbaum, Senior Leagues Vice President

If you schedule a match early, and inclement weather makes it impossible to play, the players involved can certainly choose another early date to play the matches. If they cannot agree on another early date, the match should be played ON THE DATE ON THE ALTA SCHEDULE. The match date does not go to the default date when an early scheduled match is rained out.

ALTA Member Handbook, page 36: Inclement Weather

2. Matches Played in Advance of the Scheduled Date. If one or more positions are to be played in advance of the regularly scheduled date and have been delayed or interrupted by inclement weather, then all parties must wait one hour to determine if conditions improve. If conditions have not improved or the courts are

Digital Net News?

Is Net News available online?

David Rowe, First Vice President

Yes! If you’ve misplaced your copy of the Net News magazine or just want to share a story with someone who doesn’t get the magazine, visit netnewsmag.com.

not playable after waiting the required one hour, then the match, or matches, must be played before or on the originally scheduled date. Regular default rules will apply. (See ALTA Rule VI. E.)

Stormy Weather

Since the weather can be unpredictable, what happens if it starts thundering and lightning during our match but it does not rain?

Nicole Jennings, Mixed Doubles League Vice President

On page 154 in the USTA Friend at Court, thunder and lightning situations are addressed.

Lightning is a potential severe hazard and life-threatening consequence of an approaching storm near outdoor tennis matches. It is important to be prepared for immediate cessation of all matches

or warm-up in the event of lightning. In essence, if lightning is sighted, stop all activity and direct everyone to seek appropriate shelter. A 30-30 rule may be used, which is as follows:

• If lightning is sighted and thunder then occurs in 30 seconds or less, instruct everyone on site to seek appropriate shelter. Dividing the number of seconds between lightning and thunder by 5 gives the distance of lightning in miles. (For example, a flash-to-bang count of 30 seconds means a distance of 6 miles.)

• Resume tennis activity after a minimum of 30 minutes has elapsed since the last lightning strike was seen.

DID YOU EVER WONDER ABOUT … ?

If you’ve ever had a situation occur in a match where no one on the court knew the rule that applied, send your inquiry to Good Question. ALTA officials answer questions in each issue of Net News and yours could be chosen next. Submit your question, along with your name, league, team name and level to altaeditor@ altatennis.org.

by Laura Barnard

Photos

Developing A Growth Mindset

Tennis stars, the weather is cooling down and the hot summer tennis season has passed. It’s a really good time to recalibrate your goals for the game to where you feel you can enjoy the sport more and find more success. In my professional playing days, I found the fall was always a time where I was fit and confident with my game because the tour was being hosted at glorious locations.

When fall came around, the tour moved indoors and the weather turned bad. The indoor season presented challenges, so I would use that time to work on areas of my game that was letting me down under pressure. One year specifically, I set a goal to improve my return of serve by studying video of what I was doing and comparing that to what the best returners were doing differently.

The bottom line is to keep evolving and leaning into why the game is fun for you no matter what the result is at the end of the match.

This kept me engaged and focused on development instead of results. Most of the time, the fall produced solid results because areas that let me down would improve. I recommend the same for your growth as a player. These are not massive changes but just little tweaks that won’t require a technical “root canal” on your game. Talk to your coach or teammates to see where they feel you could improve. It was easy for me because my brother, Murphy, is always direct and the better I played the more we won as a doubles team — which meant he made more money!

I’m a big fan of developing a growth mindset to anything you face in life. Your tennis is no exception. Be honest regarding where it needs to go and find answers in the world around you. For me, sometimes it was a racquet or string change. The bottom line is to keep evolving and leaning into why the game is fun for you no matter what the result is at the end of the match. I really enjoy the challenge the game provides sometimes simply to hit a better ball on the day, all the way to enjoying the people I’ve met through tennis.

Until next time, keep going for winners!

PURE STRIKE - CARBON GREY EDITION

Captains—Be Prepared!

Be smart with breaks on change overs and after you split sets. Breaks are important, so use your time wisely.

BY MARCUS J. HURTIG, OWNER, OZ TENNIS ACADEMY

When temperatures soar, we all realize how important it is to prepare our bodies for a match. But we should pay attention to these preparations no matter what season the calendar shows. The fall season is underway, so please address the information below to your team so all can be on the same page.

Hydration

Plan to start this process the night before you play. A mixture of water and electrolytes are a huge help. Personally, I find that coconut water and gel packets are great to have on hand for all to enjoy. Captains: Get your coolers full for your team!

Breaks

Be smart with breaks on change overs and after you split sets. Breaks are important, so use your time wisely. After you split sets, eat a banana and/or go to the bathroom, which is generally a cool place to hang out, temperature-wise. You have 10 minutes between sets; use this time wisely.

Equipment changes

Keep up to date with your grips — you’ll get sweaty; you’ll lose your grip, so come prepared with extra. Bring a spare change of clothes for the match as well. You’ll go through a shirt or three in these temps. Don’t forget sweatbands. These will help not having to change grips as often.

Safety

— sun protection

Sunscreen up! You’ll sweat it off, so remember to reapply; it will save you and the day after. People will struggle in this weather so if a little extra time is needed, be a GOOD sport.

Captains: Be prepared with all of this to help your teammates and opponents if needed.

Marcus Hurtig is an ALTA ambassador, AA1 Captain (ITA Atlanta), Doubles specialist, TCAV (Level 1/2/3), and owner/operator of OZ Tennis Academy (oztennisacademy.com).

Four Easy Tips to Improve Your Practice and Match Play Performance

BY KEN DEHART, USPTA MASTER PROFESSIONAL AND PTR MASTER PROFESSIONAL, ARA INDIVIDUAL MEMBER

Tennis is like any other ball sport; there are three basic skills. All ball skills involve using the same skills used by athletes in every other sport; catch = volley, toss = ground stroke, and throw = serve. The tactical, movement, and mental skills are the glue that make them all work in competition.

Be specific in your pre match warm up

Begin with the spin

Go through the actual movements you will use in playing a match in your pre-match warm-up. Awaken the muscles and movement you will actually use as you play the game, in your warm-up. Not only will you activate your body to perform these movements and motions, but you can also do it without the interference of the receiving and sending of the ball. Going through the strokes and movement in front of a mirror, or even a sliding glass door, creates a mental and physical neural pathway to perform with less thought. If you have good technique, you can close your eyes to practice your swings and your muscles will perform exactly as the picture in your mind.

Before starting to warm up, rules say you must determine how you will begin the match by the spin of the racquet.

• If you win and choose to serve, you should spend more time practicing your serve.

• The first receiver will serve but should spend more time returning the opponent’s warm-up serve, as that is what they do to start the match.

• In doubles, the first server should spend more time preparing their serve while the opponent who serves next will also focus more on serve preparation.

• The third server will take more overheads as a serve warm-up but also return several serves as they will play two games before serving.

• The fourth server will take several overheads and a few serves but focus mostly on practicing returning the other team players serves as he will play three games before serving. 32 1 32 2

32 3

The no topspin zone

Once on the court and the typical short court warm-up begins, use under spin to warm up. From this part of the court, you typically will be hitting a volley, drop shot, or underspin approach shot. Most players practice abbreviated topspin swings that do not translate to how they will actually hit during the match from that part of the court. As you move back, go to three quarter court and continue to use some underspin but begin to introduce topspin as well. Once on the baseline, you are free to use either as you may be attacking or defending from that part of the court, even under-spinning a first serve return. It is important in the warm-up to warm up your eyes and footwork as they will determine the quality of your shots in the match. Tips could include:

• Trying to average 6-8 steps between shots, even from the service line.

• “Yes or No,” saying it to yourself as “Yes,” I saw the ball spin before I hit it or “No,” I did not see the ball spin before I contacted the ball.

• Your eyes will tell you where and when to move to the ball and when to swing. That is why it is called “eyehand coordination” vs “hand-eye coordination.”

32 4

Targets — big targets

Servers typically have three targets: A=alley, B=body, C=center. Serve into the receiver’s body to limit extension on the return motion. This can force the receiver to move away from the ball to return early in the serve game. You don’t have to serve aces at the beginning of the match. Make the receiver play the ball and eliminate the pressure of having to make a great second serve. At that point, the receiver knows they have to get the ball in play. When you have a game or set point, don’t go for the ace, the first serve puts all the pressure on the receiver — they miss it and they lose.

Receivers have five targets in singles and three in doubles.

• Singles receiving, like the server, you start with a target for the return, even before they serve to you. Big target, right back at the server, where they are most off balance recovering from their serve motion.

• The other targets are the four “squares” on the opponent’s court, short angle return to the deuce service court, deep to the square behind the deuce service court, deep to the square behind the add service court, or short to the add court.

Tennis is a target sport. Make sure you start with a target in mind and then adjust as needed. Each player or coach has routines or game plans that work for them. Switching your game plan can allow you to adjust for each type of opponent or how you are playing on that particular day.

Instructing Tennis Students On Angles

Tennis

101, 102, and 103

I believe that many of the key components of proper stroke production, like footwork needed, spacing, and assessing various speeds … should be more relatable to what is happening in live ball play.

BY STEWART RUSSELL, RSPA MASTER PROFESSIONAL

Once a range of acceptability of the parameters of the technical aspects associated with a groundstroke and/or a volley are established, and a coach feels like a proficient stroke can be maintained, PLEASE, PLEASE begin to introduce the many key variables and decision-making skills students will have to be able to perform when receiving and sending balls to and from different ANGLES

Let’s face it folks, from the start of every tennis point the ball is being received and or sent is on some type of an angle. I feel that part of the developmental process may be stunted if students continue to be fed balls (when being instructed) in lessons and/or drills from directly in front of them for an extended period of time. I still don’t understand why a traditional doubles warmup takes place with the person in front of you down the line/straight ahead and then once play starts everything begins cross-court on an angle, but that’s a topic for discussion for another day. (Coaches discretion on when to begin incorporating, and when many of the technical aspects of a stroke have become proficient).

I believe that many of the key components of proper stroke production, like footwork needed, spacing, and assessing various speeds, shapes, spins on an attempted stroke should be more relatable to what is happening in live ball play. Each student will be different on how long it may take for this progression, but in my opinion, I am starting to sense too many coaches keeping students in what I am calling the technical stage of stroke development (Stage 1) for possibly too long.

Once students begin to understand the skills needed to send and receive balls on angles (Stage 2), then blending various shapes and spins (Stage 3) also can be implemented when feeding, instructing, and drilling.

There is a growing emphasis (at the next level) on decision-making, court awareness, ball recognition, and when and how to redirect the ball. The progression to a more advanced level and the swing principles needed to perform this skill are exacerbated when balls are received and sent from an angle.

Swing Sports Comparison on the different Angles Balls are Struck

Sports like golf (stationary object when striking) are Stage 1 sports (technical and linear); baseball with various spins, speeds, and shapes are Stage 1 and 3 sports; and tennis is a Stage 1, 2, and 3 sport. Let’s make sure our instruction/coaching reflects what is needed to compete when playing. You might be a great hitter of the ball but be a poor player and it might directly correlate to how long you spend developing swing principles in each stage. A coach should help guide students through the progressions.

Game, Set, Recovery

How Tennis Motivation Helped Barry Move Better and Live Stronger

BY RESURGENS ORTHOPAEDICS

An ALTA member shares his journey through hip replacement and rehab to get back on the court and return to the sport he loves.

Barry, a longtime ALTA tennis player from Stockbridge, had reached a point where walking was more difficult than playing tennis. Arthritis in his left knee and right hip made everyday tasks painful. Eventually, even climbing stairs or walking to his car became a challenge. Despite that, he kept playing. Not because it was easy but because it mattered.

“I was able to play tennis better than I could walk,” he said. “That sounds strange, but it was just desire carrying me through the matches. Walking to my car afterward was the hardest part.”

By the time he sought help, Barry was struggling to move around at all. “I couldn’t walk and my wife can’t walk either, so I’m the one who does all the walking for both of us. I needed to be on my feet.”

Barry first learned about Resurgens Orthopaedics through a friend on the tennis court. “One of my tennis buddies mentioned Resurgens to me and I remembered the name. I looked them up, saw the office was close, and decided it was time to stop putting it off. I tend to procrastinate when it comes to taking care of myself, but this time I knew I needed help.”

Barry scheduled an evaluation with Dr. Brustein, a hip and knee specialist at Resurgens Orthopaedics. During the visit, Dr. Brustein suspected a possible blood clot and took immediate action. “He had me at a vein specialist within 15 minutes,” Barry said. “And he was right. That moment showed me I was in good hands.”

“I was able to play tennis better than I could walk,” he said. “That sounds strange, but it was just desire carrying me through the matches. Walking to my car afterward was the hardest part.”

What made the biggest impression was Dr. Brustein’s familiarity with the sport. “He understood tennis...He knows the body and how it moves in motion, especially during tennis. That gave me a lot of confidence in the plan.”

Once the blood clot was addressed, the focus shifted back to what brought Barry in to begin with, which was the growing pain in his hip that was interfering with the sport he loved. Without a solution, he might have to give it up for good.

What made the biggest impression was Dr. Brustein’s familiarity with the sport. “He understood tennis. We talked about the game and that made me feel like I had the right guy. He knows the body and how it moves in motion, especially during tennis. That gave me a lot of confidence in the plan.”

As the pain in his hip became more limiting, Barry knew he had a decision to make. He had never had surgery before and was hesitant at first, but the idea of losing his mobility for good helped him decide what he wanted to do. “I wanted to keep playing tennis, but more importantly, I had to walk,” he said. “Dr. Brustein explained the options and I decided to move forward with a right hip replacement. I hoped that if I got one leg strong it would help take pressure off the other.”

That decision proved to be the right one. Within two months of surgery Barry was back out on the tennis courts. “Dr. Brustein told me after six weeks I could start hitting the ball again, just not play any matches. I tried but I didn’t feel great, so I backed off for another three weeks. Then I went back out and hit and I felt pretty good. My body just needs time to adjust.”

Tennis has been a key part of Barry’s recovery. It is not just a hobby; it is a motivator. “I’ve played twice since the surgery and while I’m not where I want to be yet, I’m improving. I know I’ll get there. I just need to keep moving and stay consistent.”

Barry completed four weeks of in-home physical therapy followed by outpatient rehab, which he recently completed. “Every therapist told me I was ahead of the curve and Dr. Brustein said the same — that I looked good and just needed to keep walking. That was great to hear.”

His advice for others who are hesitant about surgery is clear. “If you want to get back in the game, give yourself a shot. Go for it. I know people with double knee or hip replacements who are playing again. I’ve only done one hip and it made a big difference. I only wish I’d done it a month sooner. I probably would have been able to play with my team this season.”

Barry’s plan is to keep building strength and confidence with each outing. “I’ll definitely be back within a month. Probably sooner. Once I get regular court time, it’ll all come back. It’s like riding a bike.”

With his new hip, Barry is not just walking again. He is moving with purpose and with every step getting closer to his game.

What’s New In Tracking Apps And Wearable Technology?

BY PAGE LOVE, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, PTR, AND ETHAN ROLNICK, SUMMER NUTRITION INTERN

Even at the highest-quality tournaments, many racquet sports players may not be taking advantage of all the tools available to enhance their performance. Often, players do not hydrate optimally, don’t eat properly, and don’t fully recover. In fact, many may not realize just how much hydrating fluids and carbohydrate fuels we need. Last issue, we focused on how to assess hydration needs. This issue, we will focus on the most popular and beneficial nutrition, hydration, and fitness apps that can help your fueling, hydration, diet, nutrition, and recovery for improved on-court performance.

For example, there are apps to ensure we are eating the right nutrients to help us perform better. But what about training? There are apps to help players see if they are consistently getting better and developing their skills. But, perhaps most important is recovery. No matter how hard a person trains, they will only get better if they let their body fully recover. There are apps that can let a person know if they are recovering optimally and where they can improve. Plus, users can monitor their sleep, which is a crucial component of recovery.

Wearable Technology

WHOOP is an app and connected device that can track a person’s biometrics 24/7. The app allows users to view their sleep, recovery, and other important health metrics. Furthermore, the app can provide personalized recommendations. Regarding nutrition, there is a daily journal feature where users can log their hydration levels, nutrition choices, and their supplement intake. For example, this app could show a player if they have poor hydration, which could lead to lower recovery scores, a higher resting heart rate, and an increased heat illness risk. The combination of physiological data could give users positive feedback regarding what they consume and how they perform and recover.

Samsung Health-Sweat analysis function is a feature of Samsung Health that works like a sweat loss estimator. It is available for people who have a Galaxy Watch. This analysis measures how much fluid a person loses during a running-type exercise. This function also shows users their heart rate, their steps per minute, and their distance. This can be beneficial to users in many ways since racquet sports players can lose significant fluids during matches. This app can help players know how much water or electrolytes they need post-match, how they should be hydrating before matches, and whether they are dehydrated. The app also can let a player know how much sweat they are losing based on the environment, such as a hot climate or cold climate, or an indoor court versus an outdoor court. Samsung also offers a Health-Workout Detection & Tracking feature:

This can track heart rate, calories burned, movement intensity, V02 Max, and heart rate zones, which is beneficial for optimizing training by measuring cardiovascular intensity during rally points. This feature also can track steps and give players recovery insights for better match preparation.

Garmin is a smartwatch and fitness tracker designed for people with active lifestyles. The app has a built-in GPS that can track a player’s position, distance, and speed. This is great for players who want to analyze their movement on the court. The watch also has a heart rate monitor, and on select models there is a pulse oximeter which can measure blood oxygen levels to help players see how they are doing when it comes to recovery and endurance. Lastly, the app has an accelerometer which can detect quick and short movements. All of these functions can be beneficial to racquet sports players for tracking on-court movement, gaining recovery insights, and monitoring training intensity.

Fitbit is a wearable that can measure a user’s heart rate, steps, sleep quality, how active they are, and what foods they eat. The app allows users to monitor calories burned during training sessions and matches. Players also can use the hydration logging feature to input how many fluids they get every day to ensure optimal hydration. Players also can take advantage of the stress and recovery tools such as mindfulness and breathing sessions. And for anyone who is looking for a little extra motivation, they can join group challenges and make new friends through Fitbit communities. Lastly, players can use the goal setting and progress tracking features. To set themselves apart from their rivals, Fitbit focuses on everyday wellness for everybody, not just for athletes. It accomplishes this by showing that health monitoring is approachable, not intimidating.

Food/Nutrition Intake Tracking Apps

Macrofactor is a science-based nutrition and macro tracking app designed to help users optimize their diets. This app uses a dynamic algorithm that adapts to your calorie and macro targets weekly, based on real-time metabolism, body weight trends, and goals. The app can help players ensure they are eating enough to fuel high-quality performance, recovering optimally in between practices and matches, and staying within a healthy body composition range to support speed, agility, and endurance. A cool feature of this app is that it has progress charts, which make it easier to visualize trends in body weight and calorie intake. This could be helpful to racquet sports athletes because it can help them track how much food they are eating and what kinds of food they are eating, which will have a major impact on performance.

Cronometer is an accurate science-based nutrition tracking app that counts calories while also focusing on macronutrients. Users

also can track their water intake, energy balance, and certain biometrics like heart rate and weight. Since tennis players lose key electrolytes through match play, this app can help them track and replenish those electrolytes. The app also can help players track their protein, iron, and vitamin intake to ensure they are recovering optimally. Coaches also can take advantage of Cronometer by monitoring their players’ diet and ensuring that they are eating enough high-quality and nutritious food.

See How You Eat (SHYE) is a visual food diary that focuses on mindful eating and healthy habit building by encouraging users to take pictures of their meals. The main goal is to make food tracking simpler and faster for people who do not want to count their calories. The app’s minimalist design and data entry keep everything simple. The app also helps users notice patterns, such as late-night eating or meal skipping. This app can be especially useful for tennis players because they need consistent fuel intake for energy and performance. SHYE can help players track meal timing, making it easier to spot and fix any possible gaps in their nutrition. It also will help them see what they are eating before and after matches, letting the players know what works best for their energy and endurance levels. Lastly, the SHYE app is perfect for racquet sports athletes who want to track their overall health and nutrition but find themselves limited on time.

Macronutrient Tracking Apps

MyFitnessPal is designed to help users track their nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness goals. This app can be especially beneficial for people who want to track their calorie intake and physical activity. MyFitnessPal is unique because it has a huge food database, including restaurant meals and branded products. Users simply access the built-in barcode scanner for easy logging of packaged foods. The app also features a sense of community as users can join forums, add friends, and get support from each other. This app can be useful for players who want to optimize their energy intake and make sure they are eating enough carbs and calories to meet their expenditure needs. The app also can help racquet sports athletes by tracking their fluids and sodium/ potassium-rich foods to ensure they will not have any cramps or dehydration issues — especially during tournament play.

Lose It! is similar to My Fitness Pal in that it can help users lose or maintain weight by logging food and exercise. The app also can assist people with personalized health goals. It is beginner-friendly, visually appealing, and is focused on simplicity and accountability. This app can be beneficial to tennis players monitoring their calorie intake vs. calories burned, for logging training sessions, monitoring their heart rate and movement, and viewing caloric and weight trends.

Page Love is an avid ALTA participant and sport dietitian/nutrition advisor for the WTA and ATP professional tours. She serves on the USTA sport science committee, consults with Resurgens Orthopaedics, and has a private practice in Sandy Springs. You can reach her at nutrifitga.com. Ethan Rolnick is a rising junior at Yeshiva University and currently is finishing his dietetic internship.

Liquid Refreshment

There’s more than one way to ensure you stay properly hydrated before, during, and after your tennis or pickleball matches. Water? Sure, it’s great and we all need it, but sometimes you just want something … more. So, here are a few recent drink recipes from your fellow ALTA members. Enjoy!

Melon & Mint!

Watermelon Refresher

Derek Wu, Vickery Mill, Men A6

8 cups of diced watermelon

2 tsp. lime zest

6 Tbsp. lime juice

1 cup of coconut water

mint leaves, sparkling water or something to make this a hard refresher optional

Add watermelon, lime zest, lime juice, and coconut water to blender. Blend until smooth. Then add any preferred optional choices, such as sparkling water, before adding ice and serving. Enjoy!

Refreshing & Replenishing

Citrus Electrolyte Mocktail

Thanh Thai, WP Jones Park, Mixed Doubles B4

1 cup coconut water (electrolyte boost)

½ cup sparkling water or club soda (fizz!)

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of ½ orange

1 tsp. honey or agave (optional for a touch of sweetness)

Pinch of sea salt (for sodium recovery)

Crushed ice

Mint leaves for garnish

Orange or lime slice for garnish

In a shaker or glass, combine coconut water, lime juice, orange juice, sea salt, and honey/agave. Stir or shake until well mixed. Fill a tall glass with crushed ice. Pour in the juice mixture. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with mint and a citrus slice. Sip, smile, and get ready for the next match.

Frosty & Refreshing

Frozen Citrus Mint Slushie

Samaira Pal, Falls of Autry Mill, Junior Girls B1

1 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1 cup coconut water or plain water

2 Tbsp. honey or agave syrup (to taste)

10-12 fresh mint leaves

2 cups ice

Blend the base: Add all ingredients (juices, water, honey, mint, and salt) into a high-speed blender. Blend until the mint is broken down and the mixture is smooth.

Add ice and blend again: Add the ice and blend on high until it reaches a slushie consistency. You also can use frozen citrus juice cubes instead of ice for a thicker, more flavorful slush.

Freeze ahead (optional): Pour the slushie into a freezer-safe container or thermos and freeze for 2-3 hours before your event. This will make it extra icy and help it stay slushie-like longer.

Serve courtside: Pour into insulated cups or tumblers, garnish with citrus wedges or mint leaves. Stir before serving if it starts separating.

Optional: a pinch of salt for electrolytes. Optional garnish: citrus slices or mint sprigs.

Pro Tip: Freeze it in a mason jar or thermos, and pack it with ice packs in a cooler. It will stay slushie for hours — just shake and sip!

Simple & Filling

Courtside Banana Strawberry

Smoothie

Darya Yanul, 10U Junior Girls C1

4 fresh strawberries

2 fresh bananas

1 ½ cups of almond milk

½ cup of blueberries

¼ cup of milk

Blend and enjoy. Simple, low calorie, and easy to digest.

Junior Boys (Correction)

by Matthew Helton | majestickphotography.shootproof.com

JUNIOR BOYS

10C3 Cambridge (Aleksei Solovev, team manager)

10C5 Chattahoochee River Club (Eric Zimmerman, team manager)

12C1 James Creek TC (Arun Prasad, team manager)

12C3 Sharon Springs Park (Varun Yadav, team manager)

12C4 Bunten Road Park (Alex Langley, team manager)

12C5 James Creek TC (Dinesh Kovuri, team manager)

15B1 James Creek TC (Jemin Vora, team manager)

15C4 Wild Timber (Elisa Lake, team manager)

15C1 Wynterhall (Alex Salas, team manager)

18A1 WAF Rec (Desmond McLennon, team manager)

15C3 Arbors at Lakeview (Venkata Kiran Madu, team manager)

18B1 St Ives CC (Stuart Marcus, team manager)

Photos

STANDINGS SUMMER 2024

Photos by Matthew Helton

A7

A5

71

PLACE 65

PARK 54

CREEK 2 42

CC 37

IVES CC 31

01 FOWLER PARK 85

A1 James Creek TC (Theresa Rigney, captain)

AA2 Sugar Creek (Lennox Marshall, captain)

AA3 Bitsy Grant/Hard Courts (Hannah Kidd, captain)

AA1 The Manor Golf & Country Club (Jason Dolan, captain)

MAYFAIR/ST CLAIR 28

CC OF ROSWELL (MUNROE) 17 05

BEACH (BLANCHARD) 54

WATERS EDGE 51

RIVERMIST/GWINNE 48

DEKALB TC 45

BLACKBURN (WATERMAN) 37

BLACKBURN (PRESTON) 37 03 BENTWATER 74

DELLINGER PARK (WILSON) 65

CREEKSIDE GOLF & 62

WALKERS RIDGE 51

DELLINGER PARK (STILL) 48 LEGACY PARK 40

MARIETTA CC 28

BROOKSTONE CC 28

04 HORSESHOE BEND (KAHLE) 71 HORSESHOE BEND (MILLER) 65

EAST ROSWELL PAR 60

PEACHTREE STATIO 57

HAMPTON HALL/FUL 51

CC OF ROSWELL (BIEBER) 48

A7 Bobby Bailey TC at Alberta Banks Park (Karleigh Dills, captain)

A8 Crabapple Lake/Parc (Joe Brown III, captain)

A4 Dellinger Park (Heather Hayes, captain)

A5 Pangborn (Virginia Parler, captain)

A2 Riverside S&T (Miles Zadnichek, captain)

A3 Bitsy Grant/Hard Courts (Maria Maenza, captain)

B1 Mountain Oaks (Darryl Smith, captain)

B2 Seven Hills (John Kubow, captain)

B6 Bridgemill Athletic Club (Kellen Jameson, captain)

B5 St. Marlo CC (Neetica Kakkar, captain)

B4 Glen Abbey I (Christina Patel, captain)

B3 Woodland Park (Stacey Stephens, captain)

BRIARCLIFF WOODS 37

EAGLES LANDING 34

SUGAR CREEK 25

02 EE ROBINSON PARK (KIM) 65

EE ROBINSON PARK (SONG) 65 TURTLE CREEK (GILBERT) 60

STERLING ON THE 48 DANIEL PARK 42

TURTLE CREEK (LLOYD) 40

HEDGEROWS 40

BAKERS FARM 37

03 WINDERMERE PARK 71 KINGSLEY 65

HUDLOW T C 51

CC OF ROSWELL (COX) 51 ATLANTA ATHLETIC 51

GOLF & 31

01 DEKALB TC (EDWARDS) 77

LESTER TC 68

CRAIG PA 68

TC (STOCKARD) 51 PANGBORN 37

NESBIT LAKES 48

THE HIGHLANDS @ 45

CC OF ROSWELL (VANDERLIP) 14

04 WESTBROOK 80

ST MARLO CC 68

OLDE ATLANTA CLU 62

NORTHERN OAKS SU 60

THORNGATE 42

RIVERMOORE PARK 40

BELLMOORE PARK 22

VICKERY 22

05 CASTEEL HEIGHTS 65

HICKORY SPRINGS 60

LAUREL PARK 57

PINETREE CC 45

STILESBORO TRACE 45

DELLINGER PARK 45

SWEET PINE CREEK 40 CHESTNUT HILL 40 06 MOUNTAIN CREEK R 80 HIGHLAND RIDGE 68

57 LOST FORREST 54

S&T 48

OAK REC 34 ARBOR BRIDGE 31 ROSWELL PARK 25 07

C5 Kennworth TC (Lauren Harris, captain)

C7 Lockridge Forest (Alissa Snyder-Hannah, captain)

C1 Longlake Swim/Tennis (Ben Lee, captain)

C3 Parkstone (Donovan Day, captain)

B7 Chestnut Creek (Jennifer Auxier, captain)

B8 Lakehaven (Karthik Vijayakumar, captain)

HAMILTON MILL I 57 LAUREL SPRINGS/F 42

SWIM & 40 STANDARD CLUB 31

ABBOTTS COVE 31

06 BUNTEN ROAD PARK 74

RIVERMIST/GWINNE 62 ST MARLO CC 57

APALACHEE RIVER 54

RIVERBROOKE (DUL 40

LAKES 40

WEST 40

TOWNE LAKE HILLS 48 CENTENNIAL LAKES 31 MARIETTA CC 25

CC 71

OAK CREEK ESTATE 60 NORTH LANDING 54

LEGACY PARK 51

HAMILTON TOWNSHI 34

ARTHURS VINEYARD 28 CAMDEN POINTE 22 03 CHEROKEE TENNIS 65 RIVER GREEN 65

LEES CROSSING 28 BENTWATER 17 02 OLDE ATLANTA CLU 82

MILL I 71

CLUB 65 HALES TRACE 60

45

45 RIVERMIST/GWINNE 17 BROOKWOOD MANOR 11 03 CAMERON FOREST 71

OAKS 71

HILLS C 31 07

03 CCS - BARNWELL C 82

74

HILLS 60

54

FIELDS II 54

TIME PICKLE 51

CORNER 45

40

GOLF VIL 37

CC 74

62

57

51

CREEK (SMITH) 48

34

CREEK (KEES) 20

02 CAMBRIDGE 68

SEVEN OAKS 62

KENSINGTON FARMS 57 NOTTING HILL 48 CHICKERING 45 WOODFIELD 42

DUNMOOR S&T 40 NORTH FOREST 34

03 ARBOR VIEW 82

CHESTNUT CREEK 77

SENTINEL WEST 54

SERENADE 51

WOODBINE STATION 48

HANOVER WOODS 34

CHARLTON FORGE 28

HAMILTON TOWNSHI 22

04 CHATTAHOOCHEE RI 74

ABERDEEN 74

HAMILTON MILL II 65

CANTERBURY WOODS 57

HEBRON CHRISTIAN 42 THE PRESERVE 40

WILDWOOD 34 ST IVES CC 11

B8

01 GLENLAKE I 65

SUMMERGROVE 62

RICHARD CRAIG PA (ROBINSO) 60

GLEN 60 OXFORD LAKES 48

45

OAKS 42

@ FOR 34

SPRINGS 25

SHARON LESTER TC 80 SUGAR CREEK 68

WOODS 65 BLACKBURN 60 WASHINGTON PARK 45 SOUTHLAND CC 31 ITP TRAINING ACA (KATZ) 31 ITP TRAINING ACA (BAKHTIA) 17

C7

01 LOCKRIDGE FOREST 82

MEDLOCK BRIDGE - 65

PEACHTREE CORNER 60 BRIDLE RIDGE 54

51 WESTCHESTER S&T 48 CAMBRIDGE 22 SEVEN OAKS 14

C5

MILL 31

01 CHADDS WALK 74 KENNWORTH TC 71

HILLS 65

ON THE L 60

MILL COMMU 48

VIEW 34

SENIOR WOMEN

AA1

01 DELLINGER PARK 75

SENTINEL LAKE 16

AA3

01

A1

01

MANOR (WILSON) 50

BROOKWOOD MANOR (RICHWINE) 50

WINDSOR CREEK 50

ROCKDALE TENNIS 41

EVERGREEN LAKES 33

A7

01 CHATTAHOOCHEE RI 96

A3

01

TURTLE CREEK 71

GRANDVIEW THE EN 53

STERLING ON THE (MARTIN) 46

STERLING ON THE (WHITE) 46

EE ROBINSON PARK 39

VICTOR LORD PARK 28

THE CLUB @ EDGEW 17

02 CAMBRIDGE 75

BERKELEY HILLS C 70

TPC @ SUGARLOAF 66

MEDLOCK BRIDGE - 62

SEVEN OAKS (SMUTKO) 29

CC OF THE SOUTH 25

SEVEN OAKS (COOK) 20

03 ECHO RIDGE 95 BRITTANY 50

MCGHEE TC 33

SUGAR CREEK 20

04 THE MANOR GOLF & 82

CARMICHAEL FARMS 71

FOWLER PARK 60

HAMPTON HALL/FUL 46

CROOKED CREEK 39

FIELDSTONE (REED) 39 POLO GOLF & CC 35

FIELDSTONE (MCALPINE) 25

05 BENTWATER 66

DELLINGER PARK 66

THE WATERFORD 58

WYNGATE SOUTH 50

GOVERNORS TOWNE 50

MARIETTA CC 29

BRIDGEMILL ATHLE 29

06 TERRELL MILL T C (CARSON) 83

TERRELL MILL T C (THURMAN) 70

DEER LICK PARK 62

SWEETWATER T C 54

FAIR OAKS TC 33

VININGS ESTATES 33

ECHO MILL II 12

07 WESTCHESTER S&T (GAY) 64

JEFFERSON TOWNSH 64

HIGHLAND POINTE 57

HARRISON TC 53

BROOKFIELD CC 50

CHEROKEE TENNIS (CURRY) 46

CHEROKEE TENNIS (GREENE) 32

WESTCHESTER S&T (CROWDER) 32

08 CAMDEN PLACE 75

ASHEBROOKE S&T 71

EAST ROSWELL PAR 53

WEXFORD 42

HORSESHOE BEND 42

HUNTCLIFF/FUL 39 CHADDS WALK 39

WYNTERHALL 35

B1

01 INDIAN HILLS CC 70

LEES CROSSING 70

SIBLEY FOREST 58

CREEKSIDE GOLF & 54

BROOKSTONE CC 45

HARRISON TC 33

LEGACY PARK 16

02 DUNMOOR S&T 67

HEMBREE GROVE 64

MAYFAIR/ST CLAIR 60

PINEWALK S&T 53

BELLETERRE 50

ST IVES CC 39

HIGHLAND PARK/FU 39

CC OF THE SOUTH 25

03 BRADSHAW FARM 75

TOWNE LAKE HILLS 67

LITCHFIELD 100 60

BRIDGEMILL ATHLE 53

EAGLE WATCH 39

ARBOR VIEW 35

FOXHALL 35

PLANTATION NORTH 32

04 GLENBROOKE 75

CHIMNEY SPRINGS 71

RIVERSIDE S&T 57

SANDY SPRINGS TC (GILL) 57

JACKSON CREEK 57

SANDY SPRINGS TC (REID) 32

INVERNESS 28

PRINCETON LAKES 21

05 WILD TIMBER 62

TWIN CREEKS 58

GRANDVIEW THE EN 54

CHATTAHOOCHEE RI 54

GRAND CASCADES 50

MORNING VIEW 45

EE ROBINSON PARK 25

06 TWIN LAKES 66

CHADWICK CLUB 62

THE FIELDS III 62

WATERS EDGE 58

NORTH FORKE 45

WHITE OAK PLACE 33

SMOKE RISE COUNT 20

07 CHATEAU ELAN WIN 83

HIDDEN FALLS SUB 58

TRADITIONS OF BR 50

BOBBY BAILEY TC 50

RICHLAND 45

TRILOGY PARK 33

WESTOVER/GWINNET 29

08 CREEKSTONE ESTAT 75

DEERLAKE 60

MONTVALE SWIM & 57

ABERDEEN 53

LANIERLAND PARK 50

THORNGATE 42

FOWLER PARK 39

CENTRAL PARK COU 21

B3

01 RIVERMIST/GWINNE 70 DUNCAN’S LAKE TE 70 BRIGHT WATER 58 THE CLUB @ EDGEW 0

02 LAKE FOREST SUBD 78

FOWLER PARK (MEYER) 60

PARK (HAGAN) 57

CHIMNEYS F (BOVEE) 50

MARLO CC 50

RU 46 THREE CHIMNEYS F (STANG) 28

28 03 RIVER

60

AA1 Dellinger Park (Margaret Ellington, captain)

AA3 Saddle Creek 2 (Laurie Schmidt, captain)

C3

C1

A7 Brittany (Annie Fukushima, captain)

A5 Hillbrooke (Heather Heaton, captain)

A3 The Fields III (Jeri Finlay, captain)

A1 Rivermoore Park (Sandy Massey, captain)

B1 Creekstone Estates (Lora Brandonisio, captain)

B3 Highlands at Hamilton Township (Kathy Antoun, captain)

C1 Medlock Bridge—Groomsbridge Road (Pamela Shay, captain)

C3 Hamilton Mill II (Gail Tucker, captain)

B5 Rockdale Tennis Center (Susan Norton, captain)

B7 Springmonte (Lorrie Rowe, captain)

SENIOR MEN

A5 Heritage Farms (Michael Mattix, captain)

A7

Hedgerows (Brian Pham, captain)

AA1 Berkeley Hills CC (Creig Matthieson, captain)

A3 Sugar Creek (William Byrd, captain)

B3 The Ridge (Michael McElhaney, captain)

B1 Highlands at Hamilton Township (Aaron Fullen, captain)

(JOSEPH) 50 JEFFERSON TOWNSH 42 WESTCHESTER S&T 21

CC 10

CHEROKEE TENNIS 70

RUN WEST 50

CHASE 41 TOWNE LAKE HILLS 37 06 HICKORY SPRINGS 75 WOODBRIDGE @ HAM 54

SWEET PINE CREEK 41

CREEKSIDE GOLF & 29

C1

01 JAMES CREEK TC 64 CAMBRIDGE 60 SEVEN OAKS (BRAY) 57 GREEN SUMMERS 57 SEVEN OAKS (DUDZINSKI) 53

FOWLER PARK 39 RIVER GREEN 35 HARRISON TC 32

02 HAMILTON MILL I 100 GLENCREE 41 SHAKERAG 41

DOUBLEGATE 16

03 WOODS OF PARKVIE 91

FOUR SEASONS 45

WESTOVER/GWINNET 33

RIVER OAK S&R 29

C3

01 WINDWARD LAKE 71 RICHLAND 67 SPRING RIDGE 64

WINDERMERE/FORSY 60 WOODFIELD 57 SILVER RIDGE 39 PARSONS RUN 32

CHATTAHOOCHEE RI 7 02 HANARRY ESTATES 79

COOPERS POND 54 FLOWERS CROSSING 33 CONNEMARA 33

03 HIGHLANDS AT HAM 79 CHIMNEY SPRINGS 62 BRISTOL OAKS 37 HIGHLAND PARK/CO 20

C1 Hamilton Mill I (Paul Ashwood, captain)

B5 James Creek TC (Rajesh Krishnamurthy, captain)

C3 Windward Lake (Robert Chaet, captain)

B7 Harrison TC (Derrick Oglesby, captain)

BEATING THE TARGETING GAME

Don’t Let Them Pick On You

BY KYLE D. BURCHER, PICKLEBALL COACH AT LIFE TIME FITNESS ATLANTA

AND PPR CERTIFIED TEACHING

PROFESSIONAL

Picture this: You’re mid-rally, feeling good about your positioning, when suddenly every ball seems to find its way to your side of the court. Your opponents have identified you as the “weak link” and are systematically targeting you. Sound familiar? Welcome to one of pickleball’s most frustrating yet common tactical challenges.

As someone who’s coached thousands of players in the Atlanta area and competed at the highest levels, I’ve seen targeting happen at every skill level. The good news? Being targeted isn’t personal, and it’s definitely not permanent. Let’s dive into why it happens and, more importantly, how to turn the tables.

Why You Might Find Yourself in the Crosshairs

• Technique tells – Your backhand consistently floats high, your footwork is slower, or you struggle with pace changes.

• Court positioning gaps – You’re caught behind the baseline, the transition zone, or frequently leave your partner exposed.

• Mental game weakness – You visibly get frustrated, your body language screams defeat, or you start overthinking every shot.

Here’s what most players don’t realize: targeting is actually a compliment wrapped in frustration. Your opponents have done their homework and identified patterns in your game. The silver lining? Once you recognize these patterns yourself, you can systematically eliminate them.

I remember coaching a 4.0 player who was constantly targeted during tournament play. She had solid groundstrokes but would panic whenever opponents started hitting everything to her backhand corner. We spent a month drilling specific scenarios, and by her next tournament, she was the one doing the targeting. The transformation wasn’t about becoming a different player — it was about becoming a smarter one.

Your Counter-Attack Arsenal

• Master the reset shot – When under pressure, develop a reliable reset that neutralizes pace and gets you back into the rally rather than trying to do too much with a difficult ball.

• Improve your court coverage –Work on split-step timing and lateral movement so you can handle shots to both sides without looking rushed or off-balance.

• Communicate aggressively with your partner – Call out switches, poaches, and coverage adjustments loudly and clearly so you’re both moving as one unit.

The beauty of pickleball is that it rewards intelligence over pure athleticism. I’ve watched 3.5 players dominate 4.5 opponents simply by being more strategic. When you’re being targeted, resist the urge to immediately hit harder or try spectacular shots. Instead, focus on making one more ball than your opponents expect. Consistency under pressure is what separates good players from great ones.

One of my favorite strategies when

coaching players through targeting situations is the “patience and placement” approach. Instead of trying to end points quickly, focus on hitting your shots to specific zones that force your opponents to move and work harder. Aim for deep corners, mix up your pace, and make them cover more court. Eventually, their targeting becomes less precise as they tire or become impatient with longer rallies.

What NOT to Do When You’re the Target

• Don’t let emotions take over –Avoid visible frustration, negative self-talk, or trying to prove a point with hero shots that rarely work.

• Don’t abandon your partner –Never try to cover too much court or make shots that are clearly your partner’s responsibility.

• Don’t completely change your game – Resist the urge to suddenly play ultra-conservatively or attempt shots you haven’t practiced just because you’re under pressure. Remember, every targeting strategy has a shelf life. Opponents can only pick on weaknesses that actually exist. The moment you shore up those gaps, their entire game plan crumbles, and suddenly you’re controlling the match. Being targeted in pickleball isn’t a death sentence — it’s a roadmap to improvement. Use it as motivation to level up your game, and before long, you’ll be the one making the strategic decisions on court. Now get out there and show them what happens when the hunted becomes the hunter.

Kyle Burcher is a 5.0+ player who recently won gold in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles at PPA Atlanta (May 12-18, 2025). He has been recognized as one of Atlanta’s top pickleball coaches by Atlanta Pickleball Magazine. For coaching inquiries, reach out at kburcher@lt.life or follow his instruction tips @kyle.burcher.pickleball on Instagram.

IMPROVING YOUR GAME

In A Pickle

BY GREG MCAFEE, PICKLEBALL LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE SERVE HITS THE NET AND GOES OVER?

In pickleball, a “let” serve occurs when the ball hits the net during the serve and lands in the correct service court. This is a legal serve and the point continues. If the let serve lands out of bounds or in the non-volley zone, it is considered a fault.

The service box includes the centerline, the baseline, and the sideline. But it does not include the kitchen line. Also, if it lands outside the service box of your opponent, then it would be a fault just like it would be if you had not hit the net.

If the serve hits the kitchen or the kitchen line, this is a fault. It does not matter if the ball hits the net or not. The serve cannot land in the kitchen or hit the kitchen line.

WHAT IS THE HOME TEAM CAPTAIN’S RESPONSIBILITY OTHER THAN FILLING OUT

THE SCORECARD AND REPORTING THE SCORES?

The home team captain is responsible for contacting the captain at

least four days prior to the match. The home team will provide the following information:

• The number of courts available (minimum is two)

• Whether courts are indoor or outdoor

• Type and color of balls being used. (The visiting team may wear any colors regardless of the ball color.)

WHO CAN CALL AN ILLEGAL SERVE, AND WHAT IS THE PENALTY?

An illegal serve is a serve using an illegal service motion. This does not pertain to a service ball that does not land in the service area or a foot fault. Those two errors are considered a fault. If the receiving team determines that the service motion was clearly illegal, the receiving team may call for a replay before the return of serve. Server will have two attempts to correct the serve motion. If the third service attempt is called illegal, it will result in a fault.

DOES IT MATTER WHAT I WEAR FOR AN ALTA PICKLEBALL MATCH?

While a pickle costume may restrict your movement for play, it’s completely acceptable for ALTA league play! :)

ALTA Pickleball Rules, Section IV. Dual Meets.

G. There is no restriction regarding the color of clothing players may wear.

A NEW STANDARD HAS BEEN SET

PICKLEBALL

Fall season is Sept. 22 – Nov. 3

State of the League

BY GREG MCAFEE, PICKLEBALL LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

As the vice president of the pickleball league, I get tons of emails asking about rules, how to join a team, and when is ALTA going to have senior leagues or gender-specific leagues. So, I thought I would take this time to address some of these questions.

Q. I am looking to join a team and don’t know where to start. Can you help me find a team?

A. We want as many people as possible to play ALTA pickleball. ALTA teams are formed by captains, teaching professionals, and facility managers. ALTA does not directly create teams. There is a place on the ALTA website to post that

you are looking for team. (Players and Leagues>>Find Players and Teams) We have found that one of the best places to find a team is on the local pickleball Facebook groups, or by visiting local pickleball centers and talking with people. Get involved with drop-in clinics and drills; you will quickly find other players to either form a team yourself or join one.

Q. When is ALTA going to create a senior-only league or separate men’s/ women’s leagues?

A. Let me address this buy giving a little feedback on the size of the Pickleball League. The past few seasons have

Georgia’s Most Trusted Tennis –Pickleball Construction and ReSurfacing Company.

been averaging around 6,200 players. The demographic of the league shows approximately half under the age of 50 and half over the age of 50. About half of the registered players are male and half female. Any way we slice up the league to create another league will shrink the numbers to around 3,000 players, which becomes challenging with the drive time of matches and availability of days that do not interfere with other ALTA league play. We are actively looking at solutions for some different league formats for 2026 and hope to have an announcement on that soon. A lot of thought and planning goes into changing or creating a league so that it runs smoothly. Please be patient as we grow with the demand for play.

Q. What is being done to get high-level players out of the C level?

Selected for long–lasting color and performance.

A. We are currently working on ways to improve the leveling of players and teams. When ALTA makes a rule change, we like to give the members plenty of notice about the change. We are looking at making some changes to the Spring 2026 season that should help with the leveling.

Your emails and suggestions trigger discussions behind the scenes with the executive team and help us make the changes needed to make the league even better. While changes are not instant, please know that we are working toward having the best pickleball league in Atlanta. Thank you for your input!

PICKLEBALL

Pickleball

Photos by Matthew Helton

A3

01

04 BOBBY BAILEY TC 84 CRESSWIND TWIN L 63 CHADWICK CLUB 27

01

FALLS 77 ALPHARETTA NORTH 69

COMMONS 67

COLUMNS G 44

LAKES 44

36

TRAINING ACA 30

HIGHLAND 29 04 ROPER PARK 76 STERLING ON THE (WHITE) 62 WESSEL PARK 54

WYNGATE SOUTH 76

BROOKFIELD CC 37

SOUTHLANDS 6

04 ANSLEY 55

ITP TRAINING ACA (KNIGHT) 55

ITP TRAINING ACA (MANFRED) 45

PEACHTREE STATIO 43

05 COAL MOUNTAIN PA (SHIVAIA) 84

LAKEHAVEN 59

COAL MOUNTAIN PA (BODDULU)50

PARKSTONE 48

BARRINGTON ESTAT 43

WHITE COLUMNS G 33

TRADITIONS 30

06 THE FIELDS II (JENG) 67

THE FIELDS II (LOCKER) 66 ST IVES CC 60

THE FIELDS II (KINDIG) 54

MARTIN’S LANDING 52

LAUREL SPRINGS/F 45

DOUBLEGATE 45

SUGAR MILL 7

07 ALPHARETTA NORTH (SAHA) 63

ALPHARETTA NORTH (MCCABE) 54

02 BITSY GRANT/HARD 65

SOUTH FULTON TEN 58

MCGHEE TC 51

SHARON LESTER TC 25

03 ALPHARETTA NORTH (BARICH) 70

ALPHARETTA NORTH (HART) 59

PLANTATION @ BRO 53

JAMESTOWN 51

OXFORD MILL 42

RIVER STATION 41

THE FIELDS II 40

LONGLAKE SWIM/TE 40

04 LIFE TIME NORTH (HACKWOR) 73 ITP TRAINING ACA 62

PIEDMONT DRIVING 44

LIFE TIME NORTH (ODEJIMI) 19 C1

01 RHODES JORDAN PA (VINCENT) 79

GARNER CREEK 61

RHODES JORDAN PA (ROSENBE) 48

CONNEMARA 11

02 MONTEBELLO 62

WHITE COLUMNS G 52

HAMPTON STATION 47

FALLS OF AUTRY M (BURGER) 61

LAUREL SPRINGS/F 50

ST IVES CC 40

DOUBLEGATE 33

SPRINGMONTE 29

NESBIT LAKES 28

06 THE OVERLOOK @ M 73

LEGACY PARK (DEVLIN) 71

LEGACY PARK (TUCHMANN) 71

BURNT HICKORY RE 53

BROOKSTONE CC 51

OREGON PARK 45

MT TABOR PARK 26

BENTWATER/HARMON 7

07 CHATEAU ELAN WIN 54

CRESSWIND TWIN L 51

OF BR (PARSONS) 50

OF BR (SMITH) 44

PINETREE CC 69

HILLS CC 66

PICKLEBAL 65

60

SPRINGS TC 38

01

STERLING ON THE (ANDERSE) 6

B5

01 MARIETTA CC 79

SEVEN HILLS 55 LARRY BELL 47

BENTWATER/HARMON 18

02 INDIAN HILLS CC 80

SANDY SPRINGS TC (SCOTT) 73

INDEPENDENCE SQ 65

63

61

LAKES 60

SANDERS YMC 47

PICKLEBA 25

SPRINGS TC (VETTER) 2

NORTHAMPTON 51

SANDY SPRINGS TC (SALMAN) 40

INVERNESS (TASANASANTA) 25

SANDY SPRINGS TC (EISENST) 13

INVERNESS (LAHR) 0 03 FOXHALL 79

CC OF ROSWELL 51

OXFORD MILL 30

08 HAMILTON MILL I 73

APALACHEE FARMS 70

TRADITIONS OF BR 47

TPC @ SUGARLOAF 8 B7

01 LAKE CHARLES PLA 88

HARRISON TC (ZHANG) 73

HARRISON TC (FIVEASH) 60

HERITAGE FARMS 47

INDIAN HILLS CC 39

ALPHARETTA NORTH (MORACA)34

ALPHARETTA NORTH (STRENGE)34

SANDY SPRINGS TC 21

MANOR NORTH 37

03 BOBBY BAILEY TC (SANDERS) 79

HICKORY LAKESIDE 54

BOBBY BAILEY TC (POOLE) 33

THE GATES 33

04 WOODSTOCK KNOLL 60

DEER RUN NORTH 58

BROOKSHIRE PICKL 57

EAGLE WATCH PICK 52

BRIDGEMILL ATHLE 48

WILDWOOD SPRINGS 45 WOODLANDS 42 LITCHFIELD 100 34

05 FALLS OF AUTRY M (ULLAL) 79 AVIARY (FULTON) 76

B3 Roper Park (Karleigh Dills, captain)

A7 Grimes Bridge Park (Stefan Rizzo, captain)

B1 Bobby Bailey TC at Alberta Banks Park (Kelli Ray, captain)

A3 Lifetime North Druid Hills (Skyler Lupton-Smith, captain)

Park (Arun Prasad, captain)

B7 Lake Charles Plantation (Aaron March, captain)

C3

Bobby Bailey TC at Alberta Banks Park (Jose Juarez, captain)

C5 Rhodes Jordan Park (Christina Faine, captain)

B5 Coal Mountain Park (Vinay Shivaiah, captain)

C1 Rhodes Jordan Park (Henry Vincent, captain)

Where Atlanta Comes To Play! Still

ALTA—90 YEARS STRONG. We’re still the tennis leader in Atlanta and have grown to over 60,000 members. From Metro Atlanta to North Fulton, from Newnan to East Cobb, we have you covered. We offer year-round play, neighborly competition, and Southern hospitality, so whether you are a seasoned player or a rookie wannabe, we have something for everyone. Annual membership is only $30 for adult tennis, $15 for juniors tennis (18 and under) and $30 for adult pickleball.

ADULT LEAGUES

JUNIOR LEAGUES

PICKLEBALL LEAGUES

THE 22ND ANNUAL NET NEWS

Photo Contest

DEADLINE IS SEPT. 12TH!

Contest Rules and Regulations

1. You must be a member of ALTA.

2. Photos must relate to tennis and/or tennis play.

3. Do not use filters on photos with the exception of black and white or sepia.

4. Do not send screenshots.

5. Do not take photos of printed photos.

6. All contest submissions must be received ONLINE by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2025.

7. Decisions of the judges are final.

8. Limit three entries per ALTA member.

9. Do not resubmit photos from a previous year.

10. Each photo entry must include a completed ONLINE entry form.

11. Judges reserve the right to title photos if no title is provided and to change the category into which a photo has been entered.

12. Photos not taken by the entrant must be accompanied by a release form signed by the photographer.

ALTA and Net News are not responsible for any copyright violations.

13. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the above rules and regulations.

14. All winning photos will be featured in the annual November/December edition of Net News

15. Questions may be addressed to production@ knowatlanta.com.

Photography Specifications

1. Photos must be provided in a high resolution format. (300dpi at a minimum of 5" x 7") This means your photo will be a file that is between 1.5MB and 3MB in size!

2. When uploading images from your phone, always choose the "Actual Size" option.

3. Low resolution, non-reproducible images will not be considered for the photo contest.

Upload original digital photos through the Net News website at netnewsmag.com/photo_contest

All photos must relate to tennis • All entries due September 12, 2025

Employment

Your Serve Tennis – We are looking for new members of the YST team. YST provides a relaxed, fun work environment where our focus is the game we all love — TENNIS! Flexible hours available and weekend availability is required. We have positions available at all of our locations (Buckhead, East Cobb, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs, Suwanee and West Cobb), ranging from part-time stringers to store managers. We are also hiring for office and shipping/receiving positions out of our Roswell Home Office. For more information visit yourserve.com/jobs or submit your resume/application to jobs@yourserve.com.

Services

RACQUETTECH.COM and the US RACQUET STRINGERS ASSOCIATION are looking to make you a “KNOW IT ALL PRO”—Get connected to the most up-to-date interactive information for racquet sports professionals at racquettech. com. Membership also includes the Stringers Digest, Racquet Sports Industry magazine, manufacturer discounts, free marketing samples, and the only racquet service certification program in the industry. All benefits are available with USRSA Membership - $129. Contact: USRSA, P.O. Box 3392, Duluth, GA 30096, (760) 536-1177, FAX: (760) 536-1171, Email: USRSA@RacquetTECH.com, WEBSITE: RacquetTECH.com.

ABOUT ALTA

Contact Us at 770.399.5788

n All ALTA vice presidents (below) have phone extensions at the ALTA office, but do not work in the office on a regular basis. Voice messages are checked frequently and answered in a timely manner.

n The phone number of your league coordinator is in your captains’ packet.

n To contact a member of the Executive Committee, call the ALTA office at 770.399.5788 and dial the extension listed next to the officer’s name.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE EMAIL EXT

President – Rita Maloof

ALTAPresident@altatennis.org 109

First Vice President –David Rowe FirstVP@altatennis.org 114

VP Men’s League – Drew Meyer MensVP@altatennis.org 116

VP Thursday Women’s League – Siobhan Schaeffer ThursdayVP@altatennis.org 118

VP Sunday Women’s League – Diane Royston SundayVP@altatennis.org 117

VP Senior Day Leagues – Rusty Jones

VP Senior Leagues – Seth Appelbaum

VP Mixed Doubles League –Nicole Jennings

VP Junior Leagues – Kim Freeman

VP Junior Challenge Ladder – Gina Woods

SeniorDayVP@altatennis.org 120

SeniorVP@altatennis.org 121

MixedVP@altatennis.org 122

JuniorVP@altatennis.org 119

JrChallengeVP@altatennis.org 123

VP Special Programs – Mark LaRotonda SpecialProgramsVP@altatennis.org 124

Georgia’s Most Trusted Tennis –Pickleball Construction and ReSurfacing Company.

Questions?

ALTA office personnel cannot answer your league-related questions. Team members should first contact their captain. If unable to answer, the captain should contact a league official.

n Questions about rules must be directed to league officials, which include coordinators, overall coordinators and league vice presidents.

n Concerns about team placement and levels should be directed to league officials.

n Credit card questions? Call ext. 107.

n Want information about new facility requests? Contact the First Vice President at ext. 114.

n IT issues? Contact Joan Appelbaum at ext. 103.

Directions & General Information

The ALTA office is located at 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076. From GA 400 North, take exit 8 (Mansell Road) to Colonial Center Parkway (1.3 miles west).

ALTA office: 770.399.5788

ALTA office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call the office during weekdays as employees occasionally work remotely. Membership dues: Adult Tennis – $30, Adult Pickleball– $30, Juniors (18 and under) – $15. Dues are for the calendar

ALTA website: altatennis.org

ALTA’s calendar of important dates can be found on the website and in each issue

Your membership number is printed on mailing label and is also available on the ALTA website.

To update your mailing address, log in to your account on the ALTA website and go

Ameris Bank is Here to Serve

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