ALTA, WHERE ATLANTA COMES TO PLAY
2026 GEAR GUIDE
RACQUETS, SHOES, BAGS AND MORE—READY FOR SUMMER PLAY!
Scholarship Winners p. 12
Winter Tennis Standings p. 66
Pickleball Pro Tip p. 77
K-SWISS X ANDREY RUBLEV
K-FRAME SPEED RUBLO
DURAPRINT
Lightweight, breathable, and built for high-intensity play with reinforced durability.
TPU K-FRAME FOREFOOT STRUCTURE
Enhances lateral stability for explosive, agile movement.
HYPERFOAM
Developed for elite-level energy return and next-level cushioning.
ITalk To Us
know it’s now May, but I want to talk about the winter 2026 ALTA season! It was certainly a season with a few challenges, particularly with the weather for Senior Mixed and Mixed Doubles. We had two consecutive weekends with no tennis due to ice and snow. Senior Mixed had five Saturdays with no play due to inclement weather, and Mixed Doubles had three Sundays with no play, with week seven being one of those weeks. Playoffs and City Finals also saw rain and delays, but you all found a way to get the matches played, and the spring weather has cooperated.
the AA and A Senior matches and saw some incredible tennis. I stayed for a bit to watch some of the A Mixed Doubles matches and was pleasantly surprised to see an old teammate and friend of mine, Brandon, playing in City Finals.
City Finals are closer than you think, so I challenge all of you to one-up the winter City Finals with better tables, better food, and bigger celebrations!
A huge thank you to all our coordinators, captains, and members for your efforts to get this challenging season completed. You all are the best!
The winter City Finals were my first as ALTA President, and I have to say it was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable days I have had as a volunteer with ALTA. The start of City Finals was the AA matches at Bitsy Grant on February 28. There was some incredible tennis that went late into the night. I highly recommend everyone go out and watch AA tennis when you have the opportunity.
The following Saturday was City Finals for Senior Mixed and Mixed Doubles. I started my day at Fair Oaks Tennis Center, where I saw old teammates and friends and met several people for the first time. The tables were fantastic, and everyone was having a great time. I then went to Sandy Springs Racquet Center and watched some of
I finished my day at Windward to catch up with our C Level City Finals. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the other locations because of the wonderful Atlanta traffic. As I walked around, everyone had great food and seemed to be having an incredible time. I went up to the upper courts where I met Tony and Lindsey from Seven Hills, and they had one of the most incredible spreads. Their team was sporting an 80s Olympics theme, and the men were rocking the famous mullets! Their opponents were Oxford Mill, and I spent some time talking with Heather from that team.
Oxford Mill ended up taking home the big plate, but if I had walked up after the match, I’m not sure I would have known who had won. Everyone was so happy to be there and truly enjoying the day.
As I close this article, spring City Finals are closer than you think, so I challenge all of you to one-up the winter City Finals with better tables, better food, and bigger celebrations!
Thank you all for making ALTA such a special organization. I look forward to meeting even more of our incredible members.
David Rowe
David Rowe, 2026
ALTA President
For the latest news, information and events.
altatennis.org facebook.com/Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association instagram.com/ALTA_tennis netnewsmag.com
2026 ALTA EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076
Phone: 770.399.5788 Website: altatennis.org
President David Rowe
First VP Greg McAfee
Secretary Karen Carroll
Treasurer Cameron Turner
VP Men’s League Drew Meyer
VP Thursday Candace Cole
Women’s League
VP Sunday Diane Royston
Women’s League
VP Senior Day Leagues Rusty Jones
VP Senior Leagues Mike Clance
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 Henry Vincent
President’s Appointee Keri Beck
2025 President Rita Maloof
2024 President Chequetta Allen ALTA Foundation Rep Mimi McFall
2026 ALTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chairman Linda Shepherd
2024 ALTA President Chequetta Allen
2025 ALTA President Rita Maloof
2026 ALTA President David Rowe
ALTA Foundation Terry Godbold
President
2025 Elected Member Karen Sullivan
2026 Elected Member Steven Thomas
Treasurer Cameron Turner
Secretary/ Greg McAfee
First Vice President
2026 ALTA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President Terry Godbold
Treasurer Cameron Turner
Secretary Mimi McFall
NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING, INC.
9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350 Phone: 770.650.1102
President/Publisher John Hanna
Managing Director Robyn Sobelson
President Emeritus Larry Lebovitz
Net 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
Assistant 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™.
MAY/JUNE
NATIONAL LEMONADE DAY
May 3
STAR WARS DAY
May 4
MOTHER’S DAY
May 10
FATHER’S DAY
June 21
June 15 Pickleball Co-Ed
CINCO DE MAYO Tuesday, May 5
SPRING CITY FINALS
MAY 2 Juniors
MAY 7 Thursday Women
MAY 9 AA Sunday Women and AA Men Juniors
MAY 11 Senior Day Women
MAY 13 Senior Day Men
MAY 16 Men
MAY 17 Sunday Women
MAY 18 Mixed Pickleball City Finals
June 17 Pickleball Women
June 19 Pickleball Men
Thursday, June 11
MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 25
JUNE 4
Senior Women
JUNE 5
Senior Men
JUNE 6
Mixed Doubles
2026 ALTA CALENDAR
MIXED DOUBLES
May 21 Summer schedules post online
Jun. 6 Summer play begins
Jul. 18 Summer play ends
Jul. 25 Summer playoffs (rain date 7/26)
Jul. 26 Summer playoffs (rain date 8/1)
Aug. 1
Aug. 8
Summer playoffs and AA City Finals (rain date 8/2)
Summer City Finals A, B, C levels (rain date 8/9)
SUNDAY WOMEN
May 2 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/3)
May 3 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/9)
May 9 City Finals AA levels (rain date 5/10)
May 10 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/12)
May 17 City Finals A, B, C levels (rain date 5/24)
Jun. 23 Fall roster registration begins
Jul. 15 Fall roster registration ends
MEN
May 2 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/3)
May 3 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/9)
May 9 Spring playoffs and AA City Finals (rain date 5/10)
May 16 City finals A, B, C level (rain date 5/23)
Jun. 23 Fall roster registration begins
Jul. 15 Fall roster registration ends
THURSDAY WOMEN
May 5 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/7)
May 7 Spring City Finals A, B, C level (rain date May 14)
Jun. 23 Fall roster registration begins
Jul. 15 Fall roster registration ends
SENIOR DAY WOMEN
May 4 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/6)
May 11 City Finals (rain date 5/18)
Jun. 23 Fall roster registration begins
Jul. 15 Fall roster registration ends
SENIOR DAY MEN
May 6 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/8)
May 13 City Finals (rain date 5/20)
Jun. 23 Fall roster registration begins
Jul. 15 Fall roster registration ends
JUNIOR LEAGUES
May 2 Spring City Finals (rain date 5/3)
May 2 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/5)
May 9 City Finals (rain date 5/10)
Jun. 23 Fall roster registration begins
Jul. 28 Fall roster registration ends
WHEELCHAIR/RUN ROLL
May 1 Run/Roll registration begins
May 5 Spring clinic
May 12 Spring clinic
May 26 Run/Roll registration ends
May 26 Spring clinic
Jun. 2 Run/Roll play begins
Jul. 7 Run/Roll play ends
Jul. 14 Run/Roll City Finals (rain date 7/21)
SENIOR MEN
Jun. 5 Summer play begins
Jul. 17 Summer play ends
Jul. 24 Summer playoffs (rain date 7/26)
Jul. 26 Summer playoffs if needed (rain date day to day)
Jul. 31 Summer playoffs (rain date 8/2)
Aug. 9 Summer City Finals (rain date 8/16)
SENIOR WOMEN
Jun. 4 Summer play begins
Jul. 16 Summer play ends
Jul. 23 Summer playoffs (rain date 7/25)
Jul. 25 Summer playoffs (rain date 8/1)
Jul. 30 Summer playoffs (rain date 8/1)
Aug. 8 Summer City Finals (rain date 8/15)
JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER
May 31 Ladder kickoff at Bitsy Grant
Jun. 1 Online registration ends
Jun. 1 Ladder opens
Aug. 24 Ladder closes
Aug. 29 End of Season celebration at Bitsy Grant
REPORTED BY EMMY POWELL, CORY SEKINE-PETTITE, JOHN HANNA, AND GINA CLANCE
ALTA Foundation Announces 2026 L. Keith Wood Scholarship Winners
The ALTA Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of the 2026 L. Keith Wood Scholarship. Committee members diligently reviewed numerous applications from exceptionally talented, intelligent, and community-focused students.
To qualify for this prestigious award, candidates must have engaged in either the ALTA Junior League or the Junior AA program, participated in the Junior Challenge Ladder, or been involved in the Foundation’s START program. They
Carter Contractor - Acworth
ALTA Facility: Eagle Watch
Graduate of: North Paulding High School
Attending: UNC at Chapel Hill
Ryals Earnhardt - Cumming
ALTA Facility: WAF Rec
Graduate of: Denmark High School
Attending: Kennesaw State University
Kate Joyner - Avondale Estates
ALTA Facility: Glenlake Tennis Center
Graduate of: Druid Hills High School
Attending: University of Georgia
Cameron Nix - Suwanee
ALTA Facility: Barrington
Graduate of: North Gwinnett High School
Attending: University of Alabama
had to have shown a dedication to community and volunteer service along with being able to display how tennis has assisted with their growth, both on and off the court.
This year, each awardee will be granted a $2,500 scholarship to support his or her educational endeavors while attending college. Each recipient will be honored during the ALTA Junior City Finals at Harrison Tennis Center in May.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our deserving winners!
Grayson Perlman - Roswell
ALTA Facility: Westchester S&T
Graduate of: Blessed Trinity Catholic High School
Attending: Auburn University
Sophia Shih - Johns Creek
ALTA Facility: Foxworth
Graduate of: Northview High School
Attending: University of Georgia
Harris Unell - Atlanta
ALTA Facility: Village Mill
Graduate of: Riverwood International Charter School
Attending: Vanderbilt University
Myra Wu - Peachtree Corners
ALTA Facility: WP Jones Park
Graduate of: Paul Duke STEM High School
Attending: Georgia Tech
Rallying for Special Needs Students
The ALTA Foundation gathered in March for the third annual Smoke Rise Racket Rally, which recognizes a wonderful group of special needs students from Tucker High School. Smoke Rise UTA Pro Eckhardt Vanderline used various drills and games to provide the students with some basic tennis skills, while having fun at the same time. After the morning activities, Vanderline was joined by three Smoke Rise AA players for an exhibition tennis match in honor of the students.
L-R: ALTA Board member and Smoke Rise member Rita Maloof, Event Co-Chairman Charlene Smith, 2026 ALTA Foundation President Terry Godbold, and Event Co-Chairman Mary Lou Still.
Make a Difference: Volunteer with ALTA at the Special Olympics Summer Games!
The ALTA Foundation is proud to celebrate its 12th year as a sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics Georgia Summer Games at Emory University! This inspiring event will take place from Friday, May 22, to Sunday, May 24 — and we need your help to make it unforgettable.
Each year, the Special Olympics brings together over 2,000 athletes, coaches, and Unified Partners from across Georgia to compete in a variety of sports, including tennis, swimming, gymnastics, flag football, soccer, and more. It is a celebration of determination, sportsmanship, and the pure joy of competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
As part of the ALTA community, you have a unique opportunity to volunteer and ensure the tennis events run smoothly. Your support will help these athletes shine, have fun, and deepen their love for the game.
We need 150 volunteers to make this event a success — will you join us? Sign up today through this QR code and be part of something truly special!
TELL US!
Send your stories, compliments, complaints and questions to altaeditor@altatennis.org
START Helps Area Title I Schools
BY TERRY GODBOLD, ALTA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
One of the guiding principles of the ALTA Foundation is to seek out those areas that have been underrepresented in gaining exposure to basic tennis skills. In 2019, after a review of the various areas serviced by the foundation, it was discovered there was support programs for children with financial needs in elementary and middle schools but not high schools. From that review, the idea of funding a pilot program to support tennis in Title I high schools was formed.
Title I schools are public schools receiving federal funding to support high-poverty student populations and to close achievement gaps. Schools qualify if a high percentage (greater than 40%) of students come from low-income families. In 2020, two schools in Cobb County,
Osborne High School and Pebblebrook High School, volunteered to participate in a pilot program which was the basis for the creation of the current START program (Support for Teaching Atlanta Recreational Tennis). The START program provides resources to support atrisk students who might not otherwise be able to participate in high school tennis. These resources include equipment (racquets and shoes), ball machines, team uniforms, water bottles, coaching fees, and in some cases, MARTA passes to help with transportation costs. From that small beginning, the START program in 2025 served 21 schools in metro Atlanta with funding provided totaling $42,500. The average funding per school was slightly more than $2,000.
Thank You for Your Volunteer Service
Bert Ardoyno, 90, has retired after 47 years of volunteer service with ALTA. He spent most of his years as a coordinator in the Men’s and Mixed Doubles Leagues. He also served as ALTA President in 1984 and Board Chairman in 1986. Bert’s wife, Sadie, also volunteered for the Sunday Women’s and Mixed Doubles Leagues from 19792022. Thank you, Bert and Sadie, for your dedication to the ALTA organization!
• Atlanta Public Schools: Booker T. Washington and South Atlanta
• Clayton County: Charles R. Drew, Elite Scholars Academy, Jonesboro, Morrow, and Mundy’s Mill
• Cobb County: Osborne, Pebblebrook, and South Cobb
• Dekalb County: Cedar Grove, Clarkston, Columbia, Cross Keys, Druid Hills, Miller Grove, and Southwest Dekalb
• Hall County: Johnson
• Henry County: McDonough
• Gwinnett County: Meadow Creek and South Gwinnett
ALTA is committed to continuing our expansion of providing resources to more Title I schools in the 2026-2027 school year. The START grant application period runs from August 1 through September 30, with award announcements made in October.
In discussions with tennis coaches involved with Title I schools, the constant theme is we are creating opportunities for kids to get involved in tennis, teaching valuable life lessons, engaging them in positive activities, and occupying their time.
If you would like to help, please consider donating funds either by check or online using the QR code or by providing inkind donations. For more information on how you can support ALTA’s efforts to bring tennis to more students, please contact Terry Godbold at foundationpresident@altatennis.org.
Photos by Laura Barnard
Sea Island is a paradise for racquet sports lovers—with 14 Har-Tru® courts, including eight fast-dry HydroCourts, three indoor squash courts, and eight pickleball courts. Find to enjoy top-tier tennis and more at our Forbes Five-Star resort.
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
(866) 990-5231 • seaisland.com
From Atlanta to Center Court: Why Cincinnati Should be Your Next Tennis Trip
For tennis fans, the Cincinnati Open has always been a mustsee. Now, it’s one of the most modern and exciting destinations on the professional tennis calendar and at the top of everyone’s bucket list.
For ALTA members, the journey to the 2025 ATP and WTA Tournament of the Year is an easy trip. With a direct flight from Atlanta, you can go from your home court to center court in just a few hours. With its recent, $260-million transformation, the Lindner Family Tennis Center has been completely reimagined. The campus has doubled to over 40 acres, introduced 10 new practice courts, a sunken stadium, upgraded fan spaces and state-of-theart player amenities—all
designed to bring fans closer to the game.
In 2025, the tournament expanded to 14 days, welcomed a larger field of top ATP and WTA players, and drew a record 285,571 fans. It also earned one of the sport’s highest honors: both ATP and WTA Tournament of the Year, as voted on by the players.
On-site, the experience goes far beyond the matches. Day sessions are packed with non-stop tennis, open practices, live music, and entertainment. At night, the energy builds under the lights, where fans gather for marquee matchups, great food and a lively, social atmosphere.
For those looking to elevate their visit, the Cincinnati Open has expanded its premium and corporate hospitality offerings, creating new ways to experience the tournament in comfort and style. From all-inclusive suites and curated dining experiences to shaded lounges and exclusive viewing areas, guests can enjoy world-class tennis with added space, service, and access.
The 2026 Cincinnati Open, Aug. 11-23, 2026, promises to build on that momentum. With a transformed campus and the world’s best players returning, it’s one of the premier tennis experiences of the summer.
Atlanta Tennis Icon Retires
An Atlanta tennis icon has retired after more than 45 years of coaching and leading several of the area’s top clubs. Larry Schnall began his career as the assistant pro at Marietta Country Club and finished as Tennis Director at Pinetree Country Club before retiring in February.
Tennis has been in Schnall’s blood his whole life. From hitting balls over a chain link net as a kid to becoming a star on his West Georgia College team — winning eight conference titles and earning two NCAA All American awards, three MVP awards and two Athlete of the Year awards. After college, he did not put his racquet away but instead collected several USTA National Championships and 18 international championships.
“Tennis has allowed me to travel the United States, receive a full scholarship to West Georgia, compete at all levels since my teenage years, and be inducted into three Halls of Fame,” Schnall said. He was inducted into the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017.
Many of his tennis students would say Schnall made learning the game fun, and for that they are grateful. “I
have taken lots of tennis and pickleball lessons from Larry,” said longtime ALTA member Jerry Niemeyer. “He is hysterical! His lessons were a lot of fun, and he challenges you! He’s just got this great, upbeat personality, and he’s going to be missed!”
When a person spends an entire career in one field, that field becomes a part of their life and heart. “The two things I like most about tennis — first, the many lifelong friends I have met from the competitions and second, I hope I have made some type of impact on all the adults and juniors I had the pleasure of teaching the game of tennis,” Schnall said.
Retirement does not mean Schnall will just be rocking on his front porch, however. He said he is enjoying life with friends and family and chasing his two grandsons around. He can probably even be found on a local pickleball court!
Tennis Helps Even the Tiniest Warriors
Tennis has been proven to be a healthy sport for all ages. Even the very young can benefit physically and emotionally from hitting the courts. When Elena Howard was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at the age of 2, her parents, Haley and Cameron, put everything they had into helping their little girl get better.
“Treatment is intense,” Haley said. “Elena was in treatment for 855 days. It’s a long, hard road to recovery, and we are so thankful to be on the other side of it and celebrating life cancer-free.”
Elena, now 6, cannot be stopped, according to her mom, Elena wants to try everything — ballet, swim, horseback riding, soccer … and tennis.
“I really wanted to focus on continuing to give her all the chances to strengthen herself — while also being social and having fun. Tennis is a great option for us,” she said. “She has to work on following directions, hand-eye coordination, physical fitness.”
When the option of taking some tennis lessons was mentioned, Elena
jumped at the chance. Her older brothers had taken lessons from longtime ALTA member and teaching pro Terrie Stewart a few years ago, so the family already had a resource.
“Coach T is great,” said Haley. “She always makes it age-appropriate and full of lots of fun activities, keeps them moving. I love seeing Elena out there and am amazed at how far she has come.”
The connection between the Howard family and Stewart goes beyond the tennis court. The two families used to be neighbors in the Dunwoody area, and after Elena was diagnosed, they discovered another connection — Stewart had been an oncology nurse for several years and had worked with Elena’s oncologist. Stewart, a breast cancer survivor, definitely understands how important it is for patients to stay active.
“Tennis gives Elena ownership of her body again,” Stewart said. “Beyond the physical benefits, tennis restores something just as important — confidence. On the court, she’s not a patient. She’s an athlete, and that mindset is incredibly powerful in the healing process.”
What does Elena think about the game of tennis? “When I asked her what her favorite part of tennis is, she said she loves when she hits the ball because it makes her feel powerful,” Haley said. “I love that for her! She has been such a fighter and survivor! Tennis has definitely been a blessing.”
Greater Atlanta Christian School Wins National Championship
This past March, Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC) varsity boys’ tennis team won the 2026 National High School Tennis Championship Powered by USTA and WTN at the USTA National Campus.
The top eight high school teams in the nation were invited to compete, with schools representing Florida, Tennessee, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and California. GAC won its pool division by defeating three schools to advance to the championship match against American Heritage (Florida), the winner of the opposite pool.
The team delivered its strongest performance of the tournament under the lights, clinching a 4–0 victory over the No. 1 seed. Competing in a college format, GAC swept all three doubles matches. Harrison Kemp and Marcello Bisogno
won 6–2 at No. 1 doubles, followed by Santi Bisogno and Jason Eigbedion with a 6–3 win at No. 2 doubles. The No. 3 doubles team of Fredy Dougah and Brady Gessner completed the sweep with a 6–2 victory, earning one point for the team.
All six singles matches began simultaneously, with GAC needing three of six wins to secure the title. Senior Marcello Bisogno earned the first singles victory at No. 4 singles with a commanding 6–1, 6–0 performance. Sophomore Gessner followed with a 6–3, 6–1 win at No. 5 singles. Senior Kemp clinched the championship shortly after with a 6–3, 6–3 victory at No. 1 singles.
Head coach Brett Harte and assistant coach Scott Hutchinson led the team. Under Coach Harte’s leadership, the boys’
tennis program has reached the pinnacle of success in the Georgia High School Association, winning the past three state championships. This year, Kemp, Eigbedion, Gessner, and Santi Bisogno were all named to the Gwinnett Daily Posts’ “Super Six Boys Tennis Team,” marking each individual as one of the best players in Gwinnett County. The Spartans are once again favored to win the state title this season.
Longtime Atlanta Tennis Director Returning to His Texas Roots
Members of the Ansley Golf Club gathered in late March to bid farewell to and celebrate the impressive career of Director of Racquets and Athletics, Matt Grayson.
Grayson grew up playing tennis in Houston but moved to Atlanta when he was in high school. He is returning to Texas to take over as the Director of Racquet Sports at the Royal Oaks
Country Club. He will oversee aspects of the very active racquets programs at the club, which has 13 outdoor hard courts, two indoor courts, and six pickleball courts. Grayson said the club is about to start a large-scale renovation.
Having spent 25 years at Ansley, Grayson said he will miss the city and the club members. “Ansley is a special place with a culture all its own. The membership is very inclusive of the staff, and they treat you like you are a part of the ‘Ansley family.’” Before Ansley, Grayson spent time teaching tennis at Atlanta Country Club, Atlanta Athletic Club, and Country Club of Roswell.
As for those Atlantans who have yet to pick up a racquet, Grayson says “Do it.” He believes it is a great way to meet
a lot of people quickly and to challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone and learn something new.
“The life lessons you learn in direct competition can be very helpful in many years of your life that aren’t on the court,” he said. “The health benefits of the sport for your long-term wellness are second to none, and it’s a great way to keep up your quality of life.”
Photos by Laura Barnard
INTENNSE Announces Assembly Studios as Official Home for 2026 Season
INTENNSE announced recently that the league will play its 2026 season at Assembly Studios, a newly developed creative and entertainment facility that brings together state-of-the-art production infrastructure, gathering spaces, and mixeduse amenities in one location.
The move marks a significant step in INTENNSE’s continued expansion, the organization says, as the league builds toward its full 2026 campaign — introducing more teams, deeper fan experiences, and a larger live audience footprint.
The league is expanding from three teams to 10 teams this season, with 80 players.
The INTENNSE Arena at Assembly Studios will feature a 30,000-square-foot soundstage with seating for 500 people.
“INTENNSE is growing quickly, and with that growth comes the need for a bigger stage that matches the scale of
what we are building,” said Charles Allen, CEO of INTENNSE. “Assembly Studios gives us the space, technology, and atmosphere to bring fans closer to the action and deliver a fun and entertaining tennis experience.”
All 52 events of the 2026 season will be played in the facility, owned by Gray
1,000+ feeds per hour. No wasted time picking up balls. Pair with FTT apps to learn, practice and play anytime anywhere.
Media and managed by Universal Production Services, that features advanced sound stages, state-of-the-art lighting and grip equipment, along with full-service production capabilities including a Costume House, Sign Shop, Fabrication and Paint and transportation rentals.
The setting reflects INTENNSE’s vision of immersive, high-energy tennis presented in a dynamic environment built for connection, storytelling, and fan engagement.
“INTENNSE is exactly the kind of experience Stage 5 at Assembly Studios was designed to support,” said Justin Campbell, Vice President of Studio Operations at Assembly Atlanta. “By transforming one of our soundstages into a fully realized arena, they’re taking advantage of the flexibility and scale that Assembly offers.”
INTENNSE’s 2026 season will run from June 5 through Championship Weekend, Aug. 2, 2026. Additional details about the 2026 season — including schedule information, ticketing, and team announcements — are available at intennse.com.
ALTA Player Gets Unique Court Experience at Australian Open
ALTA player and nationally ranked junior Ryan Cozad, 17, of Alpharetta, had an unforgettable experience this past January at the Australian Open. Not only was he there to compete in the Juniors Championships, but he was asked to be a hitting partner with a topranked WTA player before her quarterfinal match.
“I found out the night before that Iva Jovic and her coach had asked the USTA coaches if I could help warm her up,” Cozad recalls. “I’ve practiced with her before so they knew me already and felt like I may be able to help get her ready to play Sabalenka.
“When I got out to the court, it felt totally different because it was by far the biggest court I’ve ever been on.
There’s so much space behind the baseline, it takes a while to walk back and pick up balls! I was a little a nervous on the court for the first few minutes as we started, but then got into the groove as we started hitting. The courts at AO are super-fast and Laver Arena is no different; the ball really skids thru the court.”
Ultimately, Jovic would lose her match against Sabalenka, but Cozad hopes the both of them will return to Laver Arena again.
“Overall, it was such a great learning experience for me and cool to be somewhere I’d seen on TV so many times,”
he said. “Iva didn’t win the match against Sabalenka that day, but I’m hoping we’re both back on that court many times!”
Mizuno Re-enters North American Tennis Racquet Market
Mizuno has re-entered the North American tennis racquet market with the launch of two performance frames: the AcroSpeed
The company says the AcroSpeed 100 is engineered for explosive pace, delivering effortless power and accelerated ball speed from all areas of the court. The AcroStrike 98 is designed for players seeking control and consistency, offering a stable, connect-
“At Mizuno, we focused on creating a racquet that delivers a completely unique feel at impact,” said Yohei Yamashita, lead engineer on the project. “By combining new frame construction with advanced grommet systems, we were able to achieve both enhanced energy return and greater dwell time, giving players a rare combination of power, control, and feedback.”
“We’ve seen strong early feedback from both retailers and players, particularly around the feel and versatility of the AcroSpeed and the control and spin potential of the AcroStrike,” said Graham Bucciantini, National Sales Manager, Mizuno USA. “Together, they give players two distinct performance options that really stand out
Both frames introduce a suite of proprietary technologies developed in Japan, including:
• ENERZY Frame — A unique cross-sectional frame design that efficiently transfers energy at impact for enhanced power
• Dual Spring Technology — A carbon-based construction that amplifies frame flex and increases energy return for greater ball speed
• ABG Grommet — Designed to help strings better grab the ball, improving spin potential and control
• 4-Way Pocket Grommet System — Enables multi-directional string movement to enhance snapback and generate up to 17 percent more spin
• Booster Grommets — Extend ball dwell time and promote deeper, more penetrating shots
Together, these technologies create a distinct on-court experience, Mizuno says, offering players a seamless blend of power, spin, and feel that differentiates Mizuno from traditional racquet manufacturers. According to Yamashita, this release is only the beginning, with future expansion expected across both product and athlete presence.
BOAST Signs American Tennis Player JJ Wolf
BOAST recently announced the signing of American tennis standout JJ Wolf. The partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both Wolf and BOAST, the company says, uniting one of the sport’s most dynamic competitors with a brand
•LED Retrofits
•Custom Tennis Lighting & Maintenance for your unique application
•Private, Country Club or Neighborhood Courts
defined by its tennis heritage and unmistakable American attitude.
Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Wolf rose through the ranks as an Ohio State Buckeye, earning Big Ten Tennis Athlete of the Year honors in 2019 — the same
n Enter the Net News Trivia Contest
n Enter the Net News Annual Photo Contest
n Find past Court Cuisine recipes
n Read the digital version of Net News
year he turned professional. In February 2023, Wolf reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 39, placing him among the world’s elite. His ascent was punctuated by a breakthrough run at the 2023 Australian Open, where he advanced to the fourth round, defeating multiple seeded players and announcing himself on one of tennis’s biggest stages.
Now, after recovering from injury and beginning a new chapter with a new coach, Wolf is focused on returning to peak form, building momentum, and energizing crowds with his distinctive style of play.
“JJ plays the game with an edge,” said BOAST CEO Matt Feuer. “He’s disciplined, fearless, and brings real personality to the court. That combination fits perfectly with BOAST — on and off the court.”
“I’m excited to start this new and exciting chapter of my career with BOAST, a renowned and iconic American partner,” said Wolf. “They are a perfect fit with who I am both on and off the court and I can’t wait to be wearing the clothes on court.”
BOAST Returns as Proud Apparel Partner of INTENNSE Challenge Series
BOAST also recently announced it has returned as the apparel partner for the INTENNSE Challenge Series. Under the renewed agreement, BOAST will design and provide official on-court uniforms for all INTENNSE Challenge Series players and coaches.
The INTENNSE Challenge Series presented by BOAST is a competitive pathway designed to identify and elevate rising tennis players into the professional league by placing them in fast-paced Bolts, grouped by metrics such as World Tennis Number, Universal Tennis Rating, and professional rankings, with prize money and advancement opportunities at every stage. Held during INTENNSE competition weeks at the INTENNSE Arena at Assembly Studios in Atlanta, the Series runs across multiple days and ends with a high-stakes Challenge Team Arc against INTENNSE pro players.
“INTENNSE has created a truly unique platform that brings together competition, culture, and community in a fresh way,” said Matt Feuer, CEO of BOAST. “For 2026, this partnership allows us to connect with a new generation of racquet athletes through a format that feels dynamic, relevant, and distinctly BOAST.”
LOB_Netnews_0624 2.qxp_half horizontal 6/5/24 4:01 PM Page 1
Mike Reed Joins AT Sports as Faultline Div. Manager
Mike Reed is the new manager for the Faultline Division of AT Sports, specializing in structural crack repair and longterm surface solutions. The Faultline product line includes the Faultline Crack Repair Kit, SB Glue, Sport Patch, Fill-N-Fix, Crack Filler Repair, and Fiberglass and Polyester/Polyfiber Systems.
“AT Sports is a turnkey provider of everything needed to prep, fix, repair, paint, and equip your court projects,” says Reed, who brings more than 18 years of experience in the sport surface and court repair industry. “My goal is to ensure you have the most effective and dependable solutions available through the Faultline product line to help you deliver high-quality, lasting results for your customers.”
Visit ATSports.com or contact mike@atsports.com.
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!
Last Issue’s Trivia Contest Winner Is …
Congratulations! We drew our winner from a pool of readers who submitted correct answers, and Greg Sgrosso, Hanover West Mixed Doubles B2, won a new pair of performance tennis shoes from K-Swiss! 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. Who is the 2026 ALTA Chairman of the Board? Linda Shepherd
2. What are the dates of the 2026 Junior Challenge Ladder season? June 1 through August 24
3. What is being added to the Pickleball League this year? Men’s and Women’s leagues for the summer season
May/June Trivia Contest
Enter for your chance to win a pair of bags from HEAD!
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: Friday, June 5.
1.What is the name of the ALTA coordinator who retired this year after 47 years of volunteering?
2. When are the Georgia Special Olympics this year?
3. How many Title I schools did the ALTA Foundation START program support in 2025?
Bags awarded may differ from photo.
Please submit a favorite courtside recipe along with this entry to be eligible.
Fall registration is June 23 – July 15
Fall season runs Sept. 12 – Oct. 24
The Sixth Line
BY DREW MEYER, MEN’S LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT
On the ATP and WTA tours, players have nutritionists, ice baths, and specialized recovery shakes. In the ALTA Men’s League, we have a captain named Doug who brings a party-size tray of Chick-fil-A nuggets and a cooler of beer that’s been sitting in the back of his truck since last year’s UGA/GT tailgate — and we appreciate it.
As the spring season plays out, the courts are buzzing, the onslaught of pollen is inevitable, and the competitive fire is lit. But let’s be honest with ourselves. While playing tennis is the reason we haul our bags to the park, the “Sixth Line,” also known as the post-match food and drink spread, is why we stay.
Home court advantage
When playing an ALTA match, the home court advantage isn’t just about knowing which way the wind blows at Blackburn Park or which cracks in the asphalt to avoid at your local neighborhood HOA court. Instead, it’s about the culinary psychological warfare. We’ve all walked up to an opponent’s facility, smelled a Big Green Egg firing up, and immediately lost our competitive edge. It’s hard to maintain that killer instinct when you know there’s a pile of beef brisket and freshly cooked burgers waiting for you once the handshake is over.
The ALTA spread is a beautiful, chaotic equalizer. It’s the place where a guy who just spent two hours being pelted by your kick serve also sits down with you to discuss the best place on the beltline to grab an IPA. It’s where the tension of a Saturday morning battle quickly disappears over a slice of a shared Costco pizza. In what other sport do grown men battle it out like warriors in 90-percent humidity, then immediately pivot to exchanging tips on the best way to bypass the Connector during the Monday morning rush hour?
The social fabric of the sideline
But the Sixth Line shouldn’t just be for the guys on the scorecard. If we want this league to thrive for another 50 years, we
need to remember that the sideline is just as important as the baseline.
Too often, we treat our matches like a private club. We show up, we play, we eat, we go home. But the magic of ALTA, and the thing that makes Atlanta the tennis capital of the world, is the community. This year, I’m challenging every captain and player to “plus-one” your Saturday mornings.
Invite the neighbor who’s been thinking about picking up a racquet. Bring your kids so they can see that exercise doesn’t have to stop after high school. Tell your friends who “don’t really play” to come for the atmosphere (and the lemon pepper wings). The more people we have sitting in those rickety old bleachers and camping chairs, cheering for a cross-court winner or laughing at a framed overhead at Ashford Park that nearly hits a passing MARTA train, the stronger our community becomes.
Expanding the menu
When we invite our friends and family to the courts, we aren’t just showing off our occasionally questionable backhands; we’re inviting them into a support system. We’re showing them that in Atlanta, tennis is the ultimate social lubricant. It’s a way to meet the guy three neighborhoods over who happens to be a contractor, an attorney, or a potential best friend.
So, as you prep your gear for the next home match, put as much thought into the “Pub Sub” run as you do into your string tension. Make sure there’s enough for the spectators. Let’s make the sidelines so loud and the food so good that the people walking their dogs past the courts can’t help but stop and ask, “How do I get in on this?”
Because at the end of the day, the scores and standings might be recorded on the ALTA website, but the stories are told around the folding tables and beer coolers. Let’s make sure we need a bigger table each season!
Photos by Laura Barnard
JUNIORS
Fall registration is June 23 – July 28 Fall season runs Sept. 12 – Oct. 24
Gigi is an iconic figure in the world of tennis, renowned for her extraordinary achievements on the doubles court.
Gigi Fernandez — A Trailblazer On The Court
BY KIM FREEMAN, JUNIOR LEAGUES VICE PRESIDENT
Imet Gigi Fernandez many years ago through my friendship with her sister, Patty. Gigi is an iconic figure in the world of tennis, renowned for her extraordinary achievements on the doubles court. She made history by becoming the first female athlete from Puerto Rico to turn professional and later to win an Olympic gold medal. Over the course of her career, Gigi won 17 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Olympic gold medals and was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s greatest doubles players. Beyond her on-court success, Gigi travels around the country teaching “Gigi Method” clinics at clubs. Her goal is to hit all 50 states. In this Q&A, Gigi shares insights into her journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and her future projects.
Kim: Gigi, you had an incredible career in doubles. What inspired you to pursue tennis, and how did you get started?
Gigi: I started playing tennis because my two older brothers played when we were little, and I wanted to be just like them. So, I grabbed a racquet, and we would go hit against a wall. I asked my parents for lessons when I was four, five, and six. They would not give me lessons because they thought I was too young and finally when I turned seven, I got my first lesson.
Kim: You’ve achieved so much in your career. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a junior player?
Gigi: I think the biggest challenge I faced as a junior was that I didn’t have any competition in Puerto Rico. I was number one in my age group and two above and didn’t have to practice much to win. When I would come to the U.S. in the summer for tournaments, I would get a taste of what real competition was like and would not do as well. Also, I didn’t really have a role model. I was the first Puerto Rican professional athlete in any sport which was a challenge in and of itself.
Kim: What advice would you give to junior players who aspire to follow in your footsteps?
Gigi: My advice is to follow your own path and don’t try to follow in anybody’s footsteps. Be your own person and create your own path. It’s very difficult to follow in the footsteps of someone who achieved a lot. Follow your passion and if you do what you love doing, it will never feel like work, and you will have a happy, successful life.
Kim: How important do you think mental toughness is in tennis, especially for juniors?
Gigi: Mental toughness is crucial in tennis. It’s a sport that tests you not just physically, but mentally as well. Juniors should practice staying calm under
My advice is to follow your own path and don’t try to follow in anybody’s footsteps. Be your own person and create your own path.
(cont. from pg. 32, Gigi Fernandez)
pressure by learning to meditate, visualizing success and developing routines to manage nerves. These skills will serve them well throughout their careers.
Kim: Looking back, what do you wish you had known as a junior player?
Gigi: When I look back at my life, I always want to tell myself to chill out. I was pretty intense on the court and let my emotions get the best of me.
Kim: What role do you believe coaches should play in a junior player’s development?
Gigi: Junior coaches are there to provide support and be a guiding force. Not to live vicariously through the player. Along with the technical aspect, a good coach is a mentor who encourages players to set goals, work hard, and develop their own style of play.
Kim: Can you share a memorable moment from your junior tennis days that still resonates with you?
Gigi: Yes. I was playing in the 12 and under junior U.S. Nationals and playing with a girl from Michigan who was number one in the country in singles, Susan Mascarin. Susan, along with our opponents, Andrea Jager and Beverly Bowes,
all top three players, were at the baseline serving and staying back, and hitting moon balls. I, already at 12 was serving and volleying, always at the net, trying to poach and trying to hit lobs out of the air, which was more adult tennis rather than junior. At one point, Susan’s mom turned to my mom and said, “Oh, poor Gigi, she doesn’t know how to play doubles. We’re going to have to bring her to Michigan and teach her how.” My Mom laughed it off at the time. Ten years later after I won my first U.S. Open, my mom cut out the article and sent it to Susan’s mom and said, “I guess Gigi did know how to play doubles after all!”
Kim: What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re excited about?
Gigi: I’m very committed to my tennis foundation, Tennis for Hope, that I started to help people affected by natural disasters after my house flooded during hurricane Helene. It is comprised of 65 members who care about tennis and philanthropy. We have raised over $800,000 and have given a lot of money to various organizations that were affected by natural disasters like the L.A. fires, central Texas river floods, and the Asheville flooding.
SENIOR DAY
Fall registration is June 23 – July 15 Fall season runs Sept. 8 – Oct. 21
How to make matches run efficiently
Tennis Daylight Savings Time
BY RUSTY JONES, SENIOR DAY LEAGUES VICE PRESIDENT
Understanding the issue of match length
One of the most common complaints each season concerns the length of tennis matches. This is a challenge that affects all ALTA Leagues. Extended warmups are a recurring problem, with pre-match routines sometimes lasting 20 to 30 minutes, far exceeding the intended 10-minute guideline. These delays are compounded when players disregard rules around changeovers and breaks after splitting sets. It is important to recognize that adhering to a timely warm-up and following match rules is not unsociable. On the contrary, efficient warmups and proper breaks allow matches to conclude sooner, uphold the spirit of competition, and demonstrate good sportsmanship to spectators, juniors, and newcomers experiencing league play for the first time.
Tips for streamlining match preparation
The most important way to keep matches running on time is to be ON TIME! Yes, Atlanta-area traffic can be a huge problem. Construction and rush hour seem to be everywhere, every day of the week, right? Be sure to check your match location
before match day and give yourself more than enough time to get there. If you do hit a traffic jam or something keeps you from leaving your house when you wanted to, COMMUNICATE with your captain, your partner, or your opponent and let them know you are on your way! There is nothing worse than standing around wondering if a player is on his/her way. A quick call to let folks know you are stuck behind a wreck or road construction will ease the tension and nerves of those waiting for you.
On the days that outside events do not cause you to be late (and we hope that is most days), you can help accelerate play by preparing in advance. Before the match begins, take care of essential tasks such as going to the restroom, filling your water bottle, checking for wrist bands, visors, grip tape, and ensuring you have an unopened can of tennis balls. Make sure to jog and complete your stretching before stepping onto the court. By adopting these habits, you will notice a significant reduction in the overall time it takes to complete your matches.
Preparing ahead and arriving on time are your contributions to “TENNIS DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME”!
by Laura
Photos
Barnard
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP Loretta Phillips Sportsmanship Awards
Mixed Doubles: Jennifer Huber, Bitsy Grant/Hard Courts B1
Nominated by Ted Carpenter, Echo Ridge
I would like to nominate Jennifer Huber for the Good Sportsmanship Award for the winter mixed season.
Everyone knows we had a significant weather situation in Atlanta (during the winter 2026 season). I have been a team captain now going on my fourth year for multiple men’s teams and now this mixed team. Jennifer was incredibly responsive and worked above and beyond so that we could get three matches in when we realized Saturday there was going to be a big window of dry air.
They were the first-place team in our league, and while I understand strategy is involved, she didn’t hesitate to get as many lines played, three in fact, Saturday, so that we had minimal makeups this week.
She was the most communicative captain I’ve come across in my time playing ALTA, and it shows a lot about her and her team’s passion for tennis, putting aside records and just getting the match in. Always positive, always appreciative, just a very kind warm human being that I wanted to recognize. I don’t have this kind of interaction often, and I’ve never put anyone in for this award before, but I felt it was necessary.
Like most of us, we have responsibilities throughout the week, and I travel significantly, so this was a breath of fresh air to have an opposing captain so willing to accommodate. Responses were within minutes, which I value.
Mixed Doubles: Ted Carpenter, Echo Ridge B1
Nominated by Jennifer Huber, Bitsy Grant
Ted was the home captain for the week-five match. When the forecast changed and we realized that Sunday matches may not be playable, Ted proactively reached out to see if we could schedule any lines to play on Friday before the weather came in. He pulled together three lines to play early and booked courts for us to play on.
Not only did Ted seamlessly schedule the early lines, he also proactively had availability for the rest of his team. As soon as the Sunday matches were officially canceled, Ted reached out with the other lines’ availability so we could confirm play time, and he booked courts immediately for us.
Following each of the days we played, Ted confirmed player names and scores in our text thread. He even braved the cold to go watch the last line play so he could enter scores immediately into the system.
Weather makeups can always be challenging between player and court availability, especially this winter! Ted made the entire process a breeze and only wanted to collaborate and make sure that our teams both had great experiences. As a former ALTA coordinator and a captain for many years, Ted has genuinely been one of the best examples of captaining and what this league is supposed to be about.
Sunday Women: Jean Bell, Rockdale Tennis Center C4
Nominated by Chana Coughlin, River Oaks
I wanted to take a moment to sincerely acknowledge the Rockdale team for their wonderful hospitality during our match that unfortunately rained out. Even though we weren’t able to play that Sunday, the team graciously invited us to enjoy all the food they had already prepared — and they had quite a spread! During our makeup matches, they went above and beyond once again by providing thoughtful goody bags filled with snacks and drinks. It was such a kind gesture and a lovely way to say “thank you” for making the approximately 40-minute drive back out.
Their generosity and sportsmanship truly made the experience memorable, and we’re very grateful.
Senior Mixed: Deborah Gray, Rockdale Tennis Center B1
Nominated by D’ablo Hunter, Sugar Creek
With rainouts the first two matches of the season plus a pending winter storm the third week of the season, we were playing a makeup match. Sugar Creek and Rockdale have a long-standing friendly rivalry since we tend to play each other every season in every league. Per usual, it was a great match; we were in the third set at 5-5. During an exciting point, my partner took a tumble and dislocated her shoulder. Deb and others from her team immediately came to her aide. We ended up going to the emergency room. The story could end here but not for Deb. In addition to contacting the captain of my team to update her on the situation, she actually came to the hospital to check on us. She offered to get us food and stayed as we waited to be seen. She also followed up later that night to make sure we didn’t need anything. This was all above and beyond for an opposing team captain. In all my experiences with court injuries, it typically defaults to the player’s captain and team to figure it out. Deb was a rock star!
RUN/ROLL
Run/Roll registration is May 1 – May 26
Run/Roll season runs June 2 – July 7
Ready to Hit the Courts
BY MARK LAROTONDA, SPECIAL PROGRAMS VICE PRESIDENT
Warmer weather is upon us, and the ALTA Wheelchair program is in full swing. In April, we completed our spring competitive matches and are now ready for our May weekly clinics. These clinics will be held May 5, 12, 19, and 26 at Hudlow Tennis Center in Norcross and are great for any level player — from someone who would like to try wheelchair tennis for the first time, to someone looking to fine tune their skills.
A Level 4 tennis tournament is planned for May 16-17 at The Falls at Autry Mill in Johns Creek. Contact the
Vice President of Special Programs for more information.
In June, we will begin our annual Run/Roll competition, which runs through July. Doubles teams consist of one chair player and one runner. The runner follows regular tennis rules, and the chair player uses wheelchair rules (two bounces allowed). These matches — always fun, competitive, and likely to have a bit of trash talking — are held every Tuesday evening at Hudlow Tennis Center. We would love to have you join us and see what it’s all about. We are always looking for runners to
play! Runners do need to be paid ALTA members.
This year, we also will have several wheelchair pickleball events. Keep your eye out for emails with more details.
The ALTA Wheelchair Tennis and Run/Roll programs are open to ALTA members aged 12 and up. If you are interested in participating in either of these programs or would like more information on upcoming wheelchair tennis and pickleball mixers or tournaments, please reach out to our Vice President of Special Programs at specialprogramsvp@altatennis.org.
SUNDAY WOMEN
Fall registration is June 23 – July 15
Fall season runs Sept. 13 – Oct. 25
Scheduling Around Holidays
BY DIANE ROYSTON, SUNDAY WOMEN’S LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT
Acommon question, especially in the spring season, is why ALTA does not recognize holidays when scheduling matches. The spring season always includes Easter, and multiple county, city, and private school spring breaks, making it difficult for captains to find available players for those match days.
ALTA does not recognize religious holidays, including Christian, Jewish, and other faith-based observances, nor do we plan around U.S. national holidays. Together, these account for at least 12 holidays and still do not represent all the holidays celebrated by our members. If we recognized one religious group’s holiday, we would have to recognize all, and we would not be able to have four seasons of competitive play.
ALTA offers four tennis league seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season consists of seven weeks of regular play, plus three weeks for playoffs and City Finals, totaling 40 weeks. We do not schedule matches from late November through New Year’s, leaving 46 weeks already accounted for. Only six weeks remain unscheduled, and those are needed to allow an extra rain date at the end of each season. As a result, there is not enough time to build in bye weeks for holidays. As
an example of how short the time is between seasons, the winter season in 2026 ended March 8, and the spring season began March 10. The spring season ends May 24, and the summer season begins June 4. If we add a bye week into the season, we run out of weeks in the year!
What can you do if you are playing in a league that has a holiday on which you are scheduled to play? You can always play a match early! Schedules are released at least two weeks before play, so contact your opponent for that week and try to work out an early play time. You could schedule a regular dual match or play just a few lines early! Is it required that a team play early? Absolutely not! However, we do encourage teams to play matches early whenever possible. You never know when your team will need another team to be accommodating to your request to play a match early! And wouldn’t we all rather win our points playing tennis rather than through defaults?
I hope everyone is having a wonderful time on the courts this season! Remember how important good sportsmanship is and know ALTA does its best to limit the number of holidays where ALTA play is scheduled.
by Laura
Photos
Barnard
THURSDAY WOMEN
The Roster Submission — Where Will You Land?
Fall registration is June 23 – July 15 Fall season runs Sept. 10 – Oct. 22
BY CANDACE COLE, THURSDAY WOMEN’S LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT
Captains will soon be submitting rosters for the fall season. When reinstating a team, captains have the option to request a different level and/or submit a formal Request for Review.
What qualifies as a Request for Review?
Requests for Review come in many forms, including:
• A team that has lost key players, significantly impacting overall strength.
• A team affected by injuries (if you would like the request to be considered seriously, injured players should not remain on the roster).
• A team adding a player with a higher rating who may not truly compete at that higher level or has never actually played at the higher level.
• A team that has split into two teams, with stronger players on one roster and lower lines on another.
These are all valid considerations. The overall coordinators and league vice presidents carefully review each request to determine whether the roster changes will have a meaningful impact. If appropriate — and if space allows at another level — the team’s placement may be adjusted.
Over the years, we’ve also received some more unusual requests, such as:
• “Although we were City Runner-Up, the other team was much stronger, so we don’t want to move up the automatic number of levels.”
• “We’re a senior team and feel we should move down.”
• “Several players are pregnant and won’t be available all season” — although they remain on the roster.
• “We’re a team of 3.5 players and don’t feel we belong at the A level” — despite having a winning record.
Submitting a different level without a request for review
When a captain submits a roster at a level different from the system’s assigned placement without submitting a formal Request for Review, the report is automatically flagged.
While we can often determine the intent and evaluate whether the request may be justified, this process is labor-intensive and slows overall placement for all teams. Simply selecting a different level does not replace a Request for Review.
If you have a legitimate reason for not wanting to compete at the assigned level, please submit the formal Request for Review so the appropriate context and supporting information can be properly evaluated.
How does the system assign levels?
The League Placement Calculator — available on our website — explains the process in detail. Players carry a rating based on how their team performed the previous season (if competing in the same league). When necessary, additional league play history may also be considered.
As a team, movement up or down depends on several factors, including:
• Whether the team was a City Finalist, City Winner, Division Winner, or Division Runner-Up.
• The level and league in which the team competed.
• The team’s overall win percentage (Teams with less than a 40-percent win record automatically move down, unless forfeits significantly impacted results.).
Keep in mind that not all leagues offer every level. As a result, what may appear to be a dramatic jump may simply reflect the levels available within that league. For example, Thursday C Level includes C8, C5, C3, and C1. Before requesting a specific level, it is always wise to confirm that the level exists within your league.
Let the system work
Our goal is for the placement system to function as designed — creating competitive, balanced leagues across the board. If you are considering a Request for Review or selecting a different level, take a moment to confirm that the request is truly warranted.
No matter where your team lands this season, we hope you embrace the opportunity. Make new friends, enjoy the competition, and experience all that ALTA has to offer.
Photos by Laura Barnard
GOOD QUESTION
REFUSING TO SIGN A SCORECARD
Should a player refuse to sign a match scorecard when there is something to protest, such as the identity of an opposing player?
Rusty Jones, Senior Day Leagues Vice President
According to the ALTA Captain/Member Handbook, signing the scorecard verifies that the match was played and that the players’ names and scores were recorded. If a player wishes to protest an issue — such as the identity of an opposing player or a disputed score — the player must notify his/her coordinator through a comment on the scorecard itself or immediate direct communication (email, phone call, etc.).
On page 32 of the handbook:
Allowed to call a let?
During a doubles match, a ball from the neighboring court rolled onto our court behind my partner while we were in the middle of a rally. I saw the ball and, fearing my partner would trip, I yelled “LET!” and stopped play. My opponents argued that since the ball wasn’t near the person hitting the shot and didn’t interfere with the flight of the tennis ball, the point should stand. Were we allowed to call a let?
Drew Meyer, Men’s League Vice President
According to USTA Friend at Court, The Code, Section 18, page 39,
“When a ball from another court enters the playing area, any player on the court affected may call a let as soon as the player becomes aware of the ball. The player loses the right to call a let if the player unreasonably delays in making the call.”
You do not have to wait for the ball to actually trip someone or interfere with a swing. If the ball creates a safety hazard or a legitimate distraction, the let should be called promptly. It is always better to prioritize player safety over a single point. In this case, because the ball entered the field of play during the rally, the point should be replayed.
• Carefully review all information: dates played, names of players, and scores.
• Select Approve, unless you find any discrepancies, then select Disputed.
• Explain the nature of the dispute in the comment box.
• Click Save.
• Any Captains who fail to review the scorecard and, instead, let the card auto-approve (48 hours), may not discover errors until it is too late to correct them.
• Scorecards are final 10 days after the matches are completed.
On whose authority?
My team made it to playoffs! Our line two pair split sets and played a super tiebreak to determine the match because one of the opponents needed to leave to catch a flight. The captain said since only two courts were available and they needed to keep things moving, they had to play the tiebreak. Is this true?
Candace Cole, Thursday Women’s League Vice President
It was very considerate of your players to accommodate the opponent’s time constraint and decide the match on the court. However, the authority to shorten a match does not rest with the captain.
Per the ALTA General Rules – Adult Leagues, Section IV (Dual Meets): “During regular season match play, a 10-point tiebreak shall be played to decide a split-set match unless all players involved agree to play a full third set. During playoffs and City Finals matches, a full third set shall be played to decide a split-set match unless all players involved agree to play a 10-point tiebreak. (Additionally, during playoffs and City Finals, the President or League VP has the authority to require that a
10-point tiebreak be played to decide a split-set match.) The Senior Leagues and Senior Day Leagues are a little different. “FOR THE SENIOR LEAGUES ONLY (Senior Mixed, Senior Men/Women and Senior Day Women/Men): For regular-season and post-season match play, a 10-point tiebreak shall be played to decide a split-set match unless all players involved agree to play a full third set.” (Note: The default option remains the 10-point tiebreak even in the postseason.)
Remember, the players themselves must agree to any change in format. A team captain does not have the authority to override that decision. So, unless all four players agreed — or the League VP/ President required it — they were not obligated to play the super tiebreak.
Headshots by Laura Barnard
ZONE COMFORT R EDEFINE YOUR
WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF POLYESTER RAZOR STRINGS
COMFORT & PERFORMANCE WITH POLYURETHANE ADDITIVES
EXTRA PRECISION WITH THE RAZOR SOFT
EXTRA SPIN WITH THE RAZOR SPIN WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF POLYESTER RAZOR STRINGS:
It’s Gear Time! JENSEN ZONE
The biggest change I see in equipment these days is lighter frames with smaller grips. …For recreational players, it’s smart to demo tons of brands and racquet set ups.
Are you sick of your old frame not giving you the power and control you look for in a modern racquet? Do you find the ball isn’t popping off your strings? How about your shoes? Are they slowing you down or just smelling like last week’s bad match?
I always have been a complete geek when it comes to gear. I always wanted the latest and coolest of EVERYTHING! Today’s selections for everything tennis is amazing! From shoes to strings, all the equipment is extremely cutting-edge. Depending on what you’re looking for, make sure to ask your teaching pro or an equipment specialist what is the best fit for your level. I see injuries in arms of recreational players using the harsh poly strings that spin the ball extremely well but can be extremely hard on your arm.
The biggest change I see in equipment these days is lighter frames with smaller grips. I’m an old-dog player who grew up with heavy, wood frames and large 4 5/8 grip. The racquets used by today’s elite ball strikers are completely opposite. They are designed to increase racquet
head speed, and the smaller grip size increases wrist snap torque. For recreational players, it’s smart to demo tons of brands and racquet set ups. I still like the heavier frame that drives through the ball; a lighter frame has too much “whip” at contact with the ball.
Tennis shoes also are changing for a more physical player that slides on hard courts. My generation only slid on clay courts. Shoes today give players ankle support with rounded edges that help with lateral movement balance. I always liked a heavier shoe that took more punishment. Today, there are tons of models that are lighter that give players more speed around the court. Keep an eye on the changing trends to see if any equipment evolutions can help your game.
On a personal note, the game of tennis has blessed my family beyond our wildest imagination. My parents introduced the sport to all four of us at a young age and instilled a discipline to the hard work required to achieve mighty things. Growing up on a Christmas tree farm in a small town in northern Michigan, tennis took us around the world. Nowadays, the game has continued in my family’s next generation that plays at all levels but most importantly for fun. Just recently, my niece Jensen Diianni completed her college recruiting process and the family is so incredibly happy for her. The college level of tennis is competitive with so many solid players. Universities offer players opportunities in the classroom and on the tennis court that will improve every ounce of a student athlete’s ability. I was so impressed with all the programs from across the nation that are committed to excellence. After a long process of endless calls and campus visits with elite coaches, my niece committed to compete for the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). A lifetime of hard work and discipline in the classroom — and on the court — earned her an opportunity to work even harder at the next level.
If you have someone in your family reaching for opportunities at the next level, unconditionally supporting those goals is mission critical. It is a steep climb, but with the hard work and dedication, amazing opportunities abound all over the country.
Until next time: Keep having fun playing tennis and go for winners!
Luke Jensen
STRINGS ARE THE ENGINE OF YOUR RACQUET
STRINGS ACCOUNT FOR 50% OF THE RACQUET PERFORMANCE AND ARE ESSENTIAL TO PLAY THE PERFECT TENNIS SHOT.
Six Keys To Improving Your Tennis Game
BY JUAN GARCIA, DIRECTOR OF RACQUETS, SAN DIEGUITO TENNIS CLUB
Most players look for ways to improve their game. The good news is that you don’t need complicated strategies or advanced techniques to start playing better tennis. In many cases, improvement comes from focusing on a few simple principles that help you play more consistent and confident tennis. Here are six practical keys that can help you elevate your performance on the court.
1. Focus on the ball and stay relaxed
One of the most common mistakes recreational players make is playing with too much tension. Tight muscles often lead to rushed swings and inconsistent shots. A simple habit that can immediately improve your tennis is focusing on watching the ball carefully, especially from the bounce to the moment of contact. At
the same time, try to keep your swings fluid and relaxed.
During warm-up, avoid rushing to hit winners. Instead, use those first few minutes to find your rhythm, feel your timing, and settle into the match. Players who use the warm-up to prepare mentally and physically tend to start matches more confidently.
2. Don’t beat yourself
At the recreational level, most matches are not won with spectacular shots; they are won by the player who makes fewer mistakes. The two most important rules in tennis are simple: get the ball over the net and keep it inside the lines. It sounds obvious, but many players forget this when they try to hit winners too early in rallies.
Instead of trying to end points quickly, focus on keeping the ball in play and making your opponent hit one more shot. You may be surprised how many points you win simply by staying consistent.
Before trying to hit aggressive winners, first establish a comfortable rally pace. Play your game and only increase the level of risk when the opportunity presents itself.
3. Start points with highpercentage tennis
The beginning of rallies (and especially the start of matches) is a great time to focus on consistency. A few simple habits can make a big difference:
• Aim your returns safely toward the middle of the court.
• Use spin on your serves to increase your first-serve percentage.
• Rally crosscourt to build rhythm and control the point.
Crosscourt shots travel over the lowest part of the net and provide more court space to land in.
This makes them naturally safer for building rallies.
When players start a match trying to do too much too early, errors tend to pile up. Starting solid allows you to relax, find your timing, and gain confidence as the match progresses.
4. Give yourself more margin over the net
Many players hit the ball too close to the net. When the margin is small, even a well-struck shot can turn into an error. A helpful guideline is to aim at least two to three feet above the net on most groundstrokes. This added height provides more safety and allows you to use spin to bring the ball back down into the court.
Shots that clear the net comfortably often land deeper, which naturally pushes your opponent farther back and gives you more time to recover. In tennis, a little extra margin often leads to much greater consistency.
5. Play to your strengths
Every player has certain shots they feel more comfortable hitting. Some players enjoy rallying from the baseline, others prefer coming forward to the net, and some rely on strong serves or consistent backhands. Improvement comes faster when you build your game around the shots you trust the most. If you enjoy approaching the net, look for opportunities to move forward. If your forehand is your strongest shot, try to position yourself to use it more often. Playing to your strengths not only increases your effectiveness but also builds confidence during matches.
6. Pay attention to your opponent
Tennis is not just about hitting the ball; it’s also about observing what is happening on the other side of the net. As you play, look for patterns in your opponent’s game. Do they struggle with high balls? Do they favor one side on returns? Are they uncomfortable when pulled wide?
Recreational matches often swing when one player starts noticing these tendencies and adjusts accordingly. Sometimes a small adjustment (such as hitting more balls to a weaker side or using a well-timed lob) can make a big difference.
Final thought
Improving your tennis doesn’t require complicated strategies or perfect technique. In most cases, better results come from doing the simple things more consistently: watching the ball carefully, keeping the ball in play, giving yourself margin, and playing to your strengths.
Focus on these fundamentals during your next match or practice session, and you’ll likely find that your game becomes more reliable, more confident, and much more enjoyable.
ARA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT:
JUAN GARCIA
Director of Racquets, San Dieguito Tennis Club
Submitted by the American Racket Sports Association.
Why are you a member of the ARA? Because of the member benefits and the networking opportunities.
What inspired you to be a tennis coach? Like many coaches, my journey started as a player. But at some point, the satisfaction shifted from winning matches to helping others improve. Seeing someone develop confidence, solve problems on the court, and enjoy the game became more rewarding than any result I achieved myself.
What is your favorite memory of being a tennis coach in Atlanta? I haven’t coached in Atlanta, but I do have a connection to Georgia from my time at Airborne School at Ft. Benning. That experience helped shape my approach to discipline and resilience, which I bring into my coaching today.
How has tennis impacted your life? Tennis has had a profound impact on my life. It has been more than a sport; it has been a vehicle for personal growth, discipline, and purpose. Through tennis, I’ve learned how to manage adversity, stay committed to long-term development, and perform under pressure.
What is your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement is being able to contribute to the growth of others through both coaching and thought leadership. Writing and sharing my perspective on coaching and leadership has allowed me to extend my impact beyond the court, while continuing to develop players and programs in person.
What is one fun fact about you that most people would not know? I’ve always been drawn to challenges outside of tennis, which has influenced my perspective on coaching and leadership. I also spent a year playing college baseball in Mexico, an experience that broadened my understanding of competition, teamwork, and adaptability.
Who is your favorite professional tennis player and why? My favorite tennis player is Pete Sampras. I’ve always admired his professionalism, composure under pressure, and ability to perform on the biggest stages. His serve-and-volley game and efficient style of play had a big influence on how I view the game and approach it as a coach.
What advice would you give young coaches in the industry? Focus on developing people, not just players. Technical knowledge is important, but your ability to communicate, build relationships, and create a positive environment will ultimately define your impact. Be patient with your growth, stay curious, and invest in continued education.
What do you do when you’re not coaching tennis? Outside of coaching, I enjoy staying active, spending time with family, and continuing to learn. I’m always looking for ways to grow, whether that’s through reading, writing, or exploring ideas that can translate back into my work as a coach and leader.
Serving Strong: What ALTA Members Should Know About Protecting Their Knees and Hips
BY ROBERT K. YARBROUGH, MD, RESURGENS ORTHOPAEDICS
Whether competitive matches or social doubles, tennis offers a great mix of exercise, camaraderie, and mental challenge. But as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee conditions, I know just how much stress the sport can place on our bodies. Sudden stops, explosive starts, and quick changes in direction can cause significant damage to joints and can result in severe ligament injuries.
The good news is that, with the right habits, players can stay healthy and keep enjoying the sport for years. Here are my tips for reducing the risk of injury.
The Joints That Take the Most Stress
Everyone’s heard of tennis elbow, but when tennis players visit my office, it’s most often for issues with their knees or hips. These joints do the heavy lifting during almost every aspect of the game, from lunges and lateral movement to powerful serves and volleys. Every time you sprint to reach a drop shot or plant your foot to change direction, the knees are absorbing force while the hips are stabilizing your body and generating power.
Over time, this type of repetitive stress can lead to several common issues, including:
• Patellofemoral pain, which is pain around the kneecap. Often called “runner’s knee,” it is caused by repetitive bending and loading.
• Meniscus tears, which are often triggered by twisting movements while the foot is planted.
• Hip bursitis or IT band tendonitis, which can develop from repeated lateral movement.
• Cartilage damage in the knee or hip. This is particularly common among players who have had prior injuries.
The more stress you place on your joints, the more likely you are to see symptoms of these issues or others like them. These problems can develop gradually or appear suddenly, so it’s important to listen to your body and recognize when to take a little time off from the court. Otherwise, you could risk the sort of injury that sidelines you for a significant stretch.
The Most Common Cause of Tennis Injuries
The most common cause of injury in tennis and most other physical activity is simply too much too quickly.
This happens when players push through warning signs like aches and pains. By doing so, they’re not giving their bodies
time to recover. A minor muscle strain can often heal on its own if it’s allowed to rest, for example. But it can also develop into a much more serious injury if the athlete ignores the pain and continues to play at 100 percent.
However, other conditions — like arthritis — don’t necessarily get better even with recovery time. If pain worsens during activity or persists after playing, it’s a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore. If you’re experiencing this kind of pain, consider:
• Temporarily reducing playing time
• Adding mobility or stretching work
• Cross training with lower-impact activities
• Changing footwear and/or court surface
An orthopedic evaluation can identify the source of your pain early and create a treatment plan that will keep you on the court.
Strength Training for Injury Prevention
A common misconception among tennis players is that playing the sport itself is enough conditioning. But in reality, strength training is essential for protecting the joints. It helps keep the joints lubricated, strengthen tendons and ligaments, and develop key stabilizing muscles that help prevent injury.
For tennis players, strong glutes, hips, and core muscles are essential for meeting the sport’s demand for quick movements. Helpful exercises include:
• Squats and lunges
• Glute bridges
• Side-lying leg raises
• Core stability exercises
Just two strength sessions per week can significantly reduce injury risk, improve performance on the court, and help keep you playing for a long time.
The Goal is Longevity
In orthopedics, the objective isn’t just to treat injuries. It’s to help athletes stay active in the sports they love. With smart training, strength work, and attention to early symptoms, you’ll be able to spend more time on the courts.
Even if you’re a casual player who only gets out a few times a year, you’re still an athlete. Taking your health and fitness seriously off the court will make sure you’re ready when you do get out to play.
If you’re looking for ways to extend your time on the courts, schedule a consultation at Resurgens today!
Pre-match fueling
Sport Nutrition Preparation For Summer Tournament Play
Why is adequate sport nutrition important for summer tournaments?
Summer tournaments place unique physical demands on racquet sports players. Hot weather, long match days, and high-intensity play require strategic nutrition and hydration to maintain energy, prevent cramping, and support rapid recovery. Preparing in advance allows players to start competition well-fueled and better able to perform at their best.
The goal of pre-match fueling is to top off energy stores while minimizing stomach discomfort. Two to three hours before a match, eat a balanced and moderate sized meal with carbohydrates, moderate protein, and minimal fat or fiber. For example, for a morning match, oatmeal or toast with one egg or nut butter with a fruit. One hour before a match, choose light, easily digestible carbohydrates such as bananas, applesauce, and a salty grain, i.e. pretzels.
Nutrition during match play
Maintaining blood glucose during a long match is critical for maintaining intensity, so make sure to snack between games. Aim for 30-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour, from sources such as a banana, sports drink, caffeine-free chews or gels, or low-fiber granola bars, to help sustain energy and prevent late-match fatigue. Hydration is also important. Aim for one-half liter to one liter of water and electrolytes or sport beverage. Electrolyte packets, such as Liquid IV, in summer heat can help your body hold onto water that is normally lost through sweat to delay or minimize dehydration. Take advantage of every changeover to refuel and hydrate.
Post-match recovery
Recovery begins as soon as the match ends. Focus on the “3 Rs”: Refuel, Repair, and Rehydrate Refuel with carbohydrates to replenish your glycogen stores. Repair
with 15-25 grams of protein within 15-45 minutes to support muscle repair. Rehydrate with an electrolyte beverage to replace fluids and electrolytes lost during play. Chocolate milk or protein smoothies make excellent first-line recovery choices.
If you are in-between matches, it is still important to prioritize recovery as well. If the break is short, focus on quick-digesting carbohydrates and fluids. If you have a longer break (2+ hours), a full meal with carbs and protein is appropriate, i.e. turkey or chicken sandwich/wrap with pretzels. After a full tournament day, your recovery meal should be a higher carbohydrate meal with 5-6 ounces of protein and vegetables, such as pasta with ground meat sauce and side salad, to support overnight recovery.
Special considerations for summer tournaments
In the summer heat, sweat rates increase significantly, leading to greater losses of fluid and electrolytes. Players can estimate their sweat rate by weighing themselves before and after a practice session to determine their personalized hydration needs. Replace each pound lost with at least 20 ounces of hydrating fluids within two hours. Players can further personalize their hydration plan through wearable patches (such as MX3) that measure sweat sodium concentration to determine electrolyte replacement needs. A structured hydration plan helps athletes avoid starting matches already dehydrated. Some elite players lose 800-3,000mg of sodium per hour.
BY PAGE LOVE, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, PTR, AND SKYLAR SMITH, MS
Frequent traveling for tournaments can cause disruption in your fueling routine and often exposes players to high-calorie, low-nutrient-dense foods. If you are traveling, you may want to consider packing sport foods in case choices are limited at your destination (see below). Another consideration for travel play is hotel breakfasts which may also have varied availability. Ideas to look for at your hotel or to DIY in your room include bagel or toast, scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt, banana and berries, and milk or juice. If there is no breakfast available, an easy breakfast to help meet your fueling needs is instant oatmeal with nut butter and banana paired with a low-fat dairy.
Multiple matches in a day mean less recovery time and more reliance on quick, convenient fueling choices. When fueling for a multi-day tournament, reach for your trialed and dependable foods on day one. On day two, add more calorie density for adequate performance. As the fatigue increases on day three, prioritize recovery and carbohydrates. Keep at least one bar, one electrolyte packet, and one quick carb, i.e. pretzels, on hand for each tournament match.
Sport Nutrition Packing List for Travel
• Bars: CLIF Bar, ProBar meal, Bobo Bars
• Electrolytes: Liquid IV, LMNT
• Recovery drinks: Whey Protein Shake, Core Power, Fairlife Chocolate Milk
• Sports drink packets: Powerade, Body Armor Rapid Hydration
Sample Sport Nutrition Plan for Pre- and During Tennis Tournament
Night before match
Breakfast / Pre Warm-Up 2 hrs before
30 minutes before match
During match (per hour)
After 1st match
30 minutes before next match
After last match
Recovery meal
• Instant oatmeal cups, energy bites
• Nut butter packets
• Trail mix or nuts
• Shelf-stable milk boxes, drinkable yogurts, or protein shakes
• Crackers or pretzels
High carb dinner: 2 cups pasta + 3-4 oz meat + tomato sauce or cooked vegetable + several cups water
Oatmeal or toast, egg or nut butter, and fruit. Hydration: ~1L electrolyte beverage and/or water leading up to match time
Applesauce pouches, non-caffeine energy chews, CLIF bar, ProBar, pretzels, banana. Hydration: Continue pre-hydrating w/ electrolyte beverage
Hydration: ½ L to 1 L per hour of water and electrolytes or sport beverage pending intensity of play
If match exceeds 1 hour or have split set situation, consider nibbling on an energy bar or energy chews or bland fruit at changeovers.
Early Lunch: 1 turkey wrap (1-2 slices meat) or sandwich + pretzels. Hydration: 2-3 cups water
Applesauce pouch or high-carb energy bar. Hydration: 1-2 cup electrolyte beverage and/or water
Drinkable yogurt or chocolate milk right away for recovery. Hydration: 1-2 cup electrolyte beverage and/or water
Recovery meal w/in 1-2 hours: 2 cups carbohydrates + 5-6oz protein + veggie. Hydration: 1-2 cups water
Examples: grilled chicken + pasta + side salad + side bread, rice bowl + chicken/steak + veggies or greens, sandwich + soup + salad, salmon + rice + asparagus.
Page Love is an avid ALTA participant and sport dietitian and certified tennis and pickleball instructor. She is a nutrition advisor for the WTA and ATP professional tours, 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. Skylar Smith has a master’s in nutrition from the University of Georgia working towards getting her dietetics license and looks forward to working in sports dietetics in the near future!
Salad Days
“Salad days” is a term coined by William Shakespeare, referencing a time in one’s life when one was innocent and naïve. We’re not calling you naïve; we’re just taking liberties with the term to share some of your fellow ALTA members’ favorite salad recipes. Enjoy!
Add To Your Repertoire
Everyday Salad
Vicki Lugonja, Terrell Mill Sunday Women B1
spring mix or baby arugula
1 English cucumber red onion to taste, diced
1 tomato, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
½ cup toasted pine nuts
freshly grated parmesan
(optional)
Dressing: extra virgin olive oil
lemon juice
dijon mustard
garlic powder
pinch of salt and black pepper
For the dressing, whisk all ingredients together in a separate bowl before adding to your salad. Then, toss all your salad ingredients together and enjoy!
Sweet & Tangy
Cucumber Salad
Michael Kane, Peachtree Station Mixed Doubles C1
2 cucumbers sliced thinly
1 tsp. of salt
1 red onion
1 cup of distilled white vinegar
½ cup water
½ cup of sugar
2 Tbsp. of fresh dill
Season cucumbers with salt and let sweat for one hour. Drain liquid and toss the cucumbers with the sliced onion in a bowl and set aside. In a saucepan over high heat, pour in vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until clear. Pour liquid over the cucumber/onion mixture. Stir in the dill. Cover container and refrigerate for one hour before serving.
Light And Crunchy
Bright Spring Salad
Joanne DeAngelo, Camden Place
Women A2
1 bunch asparagus, tender parts, chopped into 1-inch pieces
½ cup frozen peas, thawed salad greens
2 radishes, thinly sliced
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ avocado, pitted and diced
¼ cup chopped toasted pistachios
½ cup roasted chickpeas
Fresh herbs, for garnish (basil, mint and/or chives)
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Dressing:
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, or a mix of basil and mint leaves
1 small garlic clove
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
½ tsp. lemon zest
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and dress to taste.
GEAR GUIDE 2026 NET NEWS
BY CORY SEKINE-PETTITE
We present to you this year’s Gear Guide, featuring all-new products for tennis enthusiasts, pickleball fiends, and padel devotees. In addition, you may find a few surprises from your favorite manufacturers! Gear up for the summer season or start your holiday wish list. We have our eyes on a few things ourselves!
1 BOAST Performance Raglan Polo 2.0
Just like the original, it’s constructed from a performance mesh piqué with 4-way stretch, built-in UV protection, and odor resistance. It features a three-button placket with mother-of-pearl buttons, a vented hem, and sporty raglan sleeves for increased range of motion and superior flexibility. boastusa.com
2 Wilson Performance Apparel
Wilson Performance Apparel combines style and performance for players who want to look as good as they feel on the court. Their apparel features a wide range of pieces, from sleek tops and breathable polos to playful skirts and versatile shorts. tennis-warehouse.com
3 BOAST Performance Crew 2.0
The Performance Crew 2.0 delivers the comfort of your favorite broken-in tee with technical features like UPF 50+ sun protection, moisture-wicking fabric, and antiodor technology to keep you feeling fresh. boastusa.com
4 BOAST Women’s V-Neck
Lightweight, breathable, and versatile, the V-Neck Tank is designed for performance with a refined edge. Made from sustainable Moss Light Jersey Knit, it delivers a soft, flexible fit with a lower environmental impact. boastusa.com
5 BOAST Women’s 2-in-1 A-Line Skirt
A comfort elastic waistband ensures a flexible, secure fit, while the slight dropped back hem provides extra coverage. The attached short with an anti-bacterial interior gusset delivers breathable support and freshness, and a sleek heat transfer logo completes the look. boastusa.com
6 BOAST Greenwich Quarter Zip 2.0
Offered in our new proprietary, Whisper Knit fabric, the Greenwich Quarter Zip strikes the perfect balance of comfort and functionality with classic, tailored lines. Self-banded waistband and cuffs to complete the style with clean finish interior. boastusa.com
7 BOAST 7” Peak Performance 2-in-1 Short
Inspired by the golden era of tennis and engineered for today’s athlete, the Peak Performance 2-in-1 Short delivers classic court style with cutting-edge comfort. The interior brief is made with Seawool, a sustainable fabric made from a blend of recycled oyster shells and recycled plastic bottles. boastusa.com
1 Babolat Jet Mach 4
The new Jet Mach 4 shoe is built for ultimate speed, responsiveness, and support. This lightweight performance shoe features highperformance EVA foam infused with PEBAX technology, delivering 55% more rebound than traditional EVA while helping you move 3% faster than the Jet Mach 3 predecessor. babolat.com/us
2 HEAD Revolt Pro 5.0
Featuring Core Control support, 3D-TPU construction, and a triple EVA midsole with DynaFoam cushioning, it provides responsive shock absorption and a locked-in fit, while Hybrasion+ rubber ensures exceptional grip. head.com/en_US
3 K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 3
With its new Surgelite+ midsole, this update becomes even more comfortable and more stable with no break-in time needed. It is the ideal choice for various playing styles and levels. kswiss.com
7 Women’s Wave Enforce Tour 2
4 K-Frame Speed Rublo
The K-Frame Speed Rublo, co-designed with Andrey Rublev, features a TPU K-Frame for forefoot stability, Hyper Foam midsole for energy return, and a lightweight Duraprint upper for breathability and durability. kswiss.com
5 K-Swiss Hypercourt Pinnacle
The Hypercourt Pinnacle is the ultimate competition tennis shoe, featuring a unique carbon fiber plate that delivers unparalleled energy return for a competitive edge. kswiss.com
6 Men’s Wave Exceed Tour 7
Built for speed and comfort, it features ENERZY XP cushioning in the forefoot and heel for exceptional responsiveness and energy return. Mizuno’s WAVE plate and D-Flex Groove provide enhanced lateral stability and explosive movement on court. usa.mizuno.com/racquet-sports
Featuring MIZUNO ENERZY NXT foam throughout the footbed, it provides exceptional cushioning and energy return without added weight. The DuRubber outrigger outsole enhances rotational movement for stronger strokes and improved footwork stability. usa.mizuno.com/racquet-sports
8 New Balance CT Rally V2
Engineered with the precision of a rally car, this performance driven design grips the court with explosive power and rock-solid stability. A fresh Foam X midsole and an external TPU shank at the midfoot create a comfortable ride, while small breaks in the upper allow for breathability and more freedom of movement. newbalance.com/tennis and tennisexpress.com
9 adidas Barricade 14
The adidas Barricade 14 continues its legacy as a benchmark for stability and durability, now lighter and more comfortable than ever. Engineered for hard-court performance, it has plush cushioning around the heel and forefoot, making quick movements and hard stops feel easier on your feet. tennis-warehouse.com
10 ASICS Solution Speed FF 4
The ASICS Solution Speed FF 4 is built for players who want to move fast and feel confident on every shot, giving players a fast, responsive feel on the court. It’s lightweight but still supportive. tennis-warehouse.com
11 Wilson Rush Tour
The Rush Tour 5, Wilson’s pinnacle men’s performance shoe, is built to accelerate your game. Advanced technology, future-proof materials all engineered to fuel fast, aggressive play with locked-in fit, agile stability and relentless durability. wilson.com
12 Wilson Intrigue Tour
Designed for the female foot, this tour-level tennis shoe feels fast and responsive, with the dynamic, full-foot containment and comfort that competitive players demand. wilson.com
13 Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion 5
Elevate your footwork with these highperformance tennis shoes. Designed to offer superior stability and support for agile movements on the court, the advanced POWER CUSHION+ technology enhances comfort, helping you maintain control during intense matches. us.yonex.com
PICKLE & PADEL
14 HEAD Motion Pro Pickleball
Featuring enhanced traction, DynaFoam cushioning, and Lateral Control+ support, it’s designed for fast, lateral movement and is available in a range of colors for both men and women. head.com/en_US
15 HEAD Motion Pro 1.5 Padel
The Motion Pro 1.5 Padel is engineered for high-level performance, featuring a lightweight dual mesh upper and engineered knit construction for enhanced comfort and stability. head.com/en_US
16 K-Frame Pickleball
The K-Frame Pickleball is built for elite performance. Its signature TPU K-Frame around the heel provides outstanding stability and lockdown for quick lateral moves. Durawrap adds durability in high-wear zones, while open mesh keeps it breathable and light. kswiss.com
17 K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball 2
The Express Light Pickleball is a lightweight, breathable shoe built for players of all levels, offering comfort and agility on the court. A K-EVA midsole and 180-degree Plantar Support Chassis deliver stability and responsiveness, while the Aosta rubber outsole with DragGuard ensures lasting durability. kswiss.com
RACQUETS & PADDLES
1 Yonex VCORE
7 Tecnifibre DANIMAL
Unlock your true spin potential with the new 8th-generation VCORE, the most advanced spin racquet in Yonex history. With an expanded sweet spot, this racquet is engineered to inherently boost ball rotation to maximize spin potential for all players. us.yonex. com
2 Mizuno AcroSpeed 300
A modern player’s racquet built for effortless power, speed, and spin. With a firm beam construction and mid-320s swingweight, it delivers impressive stability against heavy hitters while maintaining quick, all-court maneuverability. usa.mizuno.com/racquet-sports
3 Babolat Pure Drive Wimbledon
Boasting a combination of modern and vintage design, the Pure Drive Wimbledon takes inspiration from the legendary English Grand Slam. Engineered for the perfect balance between power and feel on each shot! babolat.com/us
4 HEAD Squared
Squared redefines performance with its most head light racquet designed that unlocks effortless power, exceptional maneuverability, and all-day comfort. head.com/en_US
5 HEAD Boom MP Purple 2026
The Boom Purple MP 2026 delivers effortless power with enhanced touch, featuring Auxetic 2.0, Hy-Bor integration, and an AI-optimized string pattern for improved stability, feel, and responsiveness. head.com/en_US
6 HEAD Boom MP 2026
The Boom MP 2026 delivers explosive power with refined touch, featuring Auxetic 2.0, Hy-Bor technology, and an AI-optimized string pattern for enhanced stability and feel. head.com/en_US
This is a signature cosmetic colorway co-designed with Danielle Collins and based on the popular Blitz paddle. This limited-edition release adds leopard-print detailing, a custom grip and butt cap, and Collins’ signature touch, while keeping the performance identical to the original Blitz. tecnifibre.com
8 Vesper Control 17
The Wilson Vesper Control 17 pickleball paddle elevates control and precision for competitive players. The raw carbon face with a highdensity foam core maximizes the sweet spot and gives you plenty of spin. wilson.com
9 Mizuno AcroSpeed LX Pickleball Paddle
A high-performance pickleball paddle engineered for players who demand maximum power and precision. Built with PBCor technology pushed to the legal limit, it delivers explosive ball speed to dominate every rally. usa.mizuno.com/racquet-sports
10 Mizuno AcroStrike LX Pickleball Paddle
A next-generation pickleball paddle built for advanced players seeking ultimate customization and precision. Designed to tailor power, control, and feel to your unique game, it features Mizuno’s innovative Fast Track system for adjustable balance and performance. usa.mizuno.com/racquet-sports
11 Babolat Striker Pro
Its Gen 3 HybridCore construction pairs a responsive honeycomb core with a foaminjected perimeter, delivering a softer feel and increased dwell time for enhanced control and consistency. babolat.com/us
12 HEAD Radical Pro15
The Radical PRO15 features HEAD’s TriFlex Versatility Core, blending PP honeycomb, EPP foam, and EVA foam for a balance of power, control, and feel. A micro-forged raw carbon surface ensures consistent response, while its refined shape enhances maneuverability and expands the sweet spot for precisiondriven play. head.com/en_US
13 Tecnifibre FIRE
Introducing the FIRE, the newest addition to the Tecnifibre racquet family. This entirely new racquet silo is engineered for players who thrive on intensity and is built for explosive performance. tecnifibre.com
14 Wilson Blade v10
The Wilson Blade evolves in its 10th version with a more modern blend of speed, power, and precision. Known for its controlled and clean feel, the latest update introduces a more modern, powerful, tapered beam while still maintaining the line’s signature accuracy. tennis-warehouse.com
15 Yonex MUSE
Rediscover and reinforce your passion with the all-new racquet series MUSE. This liberating and responsive racquet lets players experience the joy of the game with controlled, effortless, stressfree rallying. us.yonex.com
16 Tecnifibre TFIGHT
Referred to as the best racquet launch of 2025. Played with by Grand Slam champions Daniil Medvedev and Iga Swiatek, the brand new TFight has a new lower swing-weight while keeping its signature RS section, making it the best all-around racquet. tecnifibre.com
17 Mizuno AcroStrike 305
A precision-focused racquet built for intermediate and advanced players seeking control, feel, and spin. Its 98-square-inch head and flexible beam deliver exceptional accuracy, while still providing enough power to finish points with pace. usa.mizuno.com/racquet-sports
18 Babolat Pure Aero 98
The Pure Aero 98 Gen9 continues to push the boundaries of spin and precision. A newly redesigned throat boosts aerodynamics by 6%, increasing racquet head speed and generating 3% more RPMs on every shot. babolat.com/us
19 HEAD Speed
The HEAD Speed line is built for players who want a balance of speed, controllable power, and clean, responsive feel. Known for its versatility, it offers enough precision for aggressive targeting while remaining forgiving and comfortable through contact. tennis-warehouse.com
BAGS & EQUIPMENT
1 Babolat Court S Wimbledon Bag
Designed for functionality and convenience, it holds up to two or three racquets along with your essential gear. Crafted from highquality, durable materials, this bag seamlessly combines style, performance, and heritage. babolat.com/us
2 Babolat Pure Aero Backpack
The new Pure Aero Backpack is designed for tennis players who want a modern, sporty bag that transitions effortlessly from work and family life to the court. Made from durable, water-repellent recycled polyester with a 100% recycled interior lining, it delivers long-lasting performance, smart organization, and sleek style wherever you play. babolat.com/us
3 Tecnifibre Reform Bag
Bags, by unit, are the most polluting category in tennis. Meet the Reform bag, a new design that restructures layup and utilizes EVA foam to reduce the carbon footprint by more than 20 percent. tecnifibre.com
4 HEAD Tour Backpack 25L
With space for two racquets, smart compartmentalization, and easy-access storage, it delivers organized, on-the-go performance with thoughtful, sustainabilitydriven details. head.com/en_US
5 Yonex GEARLOGIC
The all-new GEARLOGIC series embodies a striking balance of form and function. With flexible space customization, smart pocket organization, and increased stability, this series is available in four styles: Tournament Bag, Backpack, Boston Bag, and Stuff Bag. us.yonex.com
6 Fast Track Tennis
The patented “Feedback System” by Fast Track Tennis is the world’s first training simulator that sets up in any small space for an infinite loop of real ball hitting — no court, partner or ball pickup required. FastTrackTennis.com
7 Elite Liberty
The elite liberty tennis ball machine is perfect for beginner to intermediate players looking to hone their strokes. With throws up to 70 mph plus adjustable topspin and backspin, a Lobster will help you train to defend the most challenging of shots. lobstersports.com
8 The Pickle
The pickle by Lobster is a full-featured pickleball machine that outperforms all others on the market. It throws balls up to 60 mph and offers both heavy top and backspin. lobstersports.com
9
The Pickle Champion
Offering cutting-edge technology unrivaled among pickleball ball launchers, the all-digital pickleball machine, the Pickle Champion by Lobster feels like you are playing against another human being! lobstersports.com
10
Elite Grand 5 LE
The Elite Grand 5 LE has been designed to be the ultimate combination of functionality, performance, and ease of use. Players can choose 18 different shot locations with the press of a button and use this to customize their own drills and even save them for future practice sessions. lobstersports.com
11 Lobster Padel Ball Machine
As Padel gains momentum globally, this advanced machine is tailored to help players enhance their skills and master the game. lobstersports.com
12 Phenom Two
For a quick, hassle-free workout, use the 12, pre-programmed drills. Feeling more ambitious? Build your own drills that can shoot to an incredible 18 shot locations with customized speed, spin, and feed rate. lobstersports.com
1 HEAD Tour 40 Pickleball
Designed for high-performance play on all hardcourt surfaces, this premium ball offers a fast pace right off the paddle, ensuring dynamic rallies and quick reactions. Its consistent bounce and flight pattern give players the reliability they need in every match. head.com/en_US
2 Coello Padel Racquet Series
Featuring a diamond shape and carbon hitting surface, it delivers powerful, aggressive play with a bold, high-impact design; available in Team, Motion, and Pro models. head.com/en_US
3 HEAD Padel Pro S+
The HEAD PADEL PRO S+ is engineered for faster play, delivering higher rebound and explosive performance. A new core formula maintains pressure longer, while exclusive padel-specific felt enhances durability. head.com/en_US
4 Whisperballs
Engineered to match the bounce, diameter, and weight of a regulation pickleball, so your wall drills and solo sessions feel just like the real game. tourna.com
5 Tecnifibre Razor Soft
Used by ATP phenom Daniil Medvedev, Razor Soft offers a phenomenal hitting experience that puts the surgical control and spin-friendly precision of the original Razor Code into a slightly more forgiving package. tecnifibre.com
6 Tourna Pickleball Mega Tac
The tackiest grip ever created is now made for your pickleball paddle. Extreme tackiness for superior hold: Mega Tac’s extreme tackiness is not just a feature, it’s a game-changer. tourna.com
7 US Open XD Ball
Official ball of the US Open: Composed of premium woven felt and best suited to be used on hard courts. wilson.com
8 Tourna Pickleball Tube
A new clear design. Effortless pick-up, no bending required. Simply press the tube over the ball and watch as it effortlessly gets sucked into the tube, eliminating the need to bend and making pickleball pickup a breeze. tourna.com
9 Tourna Pickleball Edge Guard
Ultimate protection for your paddle: The Tourna Pickleball Paddle Edge Guard shields your paddle’s edge from wear and tear caused by intense gameplay and court scrapes. tourna.com
GEAR GUIDE
10 Wilson NXT 16 String
The most popular multifilament string with a larger sweet spot that produces comfortable power. wilson.com
11 POLYTOUR FORCE
Power up your game with the all-new POLYTOUR FORCE, string engineered for consistent ball pocketing and high-response power. Trusted by professionals including João Fonseca and Naomi Osaka. us.yonex.com
12 REXIS ACTIVATE
Newly introduced, REXIS ACTIVATE is a premium multifilament string designed to enhance ball control. It maximizes contact time while delivering a softer hitting feel for a more comfortable playing experience. us.yonex.com
STANDINGS WINTER 2026
AA1
01
AA2
01
T C 57
IVES CC 57
PARK 57
LAKE 51
OF ROSWELL 45
CREEK HIGH 37
SPRINGS PAR 20
02 RICHARD CRAIG PA 71 SHARON LESTER TC 68
FULTON TEN (BENNETT) 65
PANGBORN 57
PEACHTREE CITY T 45
SOUTH FULTON TEN (WHITTED) 42
MCGHEE TC 40
BITSY GRANT/HARD 8
03 SADDLE CREEK 2 71 MILL GLEN 68
SIBLEY FOREST 60
BROOKFIELD CC 57
SANDY SPRINGS RC 51
VILLAGE MILL 48
ROSWELL PARK 28 WHITE COLUMNS G 11
A4
01 SEVEN HILLS 76
DELLINGER PARK 63
HAMILTON CROSSIN 36 RIVERSIDE 23 02 FOWLER PARK 77
WEXFORD 68
FARM 60
LAKES 45
OF FERNW 42
WOODS 40
COMMUNITY 34 VICKERY 31
SANDY SPRINGS RC (BAZZANI) 62
SPRINGS RC (MALIS) 62
LAKES 60
TERRELL MILL T C 60
DEKALB TC (PEEPLES) 51
DEKALB TC (MUIZELAAR) 40 BLACKBURN 40 ANSLEY 22
04 BOBBY BAILEY TC 83
CHATTAHOOCHEE RI 60
LAUREL SPRINGS/F 36
APALACHEE FARMS 20
A5
01 BLACKBURN 68
CHASTAIN 62
ROCKDALE TENNIS 60
BRIARCLIFF WOODS 54
HUNTLEY HILLS 45 FOUR SEASONS 40
GSU DUNWOODY 34
DEKALB TC 34
02 RIVER GLEN/FUL 71
FOXDALE THE RESE 65
MEDLOCK BRIDGE - 62
FOXWORTH 62
ST MARLO CC 42
HORSESHOE BEND 42
DEERLAKE (OVERBAY) 25
DEERLAKE (DOOLEY) 25
03 WOODLANDS 77
ASHEBROOKE S&T 65
BRIDGEMILL ATHLE 60
CRABAPPLE LAKE/P 51
EAST ROSWELL PAR 51
EDGEWATER COVE 45
MARIETTA CC 31
WYNGATE SOUTH 17
04 LAUREL MANOR 74
BOBBY BAILEY TC 68
THE MANOR GOLF & (ZACHARK) 62
WINDERMERE/FORSY 57
WESTBROOK 40
CENTRAL PARK COU 37
HILLBROOKE 34
THE MANOR GOLF & (MONROY) 25
A7
01 ANSLEY 80
DEKALB TC 77
SUGAR CREEK (PREJEAN-HARR) 54
SHARON LESTER TC 54
SUMMIT FAMILY YM 42
CLAYTON COUNTY T 37
WASHINGTON PARK 31
SUGAR CREEK (JOHNSON) 22
02 HERITAGE CLUB 68 CHARLTON FORGE 65
51 TOWNE LAKE HILLS 51
GROVE 45 EAGLE WATCH 42 BRIDGEMILL ATHLE (ONEILL) 40
ATHLE (SPOHNER) 34
(FOJAS) 65
(STEELE) 57
MILL T C 54
51
51
TOWN CL 48
A1 Tolleson Park (John Tyler Nash, captain)
AA2 Life Time Peachtree Corners (Toi Hubbard, captain)
AA3 Blackburn (Katelyn Peterson, captain)
AA1 Bitsy Grant/Hard Courts (Julie Fusik, captain)
Photos
A7 Ansley (Kelsey Goldstein, captain)
A8 River Ridge @ Barnwell (Sarka Havlova, captain)
A4 Bobby Bailey TC at Alberta Banks Park (Karleigh Dills, captain) A5 River Glen/Fulton (Melissa Anthony, captain)
A2 Fowler Park (Alison Kim, captain)
A3
Sharon Lester TC (Michael Bryan, captain)
BERKELEY HILLS C 20 04 EAGLE WATCH 80
65
MARLO CC 65
RIDGE 60
LANDING 42
IVES CC (MILLER) 40
IVES CC (BUTLER) 37
ABBEY I 17
01 THREE CHIMNEYS F 71 TURNBERRY 62 STERLING ON THE 60 TRADITIONS OF BR 54 LONGLAKE SWIM/TE 51
PRINCETON SQUARE 48
DANIEL PARK 34 LANIER SPRINGS 17 02 TUXFORD 91 ATLANTA ATHLETIC 68
CC OF ROSWELL (SCHWENKER)62
GLEN ABBEY I 57
WELLINGTON 37
THE HIGHLANDS @ 31
AVIARY (FULTON) 25
CC OF ROSWELL (MUNROE) 25
03 RIVERMIST/GWINNE 77
ST MARLO CC 60
ATLANTA ATHLETIC (STALDER) 57
BERKELEY WALK 48
BRIGHT WATER 45
AVOCET CLUB 42
ATLANTA ATHLETIC (BIANDO) 40
CHATTAHOOCHEE RU 28
04 POTTERSTONE 65
LAKE ASTORIA 62
CARMICHAEL FARMS 57
HAMILTON COMMONS 54
FOXHALL 51
POLO GOLF & CC 45
THE MANOR GOLF & 42
BELLETERRE 20 05 BRIDGEMILL ATHLE 71 PACES CLUB 68
EAGLE WATCH 65
CHEROKEE TENNIS 54
FAIR OAKS TC 42
OAKLEIGH 37
GOVERNORS TOWNE 37
HICKORY SPRINGS 22
06 BITSY GRANT/HARD 71
LEGACY AT THE RI 57
DEKALB TC (MCCARTHY) 57
SHARON LESTER TC 54
DEKALB TC (BROWN) 54
AVONDALE S & T 51
TRIBUTARY 34
AGNES SCOTT COL 20
07 STUDDIFORD S&T 77
BROOKFIELD CC 57 WOODLANDS 51 TREMONT 51
LANDING 42
60
FOREST 57
PLACE 54
VERNON WOODS 48
CREEK
NEWCASTLE FARM 45 MILLSTONE AT LIT 45
B1 Wild Timber (Drew Davis, captain)
B2 Peachtree City TC (Michael Dunlap, captain)
B6 CCS-Barnwell Cts (Derek Curtis, captain)
B5 Plantation North (Charlie Dino Jr., captain)
B4 Fields Pond (Jerry Lai, captain)
B3 Studdiford S&T (Rees Smith, captain)
C5 Seven Hills (Heather Hanley, captain)
C7 Peachtree Corners S&R (Ilene Roberts, captain)
C1 Victor Lord Park #1 (Chad Millard, captain)
C3 GSU Dunwoody (Paul Boyd, captain)
B7 Oakwind (Susan McVey, captain)
B8 The Fields II (Ryan Carter, captain)
BRADSHAW FARM (DERRICK) 51
BRADSHAW FARM (LAULETTA) 40
HORSESHOE BEND 40
WOODLANDS 37
PEACHTREE CORNER 34
05 KENNWORTH TC 77
LEGACY PARK 71 BROWNS FARM 65
BENTWATER 57
TOWNE LAKE HILLS 51 GREAT SKY 42
BRIDGEMILL ATHLE 28
EDGEWATER 5
06 MEADOWGROVE (BULLOCK) 68
MEADOWGROVE (HAFF) 68
TERRELL MILL T C 65
BENTLEY PARK SUB 62
45
37
B7
01
WEST 25
B8
01 DEKALB TC 77
RICHARD CRAIG PA (ROBINSO) 74
RICHARD CRAIG PA (RUSH) 60
SHARON LESTER TC (SELPH) 48
SHARON LESTER TC (PETERSO) 40
GLENLAKE I 37
BITSY GRANT/HARD (DVOSKIN) 34
BITSY GRANT/HARD (KLEIBER) 28
02 THE FIELDS II 77 PARSONS RUN 60
RIVER OAK S&R 57
SPOUT SPRINGS TE 51
WHITE OAK PLACE 51
MEDLOCK BRIDGE - 45
BOBBY BAILEY TC 42
CAMERON FOREST 14
03 POLO GOLF & CC 94
BARRETT DOWNS 57
WINDERMERE/FORSY 57 THREE CHIMNEYS F 48
LAKEHAVEN 48
VANNS TAVERN 45
CROOKED CREEK 31 FOXDALE THE RESE 17 04 ARBOR BRIDGE 71 ESTATES OF FERNW 68 STOCKTONS MILL 57
WEATHERSTONE 42
CHARLTON FORGE 34
CARL SANDERS YMC 31
CHESTNUT SPRINGS 25
C1
01 VICTOR LORD PARK 88
SMOKE RISE COUNT 71
EVERGREEN LAKES 48 WILDWOOD 42
COOPERS POND 40
FLOWERS CROSSING 40
SARATOGA 40
FOUR SEASONS 28
02 THE CLUB AT SPAL 74
DUNWOODY CC 68
SHARON LESTER TC (NEL) 54
LOCKRIDGE FOREST 54
PEACHTREE STATIO 51
RIVER GLEN/FUL 51
SHARON LESTER TC (ORANGIO) 28
LEAFMORE CREEK 17
03 RICHLAND 77 REUNION 77
BAKERS FARM 68
ST IVES CC (SWINDALL) 45
OLDE ATLANTA CLU 37 WILD TIMBER 34
ST IVES CC (TAYLOR) 31
STONEBRIER AT SU 28 04 EDGEBROOK 77
DEERLAKE 74
PARK FOREST 54
LAKE FOREST SUBD 54
POST BROOK FARMS 48 WEST OAKS 31
MEDLOCK BRIDGE - 31
HABERSHAM AT LAN 28 05 CHIMNEY LAKES 74
WEST SMYRNA S&T 62
RIVERSIDE S&T 60
FULLERS PARK 51
TERRELL MILL T C 48
PIEDMONT CHASE 42
SENTINEL LAKE 34
HAMPTON FARMS 25
06 PARK AT CEDARCRE 71
LEGACY PARK 65
HOWELL FARMS 54
CENTENNIAL LAKES 51
HARRISON TC 51
TOWNE LAKE HILLS 45
SUMMERCHASE/CHE 31
HAMILTON TOWNSHI 28
07 NORTH FOREST 71
WILDWOOD SPRINGS 60
MAYFAIR/ST CLAIR 60
LAUREL BROOKE 60
DOUBLEGATE 45
CC OF THE SOUTH 45
BROOKFIELD CC 37
HEMBREE PARK 20
08 RIVER GREEN (GEIGER) 74
HIGHLAND POINTE 68
BRADSHAW FARM 60
WOODSTOCK KNOLL 54
ESTATES OF BROOK 51
CHEROKEE TENNIS 45
RIVER GREEN (MOODY) 31
ORANGE SHOALS 14
C3
01 AGNES SCOTT COL 65
DEKALB TC (RAMOS) 62
BRIARCLIFF WOODS 60
TRIBUTARY 51
DEKALB TC (CICCARELLO) 51
SUGAR CREEK (WEST) 45
ROCKDALE TENNIS 34
SUGAR CREEK (SWEATMON) 28
02 CHATEAU ELAN SPO 80
FLOWERS CROSSING 62
FLOWERS CROSSING 60
HAMILTON MILL I 57
TRADITIONS OF BR 45
BRISCOE PARK 42
BAY CREEK PARK 25
RIVERMIST/GWINNE 25
03 HILLBROOKE 77
BRIDLE RIDGE 77
GRAND CASCADES 57 THREE CHIMNEYS F 54 WINDWARD LAKE 45 ABERDEEN 45 RICHLAND 22 SHAKERAG 20
04 CC OF ROSWELL 77 GSU DUNWOODY (BOYD) 65 GSU DUNWOODY (CHEN) 62 MILL GLEN
SENIOR MIXED
01 VERMACK 78
GRANT/SOFT 71 WYNBROOKE 64 LAUREL PARK 60 HERITAGE FARMS 50 ROCK SPRINGS PAR 32
SUGAR CREEK 25
ROCKDALE TENNIS 17
A1
01 THREE CHIMNEYS F 70
50
CREEK HIGH 45 MOUNTAIN PARK 33 02 SADDLE CREEK 2 (SCHMIDT) 82 FALLS OF AUTRY M 64 SADDLE CREEK 2 (LONG) 57
PARK 50 FOXDALE THE RESE 42 CARMICHAEL FARMS 42
MILL T C (EDER) 35
TOWNE 32
RIDGE @ BA 64
64
ATHLETIC 60
MARLO CC 42
BROOKE 39
@ BRO 35
REGENCY PARK 50 RICHARD CRAIG PA 45
T C 29 04 TRADITIONS OF BR 75 CHATTAHOOCHEE RI 62
LANIER SPRINGS 54
VICTOR LORD PARK 8
A7
01 TOWNE LAKE HILLS 82
HUNTER PARK-CITY (YATES) 67
WYNGATE SOUTH 64
HIGHLANDS AT HAM 50
EAGLE WATCH (HOVANEC) 42
EAGLE WATCH (GILNER) 42
MARIETTA CC 25
HUNTER PARK-CITY (HERENDE) 25
02 WESTBROOK 75
EE ROBINSON PARK 67
BOBBY BAILEY TC 50 FIELDSTONE 46 STERLING ON THE 39
MANOR GOLF & 7 03 CHIMNEY SPRINGS 79 HIGHLAND POINTE 75 DUNMOOR S&T 54 BRIARCLIFF WOODS 41 HARRISON TC 37 NEW KENT 33 WOODLANDS 29 04 FOUR SEASONS 75
71
67
GROVE 46
BRIDGE - 39
39
IVES CC 32 RIVERMIST/GWINNE 28
B1
01 WILD TIMBER 75 STERLING
25 03
CENTRAL PARK COU 60
CITY T 75
BUFORD CITY PARK 53
AA1 Vermack (Scott Boehringer, captain)
A1 Falls of Autry Mill (Brandi Nickerson, captain)
FOUR SEASONS 58
RIVER OAK S&R 54
CHEROKEE WOODS E 33
VERMACK 29
ROCKDALE TENNIS 20
78
EAST ROSWELL PAR 67
JACKSONS CREEK 64
KENSINGTON FARMS 53
HERITAGE @ ROSWE 46 CHATSWORTH 39 GSU DUNWOODY 32 MILL GLEN 17
04 RICHARD CRAIG PA 83 FOUR SEASONS 54 DEKALB TC 45
LESLIE BEACH 16
05 CREEKSIDE GOLF & 54
HUNTER PARK-CITY 54
PEACHTREE CITY T (TILLEY) 54
PEACHTREE CITY T (WARREN) 37
B7
01 FONTAINEBLEAU 83 KINGSLEY 70
02 FOWLER PARK 67
CHIMNEY SPRINGS 60
CROOKED CREEK 60
WILDWOOD SPRINGS 46
ACADEMY PARK 42
CARRIAGE PARK 39
CHIMNEY LAKES 39
JEFFERSON TOWNSH 35
03 DANIEL PARK 66 WELLINGTON 58
ABERDEEN (SQUILLACE) 54
ABERDEEN (MADDOCK) 50
BUNTEN ROAD PARK 45
WHITE HAWK 37
MEDLOCK BRIDGE - 37
04 HARRISON TC (JOSEPH) 83
BROOKSTONE 3 62 VININGS ESTATES 50 BENTWATER 41
C1
HARRISON TC (JAYCOX) 41
MADISON WOODS 37 LEES CROSSING 33
01 FAIRWAYS/CHEROKE 75 PIEDMONT CHASE 64
HOLLY SPRINGS 60
CASTEEL HEIGHTS 60 OAK CREEK ESTATE 42 BROOKSTONE CC 42
SADDLE RIDGE LAK 28
HARMONY ON THE L 25
02 ESTATES OF FERNW 78
JEFFERSON TOWNSH 75
HORSESHOE BEND 71
MAYFAIR/ST CLAIR 60
CHIMNEY SPRINGS 42
CRABAPPLE LAKE/P 35
MARTIN’S LANDING 28
KINGSLEY 7
03 BAKERS FARM 75 DEL WEBB CHATEAU 58
RUBY FOREST 54
33
B3 Brookcliff (Celia Sheridan, captain)
B1 Wild Timber (Paul Summers, captain)
A7 Highland Pointe (Marc Benesh, captain)
A5 Dellinger Park (Phillip Edwards, captain)
B5 Richard Craig Park (Scott Thrasher, captain)
B7
Harrison TC (Jennifer Joseph, captain)
C1 Bakers Farm (Todd Miller, captain)
May 4 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/6)
May 11 Spring playoffs (rain date 5/13)
May 17 Summer roster registration ends
May 18 Spring City Finals (rain date 5/20)
Jun. 8 Summer schedules post online (ALL PB leagues)
Jun. 15 Mixed PB summer play begins
Jun. 17 Women’s PB summer play begins
Jun. 19 Men’s PB summer play begins
Jul. 27 Mixed PB summer play ends
Jul. 28 Mixed PB fall registration begins
Jul. 29 Women’s PB summer play ends
Jul. 31 Men’s PB summer play ends
Aug. 3 Summer Mixed PB playoffs (rain date 8/5)
Aug. 5 Summer Women’s PB playoffs (rain date 8/12)
Aug. 7 Summer Men’s PB playoffs (rain date 8/14)
Aug. 8 Summer Mixed PB playoffs (rain date 8/9)
Aug. 10 Summer Mixed PB playoffs (rain date 8/12)
Aug. 12 Summer Women’s PB playoffs (rain date 8/17)
Aug. 14 Summer Men’s PB playoffs (rain date 8/17)
Aug. 15 Summer Mixed PB City Finals (rain date 8/16)
Aug. 16 Mixed PB fall registration ends
Aug. 22 Summer Women’s PB playoffs (rain date 8/23)
Aug. 22 Summer Men’s PB playoffs (rain date 8/23)
Aug. 22 Summer Women’s PB City Finals (rain date 8/23)
Aug. 22 Summer Men’s PB City Finals (rain date 8/23)
@mizunousa
MIZUNO PICKLEBALL
IN A PICKLE
The Big Swing
BY HENRY VINCENT, PICKLEBALL LEAGUES VICE PRESIDENT
Can you use indoor balls for an outdoor match?
No. According to ALTA Pickleball Rule IV.F, the balls must be appropriate for the surface and type of court: outdoor balls for outdoor courts and rough surfaces, indoor balls for indoor courts and smooth surfaces.
Who provides the balls and pays court fees?
In each match, the home team will be responsible for providing USA Pickleball-approved balls for each line of the match. There is no exchange of balls at the end of each match. (ALTA Pickleball Rule IV.F.) The home team pays court fees. (ALTA Pickleball Rule I.D.)
What governs play — ALTA or USA Pickleball?
ALTA rules govern play. In cases not specifically covered by ALTA rules, the USA Pickleball rules govern play, as well as the USA Pickleball Sportsmanship Guide. (ALTA Pickleball rules IV.C.)
Illegal
serve — who can call it and what
happens?
If the receiving team determines that the serve motion was clearly illegal, the receiving team may call for a replay BEFORE the return of serve. The server will have no more than two attempts to correct the serve motion. The third service attempt must be a drop-serve. If the third serve is still illegal, it will be a fault. (ALTA Pickleball Rule IV.I.) This is also explained in the ALTA Pickleball FAQs, Question 22.
Is coaching allowed during match play?
Coaching is allowed between games and during timeouts. Spectators (including teammates, coaches, and fans) may not volunteer advice regarding line calls, scoring, or the conduct of a match while the match is in play. They may not offer advice or instruction that is audible, visible, or by electronic device to the players on the court. It is each captain’s responsibility to control his or her spectators during match play. (ALTA Pickleball Rule IV.K.)
by Laura
Photo
Barnard
Third Shot Choices
BY DAVID HUNTLEY, PPR CERTIFIED TEACHING PROFESSIONAL
The serving team hits the third shot, and the choice and execution of this shot is one of, if not the most important, shots to master on your way to becoming an advanced player.
Always remember the guidelines are very different for the serving team and the receiving team. For the returning team, remember “RR” — return and run up to the No Volley Zone (NVZ), also known as the Kitchen, to join your partner, who is already at the line. For the serving team, remember “SS” — serve and stay back, because you are required to let the service return bounce before you can hit it. (No serve and volley like tennis!)
For that reason, the returning team should make it to the NVZ before the serving team, giving them the advantage. The best choices the serving team have for their third shot are:
• Driving the ball at the player who returns the serve and is on the way to the NVZ. This is a good choice only if that player has not yet reached the NVZ.
• If the returning player has already reached the NVZ, the preferred shot is the famous “third shot drop” (How to hit that shot later!)
A third choice that typically does not work well against better players is to drive the ball at the net player or to lob from the baseline. The third shot drop is the most important skill against advanced players. This shot is similar to a dink, except you are trying to land the ball in the NVZ from or near
your baseline. A good consistent third shot drop is achieved by keeping your wrist firm and arm motion to a minimum.
A guideline to make this shot seem simpler is to think of this shot as a mini lob with the highest point five to six feet high as it passes over your NVZ. It is much easier to hit third drops cross court, as the ball has more time to fall.
In order to have the ball land in your opponent’s NVZ, the ball must begin to descend as it passes over your NVZ. You must decide at that point if this is the ball to come in on. If so, both partners must come in together.
Think of your opponents as giant traffic lights:
• Red Light = The ball is head high. Do not come in on this ball. Stay back and try to hit a better fifth shot drop.
• Yellow Light = The ball is waist high. Come in halfway and stop to see what kind of ball they hit.
• Green Light = The ball is at least below your opponent’s knees. Come all the way in on this ball.
The purpose of this shot is to allow the serving team to make it to the NVZ on a ball that cannot be attacked. Once all four players are at the NVZ, both teams have an equal chance of winning the rally. Third shot drops should only be used when both opponents are at the NVZ. If you can see one player backed off the NVZ, just drive the ball at their feet. This could get you a miss or a pop-up to attack. Have fun out there!
Fall registration is July 28 – Aug. 16
Fall season runs Sept. 21 – Nov. 2
PICKLEBALL LEAGUE NEWS
What’s New In Pickleball?
BY HENRY VINCENT, PICKLEBALL LEAGUES VICE PRESIDENT
Pickleball continues to grow and evolve, but at its core it is all about participation and competitive fun! We’ve seen innovation in technology and equipment standards. As ALTA players get ready for an exciting season, let’s look at what’s new and what it means for our ALTA family.
Paddle manufacturers continue pushing the limits with raw carbon fiber surfaces, thermoformed construction, expanded sweet spots, and enhanced spin capability. As a result, players are seeing faster hands at the net and more controlled groundstrokes.
However, with innovation comes oversight. The league will abide by the ALTA Rules IV.C. “ALTA rules govern play. In cases not specifically covered by these rules, the USA Pickleball rules govern play, as well as the USA Pickleball Sportsmanship Guide.” This includes paddle approval guidelines. ALTA Pickleball FAQ question #16 says, “All balls and paddles must be USA Pickleball approved. Outdoor balls must be used for outdoor courts or rough surfaces. Indoor balls must be used for indoor courts or smooth surfaces.” A list of USA Pickleball-approved paddles can be found at equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list.
They are welcoming, encouraging, and competitive in all the right ways. Still, as play intensifies, we have all seen close linecall disagreements, kitchen foot-fault discussions, as well as score-calling confusion.
In other words, that “hot” new paddle is fine if it is approved and unmodified. If you’re unsure about a paddle’s status, check before match day. It’s much easier than having that conversation at the net.
As courts appear in neighborhoods across the ALTA universe, noise has become a frequent topic of discussion. The familiar “pop” of a pickleball is part of the sport’s identity, but it’s not always the most fun for our neighbors. Manufacturers are responding with quieter options like foam or composite-core balls, modified hole patterns, and softer materials designed to reduce the noise. Players may use the “quiet balls” as long as they are approved by USA Pickleball. A list of USA Pickleball-approved balls can be found at equipment.usapickleball. org/ball-list.
With growth comes increased competitiveness. The vast majority of ALTA players represent the sport beautifully.
ALTA is clear on these points. Under ALTA Rules line calls are the responsibility of the team on side of court where the call is made. If there is uncertainty, the call should favor the opponent. If partners disagree, the point is awarded to the opposing team. Spectators (including teammates, coaches, and fans) may not volunteer advice regarding line calls, or scoring, while the match is in play. Remember, we are recreational players. None of us are getting a paycheck for playing pickleball!
Players should demonstrate good sportsmanship by calling the score clearly before each serve, communicate respectfully, avoid seeking outside input on calls and conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the league. Pickleball has always been built on integrity. The best matches are competitive, fun, and courteous.
Pickleball is maturing. Equipment is more advanced. Communities are adjusting. Competition is sharper. But the foundation remains unchanged. Always use approved equipment. Make honest calls. Call the score clearly. Compete hard and shake hands afterward. Technology will keep evolving and so will the game. Let’s make sure our sportsmanship evolves right along with it. See you on the courts!
Photo by Laura Barnard
Are your mornings feeling duller than a cotton ball? We got you.
Listen to with our app, web, or on 99.7FM.
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 can be found on the team’s schedule page in the member portal.
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 – David Rowe
First Vice President –Greg McAfee
ALTAPresident@altatennis.org 109
FirstVP@altatennis.org 114
VP Men’s League – Drew Meyer MensVP@altatennis.org 116
VP Thursday Women’s League – Candace Cole ThursdayVP@altatennis.org 118
VP Sunday Women’s League – Diane Royston
VP Senior Day Leagues – Rusty Jones
VP Senior Leagues – Mike Clance
SundayVP@altatennis.org 117
SeniorDayVP@altatennis.org 120
SeniorVP@altatennis.org 121
VP Mixed Doubles League –Nicole Jennings MixedVP@altatennis.org 122
VP Junior Leagues – Kim Freeman
JuniorVP@altatennis.org 119
VP Junior Challenge Ladder – Gina Woods JrChallengeVP@altatennis.org 123
VP Special Programs – Mark LaRotonda SpecialProgramsVP@altatennis.org 124
VP Events & Tournaments – Carol Brasher EventsVP@altatennis.org 125
VP Pickleball – Henry Vincent PickleballVP@altatennis.org 127
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).
n ALTA office: 770.399.5788
n ALTA office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call the office during weekdays as employees occasionally work remotely.
n Membership dues: Adult Tennis – $30, Adult Pickleball– $30, Juniors (18 and under) – $15. Dues are for the calendar year.
n ALTA website: altatennis.org
n ALTA’s calendar of important dates can be found on the website and in each issue of Net News.
n Your membership number is printed on the Net News mailing label and is also available on the ALTA website.
n To update your mailing address, log in to your account on the ALTA website and go to My Profile.
Invested In Your (Financial) Health
Ameris Bank believes a strong financial foundation is the ultimate competitive edge. A winning season isn’t just about the power of your serve—it’s about the strategy in your planning, the consistency of your habits and having a partner who keeps your fiscal fitness a top priority.
Whether it’s buying a house, finding a better checking account or getting your business off the ground, consider us your personal coach here to improve your financial game. Visit www.amerisbank.com or stop by a branch near you to learn how we can help support your goals.
