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Table of Contents J u n e 2012
USTA Florida Section Staff
George English
FEATURES 10 Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships
Cathy Nordlund Tennis Program Coordinator, 305-252-6591 South Region 8 nordlund@florida.usta.com
12 USTA Florida/USPTA Florida Sign Partnership Agreement
13 League Restructuring
Doug Booth Executive Director 386-671-8925 booth@florida.usta.com Lynne Salus
olunteer Development & 954-625-6259 V Meetings Manager salus@florida.usta.com
Linda Matthews
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Janet Sprague
T ennis Program Coordinator, 561-385-7399 Region 6 sprague@florida.usta.com
Carla Williams
T ennis Program Coordinator, 216-406-8627 Region 3 williams@florida.usta.com Tennis Program Coordinator, 386-847-2497 East Region 4 zimmer@florida.usta.com
RESOURCES DIVISION
League 4.5 and 5.0 to debut “Plus Divisions” in 2013
DEPARTMENTS
Executive Administrator 386-671-8940 matthews@florida.usta.com Julie Claude Accounting Specialist 386-671-8933 claude@florida.usta.com
Molly Zimmer
LEAGUES Sandy Marshall Director of Leagues/SLC 386-671-8932 marshall@florida.usta.com Dona Garcia
dult & Senior League 386-671-8936 A Coordinator garcia@florida.usta.com ixed, Combo and Super 386-671-8939 M Sr. Leagues Coordinator manning@florida.usta.com Administrative Assistant 386-671-8926 vanhorn@florida.usta.com
President’s Message
PLAY TENNIS DIVISION – COMMUNITY TENNIS
Jodi Manning
Around the Courts
Andy McFarland Associate Executive Director, 386-671-8927 Play Tennis Division mcfarland@florida.usta.com
Kelly Vanhorn
14 Volunteer of the Month
T ennis Program Coordinator, 850-510-6585 Region 1 english@florida.usta.com
Shelly Licorish Tennis Program Coordinator, 407-403-5686 West Region 4 licorish@florida.usta.com
The former Jr. State Closed tournament gets a new name and crowns this year’s age group champions in Daytona Beach
At the joint USTA Florida/USPTA Florida conference in June the two organizations sign a historic partnership agreement
Amanda Becker Tennis Program Coordinator, 904-281-1187 North Region 2 becker@florida.usta.com
Linda Curtis Director of Community Tennis 386-671-8934 curtisL@florida.usta.com
COMPETITIVE TENNIS
Rebecca Halpern
Andy Gladstone
15 Regional Columns
Schools Coordinator 386-671-8928 halpern@florida.usta.com
Michelle Brown
T eam Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8937 brownm@florida.usta.com
Ann Brown
24 Junior Profile
Elizabeth Coates
dministrative Assistant 386-671-8943 A coates@florida.usta.com
25 Quick Shots
Debbie Ellsworth 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 561-313-1083 Village of Wellington ellsworth@florida.usta.com
Laura Bowen
irector of Marketing 386-671-8930 D & Membership bowen@florida.usta.com
Sheryl Rivas
José Medina
Information Technology 386-671-8929 Coordinator medina@florida.usta.com Communications Coordinator 904-535-9489 vach@florida.usta.com
1 0 & Under TMI Coordinator 407-551-9798 Seminole County rivas@florida.usta.com
Tara Dominguez Tennis Program Coordinator, 850-261-6192 dominguez@florida.usta.com JULY 2012
ompetitive Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8931 C gladstone@florida.usta.com Competitive Education Coordinator 386-671-8942 brown@florida.usta.com
MARKETING / MEMBERSHIP / COMMUNICATIONS
Rick Vach
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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President’s Message Tennis 10 Years Out
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f we look at tennis’ progression from 20-3040 years ago, we see how much the game has changed in terms of power, fitness level required and overall athleticism. Gone are the days of seeing the pros slice their one-handed backhand down Dan Casey, the line and come in for putUSTA Florida President away volleys. If they do that today, they watch 100 m.p.h. forehands pass them by. What will the next 10 years look like for professional tennis? At the pro level 10 years out, one can expect the maturation of the taller players that train extensively off court for quickness, agility and power, with most of the men’s top players hitting 135 m.p.h. serves from their 6-foot-4 or taller frames, but moving like Rafa and Roger. With the exception of David Ferrer who is arguably the best mover and defensive player on the men’s tour, all of the Top 10 men are six feet or taller, with John Isner, Tomas Berdych, and Juan Martin Del Potro being 6-foot-5 or taller. While it seems 6-foot to 6-foot-2 is the prototypical men’s pro today (Novak Djokovic, Nadal and Federer), I sense that it will be 6-foot-4 to 6-foot-7 in 10 years, but the men will be serving like Isner but moving like Rafa. Evidence of this movement trend comes from Ferrer, the smallest men’s player in the Top 10,
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who recently said he started his pro career playing four hours on court per day, with one hour per day of weight, agility and fitness training. He now does the reverse, and has achieved his career-high ranking of No. 6 in the world. All of the top men will be in an outstanding physical state like Ferrer is now. Women’s increase in height, agility and athleticism also seems likely 10 years out, but the big serve has not been a historical prerequisite for top women as it is in men’s tennis, although Serena proved it can be a monumental tool. That being said, most of the Top 10 women are 5-foot-10 or above, and Maria Sharapova and Petra Kvitova are both over 6-foot. Tallest is the No. 1-ranked Sharapova at 6-foot-2, and Kvitova is defending Wimbledon champion, enough said. Hard, flat balls will be the rule on the women’s tour; margin and spin seen in past years only slow the ball and give rally control to the harder-hitting opponent. Recreationally, our association hopes that tennis will be a staple sport in all schools P.E. departments, in reach of all athletes of all different sizes and shapes from grammar school through college. After graduation, we hope they pick up leagues or other competitive or recreational play, having learned tennis is the sport of a lifetime, including 60-foot courts and modified, lighter balls for seniors. That being said, the competitive nature of us all will compel us to pair our tennis activities
with some ongoing agility and fitness training, enabling us all to stay healthy and “play like a pro.”
Got your own opinion on this article, or anything in Play Tennis Florida or on the USTA Florida website? Send to news@florida. usta.com and we’ll answer your questions, or run your opinions in future issues or at www.ustaflorida.com. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Courts Around the
USTA Florida Launches Branded Apparel Line, Tennis Warehouse Discounts for Members
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STA Florida has launched a new apparel line at the Official USTA Florida Store, which offers USTA Florida-branded and non-branded apparel to USTA Florida members, as well as exclusive discounts on tennis equipment. Through a new partnership with Sunflower Marketing, USTA Florida is offering members the opportunity to buy tennis and general-wear apparel with the USTA Florida and USTA Leagues logos. Now, your USTA League team can have matching apparel with the official USTA Florida or USTA Florida Leagues logo in time for the Fall season. As a bonus to USTA Florida members, an additional partnership with Tennis Warehouse offers a 15 percent discount on select nonbranded apparel and equipment from Nike to adidas to all the popular manufacturers, and from racquets to string to bags. Tennis Warehouse also offers an array of kidsized equipment — the perfect way to help your children get started in 10 and Under Tennis or Jr. Team Tennis and get on
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the road to playing the “Sport of a Lifetime.”
“We’ll be adding more items to the store and exclusive promotions for USTA Florida members in the months ahead, so check back
often,” says USTA Florida Director of Marketing & Membership Laura Bowen. “Visit the new USTA Florida Store today, and share with your friends!”
Todd Martin to Serve as Spokesperson for USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Long-time Florida resident and former world No. 4-ranked ATP pro Todd Martin will serve as USTA Florida’s first spokesperson for 10 and Under Tennis. Martin and his wife Amy have two sons and a daughter under the age of 10. “I made the mistake of teaching my first son with regular yellow tennis balls,” said Martin, an advisor to the USTA High Performance program and a current member of the national USTA Board of Directors. “Once I learned about the orange balls, and got him playing the right way, it was so much fun to watch him play, and be on the court with him. Now he plays the game the right way.” 10 and Under Tennis starts very young players on smaller courts (compared to an adult 78-foot court) with age-appropriate, lighter racquets and low-bounce balls. 10 and Under Tennis is designed to provide children the optimal conditions for learning proper strokes, accelerated swing speed, and the development of a variety of tennis shots that are difficult for children to master with high-bouncing heavy regular balls and large adult racquets on full-size adult tennis courts.
Different commercial spots featuring Martin geared toward parents and tennis coaches will air in select Florida media markets in 2012, and will be featured on the web as well as in select schools and other locations. The video can also be downloaded from the USTA Florida YouTube website at www.youtube.com/user/ustafl1. “10 and Under Tennis makes great sense from the physical standpoint for children, but it also makes good sense from an emotional and developmental standpoint,” Martin says. “It’s a great way to get kids involved, and keep them involved in the great sport of tennis.” A resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., Martin has coached top players Novak Djokovic and Mardy Fish among others. He remains active running tennis camps and academies, as well as participating in numerous tennis charity events in the Jacksonville area. For more information, or information on facilities offering 10 and Under Tennis in Florida, go to www.florida.usta.com/youth_tennis/10_and_ under_tennis.
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Around the Courts To check out the new lines of USTA Florida apparel and merchandise, go to www. USTAFlorida.com/store.
be. I just wanted to say that I’m thankful to my fiance Alexandra Restivo for sticking by me and supporting me in the event. And to my Royal Palm tennis family for all their love and support. The tournament was great!” Over the weekend in the women’s final, 22-yearold Swede Sandra Roma defeated 15-year-old Jessica Ho of Tampa 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4 to gain a trip to the US Open National Playoffs event. Roma in the semifinals defeated defending champion Caroline Dailey 6-4, 6-0.
Mixed Double Champions DeHeart and Fudge
Hechtman, Roma, DeHeart/Fudge Champions at 2012 US Open Playoffs-Florida Club tennis director Eric Hechtman won the men’s singles championship on a rain-delayed Monday at the US Open Playoffs-Florida tournament in Clearwater, defeating former No. 174-ranked ATP player Ryler DeHeart in the final 6-4, 7-5. The event was held May 26-29, 2012, at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex. The junior tennis director at Royal Palm Tennis Club in Miami, Hechtman said he was too busy coaching to train coming into the event, but said, “I feel that I have a chance [at the national event] if I train.” “The US Open Playoffs idea is awesome!” Hechtman said after the final. “If someone were to come out of the playoffs and then qualie for the US Open, what a storyline that would JULY 2012
In the mixed doubles championship completed over the weekend, DeHeart and wife Megan Fudge defeated Franco Mata of Naples and Roma 6-2, 7-6(5). “We started off playing really well and then got on a roller coaster ride for the second set, but was able to bring it home while making the spectators sit on the edge of their seats!” blogged Fudge for the www.ustaflorida.com website. “Thank you to everyone that came out today to watch a great day of tennis. I cannot believe we are now only four matches away from playing in the US Open!” To read Fudge’s blogs and other tournament blogs click here.
Three Florida High Schoolers Receive USTA Serves Grants USTA Serves, the national charitable foundation of the United States
Tennis Association (USTA), announced that it will grant 59 high school students a variety of college scholarships, totaling more than $410,000. Each year, USTA Serves awards scholarships to deserving youth who have participated in USTA and other organized youth tennis programs, have demonstrated high academic achievement, and require financial assistance for college matriculation. USTA Serves College Education Scholarship grants for $8,000 each went to two Florida high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service and participated in an organized tennis program. Camille Graves of Lakeland, Fla., from Summerlin Military Academy, and Rebekah Lam of Palm Coast, Fla., from Matanzas High School received awards. Receiving a USTA Serves College Textbook Scholarship for $1,000 is Linzi Arndt of Spring Hill, Fla., from Land O’Lakes High School. “It is with great pleasure that USTA Serves is awarding more than $410,000 in scholarships to assist such exemplary students as they prepare to embark on their college journey,” said Deborah Slaner Larkin, executive director, USTA Serves. “These young men and women have not only excelled on the tennis court, but have served as role models for others in their schools and communities. It is our hope that as they enter the next chapter of their lives, that they continue to aspire to greatness for themselves and for the betterment of society.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts For more information on USTA Serves, visit www.usta.com/foundation.
Nomination Window Open for 2012 USTA Florida Tennis Awards The annual USTA Florida Awards, recognizing the top tennis volunteers, players and organizations in Florida, will be presented at the USTA Florida Annual Meeting and Tennis Celebration, held Dec. 1-2, 2012, in Orlando. All nominations must be submitted on the official nomination form at www.research. net/s/2012AwardsNomForm. “No nominations will be accepted after July 13, so go online now, and don’t let that special Florida volunteer or organization go unrecognized,” said USTA Florida staffer and Awards Committee liaison Lynne Salus.
the Year, Female Player of the Year (Adult/Senior Division), Male Player of the Year (Adult/Senior Division), Wheelchair Player of the Year (Adult/ Senior/Junior).
of the Year, Jimmy Gantt Memorial Award (A junior player who has overcome a physical impairment or injury), Outstanding Diversity Achievement.
COMMUNITY TENNIS AWARDS: USTA
To see last year’s USTA Florida award winners with video presentations for major awards, go to: www.florida.usta.com/CommunityTennis/ tennis_best_recognized_at_2011_usta_florida_ annual_awards111/.
League Tennis Coordinator of the Year, USTA Jr. Team Tennis League Coordinator of the Year, USTA Tennis on Campus Coordinator of the Year, USTA Schools Tennis Volunteer of the Year, Community Tennis Association (CTA) Volunteer
U.S. Davis Cup and Delray Beach Hoping for Sept. Win at Spain Another wrinkle is that in the other Davis Cup semifinal in Sept., due to the home-and-away Davis Cup system, the Czech Republic would have to defeat Argentina for the U.S. to host a home final against the Czechs.
The 2012 awards will be presented in the following categories:
SERVICE AWARDS: Hall of Fame — (Administrative), Merit Award — (Male and Female), Tennis Family of the Year, Volunteer of the Year.
RESOURCES DIVISION AWARDS: Member Organization of the Year, Official of the Year, Outstanding Media Excellence
COMPETITIVE TENNIS AWARDS: Bobby Curtis Junior Tournament of the Year, Junior Competitive Coach of the Year, Albert Carrington Balink Award (Junior Player of the Year), Al Mills Memorial Adult Tournament of JULY 2012
When the U.S. Davis Cup team undertakes the historically nearly-impossible task of going into Spain on the red clay and coming out with a win, the City of Delray Beach will be watching as closely as any U.S. fan. If the U.S. squad, likely to be led by some combination of John Isner, Mardy Fish, Andy Roddick, Ryan Harrison and the Bryan brothers can best seven-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and the rest of Spanish armada, the City of Delray Beach will be in the mix to host the final.
The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group semifinal between the U.S. and Spain will be held in Gijon, Spain, on outdoor red clay, and broadcast live by Tennis Channel in the U.S., Sept. 14-16, 2012. According to the Sun Sentinel newspaper, the City of Delray Beach will put in a bid for the Nov. 16-18 final, should the U.S. and Czech Republic win their semifinals, by the August deadline, per approval by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. Delray Beach last hosted the Davis Cup in 2004 when the U.S. faced Sweden. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts To nominate an individual or organization go to www.research.net/s/2012AwardsNomForm. For award questions, please email JoAnn Zirpoli at penn2@aol.com.
UF’s Embree, Will Named to 2012 USTA Collegiate Team The USTA announced that 16 of the nation’s top men’s and women’s collegiate tennis players have been named to the 2012 USTA Collegiate Team, administered by the USTA and the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). The University of Florida’s Lauren Embree (Marco Island, Fla.) and Allie Will (Boca Raton, Fla.) were named to the women’s squad, which also includes Mallory Burdette, Stanford (JR, Jackson, Ga.); Jacqueline Cako, Arizona State (SO, Brier, Wash.); Beatrice Capra, Duke (FR, Ellicott City, Md.); Nicole Gibbs, Stanford (SO, Manhattan Beach, Calif.); and Zoe Scandalis, USC (FR, San Diego). The USTA Collegiate Team, which began in 1996 and is funded by the USTA, is an elite training program for the top American collegiate tennis players. It is designed to provide college players with valuable exposure to the USTA Pro Circuit of lower-level pro tournaments in a team-oriented environment during the summer. In addition to competing on the USTA Pro Circuit, USTA Player Development is hosting two Pro
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Lauren Embree
Tour Transition Camps — one for men, one for women — for the selected players.
Embree and Will are members of the team for the third consecutive year.
Will helped lead Florida to its second consecutive NCAA women’s team title, as did Embree, who won the NCAA title-clinching match for the Florida Gators for the second straight year. Both
Current pros who were members of prior USTA Collegiate Teams include: James Blake, Bob and Mike Bryan, John Isner, Amer Delic, Jesse Levine, and Irina Falconi.
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Around the Courts
Editorial:
10 and Under Tennis Growing a New Generation by Andy McFarland, USTA Florida associate executive director
“The new generation of tennis player is here!!”
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fter what I witnessed at the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships in Altamonte Springs in June, I can say that with a strong breath of confidence! Oh, we knew the USTA 10 and Under Tennis format tsunami was going hit our state ever since the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and USTA shook our sport by approving the tennis rule change for players ages 10 and under back in the fall of 2010 (the first rule change invoked by the ITF since the tiebreak rule adoption in the 1970s). We knew it was coming, as blended lines were being painted and permanent stand-alone courts were being built in our Florida communities. We knew it was coming, once this new 10 and under rule change took effect officially on Jan. 1 of this year. And, after visiting the preeminent Florida 10 and Under Tennis tournament of the year, I can say I witnessed early signs of the 10 and Under Tennis tsunami reaching our Florida shores. For the first time in the 64-year history of the Florida state junior tournament, officially named after the tournament’s founder and long-time tournament director, Bobby Curtis, the new 10 and under rule change was put into play for the 10 and under boys’
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and girls’ divisions. Yes, that meant the players were competing on 60-foot blended line courts (instead of adult 78-foot courts) with orange low-bounce balls and tennis rackets extending no longer than 25 inches, while using a shorter format of scoring for the first time (sets to four games instead of six). There was a lot of grumbling and moaning along the way with this new rule change, but those that adapted to the historical rule change early certainly are benefitting today. Participation in our sport has been abysmal in this country in the 6-10 age bracket. In fact, roughly 20,000 kids under the age of 10 participate in structured tennis leagues or tournaments nationwide annually; less than 3,000 in Florida! Our sport needed an extreme makeover to fix what was so evidently wrong. That’s what 10 and Under Tennis helps provide. Did you know when Little League Baseball (LLB) was founded in 1939, it took eight years for it to expand outside of Pennsylvania where it was founded? Did you know that girls were not even involved in LLB until 1974? Today, LLB boasts over 2.6 million players nationwide. To read the full un-edited article CLICK HERE. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Bobby Curtis Junior State Chps.
Stewart, Daniel Backto-back Champions at Bobby Curtis Jr. Championships
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wo girls raised their stock in the world of junior tennis in June at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach, where Miami’s Katerina Stewart and Wesley Chapel’s Jaeda Daniel won titles for the second consecutive year at the 64th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships. Formerly known as the USTA Florida Junior State Closed, the tournament is the annual top junior singles event in Florida for age groups 18-10, and one of the top in the nation in terms of competitive junior tennis talent. Stewart, the No. 3 seed in the Girls’ 18 draw and the Girls’ 16 champion from 2011, upset No. 2 seed Maci Epstein of Windermere 6-2, 6-3. It was a 90-degree-day battle of Florida junior veterans who had never faced each other in singles.
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“I’d seen her around a lot, and actually played her in doubles, but never in singles,” Stewart said of Epstein. “I just played it by whatever she did, I just reacted to it, I counter punched. The heat was a factor, but today it wasn’t as hot as yesterday.” The previous day the combatants had both played their quarterfinals and semifinals in 92 degree temperatures with 90 percent humidity. Also capturing a title for the second straight year was the diminutive Daniel, who in 2011 won the Girls’ 12s title. This year as the No. 8 seed in the Girls’ 14s, Daniel in the final toppled the hard-hitting No. 1 seed Adriana Reami of
DIVISION WINNERS: Boys’ 18 – D ominic Cotrone Bradenton, FL def. Grayson Goldin (15) Bradenton, FL 6-4, 6-2
Boy’s 16 – Alfredo Perez (7) Coral Gables, FL def. Mirko Radosevic (11) Miami, FL 6-3, 6-2
Boys’ 14 – G abriel Pilones (2) Bradenton, FL def. Kaden Funk (1) Windermere, FL 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(1)
Boys’ 12 – M ason Beiler (3) Palm Harbor, FL def. Robert Hammond (7) Boca Raton, FL 6-3, 6-3
Boys’ 10 – Mark Dancuart, Boca Raton, FL def. Nicholas Ayala, Coral Springs, FL 4-2, 4-0 (10 and Under Tennis scoring)
Boys’ 10 doubles – N icholas Ayala, Coral Springs, FL/ John Sharkey, Hollywood, FL def. Andrew and Timothy Reilley, St. Petersburg 4-0, 4-1 (10 and Under Tennis scoring)
Girls’ 18 – Katerina Stewart (3) Miami, FL def. Maci Epstein (2) Windermere, FL 6-2, 6-3
Girls’ 16 – Bennett Dunn (1) Plantation, FL def. Julia O’Loughlin (2) Lighthouse Point, FL 6-4, 6-2
Girls’ 14 – Jaeda Daniel (8) Wesley Chapel def. Adriana Reami (1) Miami, FL 6-3, 6-3
Girls’ 12 – Sophia Edwards (3) Sarasota, FL def. Whitney Osuigwe Bradenton, FL 6-3, 6-3
Girls’ 10 – Kassandra Di Staulo, Weston, FL def. Tallia Russell, Weeki Wachee, FL 4-0, 4-1 (10 and Under Tennis scoring)
Girls’ 10 doubles – Kimberly Cortese, Seminole, FL/ Amy Behremovic, St. Petersburg, FL def. Christi Valbrun, Delray Beach, FL/Lara Smejkal, Boca Raton, FL 4-2, 4-2 (10 and Under Tennis scoring)
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Bobby Curtis Junior State Chps. Miami 6-3, 6-3. Daniel has now reached the final in the Girls’ 10s, won the Girls’ 12s and won the Girls’ 14s titles. Unseeded 18 year old Dominic Cotrone of Bradenton, who just finished his freshman year on the Florida State University team, became the first college player to ever return to win the 18s division at the Florida junior state championships. In the Boys’ 18 final Cotrone defeated fellow Bradenton resident and frequent training partner Grayson Goldin, the No. 15 seed, 6-4, 6-2. The 64th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships, the event that has showcased three future world No. 1-ranked players from the state of Florida, was contested June 9-14, 2012. The event saw the 18-14 age divisions played at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach, and the 12-10 divisions played at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. Former world No. 1s Chris Evert, Andy Roddick and Jim Courier are among the players that have raised trophies or competed at the event that prior to 2012 was known as the USTA Florida Jr. State Closed Championship, renamed in 2012 to honor legendary Florida junior tennis organizer Bobby Curtis. For the full article and all division winners and photos CLICK HERE.
From left: Boys’ 18 champion Dominic Cotrone of Bradenton, tournament organizer Bobby Curtis, and runner-up Grayson Goldin of Bradenton
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Community Tennis USTA Florida, USPTA Florida Sign Tennis Growth Partnership Agreement
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wo Florida tennis organizations came together to cement a long-standing relationship to grow the game of tennis when the United States Professional Tennis AssociationFlorida Division (USPTA Florida) and USTA Florida signed a formal partnership agreement on Saturday, June 2, 2012, during the USPTA Florida Annual Convention & USTA Florida Semi-Annual Meeting, held jointly at the Club Med-Sandpiper resort in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
“This is long overdue,” Cohen said. “It makes complete sense for USPTA Florida and USTA Florida working and growing in the same direction, and trying to achieve the same goal, which is growing the game of tennis. It’s a marriage made in heaven. It’s unique, and by us signing this agreement, it will hopefully lead to the other divisions and sections following. Florida has taken the lead on this and growing the game.”
In a sport known for its alphabet soup of acronym-ed tennis organizations that are seemingly many times at odds with one another, the partnership between the USPTA Florida Division and USTA Florida Section stands out as unique. The agreement, signed by USPTA Florida Division President Jeff Cohen and USTA Florida Section President Dan Casey, declares “This agreement between our two organizations in the state of Florida will serve as notice to both groups that we are committed to growing the game of tennis together.” For the USPTA Florida Division the agreement includes steps such as supporting and recommending USTA Florida programs to members, having a board position as a director at large on the USTA Florida Board of Directors, and supporting major USTA Florida functions and events, among other steps and initiatives.
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USTA Florida for its part of the partnership agreement will work to better inform the USPTA Florida membership about opportunities available to individuals, clubs, parks and facilities; continue to sponsor the USPTA Florida Grand Prix Series of tournaments at $3,000 per season; continue to align the May/June board of directors meetings for the two organizations each year in conjunction with the USPTA Florida Convention; include USPTA members on USTA Florida committees and groups; and offer website and media support to spread the message of USPTA Florida’s expertise in delivery of the game, among other steps. “We at USTA Florida are excited about formalizing our agreement with the USPTA Florida Division, which will ultimately prove to be a win-win situation for the two associations,” Casey said. “We directly impact each other through the delineated joint efforts, and I commend Bob Pfaender and Jeff Cohen for making this agreement happen, and our mutual boards and staff for being so supportive.” Approved by the boards of both organizations, the 15-step partnership agreement is recognized through December 2014, with an option for twoyear renewal based on the new board leadership of both organizations at that time.
From left: USPTA President Jeff Cohen and USTA Florida President Dan Casey
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League Restructuring USTA League Changes for 2013 to Include 2 ‘Plus Levels’
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s part of the 2013 USTA League Tennis Restructuring, the NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) rating levels in the Adult 18 & Over and Adult 40 & Over league divisions will feature “plus levels,” which will allow for teams to have two players on their roster from the nexthigher NTRP rating level. The Adult 18 & Over 5.0+ level will allow two 5.5-rated players on a team roster, and the Adult 40 & Over 4.5+ level will allow two 5.0-rated players on a team roster. Lower level players on a plus-level team cannot play above the higherrated players on a team. For the Adult 18 & Over 5.0+ NTRP level, which in 2013 will feature one singles and two doubles team matches, only one 5.5 player shall be allowed to play in a team match, and shall be required to play in the No. 1 position in either singles or doubles. For the Adult 40 & Over 4.5+ level, which in 2013 will feature two singles and three doubles team matches, up to two 5.0 players may play in a team match, and shall be required to play in the No. 1 position, either singles or doubles. Plus-level players will be included in the USTA Florida Section Rule # 1.04D(5) “75 percent rule,” which states that at least 75 percent of players on a team roster must be playing at the given NTRP level of the team (example: at least 75 percent of players on a 5.0 team roster must be 5.0 players).
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“We in Florida are very excited about the addition of these new USTA League National Regulations bringing the higherlevel players back into the game,” said USTA Florida Director of Leagues Sandy Marshall. “We have many avid tennis professionals and college players who have had no place to participate in the USTA League program due to their high level of play. This provides those players the team camaraderie and opportunity to compete again at the higher level, making USTA local league play more fun and challenging than ever.” The Florida-only USTA League divisions will offer Florida Section championships, but not a national championship in 2013. Future national championships in these divisions will be contingent on the growth of the divisions at the USTA Section levels. Also for the roll-out year of the new league divisions in 2013 in Florida, all local league champion teams will advance directly to the Florida Section (state) championships for their age division, bypassing the regional championships levels. “I believe we are going to see many more close competitive matches at all NTRP levels in both the adult and mixed divisions of play under this national realignment,” Marshall says.
For more information on USTA Florida Leagues go to www.ustaflorida.com or contact Sandy Marshall at marshall@florida.usta.com.
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Volunteer of the Month Clermont’s Berglin Named USTA Florida June Volunteer of the Month ABOUT DEE Birthplace: Rockford, Ill. Family Members: husband Gary; 3 sons — Chris, Brady, Ryan; and 2 grandchildren — Odin, 6 yrs., and Olena, 2 yrs. Favorite Movie: Pretty Woman — It makes me smile! Favorite Food: Salmon Favorite Travel: Riding my Harley with my husband, Gary...where? Anywhere! Favorite Shot: overhead If I could play tennis with three people, they would be... Pete Sampras, Chris Evert, and my sons. When I am not playing tennis I am... quilting, playing bridge, reading, riding my Harley, and enjoying my grandchildren. My best-ever tennis memory is... It has to be the day after Thanksgiving. My three sons would be home for the holiday and we would always have a tennis challenge at our local tennis club after lunch. It makes me smile just thinking about those days!
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D
ee Berglin, a latecomer to tennis, is along with her fellow Lake County Tennis Association (LCTA) board members moving tennis to the forefront in the picturesque region of Lake County, Fla., located just west of Orlando.
The board also set about developing a strategic plan for growing tennis in Lake County. That plan included arranging several social events for players.
“I headed a steering committee from which we planned our first countywide tennis tournament Residing in Clermont, Fla., which is nestled in November 2011 in order to promote tennis in between Lake Minneola and Lake Minnehaha, Lake County,” said Berglin, noting that each event Berglin’s beginnings in tennis were less than included a charity drive. “The success of that auspicious. tournament prompted our second tournament in February 2012. With each event, we sponsored a “My earliest tennis memory was 1991 and I was 45 charity. Our first was with the USTA ‘Adopt a Unit’ years old,” Berglin said. “A friend asked if I would program, and the second was New Beginnings, a like to play tennis on a women’s USTA League. I local organization helping homeless families. This didn’t have the slightest idea of what I was doing so July, we plan to develop an event for the 10 and I decided I should take a lesson so I wouldn’t look Under Tennis program in Lake County.” like a novice out on the courts. I walked onto the court with my wooden Chris Evert racquet. How The LCTA has helped organize a series of 10 and embarrassing...” Under Tennis summer programs involving area Lake County towns such as Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Since then Berglin has upgraded her equipment, Park, Tavares, Umatilla, and Mount Dora. Seeing and her volunteerism in the Lake County region. new children and adults take to the game keeps She was one of the founding board members for Berglin motivated as a volunteer. the Lake County Tennis Association when it got “I like to volunteer in tennis because it makes me off the ground in 2010, when one of the board’s energized,” she said. “I can share the motivation first mandates was growing tennis in the county with others and it becomes contagious.” for all ages. That included increasing the number of area children playing tennis via the USTA’s new USTA Florida congratulates Dee Berglin of kid-friendly 10 and Under Tennis format. Both Clermont as the USTA Florida Volunteer of the Clermont and Tavares were two of the first cities to Month for June 2012, living the example of a tennis incorporate the 10 and Under Tennis program, and volunteer on and off the court, and expanding were recent recipients of a “Share the Love” grant tennis opportunities in Lake County. through USTA Florida. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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by Kelly Tucker
Tallahassee Summer Smash Super Series
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he City of Tallahassee Parks and Recreation Department and the Tallahassee Tennis Association hosted the Tallahassee Summer Smash Super Series Tournament at Tom Brown Park on June 2-4, 2012, for junior players throughout Florida. Thirty-eight players from Tallahassee participated in a sanctioned Level 6 tournament event for boys and girls in the 12-18 age divisions. This type of tournament is open to all players who qualified by ranking. The Top 32 players entered are selected by the latest published USTA Florida Standings List. A 10 and Under Tennis event was also included in the tournament, utilizing specialized equipment, shorter court dimensions, and modified scoring (three 7-point tiebreak sets) using a round robin format. The format for singles play included two regular tiebreak sets with a third-set super tiebreak, if necessary, and single elimination. Doubles play included pro-sets. All players who participated in the event, except for the 10 and under division, were eligible to receive ranking points. Tallahassee players reaching the semifinals or better in singles and doubles were:
SINGLES Boys’ 18s — Terrance Whitehurst (winner), Terrell Whitehurst (runner-up); Boys’ 16 — Karthik
photo: Kris Kimmel
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Region 1 East
Krishna Murphy (runner-up), Allen Vinson (SF); Boys’ 14s — Drew Brown (winner); Boys’ 12s — Achyuta Lyengar (runner-up); Girls’ 18s — Morgan Wilkins (runner-up); Girls’ 16s — Paige Nicholson (runner-up), Lauren Dupuis (SF), Maat Sargeant (SF); Girls’ 14s — Carson Stratton (runner-up), Kristin Kasimati (SF); Girls’ 12s — Gracie Wilson (SF), Estella Waczewski (SF).
DOUBLES Boys’ 18d — Terrance and Terrell Whitehurst
(winners), Keegan Lowery and Chris Perrigan (runners-up); Boys’ 16d — Allen Vinson and Wyatt Lovera (winners); Boys’ 14d — Joey Kelley and Matthew Wilson (SF); Boys’ 12d — Tripp and Patton Bertsch (runners-up); Girls’ 18d — Mary Phillips Smith and Morgan Wilkins (runners-up); Girls’ 12d — Estella Waczewski and Gracie Wilson (runners-up), Ashley Tang and Alanna Du (SF). In the 10 and under division, Savindu Wimalasooriya from Tallahassee was the runner-up. The next Super Series tournament will be held in August. For more information, contact Lenin Moncherie, tournament director, at (850) 528-4281, or via email at tournamentlenin@gmail.com. Terrance Whitehurst
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visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 1 West
by Scott Harrison
USTA League, High School, College Success Teams Successful at Senior/Super Sr. Sectionals
Acree, Edge and Thibodeau Garner PNJ 2012 All-Area Spring Sports Awards
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Each year the Pensacola News Journal (PNJ) has a Fall and Spring All-Area Sports Team. This year’s Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year was Pace High School’s Britni Thibodeau. The Boys’ Player of the Year was Washington High School’s Reece Acree, and the Coach of the Year was Washington’s Michael Edge.
he month of May saw USTA Florida Senior and Super Senior Sectionals at Daytona, where three Region 1 West teams had good tournaments. The 4.0 Men’s Super Senior team from EscambiaRoger Scott lost the finals 2-1 to Collier County. Players who participated at Daytona included Howard Blair, Mike Clapsadl, Don Caton, Ed Dotson, Bob Fishbaugh and Peter Wilken. The Escambia-Roger Scott Senior Men’s 4.5 team suffered a similar fate in the finals, losing 2-1 to Hillsborough-Harbor Island. Both Escambia losses were in third-set tiebreakers. Said Brian Sakey who participated in one of the losses, “Mate, they were really good!” Players who participated in Daytona included Ron Busbee, Buddy Gonzalez, Linsley McMillion, Doug Patton, Sakey, Bruce Savage and Terry Thrash. The Escambia-Roger Scott Women’s 3.0 Senior team made the semifinals at Daytona, falling 2-1 to Collier-Pelican Bay. The ladies went 3-0 in Flight I. One of the ladies’ losses in the semis was a third-set tiebreaker. Players who participated in Daytona included Mary Benson, Jean Cochran, Mary Esslinger, Kristyn Miller, Bobbie Newberry, Robin Rowan and Jacqueline Wallace.
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Thibodeau, a senior, was undefeated in the regular season, winning the District 1-3A No. 1 singles championship. At the High School State Championships she was finally beaten in the individual singles quarterfinals, losing her first sets of the season! Thibodeau will attend Huntingdon College in the fall. Acree, a junior, moved from No. 2 in 2011 to fill the big shoes of graduated Will Neuner and play No. 1 in 2012. He won the District 1-3A singles and doubles championships. Acree led Washington to a fifth place finish at the High School State Championships and a fourth place finish at the prestigious DecoTurf High School Championships in Louisville, Ky. Tennis Coach of the Year Michael Edge has continued to improve the Washington High
boys and girls tennis teams each year. The girls won District 1-3A before losing the regional tournament. Edge has brought back to Pensacola two runners-up and a fifthplace trophy from the State High School Championships in the last three years. Edge also heads up the junior programs at Roger Scott Tennis Center in Pensacola.
UWF Men Finish Second in NCAA Division II To continue a report from last month, the University of West Florida Men’s team finished second in the NCAA Division II National Championship tournament, losing for the second time in the season to Armstrong Atlantic State University. Armstrong finished a perfect 30-0 while UWF was 28-3. UWF’s other loss came to Division I Mississippi University. Great job Argos!
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 2
by Rick Vach
Junior Success; July Gainesville Event Florida Jr. State Tournament Sees Region 2 Juniors in Quarters
Boys’ 10 — Alexander Adamec of St. Augustine (l.
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Girls’ 10 — Payton Bumgarner of Gainesville (l.
in QF to Mark Dancuart of Boca Raton)
handful of Region 2 juniors from Gainesville, St. Augustine and St. Johns made the quarterfinals in their respective age divisions in June at the 64th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships. The event formerly known as the USTA Florida Junior State Closed, it is the top junior tournament in Florida and a predicator of future champions such as former participants Chris Evert, Andy Roddick and Jim Courier.
in QF to Tallia Russell of Weeki Wachee) Girls’ 10 — Michaela Phelps of Saint Johns (l. in
QF to Lara Smejkal of Boca Raton)
ITA Summer Circuit Tournament in Gainesville The University of Florida in Gainesville on July 26-28 will host an ITA Summer Circuit tournament, open to all players for a $60 entry fee, which includes singles and doubles.
The boys’ and girls’ 18-14 divisions were played at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach, and the 12-10 divisions at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. Gainesville and the St. Augustine/St. Johns areas have been putting up huge numbers over the last few years in Jr. Team Tennis and 10 and Under Tennis play, and results-wise it’s starting to pay off. Gainesville’s Cole Fiegel, a Jr. Team Tennis alumni playing in the Boys’ 18 division as the No. 13 seed, reached the quarterfinals, upsetting No. 1 seed Ryan Smith of Weston in a long three-setter. “I played him in the last sectional and I lost 7-6 in the third in a three-hour match where I JULY 2012
served for the match,” Fiegel said. “I learned a lot from our last match, more competing-wise than the way I was going to play.” Region 2 players making it to the quarterfinals or better were: Boys’ 18 — No. 13 seed Cole Fiegel of Gainesville
(l. in QF to No. 6 Blaine Willenborg of Miami Shores) Boys’ 10 — Nicholas Adamec of St. Augustine (l.
in QF to Joseph Manibo of Fort Myers)
Nearly 30,000 men and women have competed in ITA Summer Circuit events since the circuit began in 1993. The circuit provides college (and junior and alumni) players the opportunity to compete in organized events virtually year round. Although the primary focus of the circuit is to provide incoming freshmen and collegiate players the chance to compete in the summer months, for NCAA compliance purposes, the events within the ITA Summer Circuit are categorized as “open” to all players. For registration info go to www.itatennis.com/ Events/ITA_Summer_Circuit.htm, or e-mail Dave Balogh at davidb@gators.uaa.ufl.edu. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 3
by Nancy Morgan
Pinellas Hosts USTA Block Party
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inellas County was one of the first areas to host a USTA Tennis Block Party, and is now one of the largest in the nation! This spring was the sixth annual party for all ages and levels to celebrate the game of tennis and to introduce the sport at no cost to “newbies.” Hosted at Clearwater’s Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex since its inception in 2007 and sponsored by the City of Clearwater, the Suncoast Tennis Foundation, Advantage Yours Tennis specialty shop, USTA Florida and USTA national, more than 350 participants enjoyed a day of games with prizes, roundrobin tennis and NTRP evaluations from local pros. Even a “Touch-a Truck” experience was offered with local fire and police departments’ cooperation! An annual highlight of the day’s events was a “Demo Day” spearheaded by Advantage Yours Tennis, which invited a half-dozen racquet companies to bring their latest racquets for participants to try on-court. Pros representing Babolat, Volkl, Prince, Wilson, Dunlop and Asics rallied with participants throughout the day.
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Block Party participants get moving
More than 10 local teaching professionals volunteered during the event and distributed flyers advertising their summer programs. “It was heart-warming to see so many youngsters and adults out there on the courts with smiles on their faces having such a fun
time,” said Judy Foster, executive director of the Suncoast Tennis Foundation.“It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce tennis to new players and reinforce good tennis practices for experienced players. What a great way to grow the game of tennis!”
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Region 4
by Susie Rahimitibar
Summer Team Tennis with the Pros
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new concept to the Greater Orlando area which is sure to catch on was offered this summer at Winter Park Tennis Center (WPTC) on Tuesday nights from 7-9:30 p.m. Angie Zguna, principal of High Performance Sports Management (HPSM), which oversees all operations at WPTC, hates to see empty courts. She met with WPTC staff and asked for ideas for a concept to get tennis players on the courts playing. Ms. Zguna said that Amy McCully first suggested the concept that each team of male and female players is captained by a teaching pro that helps coach his/her team while they compete against another team (captained by their own teaching pro coach). The format is for 4.0 NTRP-rated and above players to keep things competitive for the levels playing. Lines of play are men’s singles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles playing best-of-three sets with the third set a 10 point tiebreaker in lieu of a full set. Local pros Zguna, Beau Jones, Adrian Zguns, Brandon Pike, Frank Acierno and McCully were team captains. The cost of the program was $30 to join, and then a small court fee per match played ($5.33$6.39 depending on court surface). Opening night was catered by 4 Rivers Catering at $12
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Left to right: teaching pros Amy McCully, Brandon Pike, Beau Jones, Adrians Zguns, Angie Zguna, and Frank Acierno.
per person (this was optional) and beverages were offered for a small fee. On the first Tuesday night of the series the beautiful 16-court facility is packed with players. About an hour before, the skies were stormy but now the weather has cleared and the place is bustling with excitement. Tennis was competitive yet less serious than tournament or league play, with the players and coaches interjecting with helpful and light-hearted fun comments and snipes. The
atmosphere seems less about winning (except for the coaches) and more about improving and enjoying. As a teaching pro and player, I’d love to see this concept used more with all level of adult players and for junior players. I think it is a concept that will catch on like Florida wildfires (before the summer rains that is). For more information contact: winterparktenniscenter@gmail.com or susierah@cfl.rr.com. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 5
by Lance Martin
Combo Doubles: A Unique Perspective
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STA League tennis offers almost everyone who plays tennis a league that best fits their needs. Some people only prefer singles and some will only play doubles, while still others relish the challenge of mixed. Now, with the USTA League restructuring coming in 2013, the new age divisions make playing people your own age even easier. As the summer approaches in Region 5, another league format, unique in its own right, offers USTA members in Florida a different option. USTA Combo doubles bring together players of adjacent levels for doubles matches that offer a unique perspective for both players. If you’ve just moved to Florida from another USTA Section, as I did in 2004, or are new to USTA League tennis, combo doubles, or just, “combo,” as it’s normally called in Florida, is something completely new. Combo doubles is not played in every USTA section; only seven out of 17 sections offer it. In USTA Combo, you’re either playing up half a level, if you’re the lower-rated player, or down half a level if you’re the higher-rated player. Many people in Region 5 enjoy playing both the levels they’re eligible to play.
Sue Booth is a great example of a player who looks forward to playing the two levels she’s eligible to play. As a 4.0 NTRP-rated player, Sue regularly plays for 7.5 and 8.5 Combo. She’s also played 6.5 when she had a 3.5 rating. She’s not just an active player, she’s a passionate captain, too. For years, Sue has either captained her teams or been one of the most active roster members. Other people in Region 5 are great supporters of USTA Combo, too. People like Jeff Bucarion (Longwood Run), Sue Gillis (River Strand), Diana McGinty (Bath & Racquet), Gary Coulter (River Strand), Marcia Frost (Lakewood Ranch), and Matt Kluding (Bath & Racquet) are just some of the people who’ve been both team captains as well as players, and enjoyed the diverse challenge that USTA Combo offers. If you would like to participate in an Adult Combo (18 and over) league or 50 and over (senior) Combo, contact Ben Friendly at dropshot1963@gmail.com to get more information. Regardless of the level you play, USTA Combo offers a diverse and unique perspective that will challenge your tennis skills.
Sue Booth
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Region 6
by Janet Sprague
Local Palm Beach County JTT Standout Signs with UNC-Greensboro
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aston Murray has played tennis since he was just seven years old. First training with his dad, Marc Murray, president of Dynamic Footwork and Fitness, Inc. (shown in adjacent photo along with his mom) and then with current pro tour player Vahid Mirzadeh, who graduated from Florida State. He currently trains with former No. 1 University of Florida player, Hamid Mirzadeh, brother of Vahid at Mirzadeh Tennis Academy at the Fountains in Lake Worth. Recently, Gaston signed with UNC-Greensboro and received a substantial scholarship to play the game he loves—tennis! Congratulations Gaston, USTA Florida wishes you the best of luck at North Carolina-Greensboro! In deciding to attend NCGreensboro, Gaston said, “Coach Thomas Mozur had the coaching philosophy that was most identical to my own. He and I were very similar in our strategy techniques on the court.” In an effort not to publicize his stategy for his opponents to capitalize on, I’ll just say that Gaston likes to make the opponent work for every point, with the goal that Gaston actually take the point! I have seen Gaston over the years participate in Jr. Team Tennis, with his first time about five years ago at our very first program in West Palm Beach. I have personally seen Gaston’s intensity on the court and he just puts all he has out there, he is just a great kid. Gaston racked up an impressive win record
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during his most recent 2012 Spring/Summer season of USTA Jr. Team Tennis, falling only once in a doubles match the entire season. He ended the season with a 15-1 record. Gaston is also a star USTA tournament player and enjoys the game in any arena. As a graduate from Palm Beach Virtual School in Palm Beach County, Gaston says he has been well prepared and disciplined for the independence of college life. As well his participation in USTA Jr. Team Tennis has prepared him for a tennis college career of playing as a contributing teammate of a team sport. Gaston’s coach, Hamid says, “I’ve enjoyed training Gaston over the past few years, he is a great kid and will be a great asset to the North Carolina-Greensboro tennis team. He deserves the best!” A few personal tennis facts: Favorite stroke... down-the-line backhand. Gaston enjoys the individuality of tennis the most because he likes to depend on himself. “If I come out on top... I get
the credit! Well except my coach deserves some kudos too!” Of special note: Gaston won the No. 1 Singles 4A High School title in 2011 during his enrollment at Park Vista High School in Boynton Beach in Palm Beach County. “USTA Jr. Team Tennis prepared me a lot for team play, especially playing doubles in college,” Gaston said. “I loved the team aspect, it was a great experince, a lot of fun... my coach Hamid has been good to me, as well as the adults and parents.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 7 June Tournament and League Champions Naples’ Mata, Roma Go Deep at US Open Playoffs-Florida
Naples Men’s 8.0 Team Advances to Regionals
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The Naples’ Men’s 8.0 team out of the Heritage Bay Golf and Country Club has advanced to the USTA 8.0 regionals, to be held in Bradenton on July 13-15, 2012.
aples’ Franco Mata came within one match of advancing to the US Open National Playoffs in June when he reached the final in mixed doubles of the US Open PlayoffsFlorida Section qualified. Mata, who teamed with 22-year-old Swedish WTA player Sandra Roma, lost in the final 6-2, 7-6(5) to former ATP player Ryler DeHeart and wife Megan Fudge. Roma, who trains in Naples, advances to nationals to represent the USTA Florida section after winning the women’s singles title, in the final beating 15-year-old Jessica Ho of Tampa 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-4. The US Open National Playoffs Women’s Championships will be held Aug. 17-20, 2012, in New Haven, Conn., at Yale University during the New Haven Open at Yale, a WTA event and part of the US Open Series. The winner of the US Open Playoffs National Championships will receive a wildcard into the women’s qualifying tournament at the US Open.
“During our first year as a team, we came close to winning, but lost in the district playoff very badly,” said team captain Art Nowakowski, speaking to the Naples News. The squad will be competing to reach Daytona Beach and the Florida Tennis Center, where the USTA Florida League Sectional tournament will be held. The division team champions from that event will go on to represent USTA Florida at the USTA League Nationals. “Our team has strong singles players and strong doubles players,” Nowakowski said. “All my team players can perform well from Court 1 to Court 3. We have a very strong relationship among our team members. We kid each other a lot and have great fun playing these matches and seeing each other’s during practice and during our weekly match competitions. There is nothing like it — nice people enjoying this great sport.”
City of Naples Tennis Championships The 43rd annual City of Naples Tennis Championships were held at Cambier Park in downtown Naples in June. Some of the higherdivision champions were:
MEN’S OPEN SINGLES: Jesse Witten d. Gordon Watson 6-2, 6-0
MEN’S OPEN DOUBLES: Tye Myers-Jesse Witten d. Jack Haffey-Oliver Landert 6-2, 6-4
MEN’S 45 SINGLES: Johann Saurbier d. Tony Kamen 6-1, 6-2
MEN’S 55 SINGLES: Rick McGrath d. Richard Dingfelder 6-4, 7-5
MEN’S 60 SINGLES: Robert Micalizio d. Steve Bacardi 6-7, 6-1, 10-3
WOMEN’S OPEN SINGLES: Fallon Burger d. Jennifer Powell 6-0, 6-4
WOMEN’S OPEN DOUBLES: Natalia Maynetto-Jennifer Powell d. Nikki Kallenberg-Reka Monoki 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
WOMEN’S 55 SINGLES: Carmenza Gutierrez won round-robin
MIXED OPEN DOUBLES: Nikki Kallenberg-Franco Mata d. Jonathan David-Abigail David 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
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Region 8
by Barbara Eisner Bayer
Sean Leeman: Making Community Service a Passion
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ixteen-year-old Sean Leeman is a regular kid. A student at Spanish River High School in Boca Raton, he’s been playing tennis since he was five. When he was looking for a required community service project to meet his school requirement, though, he wasn’t excited by what he saw. Most of his classmates were working in after-school centers, or boys’ and girls’ clubs, or helping younger students with their homework. So he went over to the public courts at Patch Reef Park, hoping to find some work in the tennis sphere. But, alas, there weren’t any available projects. While he was there, though, something unusual piqued his interest – he picked up a flyer for the International Wheelchair Tennis Championships that are held annually at that facility, and volunteered as a ball boy. But that wasn’t enough for a kid who yearned for something more meaningful. He went to several of the local tennis teams and visited teen clinics, and handed out volunteer forms. He also emailed the applications to all the parent-teacher-student
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associations in the area. As a result, he singlehandedly enrolled 20 other kids from local schools to volunteer as ball boys at the tournament. “I did it so that the tournament people could have some help, and it would be easier for them to run the event,” Sean says. “I feel inspired when I see the things the players do, like they hit topspin and slice and everything from their wheelchairs. I wouldn’t think they’d be able to play tennis like that!” Sean’s mom, Tammy, is understandably proud, and believes that this experience is helping teach Sean never to take anything for granted. Now it’s more than a community service project for Sean – it’s a passion. He enjoyed the experience so much, he volunteers every Tuesday at the wheelchair clinic that’s open to the public, and plans to continue to be involved until he graduates from high school. Inspired by these physically-challenged athletes, Sean took on the challenge to help, and truly succeeded. If all our kids were that “regular,” the world would be a much better place.
Left to right: Volunteer ball bays Sam Tabin, Danny Press, Josh Davies, and Sean Leeman at the 2012 International Wheelchair Championships
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Photo Op
by Colette Lewis
Lauren Embree L
auren Embree had already made her mark in Florida Gator history at the 2011 NCAA Division I Team Championships. The sophomore from Marco Island, Fla., came from 4-0 down in the final set of the final match in the championship against host Stanford, winning a third-set tiebreaker to give the Gators a 4-3 win and a national title, while ending Stanford’s 184-match home winning streak. At the 2012 championships in Athens, Ga., in less dramatic fashion, Embree again provided the clinching point of a national title, delivering No. 2-seeded Florida’s 4-0 victory over top-seeded UCLA with a 6-4, 6-0 win over McCall Jones at No. 2 singles. “It is harder to win the second one,” said Embree, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for the second year in a row. “We’ve had our struggles this season — it wasn’t easy. But our goal from the beginning was to try to get back here and give ourselves the best chance to win. I’m just really proud of our team for fighting and working hard every day.” Embree, an All-American in singles in her first three years at Florida despite a lengthy layoff for wrist surgeries in 2010, went 3-0 in singles and 2-1 in doubles during May’s team tournament at
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ZooTennis.com
the Dan Magill Tennis Complex at the University of Georgia. In the individual event that followed, Embree reached the third round in singles and the quarterfinals in doubles with Gator senior Joanna Mather. “It’s hard not to play your best tennis here,” said Embree, who has a 91-13 singles record in her career at Florida, and finished the season ranked No. 10
in the nation. “The atmosphere’s great, the fans we have are amazing, and the team is supporting each other on every court. You just want to win so badly for everybody else, to help out the team.” Next year Embree and her teammates will go for their third consecutive NCAA team championship — the Gators’ seventh overall — at a new venue for the tournament, the University of Illinois. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Quick Shots
Players take a break from play to enjoy the cookie-making station at the Clearwater Family Tennis Festival, held in conjunction with the US Open Playoffs-Florida tournament
A USTA Florida member snapped this photo of “another creative player.” JULY 2012
From left to right: Joe D’Aleo, Jason Gilbert and Michael Edge at the 10 and Under Tennis PlayDay held at the USPTA Florida-USTA Florida joint conference in Port St. Lucie in June
Judy Foster, Suncoast Tennis Foundation executive director, presents a USTA Florida “Share the Love” grant check to the Clearwater City Council. “When asked what I was presenting, I replied, ‘I’m actually here to give the city some money,’” Foster said. “All the city council members laughed at that. The mayor was fantastic and talked about how wonderful it was for him to see lots of little children enjoying themselves so much learning to play tennis.” Pictured left to right are Bob Carpenter, recreation supervisor, City of Clearwater Parks & Recreation Dept.; Foster; and Clearwater Mayor George Cretekos. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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