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Table of Contents M a rc h 2012
USTA Florida Section Staff
FEATURES 11 First Lady Plays 10 and Under Tennis at Disney
Mrs. Obama visits Orlando to celebrate the anniversary of
“Let’s Move!”
13 Sharing the Love
How USTA Florida volunteers and grants are impacting kids tennis
15 Florida ‘Tennis on Campus’ Championships Club tennis powerhouses UF and UCF mix it up prior to nationals
18 CTDW Awards
F lorida individuals, organizations honored at USTA national Community Tennis Development Workshop
23 Sony Ericsson Open
RESOURCES DIVISION Doug Booth Executive Director 386-671-8925 booth@florida.usta.com Lynne Salus Volunteer Development & 954-625-6259 Meetings Manager salus@florida.usta.com Linda Matthews Executive Administrator 386-671-8940 matthews@florida.usta.com Julie Claude Accounting Specialist 386-671-8933 claude@florida.usta.com
PLAY TENNIS DIVISION – COMMUNITY TENNIS
DEPARTMENTS 4
Letters to the Editor
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President’s Message
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Around the Courts
17 Volunteer of the Month 20 League Championship Results 24 Regional Columnists 34 Quick Shots
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Andy McFarland Associate Executive Director, 386-671-8927 Play Tennis Division mcfarland@florida.usta.com Linda Curtis Director of Community Tennis 386-671-8934 curtisL@florida.usta.com Rebecca Halpern Schools Coordinator 386-671-8928 halpern@florida.usta.com Michelle Brown Team Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8937 brownm@florida.usta.com Elizabeth Coates Administrative Assistant 386-671-8943 coates@florida.usta.com Debbie Ellsworth 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 561-313-1083 Village of Wellington ellsworth@florida.usta.com Sheryl Rivas 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 407-551-9798 Seminole County rivas@florida.usta.com Amanda Becker Tennis Program Coordinator, 904-281-1187 North Region 2 becker@florida.usta.com
Susie Bessire
T ennis Program Coordinator, 941-629-4733 Regions 5 & 7 bessire@florida.usta.com George English Tennis Program Coordinator, 850-510-6585 Region 1 english@florida.usta.com Shelly Licorish Tennis Program Coordinator, 407-403-5686 West Region 4 licorish@florida.usta.com Cathy Nordlund Tennis Program Coordinator, 305-252-6591 South Region 8 nordlund@florida.usta.com Janet Sprague Tennis Program Coordinator, 561-385-7399 Region 6 sprague@florida.usta.com Molly Zimmer Tennis Program Coordinator, 386-847-2497 East Region 4 zimmer@florida.usta.com
LEAGUES Sandy Marshall Director of Leagues/SLC 386-671-8932 marshall@florida.usta.com Dona Garcia Adult & Senior League 386-671-8936 Coordinator garcia@florida.usta.com Jodi Manning Mixed, Combo and Super 386-671-8939 Sr. Leagues Coordinator manning@florida.usta.com Kelly Vanhorn Administrative Assistant 386-671-8926 vanhorn@florida.usta.com
COMPETITIVE TENNIS Andy Gladstone Competitive Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8931 Ann Brown Bobby Curtis
gladstone@florida.usta.com Competitive Education 386-671-8942 Coordinator brown@florida.usta.com Sanctions Coordinator 386-671-8926 curtis@florida.usta.com
MARKETING / MEMBERSHIP / COMMUNICATIONS Laura Bowen José Medina Rick Vach
irector of Marketing 386-671-8930 D & Membership bowen@florida.usta.com Information Technology 386-671-8929 Coordinator medina@florida.usta.com Communications Coordinator 904-535-9489 vach@florida.usta.com
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Letters to the Editor Patrick McEnroe Responds to Wayne Bryan Re: 10 and Under Tennis
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admire the passion that Wayne Bryan brings to the sport of tennis. I applaud all that he has done to help his sons, Bob and Mike, become not only an amazing doubles team but genuinely great guys.�That said, I couldn’t disagree more with Mr. Bryan’s opinions on the myriad subjects — including 10 and Under Tennis and USTA Player Development — that he addresses in the “open letter” that has now been prominently featured in several tennis-related blogs. Let me first say that the USTA has a clearlydefined mission — to promote and develop the growth of tennis. The USTA wants more people on more courts in more places; that is our charge as an association. As General Manager of Player Development, my specific charge is to help produce more Top 100 players with the goal that we have more of them competing into the second week of the
majors. That’s a different responsibility but, in the long run, achieving that goal is at least partly reliant on getting more young people involved in the sport. The world has changed-and tennis has changed with it. Our challenges as an association and a sport continue to evolve. Let’s face it, in a rapidly-changing global environment, if we’re not changing and moving forward, we’re essentially going backward. Tennis is simply not the same sport that it was 20 years ago-even 10 years ago. Tennis has often been criticized for being too expensive and inaccessible. Those criticisms have truth to them; they are challenges that all of us involved in the sport face. And these are specific issues that the 10 and Under Tennis initiative addresses�and by making
the sport easier for kids to play and enjoy, they’re much more likely to get involved in it and stick to it. That’s exactly the idea behind 10 and Under Tennis, and for any sport, that’s step one.� Two years ago, fewer than 10,000 kids were involved in tournament play and in the USTA’s Jr. Team Tennis program. Now, that number has risen to more than 32,000. We’ve still got a long way to go, admittedly. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of our potential. But more kids are trying tennis, and we feel confident that this rule change will open the door for more kids to get involved-and stay involved-in our sport. And that’s a good thing.� Patrick McEnroe USTA General Manager of Player Development
(To see the letter is its entirety, and Wayne Bryan’s letter, go to http://tenniskalamazoo.blogspot.com/)
SUBMIT YOUR LETTER: To submit a letter to the editor e-mail to news@florida.usta.com with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line and include your full name and city.
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President’s Message Hard Copies versus Technology
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s a 53 year old, I still read newspapers every day and watch the news at night. However, I realize as the Palm Beach Post lays hundreds of workers off and shrinks its newspaper and content, their “hard copy” days could be numbered.
is simply downloaded at the website. In addition to the digital e-magazine, we plan to print and two issues in 2012 in partnership with TENNIS magazine over the next year to supplement our e-magazine. Dan Casey, USTA Florida President
High postage, delivery costs and high printing costs are negatively impacting publishers of all kinds, even the book publishers who sold more electronic books last year versus hard copies. Smart phones, Kindles, Nooks and iPads and the other devices are far more convenient and are used overwhelmingly by the younger members of the consumers looking for news and other information directly relevant to their life. What does this have to do with tennis and the USTA and you? We had a business arrangement through the end of 2011 with the publisher of TennisLife. They, like all publishers, have experienced the pinch of tough times, impacted by reduced advertizing revenue, high printing and delivery costs and big increases in postage. USTA Florida is offsetting the rising costs of monthly hard with its own digital magazine, Play Tennis Florida, with content on Florida tennis and activities. Delivery of the monthly e-magazine
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Lastly, USTA national is publishing a digital magazine called Tennis 15-30, delivered via email twice per month, that covers the national tournaments and USTA issues. USTA Florida staff is working with their vendor to determine feasibility if we can incorporate our Florida news into this publication, minimizing the number of clicks or emails you need to keep yourself fully informed. We know our members love their emerging technology, as experienced when iPhone users were able to go online for their league reporting. However, it is never easy to change, and a certain percentage of members look forward to receiving their hard copy magazines in the mail. For that reason, we are asking you to email Rick Vach at vach@florida.usta.com to express
your preferences, or any other questions we can use in our monthly “Letters to the Editor” section of the magazine.
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Around the Courts Sony Ericsson Open Announces USTA Member Appreciation
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he Sony Ericsson Open in Miami will highlight USTA Member Appreciation Day, featuring food, drinks, gifts and fun for USTA members young and old. USTA Member Appreciation Day will be held on Monday, March 26, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. the Sony
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Ericsson Open Hospitality Village located next to Gate A. A valid ticket is required for entry to the tournament grounds. USTA members will need their USTA membership cards to participate in USTA Membership Appreciation Day, and can take advantage of gifts such as USTA gear for renewing memberships. USTA Members can receive a 20% discount on 400-level tickets for the Monday, March 26, 2012
day session at 11 a.m. Limit four (4) tickets per customer. To order, please call the Sony Ericsson Open Box Office at (305 )442-3367 or go to www.SonyEricssonOpen.com and use promo code USTA2012 to receive your discount. Please have your valid USTA Membership ID number available at time of order. The 2012 Sony Ericsson Open will be held March 19-April 1. For more information go to www.SonyEricssonOpen.com.
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Around the Courts 38 Florida Tennis Facilities and Counting Ready to ‘March Into Tennis’
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ore than 38 tennis clubs and facilities across Florida have registered to host Tennis Play Days, Youth Registration days, Kids’ Tennis Clubs, and other events during the United States Tennis Association’s “March Into Tennis” campaign during the month of March to register youth for local play opportunities in 2012. Clubs and facilities can also still signup to receive USTA national and local public relations support, geo-targeted online advertising, turnkey marketing materials, a $50 event pack voucher, a downloadable how-to guide, and national promotion on Nickelodeon and ESPN2 beginning this month to drive children and parents to local clubs. Events can be held any time through the month of March or beyond. The month’s activity will come together early on March 5 with the television broadcast of Tennis Night in America from Madison Square Garden in New York City on ESPN3 in prime time and re-run at 11:30 p.m. on ESPN2, featuring the BNP Paribas Showdown with Maria Sharapova vs.
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Caroline Wozniacki, and Roger Federer vs. Andy Roddick. Parents — to find a Florida event in your area go to www.tennisgotmoregame.com.
American Townsend Sweeps Australian Open Girls’ Singles and Doubles Fifteen-year-old Taylor Townsend, who trains full-time at the USTA Training Center Headquarters in Boca Raton, Fla., won both the junior singles and doubles titles at the 2012 Australian Open. In the singles final she beat Yulia Putintseva, 17, of Russia, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, and a day earlier partnered with 15-year-old Gabrielle Andrews of Pomona, Calif., to win the girls’ doubles title.
“If you just compete and work really hard, anything is possible,” Townsend said. “You know, the family support and the support of people that are around you is key.” Townsend is the first American to sweep the junior singles and doubles titles at a Grand Slam event since Lindsay Davenport in 1992 at the US Open. Townsend is the top-ranked player in the USTA Girls’ 18s National Standings.
Clearwater Announced as US Open Playoffs Sectional Qualifier for 2012 The Henry H. McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater, Fla., will host the US Open National Playoffs USTA Florida Sectional Qualifying Tournament on May 26-30, 2012. Entries for the event will open on March 15 and close on May 16. The US Open National Playoffs returns for the third year, and will again include both men’s and women’s singles and mixed doubles in 2012, with sectional tournaments leading to the national event, where any participant 14 years or older can earn a shot at a berth into the US Open.
Taylor Townsend visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Around the Courts “I love how the average player can feel part of America’s best sporting event not only as a spectator, but a player as well,” said Andy Gladstone, USTA Florida competitive tennis coordinator. “There are hardly any sports that make the fans part of the competition. It’s like asking a football fan to be the second-string quarterback for Eli Manning at the Super Bowl.” Registration opens on March 15 at www.usta. com/tennislink. The entry fee is $100 for singles and $120 for each mixed doubles team ($60 per player). For more info go to www.USOpen.org/ NationalPlayoffs.
USTA Serves National Grants – Deadline March 15 USTA Serves national award grants to 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate a commitment to changing the lives of youth and people with disabilities through tennis and education have an application deadline of March 15, 2012.
The application deadline is at 5 p.m. on March 15, and awardees will be notified by mid-May. For more information go to www.ustaserves. com.
USTA Serves, the national charitable foundation of the United States Tennis Association, awards grants to programs that support at-risk youth and people with disabilities through tennis and education programs designed to improve health, build character and strive for academic excellence.
Floridians Win at 32nd ITF Seniors World Team Championships
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loridians were among championship and medal teams at the 32nd ITF Seniors World Team Championships, the senior tennis equivalent of the Davis Cup and Fed Cup competitions, which took place February 6-19, 2012. Forty American athletes were among 1,000 players from 35 countries participating at seven venues across San Diego, Calif. Ft. Lauderdale’s Carolyn Nichols captained the U.S. Maureen Connolly Cup (women’s 55) team to victory, beating Great Britain in the final.
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Other U.S. Connolly Cup team members were Diane Barker, Daniel Island, S.C.; Susan Wright, Grand Junction, Colo.; and Leslie Airola Murveit, Portola Valley, Calif. “We were given gold medals, the Brits silver, and the French bronze, and of course the Maureen Connolly Cup, which is actually a silver tray,” said Nichols who blogged for www.ustaflorida. com. “We took photos and then planned our celebration…we took Maureen (the Maureen Connolly Cup tray) with us for the night and took some photos with her.”
In other medal finishes Mary Dailey of Delray Beach played for the U.S. Maria Bueno Cup team (women’s 50) which won the silver medal. Trish Riddell of Lakeland captained the U.S. Suzanne Lenglen Cup team (women’s 35) to a bronze medal finish.
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Around the Courts
The champion U.S. Connolly Cup team, left to right: Leslie Murveit, Carolyn Nichols, Susan Wright, Diane Barker
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Around the Courts
The U.S. Maria Bueno Cup team, left to right: Mary Dailey, Tracy Houk, Tina Karwasky, Fran Chandler
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By Laura Bowen
10 and Under Tennis Takes Center Stage at “ Let’s Move!” Celebration
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t’s not every day that you get a call from the White House, asking if you’d like to be part of a major event with the First Lady. But when that call comes, you can count on two things: 1) You won’t have much time to plan. 2) If you pull it off, the result can be magical. Just a week before kicking off a three-day tour to celebrate the second anniversary of her “Let’s Move!” campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama’s office invited USTA Florida to feature 10 and Under Tennis as part of a sports showcase at the Walt Disney World Resort. Staff and volunteers hit the ground running, and by the time the event kicked off that Saturday afternoon, 10 and Under Tennis was more than just a feature. It was the one activity that every kid (and the First Lady herself) wanted to play most. “It was amazing to watch this event come together. In literally one week, we went from not knowing how we would set up the courts to watching Mrs. Obama and James Blake in an intense volley, surrounded by 500 enthusiastic children and their parents,” said Shelly Licorish, USTA Florida Orlando-area tennis program coordinator. “The photos are priceless. The First Lady was having so much fun that her staff had to coax her off the court.” The event proved to be an ideal showcase for USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis. More than 500
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10 and Under
children from the Orlando area were invited to attend, along with local and national news media. While they waited for Mrs. Obama to arrive, volunteers and staff from USTA Florida invited a few children to play on the courts. “Seeing their peers playing with the smaller racquets and foam balls made the kids sitting in the stands want to play, too,” said Linda MARCH 2012
Curtis, USTA Florida director of community tennis. “By the time they got on the field, they all just wanted to play tennis.” USTA Florida has worked for more than two years to introduce 10 and Under Tennis in schools, reaching tens of thousands of kids through physical education and after-school programs across the state. Additionally,
through its “Share the Love” campaign, USTA Florida has given more than $350,000 in grants to provide equipment and re-line or convert full-size public and private courts to smaller, kid-friendly dimensions that support 10 and Under Tennis. For the full story and additional photos go to www.ustaflorida.com. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Share the Love Florida ‘The Model’ as Volunteers and Organizations Lead 10 and Under Tennis Push ‘Share the Love’ grants announced for 2012; McEnroe Points to System Growth
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STA Florida has set its sights on getting as many kids involved in the game as possible through 10 and Under Tennis. Part of the success of the movement has been through USTA Florida volunteers, the selfless individuals who give their time to grow the game of tennis through captaining junior teams or starting programs or just lending local teaching pros a hand. That volunteer spirit to instill the love of the game in a new generation of kids in the Sunshine State has made the USTA national body take notice. “You guys are the model,” USTA national Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Gordon Smith told USTA Florida staff and volunteers last year. “Florida may be the most important place in the country for the future of American tennis. You have a tradition of fabulous volunteers. The key
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‘Share the Love’ grant recipients for court funding in White Springs, Fla.
to the success is you work together in Florida, and you do it better than anywhere. If you put the two together, you are really leading the way.” In 2012 the USTA Florida Section is helping volunteers and organizations lead the way by extending the $500,000 “Share the Love”
community tennis grant initiative that includes grants for equipment for individuals or organizations to start or expand 10 and Under Tennis programs. Over the last two years the USTA Florida Section has distributed 252 grants totaling $542,501.87. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Share the Love (continued from previous page)
The grants have touched virtually every tennis community from Tallahassee to the Florida Keys, including programs and projects such as tennis for deaf and blind children, 10 and Under Tennis programs and blended lines, court construction, renovation and repair, child foster care programs, wheelchair tennis, senior tennis and more. Organizations granted include YMCAs, Boys and Girls Clubs, college club tennis programs, K-12 school districts, individual school Kids Tennis Clubs, and home-school programs just to name a few. “The forward-thinking decision by the USTA Florida Board of Directors to use some of our financial reserves to assist programs and communities in need has been so well received,” says USTA Florida Director of Community Tennis Linda Curtis. “These grants are making real differences in communities to start new programs or support existing programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities.” In 2010 USTA Florida launched the $500,000 Share the Love grant initiative to help fund tennis programs and projects throughout Florida communities during challenging economic times. Share the Love is an outreach initiative to help ensure current and future generations will play the lifetime sport of tennis. “The USTA wants more people on more courts in more places; that is our charge as an association,” said Patrick McEnroe, the USTA’s national general manager for player development. “Tennis is indeed a sport that grows upward from its grass MARCH 2012
10 and Under Tennis in Panama City, Fla., supported by a ‘Share the Love’ equipment grant
roots, and by making the sport easier for kids to play and enjoy, they’re much more likely to get involved in it and stick to it. That’s exactly the idea behind 10 and Under Tennis, and for any sport, that’s step one.”
“This is also part of the USTA’s goal to support First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign to encourage children in the community and schools to get active and lead healthy lifestyles through tennis,” Curtis says.
In the few years since the USTA rolled out the 10 and Under Tennis initiative, McEnroe says the growth in the U.S.’s junior base of players is already starting to show.
To be eligible for a USTA Florida Share the Love program grant in 2012, organizations must: be a current USTA member in good standing; meet a compelling need in the community; in the instance of 10 and Under Tennis grants, verify that 10 and Under Tennis (TAUT) staff are TAUT trained before receiving granted equipment; and practice and provide services without discrimination as protected by law.
“Two years ago, fewer than 10,000 kids were involved in tournament play and in the USTA’s Jr. Team Tennis program,” McEnroe said. “Now, that number has risen to more than 32,000. We’ve still got a long way to go, admittedly. We’ve only begun to scratch the surface of our potential.” USTA Florida’s “Share the Love” grant initiative looks forward to granting the equipment to start hundreds more 10 and Under Tennis programs throughout the state in 2012.
Grant application assistance is available. For full eligibility guidelines, a list of all 2010-2011 Share the Love grant recipients in Florida, and the Share the Love grant application link, go to: www.florida.usta.com/grants/share_the_love. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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College Championships UCF Stuns 3-time Champ UF for Florida College Club Tennis Championships
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he University of Central Florida (UCF) club tennis team stunned the three-time defending champion University of Florida (UF) 30-27 in the final of the USTA Florida “Tennis on Campus” Championships on Feb. 18-19, 2012, at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs, Fla. The event was the final tournament of the 2011-12 USTA Florida “Tennis on Campus” circuit for club tennis teams from Florida colleges and universities.
The two Florida college club tennis powerhouses met for the fifth time in a final this season, with UCF ending UF’s three-year grip on the Florida championship. Both UCF and UF by reaching the final earned berths to the national championships, the 2012 USTA National Campus Championships, featuring the Top 64 college and university club tennis teams in the U.S. on April 12-14, 2012, in Cary, N.C. Against all odds the University of South Florida (USF) also earned a trip to the USTA Campus Championships national event as the leader of the USTA Florida “Tennis on Campus” points race for the 2011-12 season (behind UCF and UF). The USF squad made the trip to Altamonte Springs missing a number of key players, yet beat out Florida Gulf Coast University for the final national berth in the point standings. “We didn’t have any of our top guys here,” said USF Tennis Club President Mary Wynne, a senior who watched from the sidelines with a broken wrist from a skiing accident over the winter. “It is really MARCH 2012
The champion University of Central Florida “A” squad
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College Championships
The University of South Florida “A” squad
The runner-up University of Florida “A” team
a bad time for some of our players because the midterms seem to come this weekend, or exams or big projects. This has been a really big breakthrough team for us — USF club tennis has advanced so much where it came from, maybe five people a couple years ago and now it’s a 100-person club.” In the key Gold Bracket match for USF, the USF “A” squad defeated a tough UF “B” squad to reach the semifinals before falling to the UCF “A” team. The UF “A” squad was the top seed in the Gold Bracket, determined after opening pool play, and the UCF “A” team the No. 2 seed. On Sunday the two MARCH 2012
teams began their Gold Bracket play and UF was never challenged en route to the final, defeating the UCF “B” squad 29-14, and rolling past the FGCU “A” team 30-5. UCF’s top squad likewise cruised to the final in Gold Bracket play, defeating FSU’s “A” team and USF’s “A” squad. USTA “Tennis on Campus” scoring is a total games-won accumulation from five short-set no-ad scoring matches — men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The 2012 USTA National Campus Championships, featuring the Top 64 college and university club tennis teams in the country, will be held on April 12-14, 2012, in Cary, N.C., at the Cary Tennis Park. To read the full story go to www.ustaflorida.com.
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Volunteer of the Month Ponte Vedra’s Fellows Named February Volunteer of the Month
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n a little over two years as a volunteer Jr. Team Tennis league captain, Helga Tan Fellows of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., has become a magnet in her area for very young and beginner children picking up a racquet and trying team tennis. The USTA Jr. Team Tennis league extends to an 18-and-under advanced division, but it’s the 12-under, 10-under and 8-under beginner children that Fellows has a passion for, to the point of recruiting area children who have never stepped on a court. “I am a big fan of the Jr. Team Tennis program, and this is the reason I find myself recruiting kids that are learning to play tennis, and helping out with the league,” Fellows says. “My son learned to compete under this program and our experience was very good. I think the kids learn the game well, they learn to compete as a team and also as an individual. It also provides a great initial experience to prepare for tournament competition. Many of our kids have moved from Jr. Team Tennis to play local Grand Prix [rookie tournaments] and USTA tournaments.” All age groups from beginner to advanced, whether they won their local championship or not, are invited each summer to the USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships. Fellows considers her greatest accomplishment last summer when she took a 12-under beginners team to the Florida Section
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Championships at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. “It was just eight kids interested in participating, and a combination of kids from a few of our teams,” Fellows says. “The kids had a blast. We came in second [in the 12-under Beginner Division] and lost by just two games, but the experience for the kids was fantastic. It was truly a team effort and all the kids competed very well and helped each other bring out their best.” The Jr. Team Tennis league promotes sportsmanship and working together as a team. Fellows marveled at the team camaraderie of the beginners, who from their reaction after the section-level championships one couldn’t tell whether they won or lost. “It went to a third-set super-tiebreaker for the entire match, and we lost 15-17, and the match point probably shifted 7-8 times,” Fellows recalled. “The atmosphere and team synergy was incredible! At the end it did not matter we lost...it was just great competition and all the kids were having a blast. The kids in my team and the opponents too congratulated both mixed doubles teams and were very complimentary to all of them. As a captain, and mom, I loved how they all showed great sportsmanship.” This past season Fellows captained and mentored 40 children on six teams, five out of her own club, The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, and one “satellite”
ABOUT HELGA Birthplace: Puerto Rico Family Members: Dave Fellows (husband), Jake Fellows (son) Favorite Movie: Pride and Prejudice Favorite Food: Japanese, Italian Favorite Travel: Salzburg, Austria Favorite Shot: Serve
team comprised of children who do not belong to a private club but live in the Jacksonville Beaches area. On Fellows’ teams, winning often takes a back seat to participation and teamwork. “We rotate all lines and kids to allow everyone to play and participate in both singles and doubles,” Fellows says. “Therefore, we may miss winning the division as this strategy does not always yield the best scores. Needless to say, we love giving everyone the opportunity to play so either way we feel we win.” Fellows is quick to add “this is by no means just me,” singling out parents, teaching pros at her home club, and Jacksonville-area Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator Diana Gardner. “What drives all of us to do this is the enthusiasm we get from the kids,” Fellows says. “The kids simply love to participate and play and they look forward to the matches and meeting other kids from different clubs all over Jacksonville.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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CTDW Awards 3 Florida Recipients at Community Tennis Development Workshop (CTDW) Awards
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wo Florida individuals and one organization were recognized for 2011 year-ending USTA national awards when the annual USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop (CTWD) was held Jan. 13-15, 2012, in New Orleans, La. Tampa’s “Tennis for Fun,” Longwood’s Cindy Harkins, and Port Orange’s Rita Gladstone were recognized. “Tennis for Fun” received the 2011 USTA Adaptive Tennis National Community Service Award, given to a program or program leader that has demonstrates continued excellence, dedication and service in tennis for an adaptive tennis community. “Tennis for Fun has made excellent strides in making tennis accessible for everyone with special needs and ensuring that they have the opportunity to participate in a meaningful tennis experience,” said Kurt Kamperman, chief executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “We praise Nathan Moore on his vision and everyone at Tennis for Fun for their dedication. We are proud to acknowledge their efforts with this award.” Tennis for Fun, a free weekly tennis clinic available to athletes with special needs, is a volunteer organization that provides opportunities to have fun playing tennis while learning basic life skills and socializing. Tennis for Fun was founded in September 2000 by
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Cindy Harkins
Nathan Moore, a high school student. Moore’s goal was to create a positive and fun activity for athletes with special needs in the greater Tampa area. Since its inception, the program has grown substantially, spreading to three additional locations (Brandon, Fla.; Belfast, Maine, and Camden, Maine) providing tennis instruction to more than 100 athletes. Longwood’s (Greater Orlando area) Harkins was selected as a 2011 USTA Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award recipient. The Eve F. Kraft Community Service Award is given to
individuals who perpetuate Kraft’s mission to bring the game of tennis to everyone who wants to play. Harkins has been instrumental in the growth of the Seminole County tennis community. Prior to 1975, Seminole County did not have one public tennis court, whereas today there are 54 public courts. Harkins established Red Bug Park in 1976 and had the privilege of actively serving on the committee to select, plan, and develop Sanlando Park, which opened in 1978. In addition she is responsible for organizing and developing Seminole County’s tennis facilities visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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CTDW Awards and programs. Since 1975, Seminole County has provided tennis opportunities to over 150,000 junior participants, 50,000 adult participants, 75,000 league and USTA Jr. Team Tennis players, 60,000 tournament players, and 800 high school tennis team players. An active volunteer since 1976, Harkins has been equally proactive, especially in the development of tournament criteria and standards for junior tournaments in Florida. Harkin’s remarkable service to the community is exemplified through her leadership and involvement on several committees. Currently she serves on the USTA National Junior Competition Committee, the USTA Florida Junior Competitive Council, the USTA Florida Tournament Sanction & Selection Committee, and the USTA Florida Board of Directors. Port Orange’s Gladstone was selected as the recipient of the 2011 USTA Recreational OnCourt Trainer of the Year Award, chosen from the USTA’s team of trainers who promote the growth of tennis through exemplary oncourt training, assist the national office with the direction of this program, and are well connected with their Section’s efforts. She joined the USTA Recreational Coach Workshop (RCW) Trainer faculty in 2006 and continues to conduct workshops in Florida and across the country. In addition to RCW and 10 and Under Tennis workshops, she also conducts in-service trainings for physical education teachers and after-school program providers. MARCH 2012
As a trainer, Gladstone strives to give new coaches, P.E. teachers, parents and volunteers the confidence to provide a great “first time” experience for their players. Her goal is to instill enthusiasm for coaching players and also a love for tennis. Gladstone is an active USTA volunteer on both a Section and National level. She has served on the USTA Florida Recreational Tennis Council since 2007 and is currently a member of the USTA 10 and Under Task Force, and vice chair of the Jr. Team Tennis Committee. She is very active with local USTA programming, acting as league coordinator for USTA Jr. Team Tennis in her county. Gladstone also is a past speaker at both the USTA Tennis Teacher’s Conference and the USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop.
Rita Gladstone visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Adult Combo League Nine Section Champions Crowned in January
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anuary saw nine Combo League teams crowned USTA Florida Section champions at the conclusion of the 2011 Combo League Adult season, contested over two weekends at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. The season-ending 2011 USTA Florida Combo League Adult 6.5 & 7.5 Championships were played on Jan. 13-15, 2012, and the 2011 USTA Florida Combo Adult League 5.5, 8.5, & 9.5 Championships were held Jan. 20-22. Combo Adult teams are comprised of players 18 years or older in a combined-rating format from 5.5 to 9.5. The combined NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) ratings of each doubles team may neither exceed the level nor be more than 1.0 less than the level in which they are competing. The NTRP rating difference between the members of an individual doubles pair may not exceed 0.5. Escambia County reached three finals during the first weekend of play, but posted an 0-3 tally, while the Ocala Men’s 6.5 successfully defended their state championship from last year. Another Escambia team, led by captain Derrick Racine, the head coach of the University of West Florida men’s and women’s tennis teams, won the Combo Men’s 9.5 championship, edging second-place Sarasota/ Manatee counties in the final tally.
MARCH 2012
The Combo Men’s 5.5 champions from Marion County
South Miami-Dade and Marion County were the lone regions to win multiple Combo titles over the two weekends. “January brought perfect weather for all three weekends of the Combo Championships after not-so-pleasant weather the past two years,”
said Jodi Manning, USTA Florida leagues coordinator. “The 1,300 players that visited the Florida Tennis Center sure appreciated great weather, superb tennis and excellent sportsmanship throughout their weekend of play.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Adult Combo League
MARCH 2012
The Combo Women’s 5.5 champions from Polk County
The South Miami-Dade Combo Women’s 6.5 champions
The South Miami-Dade Combo Women’s 7.5 champions
The Combo Women’s 8.5 champions from Indian River/St. Lucie/Martin counties visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Adult Combo League
MARCH 2012
The Marion County Combo Men’s 6.5 champions
The Alacha County Combo Men’s 7.5 champions
The Combo Men’s 8.5 champions from Broward County
The Combo Men’s 9.5 champions from Escambia County visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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MARCH 2012
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 1 East
by Kelly Tucker
“ Tennis for Tallahassee” Tournament
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he third annual “Tennis for Tallahassee” tournament was held at Forestmeadows (FM) in late January to raise money for enhancements to the city’s tennis facilities. Money raised in the past has gone to purchase furniture and a bigscreen television at FM for players to use while watching Tennis Channel.
Steve LeRoy, supervisor of tennis operations for the city, said “it was great to see so many of our patrons getting involved in this event. Knowing that all the proceeds will go right back into making their tennis-playing experience more enjoyable was the reason we had the largest participation to date.”
Additional money has been used to purchase water misters for use during the hot summer months as well as gym equipment. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be used in part to purchase covered benches for some of the courts at FM.
Tournament results, beginning with the winners in each division followed by the runners-up, were: 3.0 Women - Sally Sox/ Jennifer Brookins; Denean Sykes/Bobbie Rushing; 4.0 Women - Hope Suber/Margaret Stephens; Jane Berry/Pam McLean; Women’s Open - Linda Vannoy/Susan Morton; Diana Johnson/Sherry Cady. 3.0 Men - David Xia/ Noah Andrews Steve Steinhauer/Michael Eubanks; 3.5 Men - Jerry Woods/James Glover; Jim Feiertag/Steve Stiegler; 4.0 Men - David Lane/Ken Cady; Eric Turner/Tommy Cleversey; Men’s Open - Chris Corum/Kevin Record; Larry Johnson/Dave Newbery; 6.0 Mixed - Sarah Waddle/Dave Harper; Suzanne Johnson/Marc Taps; 7.0 - Sandy Lane/Bob Graves; Deb Hall/ Jon Manalo; 8.0 - Candace Bunker/Chuck Bunker; Sherry Cady/Ken Cady; Open - Larry Johnson/Diana Johnson; Phil Sanders/Susan Morton.
The tournament consisted of a round robin format with players in mixed and/or gender doubles playing only one set, beginning at two games all. Prizes included gift certificates donated by local businesses as well as free lessons donated by local professionals, provided to all winners and runner-ups in each division (3.0; 3.5; 4.0; and Open). There were 96 players who participated in the event, which raised over $2,500 after expenses. A silent auction was also held during the tournament which helped to raise an additional $500. Most of silent auction items were donated by Marge von Goeben, tournament volunteer. Players were treated to a picnic lunch as well as an opportunity to demo Head racquets provided by a local head representative.
MARCH 2012
Marge von Goeben
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 1 West
by Scott Harrison
Jr. News; Upcoming Adult Events Catholic and Washington High Schools Hoping for a Return to State
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oaches Geoff Watts of Catholic High and Michael Edge of Washington High, both in Pensacola, are hoping for a return to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championships in 2012. Both the girls and boys squads of Catholic return 3-4 Top 5 players from last year’s state qualifying teams. The Washington boys return three of the Top 5 players of a team that finished second in Class 3A in the last two years. On the strength of that second-place finish, Washington has been invited and is attending one of the nation’s prestigious high school tournaments in Louisville, Ky., later in the spring. Catholic returnees include Casey Lowery, Phil Masterson and Will Spencer on the boy’s team and Kallie Erickson, Lucy McLaurin, Megan Wurthrich and Sarah Tolen on the girl’s team. Washington’s stalwart core includes Reece Acree, Keegan Lowery and Austin Racine.
88 Juniors at PCC Super Series The Pensacola Country Club hosted a junior USTA Super Series tournament in February and attracted 88 players. This is one of the largest draws in Region 1 in a while. The weather was a little harsh with wind and cold temperatures MARCH 2012
but it didn’t seem to bother the players. Several really tough matches held the spectators attention in spite of the weather. Complete results can be found at: http:// tennislink.usta.com/ TOURNAMENTS/ TournamentHome_ New/Tournament. aspx?T=112604.
Upcoming Events in the Area Past winners and finalists at the annual Pink Ribbon Tennis Tournament benefiting breast cancer in Pensacola Two huge tennis events are in April in Region 1. Unfortunately, For information go to http://pinkribbontennis. due to the Leap Year, both are on the same com/Pink_Ribbon_Tennis/Welcome_to_Pink_ weekend. Ribbon_Tennis.html.
The 10th Anniversary Pink Ribbon Tennis Tournament for breast cancer will be held on April 12-14 at Roger Scott Tennis Center in Pensacola. The tourney raised over $80,000 in 2011. All the proceeds go to help local women get mammograms and combat other breast cancer health issues. 128 teams of women participate in the two day compass draw event as well as a Pro-Am Calcutta on the Thursday evening before the tourney.
The other huge event is the Helen Drake Invitational Adult Designated Championships held at Tops’l Beach and Racquet Resort in the Destin area. Nearly 300 players are expected in this “even division” adult age group tourney. If you have not played there and like the age group tournament experience, try the Helen Drake.
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 2
by Rick Vach
Bolles, San Jose Events Added to Jacksonville Orange Ball PlayDay Tennis Schedule
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he Bolles School and San Jose Country Club have joined Oakleaf Plantation, Julington Creek Plantation and Eagle Harbor Country Club in the Jacksonville area as sites for the 2012 10 and Under Tennis Orange Ball PlayDay circuit. The Bolles School event date is TBA, and the San Jose Country Club event will be held on Dec. 1. The debut Orange Ball PlayDay circuit of events features at least one event a month in the Jacksonville area from January through December. “The 10 and Under Orange Ball PlayDay circuit is excited to add two high-profile facilities located in the middle of Jacksonville to this program which introduces kids to basic tennis competition,” said organizer Randy Jenks. “We utilize court monitors on every bank of two courts in order to help kids learn scoring, rules, etiquette, etc.” 10 and Under Tennis Play Days are great ways for kids age 10 and under to play tennis in a fun, non-threatening, non-elimination, competitive environment. Over the duration of a few hours, a Play Day allows kids to experience serving, rallying, and scoring in an informal competition.
MARCH 2012
Other event dates remaining in 2012 are March 17, April 21, May 12, and June 23 at Julington Creek; July 14 at Oakleaf Plantation; and Aug. 4, Sept. 8, Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 at Eagle Harbor. Each event will be 2 to 2-1/2 hours. For more info go to www.courtsideusa.com/ communities/jacksonville/ or email rjenks@ hamptongolfclubs.com.
Upcoming Junior Events March 3 — Jonesville Super Series (Level 6), Gainesville March 10 — FCTF Jr. Grand Prix, Hidden Hills, Jacksonville March 10 — Deerwood St Patrick ’s Day Local Slam (Level 7), Jacksonville March 17 — 10 and Under Orange Ball PlayDay Circuit, Julington Creek, Jacksonville March 24 — Jonesville Local Championships (Level 7), Gainesville March 31 — Julington Creek Plantation Local Championships (Level 7), Jacksonville March 31 — FCTF Jr. Grand Prix, Queen’s Harbor, Jacksonville
Upcoming Adult Events March 16 — J acksonville Clay Court Championships (Designated), Selva Marina C.C., Atlantic Beach March 24 — G uardian Catholic Schools Golf and Tennis Classic, Jacksonville Golf & C.C., Jacksonville visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 3
by Nancy Morgan
Foundation Event Showcases Players
T
he 10th Annual Tournament of Champions was the Suncoast Tennis Foundation’s largest in its history. The invitation-only contest featured men’s, women’s and mixed doubles in various NTRP levels, and was held over a three-day period at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar. Players were invited based on their results in designated charity tennis events during 2011. This year’s event was in memory of Kevin Manning, a local USPTA-certified teaching pro who, at the age of 53, died in May 2011 after a three-year battle with cancer. The original concept of the Tournament of Champions included drawing charity tournament players to one venue, marketing the Foundation as the county-wide tennis association, and raising funds to support amateur tennis in Pinellas County. The Tournament of Champions is the only fundraising event for the 501(c)3 organization. Despite late evening/early morning rain, cool temperatures and 10-15 mph winds, 190-plus players enjoyed the camaraderie and competition throughout the event. Combining entry fees, donations, raffle drawings and a silent auction, the Foundation netted about $12,000. “We had about 80 more players this year than last year, and had the most outstanding competition,” said Judy Foster, executive director of the
MARCH 2012
Players and spectators enjoying the 10th Annual Tournament of Champions held at East Lake Woodlands Country Club in Oldsmar
Foundation. “We’ve always invited players from our six major charity tournaments in Pinellas County, but this year decided to include four major charity events in Hillsborough since we have a lot of players that compete in charity tournaments in both counties.”
attending a Pinellas County Schools’ in-service tennis training. Through this effort, the Foundation has enabled each attending school to receive $1,440 worth of tennis equipment and resources – to date, that’s $30,000 of free equipment in Pinellas County schools!
The Suncoast Tennis Foundation, established in 1994, has as its sole purpose to develop and expand amateur community tennis through educational and charitable programs. Last year, a large portion was provided to pay for USTA Organizational Memberships for elementary, middle and high schools that had teachers
“Every bit of what we make goes right back into the community,” Foster said. “In addition to the in-service training initiative, we have youth scholarships and grants for public and private facilities to help in their repair.” To learn more about the Suncoast Tennis Foundation, go to www.ourtennis.net. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 4
by Susie Rahimitabar
Fuel My School
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ifty-six Central Florida tennis players met on the courts at beautiful Isleworth Country Club in February for the 2nd Annual Fuel My School Tennis Classic, a charity event that benefits the FuelMySchool program, which pumps funds and resources to over 250 schools. Using a team tennis approach, players were ranked by level and formed 14 four-player teams. Each team was assigned by random selection a school to represent in the competition. “The tournament was another huge success for us,” said FuelMySchool co-founder, Lisa Hilgenfeldt. “The tennis community has rallied around our cause, and Isleworth has been terrific in providing such an awesome venue for the event.” Since its launch in 2010, more than 200 Central Florida schools have taken advantage of the opportunity to open a page on the FuelMySchool website. In addition to MySchoolWish, the community can make a difference through one of FuelMySchool’s other programs: Shop4Schools, Cars4Schools, and Cash4Schools. “Each registered school is provided an online shopping mall with over 200 of the regular retailers and travel sites we all shop from online everyday such as Amazon, Expedia, Target, Macy’s, and Best Buy – just to name a few. When a parent or community member does their online shopping from their school’s mall, they are earning cash rewards for their school,” she said.
MARCH 2012
Kristine Tran, Julie Dupree, Rita Mercier, and Tracy Lattanzi with Dillard Street Elementary School representative Nicole Haggart, showing off their first-place trophies
The grand finale of the round-robin format was a match-up of the top two teams on Isleworth’s center court, with an umpire, ball kids, and an audience of spectators. Winning this year’s event was the team representing Dillard Street Elementary School, earning a $500 grant which will be used toward granting the school’s wish for iPads. “It all started one day when we said that we knew
there had to be a better way to connect the resources in the community to our schools and students,” Hilgenfeldt said. “And to make it easy on parents and families to support schools — today that initial thought is FuelMySchool.” Since the start, and because of the support of the community and people who support the tennis event, through fuelmyschool over 300 school wishes have been granted, pumping over $110,000 in funds and resources to schools. visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 5 Bradenton/Sarasota vs. Pittsburgh in Crossover Matches
I
t’s always fun to win and travel to a place and play in competitive matches. In 2011, the Lakewood Ranch 3.5 women had a great season, advancing to the championship match at the USTA Florida USTA League Sectionals in Daytona Beach, and getting achingly close to making the trip to Tucson for nationals. A little bad luck and a very good Naples team prevented that trip. After getting back home and reading my Facebook page, I saw that a high school friend of mine had posted how her team did exactly the same thing, coming in a close second at the USTA Middle States Section tournament. I quickly emailed her and, after exchanging stories, we decided that a competition between Pittsburgh and Bradenton/Sarasota would be a lot of fun. At the end of this past January, Pittsburgh’s team, led by Kathy Radick of Oxford Athletic Club in North Pittsburgh, traveled to Lakewood Ranch for this first-ever event. We called this event the Pirate’s Cup, since the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training facility is in Bradenton. These two clubs were joined by friends from Serendipity Country Club in Sarasota for one day of competitive, enjoyable tennis. The day was an enormous success due to beautiful weather, enthusiasm, and excellent sportsmanship. Both Lakewood Ranch Country Club and Serendipity Country Club are planning a similar trip to Pittsburgh this September with the expectation that this event will become an annual event.
MARCH 2012
Participants in the Sarasota/Bradenton vs. Pittsburgh battle
Upcoming Junior Events: Englewood Tennis-Local Pot of Gold Challenge (Level 7), 3/07/2012; Longwood Local Championships (Level 7), 3/14/2012; Bath & Racquet Super Series (Level 6), 3/26/2012; Bath & Racquet Super Series (Level 6), 3/26/2012; Serendipity April Designated (Level 5) BG14, 4/14/2012; Next Generation Tennis Academy
Designated (Level 5) B12, 4/14/2012; Englewood April Designated (Level 5) G12, 4/14/2012.
Upcoming Adult Events: BCC Adult Open/NTRP Championships, 4/18/2012; 2012 River Strand Adult Spring Singles Classic, 4/18/2012; 2012 River Strand Adult Prize $ Doubles Classic, 4/25/2012; Fidelity Investments Senior Doubles (Designated), 4/09/2012.
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 6
By Janet Sprague
New League Coordinators for Adult/Senior and Jr. Programs
T
he new 2012 championship year has brought new individuals to the game of tennis for USTA programs in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. USTA Florida welcomes Lisa Bowser from Jupiter as the new Adult/Senior League coordinator for Northern Palm Beach County, Tiffani Buckley from Vero Beach as the new Adult/ Senior League coordinator for the Treasure Coast area, Joy Crenshaw from Boca Raton joins the USTA Florida family as the new USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator for Palm Beach County providing junior leagues for the 18 and Under and 14 and Under divisions, and Stacy Hockenhull from Vero Beach joins the team as the new Jr. Team Tennis coordinator for all divisions for the Treasure Coast. While many newcomers join the USTA Florida family, there are still a few open positions available at this time to complete the team.
MARCH 2012
These positions include: USTA Jr. Team Tennis coordinator/Palm Beach County—12 and Under/10 and Under Divisions; USTA Jr. Team Tennis area representative/South Treasure Coast—12 and Under and 10 and Under divisions; Adult/Senior League coordinator for Southern Palm Beach County; and USTA Flex League tennis organizers for both the Treasure Coast, Northern Palm Beach County and Southern Palm Beach County. Individuals interested in these positions must be computer savvy, have excellent organizational, time management and conflict resolution skills. These are independent contractor positions that provide small stipends as well as training and support from USTA Florida staff members. For information on any of these positions contact Janet Sprague, USTA Florida staff member and Region 6 tennis program coordinator at (561) 385-7399 or Sprague@florida.usta.com.
Get in the game and start playing USTA Leagues today by contacting these individuals via email or phone: Lisa Bowser: ustaPBC@me.com; (305) 799-0261 Tiffani Buckley: ustatreasurecoast@gmail.com; (772) 453-3595 Joy Crenshaw: palmbeachjtt@comcast.net; (561) 271-8632 Stacy Hockenhull: shockenhull@bellsouth.net; (772) 473-3195
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 7 ‘March Into Tennis; ’ Flex Sweepstake Winners
M
ore than 40 tennis clubs and facilities across Florida had registered as of February to host Tennis Play Days, Youth Registration events, Kids’ Tennis Clubs, and other events during the USTA’s “March Into Tennis” campaign during the month of March to register youth for local play opportunities in 2012.
Area events will include in Bradenton a Free Tennis Carnival hosted by Tapes Tennis Inc. on March 28 (contact: gabriel@gabrielferrer. com) and in Ft. Myers a Tennis PlayDay hosted by the Lee County CTA on March 13 (contact: hbohannon@comcast.net). To check on additional events go to www.tennisgotmoregame.com.
Clubs and facilities can also still sign-up to receive USTA national and local public relations support, geo-targeted online advertising, turnkey marketing materials, a $50 event pack voucher, a downloadable how-to guide, and national promotion on Nickelodeon and ESPN2 that began in February to drive children and parents to local clubs. Events can be held any time through the month of March or beyond.
Naples Residents Win in USTA Flex League Tennis Sweepstakes Two Florida winners were named in the recent USTA Flex League Sweepstakes for the fall season, chosen from players across the country participating in USTA Flex League tennis. Paul Thompson of Naples, Fla., won 4th place and a Tennis Warehouse $50 gift certificate. MARCH 2012
Matthew Lyons, also from Naples, won the 3rd place Tennis Warehouse $150 gift certificate. “I love the USTA Flex League!” Lyons said. “A player can find competition on any level and it is great being able to schedule your matches around what is convenient for the both of you. I cannot wait for the next Flex League to start.” All registered participants nationwide are automatically entered into the USTA Flex Leagues Sweepstakes held twice a year. Each USTA Flex Leagues Sweepstakes includes a Grand Prize US Open trip for two and several online tennis gift certificates ranging from $50-500. USTA Flex Leagues are specifically designed to help you fit tennis into a busy schedule. Players can decide whether to play singles or doubles at whatever time is convenient for them while still playing in a league format. For more information on USTA Flex Leagues go to www.ustaflex.com.
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Region 8 From Martina to Miami: The Inspiring Life of Jane Forman
I
magine creating a perfect tennis role model. She would have started tennis as a child, starred on her college team, competed on center court at a Grand Slam and, upon retirement, turned these experiences into nurturing children and adults in the game. You don’t have to imagine this, though, because she already exists. Jane Forman is alive and well and teaching in Miami. Jane, who played Martina Navratilova on Wimbledon’s Center Court in 1986, is in the business of providing programs for public parks, clubs, and high schools. She currently works with the Dave and Mary Alper JCC in Miami, where she oversees 18 USTA teams, tennis education for all ages, and is an energetic advocate of the USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis for kids. Her own career traces its roots back to the age of six, when she first showed an aptitude and love for game. She starred on her high school team, and was a four-time All American at Clemson University. After 11 years on the women’s professional tour, she thought she’d try her hand at teaching, and was in for a pleasant surprise. “I loved being with people,” she said. “I loved the initial reaction I’d get from seeing their improvement, and how happy it would make them feel. Their good feelings made me feel good.” Hence, a career as a teacher and tennis advocate began.
MARCH 2012
She founded Jane Forman Sports Management, which has been offering programs that teach the fundamentals of a variety of recreational sports, including tennis, soccer, basketball, and flag football, to athletes of all ages. She’s brought the health and wellness benefits of exercising to thousands of people over the years. Jane, who’s currently coaching high school tennis at Riviera Prep, isn’t trying to build champions per se; she’s trying to teach kids respect for the game and for each other. “In this day and age, many kids are disrespectful,” she says. “Tennis and golf are gentlemen’s sports. Not only do kids learn respect, but they enjoy being a part of a team.” While Jane’s teaching has touched the lives of kids from ages three to 80, there’s no one age group she likes best. “Tennis will never die,” she continues, “because it’s a lifelong sport. No matter what age, ability, or socioeconomic background you come from, there’s a way to play tennis.” Spoken like a true role model.
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Photo Op
Chanelle Van Nguyen
By Colette Lewis, www.zootennis.com
I
t didn’t take long for Miami resident Chanelle Van Nguyen to make an impact as a UCLA Bruin. Van Nguyen, a former Orange Bowl 16s champion, began her college tennis career in Westwood in January, and as of mid-February, she had yet to taste defeat. Part of a highly-regarded recruiting class, the 18-year-old right-hander joined with three other freshmen to lead UCLA to its first-ever Intercollegiate Tennis Association Women’s Team Indoor Championship, held this past February in Charlottesville, Virginia. Playing No. 5 and No. 6 singles for the Bruins, Van Nguyen posted four wins in four matches at the indoor championships, including the clinching victory in both the quarterfinals against Northwestern University and the semifinals against archrival University of Southern California. “There’s a big difference between junior and college tennis, and also in being homeschooled, so I’m still getting used to everything,” said Van Nguyen, who ended the event with an 11-0 record in collegiate competition to date. “I feel like I’m improving since I’ve gotten here, especially with the emphasis on doubles, which is helping my singles game as well.”
MARCH 2012
Photo: zootennis.com
UCLA Head Coach Stella Sampras Webster, the older sister of 14-time Grand Slam champion Pete Sampras, has been impressed with Van Nguyen’s accomplishments in her brief time as a Bruin.
“We knew she was a great player, but we’ve learned so much about her in this tournament,” said Sampras Webster. “She’s shown us a lot of heart, and it’s nice to have those strong players at four, five, and six. She’s come in and done a great job for us.” visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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Quick Shots
In February Sam Garcia of Vero Beach was named PTR Member of the Year for Florida
James Blake (left) rallies with First Lady Michelle Obama and kids at Disney in Orlando to celebrate the anniversary of the “Let’s Move!” initiative
Kraft Tennis, Maharaj Tennis and the Yulee Tennis Foundation sponsored an afternoon of round robin tennis in support of the Barnabas Center Food Pantry in Fernandina Beach, collecting 722 lbs. of groceries MARCH 2012
More than 900 children were exposed to the 10 and Under Tennis format when TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort Director of Tennis Joe D’Aleo led classes at Butler Elementary School in Santa Rosa Beach
visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com
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