FALL-Winter 2017
Madison Keys Gets Fearless
Plus: 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees & Award Winners, Net Generation, Schools Tennis and more! Getty Images
The USTA Missouri Valley publishes Serve three times per year, focusing specifically on the members and events in the section. All material copyright USTA Missouri Valley, unless otherwise noted. Your feedback is welcomed.
Fall/Winter 2017 USTA Missouri Valley 6400 West 95th Street, Suite 102 Overland Park, Kansas 66212
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Net Generation
facebook.com/USTAMissouriValley twitter.com/USTAMoValley instagram.com/USTAMoValley Mary Buschmann Executive Director Manon Eilts Marketing Communications Director Emily Steinwart Communications Coordinator Graphic Design and Digital Media Andrew Robinson Communications Coordinator Digital Engagement For questions about your USTA membership, please contact USTA Member Services at 1-800-990-USTA or memberservices@usta.com, or visit www.membership.usta.com
Madison Keys
FEATURES
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Meet the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame Class of 2017
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2017 Award Winners Announced Join the Net Generation One-on-One Interview with Madison Keys in Rock Island, Illinois
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Connect on USTA.com
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Net Notes - News and Highlights from around the section
2017 USTA Missouri Valley League Champions
Phone: 800-498-4395 Email: info@protrackandtennis.com Address: 7409 N 160 Street Bennington, Nebraska 68007 Website: www.protrackandtennis.com
Innovative Experienced Professional
We’re proud to announce the 2017 USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame inductees: Buff Farrow
Francis P. Lemery
Richard M. Perry
This year, the USTA Missouri Valley is recognizing three people who have served the game of tennis through their play, dedication to volunteerism and their passion for improving the game. The honorees are Buff Farrow of Wichita, Kansas., Francis Lemery of Prairie Village, Kansas., and Richard M. Perry of Enid, Oklahoma. The three new members of the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame will be inducted during the USTA Missouri Valley Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon on Saturday, December 2 at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park. Buff Farrow is a two-time Kansas High School State Champion from Wichita, Kansas. He finished his high school career with a 48-0 record before playing collegiately at UCLA where he was a four-year letter winner from 1986-1989. Farrow was named the USTA Missouri Valley Player of the Year in 1985 and won the US Amateur Tennis Championships in 1986. Farrow went on to have a professional career, earning a career high ranking of No. 224 in the World. He also played for the Wichita Advantage World TeamTennis and was a member of the US Davis Cup team from 1988-1991. Farrow remains active as a volunteer committee member on several USTA national committees.
Francis P. Lemery is a lifelong player who developed a love for tennis at Wyandotte High School, where he lettered all four years. As an adult, Fran competed in the USTA League programs for many years competing at the 5.0 and 4.5 levels. In 1993, Fran played on the winning National Championship 4.5 Senior Team, never losing a match at local, district, section or national championship levels, and playing number one on his team with his longtime doubles partner, Wilber Jones. He also won two USTA national championships on 4.5 senior teams. Lemery has served in a number of roles for the USTA Heart of America and also served as the chairperson for the USTA Missouri Valley's Adult Tennis Council.
Richard M. Perry had an exceptional career as a high school player at Northwest Classen High School in Oklahoma City. A two-time state champion, Perry earned honorable mention on the Oklahoma All-Decade Tennis Team for the 1960s. He went on to play tennis at Oklahoma City University. Perry has remained an active player. He was named the USTA Oklahoma Adult Player of the Year in 1992 and was awarded the inaugural USTA Oklahoma Jim Thorpe Tennis Award in 2004. He's been ranked No. 1 in the USTA Missouri Valley in Men's 45 and 50 singles, and has captained several successful USTA League teams. He's served the USTA Oklahoma district in several roles including as president. He also served as USTA Missouri Valley president in 2007-08 following several years of involvement on the board. Additionally, Perry formed the USTA Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame in 1999 and continues to volunteer with the organization. 4 FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY
The USTA Missouri Valley is also proud to honor the following outstanding award recipients on December 2: Female Junior Player of the Year Gracie Epps (Norman, Oklahoma) Male Junior Player of the Year Carson Haskins (Ballwin, Missouri) Female Junior Recreational Player of the Year Emma Pawlitz (Des Peres, Missouri) Male Junior Recreational Player of the Year Jordan Patterson (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Outstanding Junior Tournament STL5 St. Louis Jr. Summer Open (St. Louis, Missouri) Outstanding Contributor to Youth Tennis Larry Newton (Omaha, Nebraska) USTA Junior Team Tennis Organizer Max Shapiro (St. Louis, Missouri) Outstanding Contributor Youth High Performance Program Matias Marin (Tulsa, Oklahoma) High School Coach of the Year Matt Weimers (McCook, Nebraska)
Adult Player of the Year Chris Haworth (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Member Organization of the Year The Greens Country Club (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Adult Recreational Player of the Year Aimee Claassen (Parkville, Missouri)
Outstanding Official Laura Norman (Wichita, Kansas)
Outstanding Contributor USTA League Tennis Program Linda Woodard (Ballwin, Missouri) Outstanding Diversity Achievement Special Olympics of Iowa (Grimes, Iowa) Outstanding Adult/ Senior Tournament US Open USTA Wheelchair Championship (St. Louis, Missouri) Tennis Family of the Year The Lance Lysaught Family (Topeka, Kansas) Facility of the Year Jayhawk Tennis Center (Lawrence, Kansas) Outstanding Community Tennis Association McPherson Advantage Junior Tennis Club (McPherson, Kansas)
Media Excellence Ron Powell - Lincoln Journal Star (Lincoln, Nebraska) Distinguished Service Dee Wharton (St. Louis, Missouri) President’s Award Surprise Announcement Junior Sportsmanship G10 - Carolyn Daugherty (Tulsa, Oklahoma) G12 - Gracie Epps (Norman, Oklahoma) G14 - Dani Rosenberger (St. Louis, Missouri) G16 - Rachel McCorkle (Tulsa, Oklahoma) G18 - Natalie Malone (St. Louis, Missouri) B10 - TJ Griese (Prairie, Missouri) B12 - Langdon Tingleaf (Owasso, Oklahoma) B14 - Mason Thieu (Topeka, Kansas) B16 - Andrew Bower (Alton, Illinois) B18 - Clayton Maack (Chesterfield, Missouri)
© 2017 USTA. All rights reserved.
Youth Empowered to Play the Game
By: Ashley Marshall, USTA.com
A new kid-friendly approach to tennis that hopes to inspire the next generation of young tennis players launched at the US Open.
The revolutionary new brand, Net Generation, will provide American tennis with one unified youth brand for children to get into the sport, making it easier for children and their parents to learn about tennis and get into the game in schools, parks and tennis clubs across the country. The movement embraces all aspects of youth play for kids ages 5-18. The official Net Generation launch took place at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day on Aug. 26.
“Net Generation is a bold approach to empower kids to play the game while elevating and setting new standards on how we deliver and engage children in our sport,” said Craig Morris, General Manager, USTA Community Tennis and Youth Tennis. “These efforts will make a lasting impact to help drive youth participation throughout the country. There is no bigger and better stage than the US Open to launch the brand.” The objective of Net Generation is to provide a safe connection to the sport, as well as a platform to celebrate individuality and self-expression. To ensure a safe environment, all Net Generation providers – including coaches, teachers, players and volunteers – must first
go through a Safe Play Program, which involves a three-step process, including a background check, by registering on NetGeneration.com. With the USTA’s focus on childhood safety, this system will be the first of its kind in the sports landscape to require all providers to submit to a comprehensive screening and education program. “It is essential to implement the best infrastructure and environment for the current and future generation of kids,” said Katrina Adams, USTA Chairman of the Board, CEO and President. “Net Generation will help further our commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles and bringing more children into the game by reaching kids and parents in a dynamic and easier way than ever before.” In addition to the official launch at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day Powered by Net Generation, the brand had a significant presence leading up to and at this years’ US Open. In addition, the USTA enlisted 32 social media brand influencers, “Netset Ambassadors.” who are ages 5-18 with a strong social media presence, to showcase Net Generation through their views. The ambassadors create content promoting the brand to their social media followers.
GO TO NETGENERATION.COM TO JOIN THE NET GENERATION!
What’s in the Bag? We asked USTA Missouri Tennis Service Representative Lindsay Hall to open her Net Generation Community Equipment Bag on camera and show us the exciting contents firsthand. Click the bag to the left to take a look! FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY 7
Madison Keys Gets Fearless The tennis star joins an anti-bullying organization as an ambassador for a “Kinder Girl World.”
By:Andrew Robinson
Madison Keys has been on some of the game’s biggest stages in her young career. She’s played at Rod Laver Stadium, played in primetime at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and also participated in the 2016 Olympics. But for all the triumph she’s experienced in her career, she deals with a dark side as well — cyberbullying. Frequently, Keys comes off the court only to be attacked by anonymous voices behind screen names on Twitter and Instagram. Often times, her attackers have lost bets on her match and aren’t happy. But Keys, who has two high-school aged sisters, knows cyberbullying isn’t limited to professional athletes. Cyberbullying, and bullying of any kind for that matter is a daily occurrence for far too many around the world. And she’s had enough. USTA Missouri Valley spoke with Keys while she was home in Rock Island, Ill. recently. Keys has joined FearlesslyGiRL as its ambassador. FearlesslyGiRL is an anti-bullying organization dedicated to a “Kinder Girl World” in schools and communities across North America. “It’s about building the awareness,” Keys said. “I want people to think ‘would you say this to your daughter?’ I want to show people it’s [cyberbullying] really happening.” On November 17, Keys will join FearlesslyGiRL founder Kate Whitfield for what they’re calling the largest anti-bullying school assembly ever. As the organization makes its official US launch, Keys, along with other athletes and celebrities will discuss how bullying has impacted them, overcoming their fears. The assembly will originate from Keys’ hometown of Rock Island, Ill., and will be simulcast free to any elementary, middle or high school that chooses to livestream the assembly at www.fearlesslygirl.com/assembly. The assembly is part of a three-day series of events throughout the quad cities. Keys will join tennis commentator Renee Stubs as well as ATP professional Bjorn Fratangelo and Sloane Stephens’ coach, Kamau Murray on November 16 for a pro-am at the Quad Cities Tennis Club. Friday, November 17 will be the FearlesslyGiRL assembly, followed by a Gala held at Rhythm City Casino which will include a live auction as well as dinner and cocktails. On Saturday, November 18, Keys and Fratangelo will host a kids clinic at Quad Cities Tennis Club while parents can listen to a panel of speakers including Keys’ mother, Christine, her agent Max Eisenbud and a representative from the United States Tennis Association. -continued8 FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY
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“I want people to think ‘would you say this to your daughter?’’” The panel will be discussing USTA junior competition, parenting a tennis player, and professional opportunities. The cost of the workshop and/or clinic is $25. Keys recently spent time with the USTA Missouri Valley during a brief stopover in the Quad Cities as she prepares for the events.
Keys also knows what it means to be a tough competitor, while also maintaining friendships. She said just because a girl is your opponent, doesn’t mean you can’t be nice to her. Keys points to her close friendships with fellow Americans Coco Vandeweghe and Sloane Stephens as a model for other players that it’s okay to be close friends with opponents, who can also provide support on the tour.
For her, partnering with FearlesslyGiRL felt a natural fit.
“I feel like I’m really understanding as to what girls are dealing with,” Keys said. “It was a cause I just felt most comfortable with and felt I’m a good person to be associated with it.”
But right now, Keys is focused on seeing changes in her hometown and seeing progress toward ending bullying. “This is where I started,” she said. “It’s a great place to grow anything and we’ll slowly move FearlesslyGiRL from this event.” Visit www.fearlesslygirl.com for more information on the organization and its upcoming events.
Books, backpacks, lunch boxes and … tennis racquets? That’s right, tennis is a great fit for schools, a safe, non-contact sport that can be played anywhere and by everyone. Tennis is now sized right for age and ability, with shorter racquets, lower-bouncing balls and smaller courts – which means it’s an easy sport to set up on a playground or in a gym. A traditional tennis court is no longer required to get started with tennis, making it perfect for physical education classes and afterschool programs like Kids’ Tennis Clubs. Watch the video at right or contact your local tennis service representative to find out how you can get tennis in your school! FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY 9
Website Refresher: Connect with us on USTA.com If you haven’t had the chance to spend much time on the new USTA.com, we wanted to highlight a few important pages for you. The first being our USTA Missouri Valley landing page. It provides links to district information, as well as links to information about adult and junior programming. It can be a one-stop for finding information about what’s happening across the USTA Missouri Valley.
Bookmark USTA.com/USTAMissouriValley If you’re a member, the “Play as a Member” page provides important details when it comes to finding play opportunities near you. Whether you’re looking for the contact information for an adult league coordinator, or junior rules and regulations, the “Play as a Member” page has both section and national resources to help you get on the court. Hover over the word “Play” and then click “Play as a Member” from the dropdown menu. Finally, if you’re a provider, the “Grants and Assistance” page provides great information about the resources both the USTA and USTA Missouri Valley can provide to you as a provider. Whether it’s grants or facility assistance, the USTA is here to help to make sure your facility is the best it can be. Hover over the word “Organize” and then click “Grants and Assistance” from the dropdown menu. 10 FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY
USTA LEAGUES Nearly 40 teams from the USTA Missouri Valley advanced to the 2017 USTA League National Championship by winning the USTA League Missouri Valley Section Championships. These teams represented the USTA Missouri Valley at the USTA League National Championships, where the No. 1 recreational tennis team in the country will be crowned. Here’s the teams who competed with national results as of October 23 in bold:
Division Men (District/Captain) Adult 18 & Over 2.5 Adult 18 & Over 3.0 Kansas/Ben Seitz Adult 18 & Over 3.5 St. Louis/Dustin Imgarten Adult 18 & Over 4.0 Iowa/Darren Bullard Adult 18 & Over 4.5 Kansas/Chad Unrein Adult 18 & Over 5.0 Heart of America/Daniel Dezamacona Adult 40 & Over 3.0 Oklahoma/Brett Williams Adult 40 & Over 3.5 St. Louis/John Brinkmeyer Adult 40 & Over 4.0 Heart of America/Thomas Ohnemus Adult 40 & Over 4.5 St. Louis/Kyle Laramie Adult 55 & Over 6.0 Adult 55 & Over 7.0 Kansas/Bob Bundy Adult 55 & Over 8.0 Kansas/Jim Bauersfield Adult 55 & Over 9.0 Heart of America/Terry Jackson Adult 65 & Over 6.0 Adult 65 & Over 7.0 Kansas/Bob Bundy Adult 65 & Over 8.0 Oklahoma/Stephen Shaw Mixed 18 & Over 6.0 Kansas/Mel Brown Mixed 18 & Over 7.0 Nebraska/Carvie Erwin Mixed 18 & Over 8.0 Heart of America/Jan Claussen Mixed 18 & Over 9.0 Kansas/Laurie Mercer Mixed 40 & Over 6.0 Oklahoma/Dave Rankin Mixed 40 & Over 7.0 Oklahoma/Michael Thagard Mixed 40 & Over 8.0 Oklahoma/Billy Little Mixed 4.0 & Over 9.0 Iowa/Spencer Eells
Women (District/Captain) St. Louis/Britney Coffey (Tied 1st place) Heart of America/Jody Holsinger Kansas/Shawna Geist Heart of America/Romy Carlson (1st place) Oklahoma/Laura Grooms Oklahoma/Jennifer Linn Howard (2nd place) Heart of America/Melanie Cohavi Oklahoma/Gina Tuell Heart of America/Kim Hanson Oklahoma/Laura Grooms (3rd place) Oklahoma/Michelle Bryan Kansas/DeAnn White Oklahoma/Susie Hurst St. Louis/Linda Woodard St. Louis/Rose Albrecht Heart of America/Marianne McGrath Heart of America/Claudia Lagerstrom
USTA League National Championships began Oct. 6-8 with the Adult 18 & Over 3.5 and 5.0 divisions. They continue throughout the month of October and conclude in November with the Mixed 18 & Over and Mixed 40 & Over USTA League National Championships. USTA League was established to provide adult recreational tennis players throughout the country with the opportunity to compete against players of similar ability levels. Players participate on teams in a league format, which is administered by the USTA through its 17 sections. The league groups players by using six National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) levels, ranging from 2.5 (entry) to 5.0 (advanced). USTA League is open to any USTA member 18 years of age or older.
Visit usta.com/ustamissourivalleyadults to get involved! Click the USTA League logo above to visit the full League Section Championship photo gallery on Facebook. FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY 11 FALL/ WINTER SERVE 2017 USTA.COM/USTAMISSOURIVALLEY 13
NET NOTES - NEWS NEAR YOU Kira McGrown of Wichita was the Girls 14 and Under winner of the 2017 NJTL National Essay Contest. She traveled to New York City for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day powered by Net Generation before the US Open Tennis Championships. Evelyn Johnson and Sydney McGrown, both of Wichita, were also the USTA Missouri Valley section essay contest winners. Kira McGrown
The 32nd Annual US Open USTA Wheelchair Championships were held in St. Louis in August. Stephane Houdet won the men’s open division, defeating Gustavo Fernandez 6-4, 7-5. In the women’s open singles, You Kamiji defeated Diede De Groot 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 to win the title. Houdet and Nicolas Peifer defeated Fernandez and Shingo Kunieda in the men’s open doubles division, while Kamiji and Lucy Shuker defeated Marjolein Buis and De Groom in the women’s open doubles final. Click the photo above to visit the full photo gallery on Facebook.
Washington University-St. Louis continued its dominance by winning the USTA Missouri Valley’s Tennis on Campus Fall Invite. Nebraska took second place in the event, which featured 12 schools and provides an un-official kickoff to the Tennis on Campus season which will culminate with the USTA Missouri Valley Tennis on Campus Section Championships in March.
Visit the NEW TennisOnCampus.com for more information on the program.
Andover Central High School - Andover, Kansas
This year the USTA Missouri Valley is taking to the streets to show appreciation to its organizational members. Every month, our local staff members are heading to facilities to show our appreciation for the providers who make tennis possible! Click the photo above to take a look at our photo gallery and see if a facility near you has been honored!
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