play tennis florida -- august 2012

USTA Florida Section StaffAu gus t 2012

FEATURES10 ‘Me Gusta El Tenis’ Hispanic Family Tour USTA Florida partners with four Hispanic community events to share

the game

11 USTA Florida League Regionals Regional league team champs are determined, packing their bags for

the sectional championships

12 Juniors Score at Nationals Three Florida juniors bring home national age division titles in July

DEPARTMENTS4 President’s Message

5 Around the Courts

12 Local Events in August

14 Volunteer of the Month

15 Regional Columns

24 Junior Profile

25 Quick Shots

Table of Contents

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AUGUST 2012 visit us online at www.ustaflorida.com 3

RESOURCES Doug Booth Executive Director 386-671-8925

[email protected]

Lynne Salus Volunteer Development & 954-625-6259 Meetings Manager [email protected]

Linda Matthews Executive Administrator 386-671-8940 [email protected]

Julie Claude Accounting Specialist 386-671-8933 [email protected]

COMMUNITY TENNIS Linda Curtis Director of Community Tennis 386-671-8934

[email protected]

Amanda Becker Tennis Program Coordinator, 904-281-1187 North Region 2 [email protected]

George English Tennis Program Coordinator, 850-510-6585 Region 1 [email protected]

Shelly Licorish Tennis Program Coordinator, 407-403-5686 West Region 4 [email protected]

Cathy Nordlund Tennis Program Coordinator, 305-252-6591 South Region 8 [email protected]

Janet Sprague Tennis Program Coordinator, 561-385-7399 Region 6 [email protected]

Carla Williams Tennis Program Coordinator, 216-406-8627 Region 3 [email protected]

Molly Zimmer Tennis Program Coordinator, 386-847-2497 East Region 4 [email protected]

LEAGUESSandy Marshall Director of Leagues/SLC 386-671-8932

[email protected]

Dona Garcia Adult & Senior League Coordinator 386-671-8936 [email protected]

Jodi Manning Mixed, Combo and Super Sr. 386-671-8939 Leagues Coordinator [email protected]

Kelly Vanhorn Leagues Assistant 386-671-8926 [email protected]

MARKETING / MEMBERSHIPLaura Bowen Director of Marketing & Membership 386-671-8930

[email protected]

José Medina Information Technology Coordinator 386-671-8929 [email protected]

Rick Vach Communications Coordinator 904-535-9489 [email protected]

YOUTH TENNISAndy McFarland Associate Executive Director, 386-671-8927

Youth Tennis Division [email protected]

Michelle Brown Team Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8937 [email protected]

Rebecca Halpern Schools Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8928 [email protected]

Tara Dominguez 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 850-261-6192 Greater Pensacola [email protected]

Debbie Ellsworth 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 561-313-1083 Village of Wellington [email protected]

Sheryl Rivas 10 & Under TMI Coordinator 407-551-9798 Seminole County [email protected]

Ann Brown Competitive Education Coordinator 386-671-8942 [email protected]

Andy Gladstone Competitive Tennis Coordinator 386-671-8931 [email protected]

Elizabeth Coates Youth Tennis Division Administrative Assistant 386-671-8943 [email protected]

President’s Message

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As president of USTA Florida, I hear a lot about

our leagues from our staff, volunteers on the Leagues Council and our board members. Approximately 30,000 of our 50,000 members play league tennis equating to about 60 percent of our annual membership. In raw numbers, it is the single most important program that we run year in and year out. Given this priority, we allocate ample competent staff and volunteers to do the best job possible with the programming, and when we make changes (especially with NTRP ratings), nothing generates more controversy or pushback than leagues. Our USTA players are passionate about their league play.

Given my more recent background in adult competitive play, I have not participated in leagues for many years. This past year, I was encouraged seeing my wife and daughter playing in USTA Leagues for the first time, and I listened intently to the trials and tribulations that go into weekly matches and line-ups. Their Jupiter Country Club 3.0 team won their local Palm Beach County championship and therefore advanced to the USTA Florida Regional Championship held at BallenIsles

Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, where they were eliminated by stronger teams from Dade and Indian River County.

The site at BallenIsles was amazing, with first-class courts and facility offered up by Trish Faulkner and her board (some would argue the best facility in Florida). Clark Higgs, chair of USTA Florida’s League Council, offered pre-match captain tutoring so that important logistical information flowed to all players. He constantly updated scheduling, offered half-hour weather reports, used hi-tech communication with captains and prayed for clearer weather. He was part weatherman and full-time scheduler, aided by Jodi Manning and her amazing staff who took all of the weather challenges in stride like true professionals, somehow making it through the playoffs in time despite the intermittent deluges.

The magic started with the individual matches being announced at the scorer’s table, with the entire team on hand to whoop and holler encouragement for their teammates. This was a rush, a true team effort, going to battle on behalf of your club side by side with your teammates (not available in adult competitive tournaments).

Secondarily, I saw that each division was extremely competitive; I think that the current system of NTRP ratings is working better than

ever, not that it is perfect. On several occasions, team matches were coming down to the wire, with super tiebreaks deciding who would win and who would stay home, with large crowds standing by and cheering every point. Clearly, a 3.0 match was no less important than a 4.5 match.

At the conclusion of the weekend, a minority of teams were celebrating in groups, almost partying. Others were best represented by Marisa Crescenzi, a member of the defeated Jupiter team, who was quite serious and pensive when recanting her losses that weekend: “It only makes you want it more for next year…”

Thanks to the coaches, captains, local league coordinators (LLCs), staff, clubs and volunteers and most of all, the players that make the magic.

What’s the Magic in Leagues?

Dan Casey, USTA Florida President

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Florida Tennis Players — Get Local USTA Info, Follow on Facebook

Florida tennis players can now “Connect with Your Region” through local websites, Facebook pages, and e-mail addresses for regional USTA Florida tennis program coordinators, or specific 10 and Under Tennis coordinators.

Players can go to the re-launched www.USTAFlorida.com/connect to find contact info for all eight USTA Florida regions: Region 1-Panhandle, Region 2-Jacksonville/Northcentral Florida, Region 3-Tampa/Sun & Nature Coasts, Region 4-Orlando/Central Florida, Region 5-Manatee & Sarasota, Region 6-Palm Beaches/Treasure Coast, Region 7-Naples/South Gulf Coast, and Region 8-Miami/North Gulf Coast.

Follow your region on Facebook, and keep up with the latest league, tournament and event happenings through local websites such as www.USTAMiami.com and www.USTAJacksonville.com.

To connect locally in your area of Florida go to www.USTAFlorida.com/connect.

USTA Member Dollars at Work: 38th St. Apartments Tennis, Jacksonville

Your USTA Florida membership is more than playing league and tournament tennis.

Your membership dollars advance the game in Florida by providing public tennis courts, programming for kids and adults, and grants to start programs across the state.

This video is one example of USTA Florida’s member dollars at work — a grant to the 38th

Street Apartments in Jacksonville, an inner-city, low-income housing complex that, with no tennis courts available, turned the back lot into seven 36-foot 10 and Under Tennis courts last year (click graphic to watch the video).

Now kids who may otherwise not be able to play tennis are learning the game with the right-sized racquets, courts and lower-bouncing balls. The apartment complex is currently running a free tennis camp for child residents following an equipment grant from USTA Florida, which

McEnroe, Connors, Courier, Wilander in Tampa Nov. 9Don’t miss your chance to see Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Florida’s Jim Courier, and Mats Wilander in the PowerShares Series Tour, coming to the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012.

The four former No. 1s will play two one-set semifinals, with the winners battling in the championship match. The Tampa stop is part of a 12-city tour where the Top 3 finishers at the end of the season split a $1 million pool.

The four legends have 26 Grand Slam titles between them, with Connors and Wilander two of only five men to win Slam titles on hard, grass, and claycourt (along with “youngsters” Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andre Agassi).

Go to www.powersharesseries.com/events/2012-events.

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results from member funding.

“Not only is Coach Daisha running an incredible program for these kids, she’s also engaged the parents and grandparents as coaches, and is having them read books and articles about tennis so they can learn more about the history of the game,” said USTA Florida Tennis Program

Coordinator for the Jacksonville area Amanda Becker.

To see more grant projects go to www.USTASharetheLove.com. To support USTA Florida as a new member, or renew your membership to support these programs and receive renewal gifts, CLICK HERE.

Playtennis.com connects recreational tennis players to each other

The USTA and the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) in July announced the launch of the new playtennis.com site, designed to help all tennis players — whether regular, new or returning to the game — find out everything they need to

Around the Courts

USTA Florida Multicultural Camp Training Tennis ChampionsIf you saw Florida resident Sloane Stephens compete in the women’s main draw this year at Wimbledon, or noticed up-and-comer Sachia Vickery in the Wimbledon junior girls’ draw, you saw the fruits of the annual USTA Florida Multicultural Camp A.C.E. (Achieving through Coaching and Education).

Stephens, Vickery, rising junior Victoria Duval, and University of Florida player Sekou Bangoura are just some of the players that have benefited from the unique camp experience that not only prepares young players for the rigors of junior competitive tennis on and off the court, but involves parents and families in the process.

The 8th annual camp was held this year on June 21-24, 2012, at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. The camp was initially created to provide players age 11-15 of ethnically diverse backgrounds the opportunity

to improve their tennis skills and have access to some of the top USTA national coaches and trainers, such as former pros Rodney Harmon and Chanda Rubin.

“When a kid comes up to you and thanks you for inviting him to the camp and then tells you he will make you proud after he leaves, it’s all worth it,”

said camp organizer and USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for Central Florida Shelly Licorish. “The camp is not just about hitting tennis balls, it’s about helping each child reach their potential both on and off the court and providing them and their parents the tools to help along the way.”

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know about getting into the game and playing more tennis.

Playtennis.com is a free interactive website that allows tennis players of any skill level to find tennis programs, courts, partners, teaching professionals, retailers, and gear, as well as provides great instructional content. The site was developed through a cooperative industry effort and conveys a simple, unified message

to get more people out on the courts more frequently. Playtennis.com will be accessible on all digital platforms — computers, tablets, and mobile phones, including apps for iPhone and Android — making it easy for players to connect anytime.

The USTA and TIA collaborated with tennis industry leaders, the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), Tennis Channel, TENNIS Magazine, and Tennis.com, to launch the digital platform.

All searches on playtennis.com can be done by anyone, whether they’re a registered playtennis.com user or not. In order to contact tennis partners, users will need to first register and create a profile, which uses your Facebook account to connect.

To support the launch of the site, the playtennis.com logo will appear on 30 million cans of tennis balls, 1.5 million racquets, footwear boxes and other product packaging, and in online and print messaging.

Vote for USTA ‘Create Your Own Tennis Court’ Finalists

USTA national has announced the 10 photos that have been selected — from hundreds of entries received — as finalists in its “Create Your Own Tennis Court” Photo Contest.

Fans across the country now can cast their vote for the court they feel is the most creative. The

USTA’s 10 and Under Tennis initiative has made tennis the new pick-up game with smaller courts and modified equipment, so the sport can be played anywhere.

The 2012 “Create Your Own Tennis Court” Photo Contest grand prize winner will be determined by a nationwide online vote at www.createyourowntenniscourt.com. Voting began July 18, and continues through Sept. 12, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. ET. The grand prize winner will be awarded a trip for four to New York City to attend the 2013 US Open.

To encourage consumers to vote for their favorite, a secondary sweepstakes component has been added. Every consumer who votes in this contest will be included in a weekly drawing for a chance to win a 2012 US Open hat.

For more information on the “Create Your Own Tennis Court” Photo Contest and to cast your vote, visit www.createyourowntenniscourt.com.

Support for Starting Florida Senior Mini Tennis Programs

Following a number of successful pilot programs across the state, USTA Florida is currently soliciting facilities and organizations to, with USTA Florida support, begin Senior Mini Tennis programs or hold events featuring 60-foot courts and lower-compression orange or green-dot balls.

Around the Courts

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“Senior players with little to no tennis experience, age or physical limitations who can no longer cover a full 78-foot court in doubles have loved the Senior Mini Tennis format, playing doubles on the 60-foot-lined courts with lower-compression balls that let you take regular swings, but still keep the ball in the court,” said USTA Florida Director of Community Tennis Linda Curtis. “With our Share the Love grant initiative we’re currently accepting grant applications for programs looking for equipment or 60-foot permanent lines painted on existing courts.”

Areas in Florida that have held Senior Mini Tennis pilot programs have included The Villages near Ocala, Phillips Park and Pelican Landing in Lee County, among others.

Summer plans for continuing and growing Short Court Tennis at the Villages include a ‘Train the Trainers” workshop, and expansion of the program at other community centers.

For more information on Senior Mini Tennis programs or play, contact Linda Curtis at (386) 671-8934 or [email protected].

Around the Courts

Florida Tennis Facilities – Host a USTA/Nickelodeon WWDOP EventRegistration is now open for tennis facilities to host a USTA Free Tennis Play Day in celebration of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play, any day from Sept. 1-Oct. 6, 2012.

Host events will be featured in a searchable database on www.YouthTennis.com, and will receive customizable marketing materials to promote the event.

Event hosts will receive:

Nickelodeon Branding: Use Nickelodeon’s powerful brand and logo on publicity materials to reach more parents and kids;

Promotional Materials: Download customizable posters, flyers, press release templates and an event “How-to” Guide to make this event your most successful to date;

Exposure: The USTA will use the power of the US Open broadcast to drive consumers to YouthTennis.com to search for local events. Increase attendance at your event and reach new audiences;

Membership Offers: Promote the Free 1-Year USTA 10 and Under Junior Membership or the exclusive USTA Junior Membership for consumers to receive a 2012 US Open hat;

More Free Stuff: The first 2,000 events to register will receive 50 copies of Bounce magazine, the USTA’s youth publication, and 50 magnetic photo frames.

To register to host an event go to www.Youthtennis.com/host_events.

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News Briefs

Eight $500 scholarship recipients were announced for the Youth Tennis Foundation (YTF) of Florida’s 2012 USTA Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) scholarships, The “Kelley” Awards: Jefferson Lustre, Orlando (JTT coach: Nita Klingenberg); Taylor Cook, Largo (coach: Erik Chall); Marc Moreira, St. Johns (coach: Heather Lester); Tatiyana Roberts, Jacksonville (coach: Terri Florio); Danielle DuPuis, Port Orange (coach: Rita Gladstone); Jensyn Blouin, West Palm Beach (coach: Ira Peskowitz); Sabah Arenas, Pembroke Pines (coach: Juan Coutinho); and Julia Mjtenyi, Palm Beach (coach: Susan Allshouse)…

The award-winning Jonesville Tennis Center in Gainesville will on Oct. 1-7, 2012, host its first-ever women’s professional tennis tournament on the USTA Pro Circuit calendar.

The $10,000 prize money event will feature a 32-player draw and a qualifying draw, drawing competitors from around the world in search of WTA Tour ranking points…

West Palm Beach’s Omar Shalabi was the winner in the Boys Art 10 and Under division in the 14th annual NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay & Art Contest. He will receive a New York City travel package from Aug. 24-26, 2012…

USTA national announced the creation of the US Open Sportsmanship

Award, which will be presented to one male and one female professional tennis player who best demonstrates excellence in sportsmanship throughout the Emirates Airline US Open Series and the US Open…

USTA Player Development announced that it will award wildcards into the 2012 US Open to the American woman and the American man who earn the most ranking points at select USTA Pro Circuit events this summer…

Boca Raton 14-year-old qualifier Alicia “Tornado Ali” Black finished runner-up at the USTA Pro Circuit’s Sargent & Collins, LLP Women’s $10,000 tennis championships in Buffalo, N.Y., falling in the final to 17-year-old New York qualifier Jamie Loeb…

Webber International University named Robert Hollis as the new head men’s and women’s tennis coach. Hollis served as men’s and

women’s assistant coach during the 2011-2012 season…

Florida’s 17-year-old Samantha Crawford almost made it a double at the $50,000 USTA Pro Circuit event in Yakima, Wash., losing in the singles final after claiming the doubles title with fellow Floridian Madison Keys. In the singles final Crawford was edged 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3 by 19-year-old American Shelby Rogers…

Bernard Thomas, 13, from Jacksonville, and Jason Jones, 14, from West Palm Beach, were two of 36 student athletes from around the nation selected to attend the 28th annual USTA/NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp in Minneapolis on July 16-20, 2012…

USTA Florida has released new junior tournament sanction application procedures for the 2013 USTA Florida junior tournament schedule. All applications for the 2013 tournament schedule must be received by 11:59 p.m. ET on Sept. 1, 2012.

Around the Courts

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USTA Florida’s four-stop ‘Me Gusta El Tenis’ tour will hit Greater Orlando and Greater

Miami-area cities in August-November of 2012, spotlighting the popularity of tennis in the Hispanic community in Central and South Florida. Hispanic communities can celebrate families playing tennis together at the four events, which will feature the 10 and Under Tennis short court format for learning the game.

Areas for tennis play will be set up and highlighted during events at:

Aug. 18 — Feria de la Famila with Telemundo, Kissimmee

Sept. 15 — MG Tennis & City of Kissimmee Parks & Recreation Tennis Festival, Kissimmee

Oct. 20 — Gables Hispanic Festival, Coral Gables

Nov. 11 — Founders Day Festival, Aventura

CLICK HERE to register for select events.

For all events, participants registering at the web addresses above will be entered into a drawing to win four tickets of their choice to either the 2013 Sony Open men’s and women’s pro tennis tournament on Key Biscayne, or the 2013 Delray Beach International Tennis Championships men’s pro event in Delray Beach.

“We are looking forward to reaching out to the roughly 70 percent of Florida Hispanic players that are in the Miami area,” said USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for the Miami area Cathy Nordlund. “Area pros will be out at the events, where parents can ask questions about local programing for kids and adults, and families can play the 10 and Under Tennis format together.”

Tennis participation numbers in Florida for small children of all demographics have increased exponentially since the introduction of the 10 and Under Tennis format.

“Through our continued partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Orlando, USTA Florida has

continued to see growth in our youth programs as well as adult league play in Central Florida,” said USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for Central Florida Shelly Licorish, who is organizing USTA Florida participation in the Feria de la Famila with Telemundo, and MG Tennis/City of Kissimmee events.

For more information on USTA Florida Hispanic community events, go to USTA Florida’s Spanish language website at www.ustaflorida.com/espanol. For specific information regarding Miami-area events contact Cathy Nordlund at [email protected], and for information on Central Florida events contact Shelly Licorish at [email protected].

Hispanic Events

Florida ‘Me Gusta El Tenis’ Family Hispanic Events; Win 2013 Miami/Delray Tickets

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Amelia Island, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, and West Palm Beach were the host sites in July for the 2012 USTA Florida Adult League Regional Championships, comprised of local league team winners looking to come out on top in their region and book their trips to Daytona Beach for the

August Sectional Championships.

“The wonderful regional hosts included the Amelia Island Plantation, the BallenIsles Country Club, the Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center, and our own Florida Tennis Center,” said USTA Florida Leagues Coordinator Dona Garcia.

Here were the winning teams advancing to the August Florida Sectional:

League Regionals

Top Adult League Teams Win Regionals, Advance to Florida Sectional

North Central Region Champions (held in Daytona Beach) — Volusia (Women’s 2.5, captain Cheralyn King), Marion (Women’s 3.0, captain Christine Godek), Polk (Women’s 3.5, captain Kimberly Jeffares), Alachua (Women’s 4.0, captain Lenhs Louis), Alachua (Women’s 4.5, captain Kar Yee Fransham), Volusia (Men’s 3.0, captain James Devis), Marion (Men’s 3.5, captain John Wheeler), Volusia (Men’s 4.0, captain Donald Hutchins), Alachua (Men’s 4.5, captain Donald Blair).

South West Region Champions (held in Bradenton) — Collier (Women’s 3.0, captain Andrea Washak), Collier (Women’s 3.5, captain Carol Loebs), Sarasota (Women’s 4.0, captain Lance Martin), Sarasota (Women’s 4.5, captain Janet Kempton), Lee/Charlotte (Men’s 3.5, captain Dan

Campbell), Collier-Heritage Bay (Men’s 4.0, captain Art Nowakowski), Sarasota (Men’s 4.5, captain Alan Amero).

South East Region Champions (held in West Palm Beach) — South Miami-Dade (Women’s 3.0, captain Jennifer Cameron), Indian River (Women’s 3.5, captain Sandy Palma), North Palm Beach (Women’s 4.0, captain Joann Gandhi), Broward (Women’s 4.5, captain Hermine Greene), Broward (Men’s 3.5, captain Gary Lazarus), South Miami-Dade (Men’s 4.0, captain James Moore), Broward (Men’s 4.5, captain Gabriel Arraiz).

Central Region Championship (Florida Tennis Center, Daytona Beach) — Orange/Seminole (Women’s 3.0 division, captain: Katrina Maness), Pinellas (Women’s 3.5, captain: William Parker), Orange/Seminole (Women’s 4.0, captain:

Laura Kimbriel), Hillsborough (Women’s 4.5, captain: Lynn Woods), Orange/Seminole (Men’s 3.0, captain: Jim Nguyen), Orange/Seminole (Men’s 3.5, captain: Thomas Crociata), Hillsborough (Men’s 4.0, captain: Richard Beardsley), Orange/Seminole (Men’s 4.5, captain: Kenton Keiling).

North Region Championship (Amelia Island Plantation, Amelia Island) — Leon (Women’s 2.5, captain: Mary Macko), Duval (Women’s 3.0, captain: Pam Basney), Duval (Women’s 3.5, captain: Vanessa Viera), Duval (Women’s 4.0, captain: Margaret Hatfield), Duval (Women’s 4.5, captain: Cynthia McGehee), Escambia (Men’s 3.0, captain: Thom Newcomb), Escambia (Men’s 3.5, captain: John Wimberly), Duval (Men’s 4.0, captain: Evan Schuetz), Duval (Men’s 4.5, captain: Brian Monroe).

The 2012 USTA Florida Adult League Section Championships will be held at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach on Aug. 10-12 for the men’s and women’s NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 divisions, and on Aug. 17-19 for the 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 divisions. Winners at the USTA Florida Adult League Section Championships will advance to represent the USTA Florida Section at USTA League Nationals later this year.

For more information on the USTA Florida League Championships, go to www.florida.usta.com/usta_adult_senior_leagues/championship_info or e-mail Dona Garcia at [email protected].

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St. Petersburg’s Danielle Collins, Naples’ Victoria Emma, and Parkland’s Mia Horvit all won USTA

gold balls in July as USTA national age division events were completed across the U.S.

Collins won the USTA Girls 18 National Clay Court Championships, held in Memphis, Tenn., defeating Jamie Loeb of New York 6-1, 6-4 in the final. It was the sixth USTA national championship for Collins, who heads to the University of Florida as a freshman in the fall.

“It feels really special,” Collins told the Memphis Commercial Appeal of her first national 18s title. “I started thinking, ‘I’ve been here a lot, it’s time to win it.’ If I’d gone out losing, I’d have been really sad.”

The win also earned the 18-year-old Collins a spot in the qualifying draw for February’s Memphis International, a WTA Tour event.

Naples’ Emma won the USTA Girls 12 National Clay Court Championships at the Polo Club of Boca Raton. As the No. 2 seed she defeated No. 9 seed Ellie Douglas 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-2 in the final.

“All I wanted to do was jump up and down, but the USTA was there so I wanted to be serious and professional,” Emma told the Naples News about winning her first national title. “Deep down inside I was really, really happy. I was smiling the entire time.”

The 12-year-old Emma will be an eighth-grader this fall. She is coached by Naples’ Mario Fratangelo,

father of 2011 French Open junior boys’ winner Bjorn Fratangelo.

Parkland’s Horvit, the No. 10 seed at the USTA Girls 16 National Clay Court Championships in Virginia Beach, Va., defeated unseeded Francesca Dilorenzo of New Albany, Ohio, 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the final.

After a slow start, Horvit won the second and third sets with penetrating flat groundstrokes and well-timed drop shots. In the third Horvit broke for 5-3 then served out the match.

Also at the USTA Boys 18 National Clay Court Championships in Delray Beach, Fla., Miami’s Baker Newman finished runner-up, losing 6-1, 6-3 in the final to Mitch Stewart of Washington.

USTA Nationals

Juniors Collins, Horvit, Emma Lead Florida Winners at USTA Nationals

Danielle Collins (left) after capturing the Girls’ 18 championship at the USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships

Featured EventsFeatured adult and junior events in August across Florida:

Aug. 4 — 10 and Under Tennis Festival, Boca Raton Tennis Center

Aug. 4 — Tennis Play Day, Jimmy Moore Park, Melbourne

Aug. 4 — American Tennis Association Play Day, Ft. Lauderdale

Aug. 10 — USTA Florida Adult League Section Chps., Daytona Beach

Aug. 11 — St. Pete Beach Tennis Festival, St. Petersburg

Aug. 11 — Jacksonville Jr. Team Tennis Play Day, Florida Yacht Club

Aug. 12 — Innisbrook Play Day, Palm Harbor

Aug. 17 — USTA Florida Adult League Section Chps., Daytona Beach

Aug. 17 — Eagle Harbor JTT Kick-Off, Jacksonville

Aug. 18 — Tennis Play Day at Feria de la Familia, Kissimmee

Aug. 25 — USTA Campus Showdown (Men), Florida Tech, Melbourne; Contact: [email protected]

Aug. 26 — USTA Campus Showdown (Women), Florida Tech, Melbourne; Contact: [email protected]

For detailed info on any of these events go to the Events Calendar at the bottom of the page at http://ustaflsharepoint.codb.us, or go to www.ustaflorida.com.

“ME GUSTA EL TENIS!” Join USTA Florida for a Celebration of

Tennis, Family and Hispanic Heritage this Fall!

Register for our events, and you could win four tickets to the 2013 Delray Beach ITC

or the 2013 Sony Open!

For more information:

USTAFlorida.com/espanol

Facebook.com/USTAFlorida

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Maura Moynihan tells tennis’ story. Literally.

For the last four years, since the publication of her first book, “Murphy Bear’s Tennis Lesson,” the Tampa native and tennis teaching pro has been introducing young children to the game, not only on the court but through her children’s picture books.

Since 2009 she has been a regular at the USTA’s Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day (AAKD), held the weekend prior to the start of the US Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., reading as a volunteer to children at the event. This year she was again invited to the AAKD event on Aug. 25.

“I was very honored to be invited to be a volunteer to read my books at Arthur Ashe Kids Day in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and coming up,” Moynihan says. “I’m introducing tennis to families I have never met. Locally, I read aloud with a tennis activity in libraries and schools. My audiences enjoy my presentation. It is exciting and rewarding to share tennis through my stories.”

Since the release of her first book she has also authored “Murphy Bear Visits the US Open,” and “Learn 10 and Under Tennis.” Her books are sold

on the Amazon and Barnes & Nobles websites, and on TennisWarehouse and other outlets. She donates books to schools, libraries and tennis event fundraisers, such as the Chris Evert Pro/Celebrity Tennis Event in Delray Beach, and the Williams YMCA Joshua Watkins Tennis Tournament

in Jacksonville, where proceeds honor a lost US soldier.

Moynihan experiences tennis on many levels as a USTA League senior player, an instructor, and an author. But “Coach Maura,” as she’s known to the children she works with, experiences children and kids picking up the lifelong sport of tennis through storytelling as her greatest joy.

“I love sharing my knowledge of my favorite sport, and

it is very rewarding to see children having fun, learning the game and keeping fit,” Moynihan says.

USTA Florida congratulates Tampa’s Maura Moynihan as the July 2012 Volunteer of the Month for sharing her love of tennis with children, both on the court and through her stories.

To read the full-length profile CLICK HERE.

Volunteer of the Month

Tampa Storyteller Moynihan Named USTA Florida July Volunteer of the Month

ABOUTMAURABirthplace: Syosset, Long Island, NYFamily Members: Daughter, Erin; son, Gavan; grandsons Connor and Dillon; Pug (dog), Angel...I have three older brothers and two younger sistersFavorite Movie: FantasiaFavorite Food: JapaneseFavorite Travel: Sandy Cove, IrelandFavorite Shot: Volley

“I love sharing my

knowledge of my favorite

sport, and it is very

rewarding to see children

having fun, learning the

game and keeping fit.”

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Venom Foundation held its first annual fundraiser tennis tournament, July 6-8 at

Forestmeadows. Although the tournament didn’t raise the funds the organization had hoped it would, the tournament was a huge success in raising awareness about the Foundation’s primary mission, which is to improve the lives of high-risk inner-city youth through an educational mentoring and tennis program.

The program provides youth with homework assistance through tutoring, mentoring, and the use of computer labs; nutrition education to promote healthy lifestyles and combat obesity; life skills; and tennis instruction where participants are engaged in one-on-one clinics where they learn to enjoy the camaraderie of playing tennis in a team format with their friends and peers. Program participants are taught the rules of the game, etiquette, the importance of sportsmanship, how to maintain a positive attitude and self-esteem, taking responsibility for their choices, and how to better manage their emotions. Nutrition and healthy lifestyles are stressed both in the classroom setting and on the courts, and healthy snacks are provided to all program participants.

The Foundation’s programs are made possible through local grants, gifts from individuals and donors, other foundations, and corporations.

Division winners of the tournament—Men’s Open Singles—Logan Reid (winner); Dwayne Gordon (runner-up). Men’s 50 and over Doubles—Barry Ichite/ Jerry Woods (winners); Anthony Whitehurst/ Thomas Mitchell, Sr. (runners-up). 3.0 Mixed Doubles—Deloris Milton/ Marcus Anderson (winners). 3.5 Mixed Doubles—Theodore Patterson/ Shelia Jackson (winners); Jerry Woods/ Kim Perry (runners-up). 4.0 Mixed Doubles—Minor Graves, Sr./ Temeka Bridges (winners); Jerrell Lowery/ Vickie Morgan-Gates (runners-up). Women’s 40 and over Doubles—Shelia Jackson/ Temeka Bridges (winners); Deloris Milton/ Kim Perry (runners-up). Boys 10 and Under—Savi Wimalasooriy (winner); Lance Dupuis

(runner-up). Girls 10 and Under—India McCarthy (winner); Katie Matthew and Joycelyn Price (runner-ups).

If you are interested in learning more about the Foundation or how you can help or volunteer please go to their website at www.venomfoundationinc.org. You can also contact Executive Director, Mr. Jerrell Lowery, at (850) 508-8829 or via email at [email protected].

Region 1 East by Kelly Tucker

First Annual Venom Foundation Tournament

Venom Foundation tournament competitors

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Pensacola’s Unseeded Jacob Baehr 3rd at State Boys’ 12

Pensacola’s Jacob Baehr finished third at the 2012 USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Boys 12 Junior State Championships, held June 9-14 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. Baehr, who was unseeded in the event, won five matches including wins over the No. 9, 5, 4 and 2 seeds.

Except for a straight set semifinal loss, he didn’t lose a set in those five matches. For his efforts, Baehr’s ranking jumped from No. 26 before the tournament to No. 12 afterward. He now moves up to try his luck in the 14s.

Since 2001 when records of the USTA Florida state junior championships can be pulled from the Internet, seven other Region 1-West players have reached the semifinals or better.

They are:

2010 – Jennifer Pfeifler, Gulf Breeze, 3rd G18; Brittany Lindl, Panama City, 3rd G16.

2008 – Jackie Kasler, Gulf Breeze, 3rd G18.

2006 – Jackie Kasler, 4th G16.

2005 – Alexa Guarachi, Destin, runner-Up, G16; and Jennifer Pfeifler, 4th, G12.

2004 – Alexa Guarachi, 3rd, G14; and Erin Stephens, Miramar Beach, runner-Up, G12.

2003 – Scott Blackmon, Pensacola, 3rd B18; and Will Spencer, Santa Rosa Beach, winner, B14.

Of those players, only Baehr and Blackmon reached the semifinals unseeded.

Over 300 Participate in 2012 PSA Racquet Round-Up

The Pensacola Sports Association’s (PSA) 35th Annual Racquet Round-up was held at four sites around the greater Pensacola area. Make that three sites, as the Gulf Breeze Shoreline Park site was flooded out and rescheduled for Aug. 1-2. This free event featured separate clinics for 6-8 and 9-12 year olds at each site. Area teaching professionals, local high school tennis players, parents and volunteers assisted the pros with the clinics, food and other activities associated with each morning’s session.

The three sites that held the free clinics were Hollice T. Williams Park (Central Pensacola, one day, 85 participants), Roger Scott Tennis Center (East Pensacola, three days, 175 participants) and the Pensacola Athletic Center (West Pensacola, one day, 25 participants). It is anticipated that the rescheduled Gulf Breeze clinics will draw 150+ more young players.

Plans for 2013 include clinics at the University of West Florida and Pensacola Naval Air Station.

Region 1 West by Scott Harrison

Jr. Success at State Championships; Racquet Round-up

2012 PSA Racquet Round-Up 5-8 year olds at Roger Scott Tennis Center

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Alachua, Duval Teams Win Adult League Regionals

Congratulations to Region 2 USTA Florida local adult league teams that won their regional events and advanced to sectionals, which will be held later this month at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.

Those teams were: Alachua (Women’s 4.0, captain Lenhs Louis), Alachua (Women’s 4.5, captain Kar Yee Fransham), Alachua (Men’s 4.5, captain Donald Blair), Duval (Women’s 3.0, captain: Pam Basney), Duval (Women’s 3.5, captain: Vanessa Viera), Duval (Women’s 4.0, captain: Margaret Hatfield), Duval (Women’s 4.5, captain: Cynthia McGehee), Duval (Men’s 4.0, captain: Evan Schuetz), and Duval (Men’s 4.5, captain: Brian Monroe).

The 2012 USTA Florida Adult League Section Championships will be held at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach on Aug. 10-12 for the men’s and women’s NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 divisions, and on Aug. 17-19 for the 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 divisions. Winners at the USTA Florida Adult League Section Championships will advance to represent the USTA Florida Section at USTA League Nationals later this year.

USTA Member Dollars at Work: 38th St. Apartments Tennis, Jacksonville

Your USTA Florida membership is more than playing league and tournament tennis, and in July this was featured on the local news in Jacksonville.

Click the link below to see the news footage of the USTA Florida grant to the 38th Street Apartments in Jacksonville. An inner-city, low-income housing complex that, with no tennis courts available, tennis became a reality when they turned the back lot into seven 36-foot 10 and Under Tennis courts last year.

Now kids who may otherwise not be able to play tennis are learning the game with the right-sized racquets, courts and lower-bouncing balls. The apartment complex is currently running a free tennis camp for child residents following an equipment grant, which results from member funding.

“Not only is Coach Daisha running an incredible program for these kids, she’s also engaged the parents and grandparents as coaches, and is having them read books and articles about tennis so they can learn more about the history of the game,” said USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for the Jacksonville area Amanda Becker. “It’s very impressive.”

CLICK HERE to see the video.

Region 2 by Rick Vach

Teams at Sectionals; Grant Gets Kids Playing

Youth Tennis program in Jacksonville

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Region 3 is home to a plethora of players that started playing tennis at a very young

age, excelling in the junior scene, advancing to the collegiate arena and transitioning into a coaching career. The list includes current college coaches Stephanie Nickitas and Shawn Heinchon, and college players Alex Cercone, Lindsay Dvorak and Julia Jones.

Nickitas of Tampa just completed her fifth year as the women’s head coach at the University of Central Florida and led her squad to a 10-11 record, including wins over Harvard, SMU, West Virginia and East Carolina. In addition to coaching duties at UCF, Stephanie serves on the USTA Collegiate Varsity Committee and is a member of the ITA Women’s Division I Operating and Southeast Regional committees.

“I kind of always knew I wanted to coach,” Stephanie said. “But, after I stopped competing, I worked in the corporate world for a little while in New York before coming back to tennis.

“I knew I wanted to be involved with the sport that had given me so much for my whole life – I wanted to give back.”

As a player, Stephanie was a member of the University of Florida’s 1996 and 1998 NCAA National Championship teams and was a six-time All-American. This year, Stephanie was elected to the UF Athletic Hall of Fame.

Heinchon, a former Top 5 junior player from Largo and a four-year starter for Southwest Louisiana, completed his eighth year coaching for East Carolina University. Shawn coached at Wake Forest six years before heading to ECU.

Cercone‘s first tennis class experience was in her mother Maria’s Tiny Tot Tennis class. This year, the Florida sophomore was named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team for the second year as she contributed to the Gators’ second consecutive NCAA championship.

Dvorak completed her fourth year at Tulane University and was one of three players to collect more than 20 wins this season for the squad.

Jones completed her freshman season at Ole Miss with a 22-15 overall record in singles and was 13-20 in doubles. Julia was named to the SEC (Southeastern Conference) All-Freshmen Team.

Region 3 has more college coaches – like Reinaldo Valor at College of Coastal Georgia – and players – like Allysa Bellini at Lipscomb, Michael Beiler at FGCU, Morgan Basil at Boise State and Garrett Betsarakis at FAU – who are all staying in the game they love.

Region 3 by Nancy Morgan

Staying in the Game

UCF coach Stephanie Nickitas

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Central Florida is all abuzz with excitement over new tennis seasons for Fall 2012. While the USTA provides excellent leagues year round, this is to focus on the non-USTA women’s

doubles options (since the USTA’s mission is “To Promote and Develop the Growth of Tennis,” not just USTA tennis) in the Greater Orlando area.

Players of all levels can go to www.tenniscores.com and enter Orlando as the city to get a list of many local leagues that use the website to post scores, schedules and team information. Here is a brief summary of what each of the following five leagues is about, and who the leagues are for, to help local players decide which to look into. Each has a link that provides contact information, and some even provide assistance with helping teams find players and players find teams.

Region 4 by Susie Rahimitibar

Women’s Doubles Options in Orlando Area

Standing (left to right): Christine Boraks, Robin Berryhill, Janet Raney, Ria Voss, Jerri Buck, Vve Galloway, Debra Condello, Lily Kanya, Linda Bernstein, Bey Sisouphanouvang, Kristin Giordani, Ann Kos, Cindy Rawlins. Kneeling: Elizabeth Lunsford, Amy Mancuso,

Kelly Harle, Coleen Foye, Carrie Robertson, Marina Cox. Missing from photo: Terri Collins.

W.A.I.T (Women’s Amateur Invitational Tennis) - C League

Age: 18 and olderLevel: Can’t exceed 3.0, levels include C3, C2, C1 & C+ (lowest to highest)Match play: Tuesday a.m., five lines each matchNotes: The league has grown from 34 teams last season to 36 in 2012-2013

W.A.I.T. – A&B League

Age: 21 and older Level: 3.0-4.5 NTRP level with 4.5 players having a “restricted” status (only being able to play the upper lines of the A+ & A++ levels). Levels include B3, B2, B1, A3, A2, A1, A+ and now A++Match play: Wednesday a.m., five linesNotes: Consists of 9 or 10 teams

G.O.L.D. – Greater Orlando Ladies Doubles

Age: must turn 19 by Sept. 1Level: 3.5 and above, levels include A, A1 and A+ Match play: Thursday a.m., four linesNotes: A+ has many teaching pros competing and, in the past, even a former tennis Olympian

C.F.W.W.T.L. (Central Florida Working Women’s Tennis League)

Age: 21 and overLevels: 3.0 & higher; B, A3, A2, A1 & A+ Match play: Thursday p.m., four lines Notes: One of the few evening women’s doubles play (match time is 7:30 p.m., with warm up at 7:15 p.m.)

W.I.N. League - W.I.N. “What’s In a Name”

Age: age 21 or older by Sept. 1Levels: 4.5 and below Match play: Tuesday a.m., four lines Notes: There are just 12 teams for the 2012-13 Season in this smaller league that prides itself as an alternative (less intense, fun… yet still competitive) league option in the area

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Local teams from Bradenton to Marco Island converged on Lakewood Ranch Tennis Center

in Bradenton for the 2012 Southwest Regional Championships, July 13-15. This event took on a more traditional look than last year, when the Southwest Regional consisted of only Collier and Lee/Charlotte regions, as Bradenton/Sarasota winners traveled to Sanlando Park last July for the Central Region Championships.

As expected, the tennis was competitive, the weather was hot and humid, and rain was always a possible factor. Tournament Director Linda Kleitch was, once again, running the show with the help of local and sectional tournament personnel.

Friday’s match play got off to an early 7:30 a.m. start. The 4.0 men from Bath & Racquet got out of the gates quickly, earning two 4-1 team victories while the 4.0 Sarasota women earned 3-2 and 5-0 wins over Lee/Charlotte and Collier, respectively. The last match of the day saw Lakewood Ranch’s Marcia Frost and Sheila Perry hang on to defeat Ricki Levine and Constance Buck 6-3, 5-7, 10-8. Saturday’s play included more nail-biting matches with all teams still in contention. Lakewood Ranch’s 3.5 women, captained by Jamie Reagan, needed a win against Lee/Charlotte on Saturday to remain in contention. However, they came up just short, losing 3-2. Bath & Racquet’s 4.5 men, captained by Alan Amero, secured their spot at the section

championships in August by defeating Collier 4-1. Janet Kempton’s 4.5 women from Lakewood Ranch also booked their trip to Daytona, slipping past Collier 3-2. Lakewood Ranch’s 4.0 women also secured their trip by, once again, narrowly defeating Lee/Charlotte 3-2.

Sunday began, for many, where Saturday ended. With Linda Kleitch calling all incomplete matches from the previous day back on court at 6:45 a.m., players had little time to work their way back into matches. Not all courts were playable when play began, due to more rain overnight; many matches were moved to new courts. By 10 a.m.,

the event was essentially back on schedule. The Collier 3.5 women completed their undefeated weekend, defeating Sarasota and Collier 4-1 and 3-2 respectively. Collier’s 3.0 women finished their weekend with a 3-0 record, narrowly defeating Lee/Charlotte in tiebreakers in every deciding match. The 4.0 men from Collier rallied past Sarasota at the end of the event, winning their flight with a 3-1 record. Lee/Charlotte collected it’s only title, with the 3.5 men holding off Sarasota’s late charge to take their flight.

All region winners advance to the section championships in Daytona Beach. Best of luck to everyone.

Region 5 by Lance Martin

Teams Advance to Adult League Sectionals

The Collier 3.0 women’s winners

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Congratulation to Lynn

Childs (captain) and her team from North River Shores Tennis Club located in beautiful Stuart, Fla. These ladies were crowned champions of the 3.5 Senior Women’s Division at the USTA Florida Sectional Championships held in Daytona Beach on May 4-6 . They will represent the Florida Section at the USTA Senior League National Championships on Oct. 12-14, 2012, at Indian Wells, Calif. We wish them the best of luck in their quest to be national champions!

Youth and adults are gearing up for another fall season of USTA tennis. From Kids’ Tennis Clubs on the campuses of elementary schools to our Combo Leagues on the Treasure Coast, there is a program for all ages and all levels. The dates are set, recruitment efforts are underway and details for the season opening as well as league appreciation events are being finalized.

To find a program in your area for your age/level, contact one of the following (all programs open for registration Aug. 1, 2012, play begins in Sept./Oct. 2012):

National Junior Tennis & Learning ProgramsKids’ Tennis Clubs-Schools and Community OrganizationsContact USTA Tennis Program Coordinator Janet Sprague at [email protected] or (561) 385-7399

Serving all of Region 6-Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties

10 and Under Tennis Coordinator — Village of WellingtonDebbie Ellsworth, [email protected]

USTA Jr. Team Tennis Local League Coordinators:USTA Jr. Team Tennis Palm Beach County — Joy Crenshaw, [email protected]

USTA Jr. Team Tennis Treasure Coast — Stacy Hockenhull, [email protected]

USTA Jr. Team Tennis Liaisons:Western Area Liaison-Palm Beach County — Joanne Sullivan, [email protected]

Green Dot Division Liaison-Martin County — June Martin, [email protected]

USTA Adult/Senior/Mixed Local League Coordinators:USTA League Tennis, Palm Beach County — Lisa Bowser, [email protected]

USTA League Tennis, Treasure Coast — Tiffani Buckley, [email protected]

USTA Jr. Team Tennis Palm Beach County Opening Season/Registration Day for Red, Orange and Green Dot Division players will take place on Saturday, October 6, 2012 in conjunction with Nickelodeon’s World Wide Day of Play Event at the Wellington Tennis Center, Wellington, Fla. To RSVP your team or individual players or for additional information on Jr. Team Tennis, contact Joy Crenshaw at [email protected]

For more information on local Region 6 programs, visit us at: Palm Beach — http://www.florida.usta.com/Regions/palmbeach/

Palm Beach County Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/USTAPBC

Treasure Coast — http://www.florida.usta.com/Regions/treasurecoast/

Treasure Coast Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/pages/USTA-Treasure-Coast/345825975428051?ref=ts

Programs and Contacts by Janet Sprague

Stuart Team Scores at Senior Sectionals!

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Naples’ Emma Wins 12s Clay Nationals

Victoria Emma of Naples jumped to the “Players to Watch” list when she won the USTA Girls’ 12s National Clay Court Championships title in July at the Polo Club of Boca Raton.

“All I wanted to do was jump up and down, but the USTA was there so I wanted to be serious and professional,” the rising 8th grader told the Naples News. “Deep down inside I was really, really happy. I was smiling the entire time.”

It was the first national USTA title for Emma, who lost only one set during six matches.

In the final the No. 2-seeded Emma defeated No. 9 seed Ellie Douglas 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-2.

The 12-year-old Emma has been playing tennis since age 3. She won the national championship in what was her last tournament in the 12s division, as she now ages up into the 14s after her Aug. 7 birthday.

“I’ve spent the past year training and my whole

goal was to win a national championship before I left (the 12s),” Emma said.”I kept a positive attitude and went out there and decided to win it. It felt good to leave 12s on a good note.”

She is coached by Naples’ Mario Fratangelo, whose son Bjorn won the 2011 French Open junior boys’ singles title.

Watson Receives Sportsmanship Award

Naples’ Gordon Watson received the Sportsmanship Award during the USTA Boys’ 18 & 16 National Clay Court Championships hosted by the City of Delray Beach, held July 15-22.

Watson played doubles with fellow Naples resident Brett Clark. The pair, seeded No. 7, lost in the semifinals. In singles Watson advanced to the Round of 32 in the 256-player draw.

Watson is an alumni of First Baptist, and Clark a Barron Collier graduate. Both will start their college tennis careers in the fall, Clark at the University of North Carolina and Watson at the University of Florida.

Region 7

Naples Juniors Distinguish Themselves at USTA Nationals

Gordon Watson

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Sometimes, a team needs to confront its dark side before the light will shine upon

them. That’s exactly what happened with the USTA Florida Adult Men’s 4.5 team from Miccosukee Golf & Country Club in Miami.

The team’s nucleus of six have played together socially for about seven years. Two seasons ago, they decided to form a USTA team of their own, and tied for first place. Unfortunately, as is often the case in league standings, they lost the first place berth by a handful of games, and the sweet taste of victory quickly soured on their tongues. But no one can keep a good champion down, and the men went into this season with a rejuvenated commitment.

“We trained more, took our practices seriously, and named our team Tennisplaza.com in honor of our corporate sponsor,” said captain Kenny Oliver. “Our trick to winning was focus!” Instead of leaving after each individual match ended, the teammates stayed around to watch and support their comrades. That extra support gave players the edge to fight to the finish, win, and claim first place.

But it wasn’t all smooth. Occasional in-house bickering marred the first half of the season, and a few guys were getting on each other’s nerves. It all came to a head when there was a heated argument between two players, and

teammates needed to break them apart. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The men had a meeting, and they realized that they were pointing their aggressions toward the wrong people. They decided, as a team, that they needed to channel that collective energy into beating their opponents, not tearing each other apart.

Now, the two fellows at the center of the uproar are the best of friends. Sometimes,

they’re even partners! And the whole team got to experience massive amounts of togetherness when they shared a house in West Palm Beach for the July regionals.

The team put up a glorious fight at regionals but, alas, their light dimmed, as they succumbed to the team from Broward. But they have vowed to return next year. May the Force be with them!

Region 8 by Barbara Eisner Bayer

Conquering the Dark Side on the Path to League Regionals

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Danielle Collins didn’t play a tournament for five months, but the St. Petersburg native

returned to junior competition with a bang in July, winning the USTA Girls 18s National Clay Court Championship in Memphis, Tenn.

The 18-year-old Collins, who didn’t compete in tournaments due to senior activities at Northeast High School and occasional tendinitis in her knees, survived a tough second-round match in Memphis against Jessica Ho after trailing 4-1 in the third set. With the confidence gained from that match, the No. 16-seeded Collins improved her play in every round, defeating top seed and defending champion Gabby Andrews 6-3, 6-0 in the semifinals. In the championship match, Collins downed No. 4 seed Jamie Loeb 6-1, 6-4, ending Loeb’s 31-match winning streak.

“It feels really special,” Collins said of her sixth gold ball, four of which are from junior competition. “I’ve been here a lot, it was time to win it.”

Collins was 14 when she played her first

Girls 18s Clay Court Championships in 2008, and she lost that year to Lauren Embree, who went on to claim the title.

Soon Collins will play with Embree, not against her, when Collins joins the University of Florida Gators this fall.

“I just knew I was going to go to Florida and I knew it was the best place for my tennis,” Collins said. “It’s not too far from home, and the coaches are amazing. I felt it was the place where I could go and have the best training, work the hardest and have the best girls in the country to practice with. It’s also a great school academically, so that was a bonus. I felt it was the best place for me.”

Collins knows joining the two-time defending NCAA team champions comes with pressure to perform, but she’s ready.

DanielleCollins

“That’s how you get better,” said Collins, who trains both with Scott Dei and at the IMG Bollettieri Academy in Bradenton. “You want to play for a team like that, go where you know you’re going to improve. I’m really excited, and it’s going to be a good experience.”

Photo Op by Colette Lewis

photo: zootennis.com

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Quick Shots

Players practice serves at a tennis court in the rural town of White Springs in North Florida. The town’s lone court was built with assistance from USTA Florida membership dollars through a USTA Florida “Share the Love” grant.

Participants at Florida Tech’s “Aces for Autism” event, supported by USTA Florida membership dollars through a USTA

Florida “Share the Love” grant.

The award-winning Jonesville Tennis Center in Gainesville will on Oct. 1-7, 2012, host its first-ever women’s professional tennis tournament on the USTA Pro Circuit calendar.

The $10,000 prize money event will feature a 32-player draw and a qualifying draw, drawing competitors from around the world in search of WTA Tour ranking points

A player celebrates after his team finishes first at the USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis Summer Sectional Championships, held in July at the Tampa Tennis at Hillsborough Community College facility.

play tennis florida -- august 2012

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