www.texas.usta.com TEXAS SECTION

currently accepting nominations for high standards for construction and or USTA TEXAS NEWS & NOTES renovations of tennis facilities. Deadline June 28. Go to http:/bit.ly/ZmPv7u to apply.

Beginners Info Under Adult Recreation minded, skilled intern. The intern is Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame Know someone who is new to tennis or responsible for assisting the Communications to Undergo Redesign and Renovation Manager at USTA Texas. This position is interested in playing tennis? Lead them to The Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of requires excellent interpersonal skills, proper the updated information on Fame will soon be getting a facelift. A total business etiquette, and good follow-through the USTA Texas website for redesign and renovation of the tennis space on any assigned tasks. Intern reports to the beginning adult tennis is in the works. For the past 20 years, the Marketing Department. For qualifications, players. It is located in our Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame has application deadlines go to Adult Recreation section. occupied space within the Texas Sports Hall www.texas.usta.com/About-Us/employment/. Find documents on getting started, such as of Fame building in Waco, Texas. Though Fall application deadline is July 1. "Ready Set Rally! or links such as "Find housed at the same location, the tennis Partner," as well as league and tournament portion was maintained independently from info and basic rules for adults. Go to USTA Texas E-Newsletter the rest of the museum. The tennis board of www.texas.usta.com, click on Adult Tennis, Published Twice Monthly directors recently entered into a maintenance then Adult Recreation. Did you know that USTA Texas have an agreement that will ensure that the tennis electronic newsletter that is distributed every collections and exhibit maintenance keep “Improve Your Game” Tab Added to Website two weeks? Sign Up for the USTA Texas pace with the changing nature of the You called for it and we delivered. Tips, News Bulletin / Newsletter. Register to keep museum design and technology. advice, strategy, nutrition and sport science up with all the top news, stories and events articles have its own section on the USTA sent directly to your inbox. Just go to the Texas website. It also includes Tennis Tips by USTA Texas website (www.texas.usta.com) Steve Cobb, longtime tennis instructor and and enter your email address in the grey box Tennis Warehouse Offers USTA Texas Director of Competitive Tennis. on the top right side of the page that says The USTA Texas Sports Science committee “Sign Up for our Newsletter.” Complete the 15-Percent Discount with also offers advice on dehydration, blisters required information and make sure that you USTA Texas Partnership and coping during the summer season. Go click TEXAS as one of your interests. to www.texas.usta.com and click on Improve USTA Texas welcomes and announces a Your Game on the left side. 2013 Texas Community Development partnership with Tennis Warehouse. This Workshop Date Set partnership enables USTA Texas to continue Sylvia Krywacz Takes Over USTA Texas JTT to support tennis related initiatives To kick off another amazing Community Sylvia Krywacz has been hired as USTA throughout the state. Development Workshop, we invite you to Texas’ new Jr. Team Tennis saddle up your Coordinator. Originally from tennis community Downey, Calif., she has and ride out years of tennis experience to Lost Pines both work and fun related. Tennis Warehouse is one of the largest Resort and Spa! She has been playing tennis online specialty tennis stores in the world We are building a since she was five and and is a leading supplier of tennis apparel, tremendous line- played on the Pepperdine bags, footwear, strings, court equipment and Sylvia Krywacz up of featured University tennis team racquets. guest speakers, pertinent educational before playing on the Pro-Tour. She was the Revenue generated through this sessions, great gatherings and meals, all at former Senior Head Pro for the Lizardo partnership goes directly into funding USTA one of the most beautiful resorts in Texas. Tennis Academy in Cerritos, Calif., playing a Texas grassroots programs and fulfilling our Date: Oct. 11- 13, 2013. Registration is up major role in the building of its JTT program. mission of promoting and developing the and running with a special group discount. They went from having no teams to having sport of tennis in Texas. Hotel information is available on your JTT beginners, intermediate, and advanced As an official USTA Texas partner, Tennis registration confirmation. Registration and levels. For JTT program questions, contact Warehouse is now offering a 15-percent hotel deadline Sept. 13, 2013 at Sylvia at [email protected] or call discount on select items through the USTA www.regonline.com/ustatexasCDW2013. (512) 443-1334 ext. 212. Texas web portal. You must use the portal to receive the discount and view the thousands Fall Communications / Marketing Intern Nominations for USTA Facility Awards of competitively priced tennis products. The United States Tennis Association USTA Texas / Tennis Warehouse 15% Deadline July 1 recently announced the 32nd annual USTA Off Portal Link: http://tennis- USTA Texas is looking for a tennis- Outstanding Facility Awards process and are warehouse.com/ustatex/

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 26 insidetennis.com JUNE 2013

Love of Tennis Sprouts Literacy Program

BY JENNIFER BLAKELY collected and given away more than 7,000 Children’s Hospital and Head Start books to CTTA, NJTL children and 17 Austin Program’s in outlying counties in Austin Racquet Readers is a literacy group that area public schools with the help of Pernell. working with Texans in Motion. They plan to was started to benefit the Central Texas This year, books reached the McLane continue their relationship with the organi- Tennis Association to help provide low cost zation. tennis lessons, tutoring and mentoring to Sujaan is joined in this effort by Smrithi children in South and East Austin. Mahadevan, Rohan Makhija, Aarti Bhat The inspiration to merge tennis and and Sanjit Kumar, all tennis players. Most literacy came to Sujaan Lal, during his recently the group devoted their efforts to freshman year in high school, while working recreational centers in Austin to promote as a tennis coach and mentor to children literacy by reading to children and giving who attended CTTA’s tennis camps. Here he away books that they can call their very own. had a chance to see the on and off court life Racquet Readers enlisted the help of changing and saving skills employed by Varsity Tennis & National Honor Society CTTA and Sarah Pernell. Racquet Readers members from Westwood High School as Sujaan wanted to help children in a is a literacy well as students from the University of Texas group started by meaningful way and bring books and reading youth tennis at Austin. With CTTA they are planning to skills to their doorstep, the same way CTTA enthusiasts in partner with other area school tennis teams brought tennis lessons and life skills. Thus the the Austin, Texas to set up a mentoring network for academic Racquet Readers literacy club was started. area. Photo help in reading and math. courtesy of In December 2011, the Racquet Readers The Racquet Readers, book lovers and Makhija and the started collecting books from book stores, Central Texas the Texas tennis community are encouraged neighborhood and school book drives, garage Tennis to join them as they work and help those less sales, school district libraries, friends and Association. fortunate. For more information go to from families. By December 2012 they had www.cttatennis.org or call (512) 280-5800.

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 27 insidetennis.com TEXAS SECTION

Hallie Rasner Displays Courage at RTC Camp

BY STEVE COBB becoming more and more visible on the The kids gather for a short film about competitive radar, it is evident that needs to Ashe’s life and history, and then stay in the Now in its fourth year in Texas, and fifth be addressed. Each training camp now session for open dialogue. This conversation year nationwide, the USTA Player contains a “Courage Award,” that is lead by the national coach and assisted by Development Program and the Regional presented to one exemplary young player at sectional coaches, has proven to be amazing Training Centers (RTC) continue to grow and the end of the two-day experience. on several levels. The engagement of the thrive. A prime example of its success lies in The leadership at USTA Player kids, particularly the 10-11 year-old group, is Hallie Rasner, of Austin, Texas who was Development had the clever foresight to sharply focused. Their observations and named the RTC Camp Courage Award takeaways from the film and discussion Winner for the April 2013 Camp. are very insightful. They leave the room From it’s origins in College Park, Md., having shared their feelings and and in Atlanta, to the present where nearly expressions about not only the courage all 17 USTA Sections host a center, the Ashe exemplified throughout his life and program continues to develop. Operating career, but what it might mean for them to under the umbrella of the USTA Coaching show similar character during the training Philosophy, the camps incorporate player camp. Quotes range from “giving away training, coaching educa tion, sports the close call,” to “trying something the science modules, and identification of coach asks, even if it’s a little player excellence. uncomfortable.” At the RTC, held at T Bar M in Dallas, the 11-year old Rasner left the Courage session impressed by the history of CAMP WRAP-UP Arthur Ashe, and became more focused When Dustin Taylor, the national on her own survival at the camp. Though coach, called her name as the winner of she was working hard and competing the “Courage Award,” the look of surprise hard, her results weren’t very positive. In and joy was a lasting image on Hallie’s the afternoon match play, through several face. rounds of singles competition, she was Here is a kid, who a little beaten down not successful at the scoreboard. She by the early match results could have had kept battling, and fighting for points – but a negative experience at the RTC. She she shared with the coaches that it was a could have let the results discourage her struggle. from continuing to be her best. Instead, That night during the coaches inspired by the legacy of a man who is a meeting, the staff discussed the day the hero to all of us – she stepped up and had kids had, mindful of Hallie’s “tough day,” an experience that will likely have a lasting and hopeful it wouldn’t affect her intensity effect on her. the next day. Hallie’s mom, Heidi, shared an email As the singles and doubles matches just after the ride home from the RTC with competition unfolded the next day, it was her kid. apparent – Hallie was battling like a “Hallie said the award was the champ, grinding it out in the dirt (clay) and greatest thing that has ever happened to fighting for every ball and every point. Her Hallie Rasner of Austin, Texas receives Courage Award at recent RTC her. She seemed inspired and grateful, as Camp held in Dallas. Photo by N. Arnold / USTA Texas. results were a little better but her am I.” resilience and attention to the process, enlist for this task the legacy of the sport’s The USTA and Texas section are also instead of the results, was very evident. most iconic American figures. Ashe is a man inspired and grateful. Grateful for sharing Coaches roaming the facility were continually who is remembered for his character beyond this experience with your daughter and all remarking as they passed each other, “… the tennis arena. the other kids, for living a sport that boasts have you seen Hallie fighting today?” The noble courage and character of icons like Arthur Ashe, and to the USTA Arthur Ashe and his many accomplishments Player Development team for making these as a man has been well documented. USTA training and coaching opportunities possible. ASHE’S INSPIRATION Player Development takes this shining One of the newest elements of the RTC’s example and holds him up to young people, Steve Cobb is the Director of Competitive is a piece about character and courage. As 7-13 years of age, who originally knew very Tennis at USTA Texas and is a RTC Coach sportsmanship and character elements are little about the man and his legacy. and Administrator.

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 28 insidetennis.com JUNE 2013

Texas Tennis Legend Jeannie Sampson Isner Wins US Clay Court Championship in Honored at US Men’s Clay Court Championship Houston, Bryans Denied in Doubles

BY CHANEL TURNHAM Houston and River Oaks BY CHANEL TURNHAM won the US Men’s Clay Court Country Clubs and began Championship, in Houston, Age is nothing but a number teaching both members and Third time was a charm for against Nicolas Almagro 6-3, and Jeannie Sampson- juniors at both clubs. John Isner as he made his third 7-5. Isner and Almagro have met Kamrath-Gonzalez is living Jeannie was the behind-the- appearance on clay when he on two previous occasions with proof of that. Before the US scenes mover and shaker in Almagro winning pushing for establishing The but this his first Houston Tennis Patrons in 1951 victory over the and persuading her father, Jack Spaniard. Sampson, to move to Houston The last from Chicago to establish an American to win office and run this organization as the Houston a volunteer for the next 17 years. based Clay Court With Jack Sampson, she initiated Championship the first, free city wide tennis was Ryan Jeannie Sampson-Kamrath-Gonzalez, clinics at park tennis courts John Isner wins the 2013 US Men’s Clay Court Championship Sweeting in 2011. Houston tennis legend honored at River throughout Houston. held in Houston. Photo by D. Hackett / USTA Texas But there isn’t Oaks. Photo by D. Hackett / USTA Texas any resting for Men’s Clay Court Championship Isner anytime soon, who was finals got underway, in Houston, New Texas Wild WTT Team to cramping in the locker room James Baker, former U.S. after the match. Secretary of State, introduced Feature Bryan Brothers “I know I can do damage on the 100-year old Texas tennis clay - I’ll take anyone on,” Isner legend for her decades of Irving, Texas is the new Lobsters on July 13, and the confidently stated. intense play and love for the home of a new Mylan World Sacramento Capitals on July 14. Jamie Murray (GBR) and game, with a Lifetime TeamTennis team that begins its Other home dates include July John Peers (AUS) defeated Achievement Award. 2013 season in July and will 19 against Martina Hingis and Bob and Mike Bryan (USA) 1-6, Jeannie was known for not feature Bob and Mike Bryan on Washington, July 20 against 7-6 (3) and 12-10 to win the only being a great player, but its star-studded roster. Orange County and, ending the doubles title. also as a great coach who Along with Bryan brothers as regular season against Sam During the US Men’s Clay served as an inspiration to marquee players, the roster Querrey and Sacramento on Court Championship, a USTA many. She always encouraged consists of ATP top 15 doubles July 24. Texas Member Appreciation Day kids to get involved with tennis player Aisam Qureshi, Alex It’s going to be a WILD was held. Patrons and fans because she strongly believes it Bogomolov, Jr, Wimbledon season! The Wild played for the showed their USTA Membership builds character and is a great Junior Champion, Eugenie past 20 seasons in Kansas City card at the USTA Texas booth to source of fun. Bouchard, and former WTA top as the Kansas City Explorers. For receive a free member gift, With a grand wave to the 15 player, Elena Bovina. ticket and schedule information renew and sign up for crowd, a standing ovation All home matches will be call (972) 823-WILD or go to membership and enter the raffle erupted as the crowd played at the Four Seasons http://www.texaswildtennis.com. for great prizes! appreciated Jeannie’s Resort and remarkable accomplishments. Club Dallas at She shook hands with finalists Las Colinas. John Isner and Nicolas The Wild Almagro and even posed for a will host Venus couple of pictures with them Williams and before taking her courtside seat. the Washington Jeannie is a 2012 Texas Kastles on Tennis Hall of Fame and Weds. July 10, Museum inductee and is the then the Orange oldest living member of the hall. County Upon moving to Houston in Breakers on 1937, Jeannie immediately July 11, Mark became the first tennis teaching Philippoussis professional at both the and the Boston

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 29 insidetennis.com

JUNE 2013

For the Love of Lovie

BY CHANEL TURNHAM Sue Bramlette, the previous tournament director of Senior Women’s At 91 years old, Lovie Beard is Clay Courts, stated that Lovie’s love for showing us that tennis truly is a life sport the game has transcended many that welcomes everyone to play. With her generations. Bramlette believes that if energy and charismatic attitude, it’s no Lovie is in your life, chances are she’s wonder she’s loved both on and off the played tennis with your mother. court. Bramlette’s mother used to play with As a member of the Houston Racquet Lovie and while growing up, Bramlette Club, Lovie has made many friends over also had the pleasure of playing tennis the years, including past President of the with Lovie. Houston Racquet Club, Ted Erck. “She would hit a ball with a great “Lovie’s motto is ‘If you’re a friend of amount of skill and passion, unlike tennis, you’re a friend of mine,’” said Erck. anything I had ever seen,” said Bramlette. “She has such a great passion for the When Julie Gillaspie decided to play game and is an inspiration because seeing tennis and joined the Houston Racquet someone play a sport at that age is Club, she met Lovie. remarkable.” “After taking many tennis lessons, I Even with a recent diagnosis of was finally able to play singles with Lovie. Leukemia, Lovie has still shown that her Although she is 40 years older than I am, love for the game is so strong, that she would run around the court, throw in nothing can hold her back from it. Erck some drop shots, and then beat me! I am mentioned that Lovie was trying to teach a runner, but I would never run before I herself how to play left-handed so she played Lovie in singles,” stated Gillaspie. could continue playing the game she Can she really play? Yes! Lovie is one loves so dearly. of the best and is a regular nationally and Members of the Houston Racquet internationally in the 70-90 plus Club count on seeing Lovie on the court 91-year old Lovie Beard of Houston defeated Dodo Cheney 6-4, 6-1 to tournaments, in doubles and singles. She or in the gym every day, with her “hitting win the USTA National Senior Women’s Hard Court Tennis Champi- has numerous “Gold Balls” to her credits. onships held in San Diego in May of 2012. Photo courtesy of the partner,” husband Earl. Seeing Lovie and Lovie defeated International Tennis Houston Racquet Club. Earl playing tennis together has been Hall of Famer and longtime rival, Dorothy routine for many years. However, Lovie also attending social events at the club and “Dodo” Cheney in the National Indoor has her fun outside of the court as she loves mingling with the members. Tournament in Vancouver. Several people have stated that “If she sees me now, she won’t even Lovie has a heart of gold. She’ll shake my hand!” said Lovie, who mentioned come up to people and immediately that the match was one of her favorites that ask how their family is doing, and if she has ever played. she doesn’t know them, she might Lovie’s attitude towards tennis and life is just ask to play tennis with them. one that is very caring and giving. She was a As a longtime friend, Kim nurse at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Richards said that she met Lovie at Houston, the same place where she receives the Houston Racquet Club and that treatment. It’s apparent how many people one day Lovie invited her to play love and wish Lovie well on her road to singles even though she didn’t know recovery and know that she is aiming to get her that well. back on the tennis court. The Houston “Lovie taught me all kinds of Racquet Club even held a blood drive to things. She embraces life and support their fellow long-time member. nothing slows her down. If things People describe Lovie as being aren’t working out for her, she’ll find “remarkable, caring and inspirational,” both (Left) Dorothy “Dodo” Cheney became the first American woman to a way to solve it and do so with a on the court and off the court, and that if you capture the Australian (Open) Championships in 1938. Her good friend smile on her face,” said Richards. don’t know her; you’ll want to meet and and tennis foe Lovie Beard (right) of Houston last defeated Cheney in It would be more than a fair doubles to win the National Indoor Tournament in Vancouver in October become friends. of 2012. Lovie also defeated Cheney 6-4, 6-1 to win the Women’s 90 statement to say that Lovie Beard “We all want to be on the court – like Singles title Photo courtesy of the Houston Racquet Club. has touched the lives of so many. Lovie – when we grow up!” said Richards.

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 31 insidetennis.com Dallas Teams Sweep 2013 UT Wins Texas Tennis On Campus Tri-Level Sectionals Championship, Six Texas Teams

The 2013 USTA Texas Tri-Level Sectional Advance to National Championship Championships were held from Feb. 15-17, PRO CIRCUIT TEXAS WRAP UP in Kingwood Texas. Tri-Level is a three The University of Texas Scrubs defeated Baylor University’s Axis of Awesome to win Williams wins Challenger of Dallas doubles format. Dallas swept the champi- onships in each division this year. the 2013 USTA Texas Tennis On Campus In an all-American final Rhyne Williams Championship in March at the UT Austin defeated Robby Ginepri 7-5, 6-3 to win the Intramural Tennis Courts. Challenger of Dallas, a $100,000 USTA Pro Following three days of action, the top Circuit event held at T Bar M in Dallas. six Texas teams plus a wild card and the Williams, winning his first ATP professional USTA Texas Club of the Year all earned trips singles title, attempted to take the doubles to nationals and represented Texas in the 64 title. His attempt was thwarted as he and team field at the 2013 USTA National his teammate Tennys Sandgren fell to Alex Campus Championships, in Surprise, Ariz. Kuznetsov and Mischa Zverev 6-4, 6-7 (1), The University of Georgia won the national 10-5. During the challenger a USTA Texas LADIES 4.0 & UNDER title in April. Member Appreciation Day was held. Wild Dallas out-paced Dallas with a 2-0 finals record to Following the champion, UT Scrubs, and Patrons and fans showed their USTA win the 2013 USTA Texas Tri-Level 4.0 & Under Ladies runner up, Baylor, were the Texas A&M Do It Championship title. Membership card at the USTA Texas booth Big, the Texas State Gold, the SMU to receive a free member gift, renew and Mustangs and the Texas Tech Red Raiders. sign up for membership and enter the raffle University of Texas at San Antonio won the for great prizes! USTA Texas Wild Card draw while Lone Star College – Cy Fair was named the 2013 USTA Melzer Dominates Dallas Tennis Classic Texas Tennis On Campus Club of the Year, Austria’s Jurgen Melzer came away with ahead of North Texas and Texas A&M the singles in a 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 win over Denis International. Kudla and a doubles title in the second annual Also recognized at the Texas champi- Dallas Tennis Classic, held at the Four Seasons MEN 4.0 & UNDER onships was Edgar Saldana from Texas Resort and Club in Las Colinas. He teamed Dallas defeated Southeast Texas (SETX) 3-0 to win the 2013 A&M International for the Leader of the Year with Germany’s Philipp Petzschner to defeat USTA Texas Tri-Level 4.0 & Under Men’s Championship title. award. The Spirit Award went to Texas A&M USA’s Eric Butorac & England’s Dominic Corpus Christi's Hang Loose.. Inglot, 6-3, 6-1. The USTA Tennis On Campus (TOC) recreational program includes sport club Americans Win Doubles Title at City of tennis teams, intramural tennis leagues and Brownsville Pro Tennis Classic tournaments, recreational classes, and The American team of Jean-Yves physical education classes. Without the Aubone and Dennis Nevolo won the rigors of a varsity program, TOC is perfect doubles title in the City of Brownsville Pro for athletes who have chosen not to make Tennis Classic. The event was held at the the jump from high school to college varsity. LADIES 4.5 & UNDER Brownsville Tennis Center in Brownsville, Dallas defeated Austin to win the 2013 USTA Texas Tri- Tennis On Campus offers co-ed team-based Texas. Aubone and Nevelo defeated Level 4.5 & Under Ladies Championship. The Dallas team play, regional and national championship Ruben Gonzales and Chris Letcher 6-3, entered the finals by winning its flight 3-1 edging out Fort competition, and helps students maintain 6-7 (7), 10-6. South African Rik DeVoest Worth, while Austin won its flight 4-0 ahead of Houston. active and healthy lifestyles through their won the singles title at the $15,000 Futures college years. Currently, the program is event beating James McGee of Ireland 7-6 offered on over 500 college campuses and (6), 6-1. services over 30,000 students nationwide.

Harlingen Country Club Men’s $15,000 Futures 2013 USTA Texas Tennis On Campus Results University of Texas at Austin – Scrubs Kiri Vesely (CZE) came back to defeat Baylor University – Axis of Awesome American Bjorn Fratangelo 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3 Texas A&M – Do It Big to win the singles title at the Harlingen SMU – Mustangs Country Club Men’s $15,000 Futures Texas Tech – Red Raiders MEN 4.5 & UNDER tournament in Harlingen, Texas. American Dallas defeated Fort Worth 2-1 in the finals to win the Kevin King and his doubles partner Dean Wild Card 2013 USTA Texas Tri-Level 4.5 & Under Men’s Champi- University of Texas at San Antonio O’Brien (RSA) lost in the doubles finals to onship title. Dallas went a perfect 3-0, winning its flight over SETX and faced Fort Worth who won its flight 2-1, Ruben Gonzales (PHI) and Chris Letcher USTA Texas Tennis On Campus Club of the Year edging out Houston by only losing six sets in the flight. (AUS) 6-2, 6-3. Lone Star College - Cy Fair

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 32 insidetennis.com JUNE 2013

Tennis Participants, Volunteers Show For Special Olympics

Special Olympic tennis athletes from all over the state participated in local Area Games to get ready for the Summer combines people without Games over Memorial Day intellectual disabilities with a weekend at the University of traditional Special Olympic Texas at Arlington, from May 23- athlete. 26. The athletes participated in If anyone would like to skills, singles, doubles and volunteer or find out how to get unified doubles and range in a friend or family member ages from 10 to 68 years old. involved as an athlete with Skills consist of seven Special Olympics in their area different components of volleys; contact Cindy Benzon, USTA ground strokes and serves with Texas Adaptive Coordinator at the Red ball. Singles, doubles [email protected] and and unified doubles matches are she will put you in contact with played with either the Green or the Special Olympics Area Yellow ball. Unified doubles Coordinator.

Texas Legislature Recognizes April 16 as USTA Texas Day

Tennis supporters and Senate Resolution 659, advocates were on hand at the commending the Texas Section Texas State House of Represen- of the United States Tennis tatives and Texas State Senate Association. District 2, includes floor and in the galleries, as Delta, Hopkins, Hunt, Rockwall, resolutions acknowledging the Kaufman, Fannin, Rains, and benefits of tennis and the works Van Zandt counties, and parts of of USTA Texas were announced. Dallas County. Texas House of Represen- Volunteers and tennis tatives Todd Hunter (R) from advocates met with Texas District 32 (Corpus Christi, legislators about the positives Texas) introduced House and community benefits of Resolution 1353 that recognizes tennis as a sport, as an April 16, 2013, as United States educational tool and as a healthy Tennis Association Texas Day at lifestyle. Visitors to the Texas the Texas State Capitol. District State Capitol got a chance to 32 is composed of Aransas, play a little 10 and Under tennis Calhoun, San Patricio and part during the day also. of Nueces County. More pictures from the Texas State Senator Bob Advocacy Day can be found on Deuell (R) from District 2 the USTA Texas Facebook page (Greenville, Texas) introduced at www.facebook.com/ustatexas

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 33 insidetennis.com TEXAS SECTION

Does this coach care more about the player as a person, than as TENNIS TIPS just a tennis player? I think of all the kids I’ve coached, or observed, over nearly 30 By Steve Cobb years – what were their relationships like? Though they were all different, they were all about who the kid was, and maybe more DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIVE TENNIS - importantly who he or she wanted to be. Tennis is a such a great USTA TEXAS training ground and metaphor for life and its many lessons – that the close partnership with a personal coach should certainly be an opportunity to learn and explore more than just the sport itself.

Finding the Right Coach Does this coach have a track record of building champions? That could be champions on court, champions in life, or a combination of both – As an administrator and coach I am often asked by parents and depending on what the player and parents are players, “How do we know if a coach is right for us? What would you looking for. Like so many areas of life, there is no recommend we look for in a new coach?” This can be a difficult and better teacher than experience. If a prospective challenging task. But for me, it has a straightforward answer, and the coach has that track record, it is no guarantee that they can do that one I revert to when facing this question. for every player. However, it is a solid indicator of their capabilities. It boils down to three simple questions, and their answers will Though the collection of trophies, titles, accolades, and photos with address other issues faced when selecting a coach. other celebrity athletes adds to a coach’s tool bag, the track record speaks volumes. It is important to note here that there are many Does this coach have the respect of his or her peers? excellent coaches you may encounter early in their careers. Though There is no greater measure of a coach’s integrity than how his or this may be before they have an extensive history, it should be her peers feel about them. Indeed that relationship says a lot about a apparent that their future track record is just a matter of time. coach – if they perceive their relationship with their peers as one of When considering a new coach, ask yourself these three basic support and as a colleague; or as an adversary and in the role of “the questions, and pay close attention the answers. The selection process competition.” There would be no one better to determine the quality will be much easier, and a resulting successful relationship is much of a coach than another high quality coach. more likely.

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 34 insidetennis.com JUNE 2013

Socioeconomic: Students from low economic backgrounds tend to KENNY Mc’S CORNER make lower grades; however, if they play tennis, 27-percent of them make “A’s” compared to 16-percent of non-sports participants, 19- By Ken McAllister percent of contact sports, and 23-percent of non-contact sports. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - USTA TEXAS Drinking, etc.: Although the difference is very slight, tennis players are

PRESENTED BY less likely to binge drink at 13-percent of boys and girls, than non- sports at 14-percent each, contact sports at 17-percent of boys, and 14-percent of girls, or non-contact sports at 15-percent of boys and 13-percent of girls. Similarly, the use of marijuana and cigarettes had slightly less incidence among tennis playing youngsters than the other three groups.

Weight: 32-percent of boys and 25-percent of girls are overweight Just as I Suspected! among tennis players compared to 40 and 33-percent of non-sports participants, 40 and 30-percent of contact sports, and 38 and 26- At a meeting in New York a year and a half ago, the head of the percent of non-contact sports. (It did not say what criteria were used NCAA reported that the athletes in NCAA schools had a higher grade- to define overweight.) point average across the nation than the non-athletes. Having coached high school tennis for 10 years, I wondered if the same As usual, you may share your thoughts or comments by emailing statistics held for public high schools. Now a report from a study of me at [email protected]. United States adolescents has come out confirming what I suspected from my experience in public schools. Digging down deeper, it shows *Sabo, D., Veliz, P. and Rafalson, L. (2013). More Than a Sport: Tennis, that the youngsters who played tennis scored higher in other areas Education, and Health. White Plains, NY: USTA Serves. besides their GPA’s!* The study sample of 54,000, including 4,278 tennis players, was used in this federally funded survey that covered both contact and non- contact sports. The result from the tennis players was gleaned from the totals to compare tennis players separately for some of the results that are highlighted below. The most compelling conclusion is that tennis is a positive force for teenagers of all economic or diverse backgrounds. The full report may be downloaded from ustaserves.com. Of the 25 measurements taken, I have highlighted the following:

Grades: 48-percent of tennis players made “A’s” compared to 25- percent of non-sports participants, 34-percent of contact sports participants, and 40-percent of other non-contact sports participants. Tennis players also spent more time studying than any of the other three groups. Tennis players were more likely to plan for college and graduation than the others.

Trouble: Tennis players were far less likely to be sent to the office or suspended by almost half of each of the other groups.

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 35 insidetennis.com TEXAS SECTION

THE PRESIDENT’S ADVANTAGE

By Dan Barta PRESIDENT - USTA TEXAS

PRESENTED BY

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USTA TEXAS STAFF DIRECTORY Introduce Tennis to Children USTA Texas 8105 Exchange Drive, Austin, TX 78754 (512) 443-1334 • www.texas.usta.com By the time you read this, we will be in the thick of League seasons and tournament play. Competitive juniors will be involved in

Ken McAllister COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT weekly tournament competition. Even at the beginner level, we are Executive Director seeing increased activity. At our club the past few Saturday mornings, (512) 443-1334 ext 201 Mike Carter [email protected] Director of Community Development I have seen dozens of young juniors playing Junior Team Tennis with (512) 443-1334 ext 207 lower compression balls on 36 foot courts. This is refreshing to see as [email protected] ADMINISTRATIVE junior tennis participation has dwindled the past few years. Todd Carlson – Asst. Dir. of Community Rhonda Lindsey Development / CTAs / Tennis On Campus Historically, tennis has struggled to get young children playing in Director of Administration (512) 443-1334 ext 208 the numbers seen in other sports such as soccer, baseball, and (512) 443-1334 ext 204 [email protected] [email protected] basketball. What is it about these sports that seem to draw a greater Sylvia Krywacz – Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator Larry Eichenbaum (512) 443-1334 ext 212 participation level? Three things I see different between these sports Controller [email protected] and tennis are 1) “right sizing” the game and the play area, 2) making (512) 443-1334 ext 222 [email protected] Taylor Helfeldt – CD Support Staff / Schools it fun for the kids, and 3) parent involvement. Coordinator / Wheelchair Coordinator / As a sport, we have resolved the first issue by “right-sizing” the Pam Jaeger Grants / Advocacy Office Manager / Awards Coordinator (512) 443-1334 ext 219 court and the equipment. We have also “right-sized” the bounce of (512) 443-1334 ext 216 [email protected] [email protected] the ball making it easier for kids to rally with their playing partner Carlos Hernandez – Program Support Staff / earlier in their development. COMPETITIVE Diversity & Inclusion / NJTL (512) 443-1334 ext 215 Making it fun is not just about being able to rally but about Steve Cobb [email protected] making tennis a game that kids want to play. I know when I suggest Director of Competitive Tennis (512) 443-1334 ext 210 Megan Longbotham – CD Support Staff / activities to my nine and 13 year old their first question is “Which of [email protected] 10 and Under / Adult Recreation / Special Events my friends is going to be there?” Kids want to be around their friends, Nancy Perkins (512) 443-1334 ext 218 so we need to develop ways to get large groups of kids to participate Adult / Senior Coordinator [email protected] (512) 443-1334 ext 217 in tennis activities together. Utilize a centralized location with a [email protected] Laura Gilbert – Tennis Service Representative / Fort Worth / North Central Region multiple team format rather than having dual matches. In our area, Tosha Smith [email protected] most other sports conduct multiple levels of competition at a single Leagues Coordinator (512) 443-1334 ext 231 Cindy Benzon – Tennis Service Represen- site resulting in large numbers of kids in one place. In this way, each [email protected] tative Houston / Southeast Region / Adaptive child plays multiple matches, is around friends and other kids their Tennis Coordinator, [email protected] Todd Reed age, and we minimize the chance for defaults and minimal tennis play. NTRP / Assist. Leagues Coordinator Amanda Randle – Tennis Service Represen- (512) 443-1334 ext 232 tative Panhandle / West Texas Region Lastly is the parent involvement. In most other sports, a child’s [email protected] [email protected] organized introduction is led by a parent or other adult volunteer.

Nick Arnold – Junior Coordinator Robyn Readicker – Tennis Service Parents organize the practices and teach the basic skills. Those that (512) 443-1334 ext 209 Representative / Dallas / Northeast Region wish to excel move into “Select” and receive independent coaching. [email protected] [email protected] Involved active parents were on the court helping the kids at the JTT Melissa Chambers Katy Rogers – Tennis Service Representative Junior Coordinator / South Region, [email protected] events I witnessed at our club. Tennis needs to utilize parents to (512) 443-1334 ext 220 organize the activities and teach rules and skills. This tends to reduce [email protected] Carrie Hale – Tennis Service Representative / Waco / Austin / San Antonio initial cost and provide a comfortable, non-competitive environment Paige Schumacher [email protected] Junior Coordinator for children to learn the game. (512) 443-1334 ext 211 MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP So as we move into the active portion of our tennis year, let us all [email protected] Stephanie Arena – Director of Marketing who have enjoyed this sport introduce it to our friends and neighbors. Amanda Shaw (512) 443-1334 ext 206 Parents of young competitors, please volunteer to play a part in Field Staff / 10 and Under [email protected] (512) 443-1334 ext 203 introducing tennis to children as you would other sports. Remember – [email protected] Derick Hackett – Communications Manager (512) 443-1334 ext 202 Tennis is a sport that can be played for life! Enjoy it! [email protected] See you on the courts.

Inside Tennis | JUNE 2013 36 insidetennis.com