EASTERN SECTION NEWS

SUMMER: Time for Tournaments

It’s that time of the year again. Eastern’s Church Cup team (above left) holds the prize. Competitors in Summer is fast approaching, and for many of us the L3 Tournament run by the North Jersey Community Tennis Association included (top) Donald Smith Jr., Russell Hernandez (winner), Diego that means one thing: outdoor tennis. Lopezlena, and Harrison Tognola, and (above) Mia Rabinowitz (winner) & But did you know that the USTA offers a wide range Stephanie Li. of tournaments for all ages and abilities? At these events you get the opportunity to compete, while meeting new people and improving your game. they evaluate players,” says Julie Bliss, Director for Competition “Tournaments are a great way to enjoy tennis during and Player Development at USTA Eastern. “The more tourna- the summer,” says D.A. Abrams, Executive Director of ments you play, the more chances you have of improving your USTA Eastern. “They provide players of all ages and ranking.” For both juniors and adults, there is a pathway to follow as you abilities a set time and place to compete.” improve your game and seek stronger competition. The best way For juniors in particular, there is extra incentive. Playing in for juniors to start competitive tennis is with Level 3 (L3) tourna- tournaments helps juniors earn a USTA ranking, which is impor- ments, which are open to everyone. tant if you are planning to play college tennis. The pathway goes all the way to + Level 1, or Designated “College tennis coaches look carefully at USTA rankings when Closed tournaments. These tournaments offer endorsement to

Ju n e 2010 > > > USTA EASTERN > 1 Eastern

National Championships and Team events. Q A: Deborah Slaner Larkin financial and educational assistance can get For adults, the pathway toward stronger competition starts & the help they need through USTA Serves. with USTA Adult League Tennis and Tournaments. The Na- 3) Report how our scholarship recipients tional Tournament Rating Program (NTRP) is a computer-based Executive Director of USTA Serves and program graduates have been able to program that rates players on a scale from 2.5 to 5.0, based on how change their lives through our sport, and how they fared against other players. If you do not have a rating, you Longtime USTA Eastern member Deborah Slaner Larkin they are making a difference in their own and can rate yourself, with what you feel is appropriate for your skill Summer Jr. Team Tennis—Are You In? started this March as Executive Director of USTA Serves – Foundation others’ lives because of their experiences with level. This rating system is used for Adult League programs and for Academics. Character. Excellence., the philanthropic and chari- tennis. some adult tournaments. What is USTA Jr. Team Tennis? Jr. Team Tennis gives table entity of the USTA. USTA Adult tournaments are available for all levels and all children the opportunity to play tennis with their friends and enjoy the Larkin has more than 35 years of experience in both the nonprofit In 2004 you helped found the Eastern Adult ages. Like juniors, adults who play tournaments are able to boost camaraderie of being on a team. Teams are made up of at least three and private sectors, which includes six years as Executive Director of the Tennis Foundation. How has that organization their rankings over time and seek stronger competition. The best boys and three girls, of similar ages and skill levels. Women’s Sports Foundation. But you might also know her as a USTA helped adult tennis programs in the Eastern adult players may also be invited to play in team tournaments, l When does the season start? The season varies based on Eastern Adult League player, a member of Eastern’s Adult Competition Section? When are the annual grants given such as the Church Cup, in which Eastern competes against teams which league you join. But generally, the matches are held from late Committee, and as a founder of the Eastern Adult Tennis Foundation. out? from the Mid-Atlantic, Middle States and New England sections. June to early August. We caught up with Larkin and asked her a few questions about her experiences in tennis, her The EATF provides opportunities for adults, Last year, the Eastern men regained the Cup for the first time in l Why should juniors join? The emphasis is on skill develop- new role with USTA Serves, and her interests off the court. seniors and super seniors to learn and expand 20 years. ment, teamwork and friendly competition, all with the possibility of their tennis and fitness experience. We fund To learn more about Junior or Adult tournaments, visit http:// advancing to the USTA Eastern Section Championships. When did you first learn how to play tennis? in 2005 when our team, the Netsmashers, cancer survivors, wheelchair players (many of eastern.usta.com and click on the “For Players” tab on the top of l When are the Section Championships? The Section I first learned at Old Oaks Country Club won the 4.5 USTA Adult League National whom are veterans from war), adults with spe- the page. Championships are set for Aug. 21-22, 2010. in Purchase, New York, and Camp Arcadia Championships and our Senior 4.5 team, the cial needs and seniors who play in public parks You can also search and sign up for tournaments on Tennisl- l How do you sign up? It’s simple. Just check out http:// in Casco, Maine. I was taught to play right- Senior Larks, were finalists. or community programs. ink, at http://tennislink.usta.com/tournaments. jrteamtennis.usta.com/ and click on “find a program.” handed, but because I’m a lefty, I wanted to The concept started out as “the right thing to have two forehands. The pro discouraged What are your top three priorities as the new do” for adults. It turned out to be so much more. that. It’s too bad. I would love to have a great Executive Director of USTA Serves? We’ve received numerous testimonials about lefty serve. 1) Raise the awareness among the ten- how the support for these programs has changed nis community and general public that USTA lives. We now award grants in every region in the Tim Mayotte What would you consider your greatest Serves is an integral part of the USTA family Eastern Section. The grants are awarded the day July 16–18 achievement in sports? and provides much-needed education, nutri- following the US Open. This year, Mary Carillo will There are two. My basketball team was tion and tennis programs. These programs give be the guest speaker and everyone is welcome to undefeated for 6 years (from 5th through 11th at-risk children and people with disabilities the attend and support the EATF. grades). This took place before girls played full- opportunities they deserve to succeed in life. court ball. It was kind of like QuickStart. I was 2) Develop greater, widespread, in-depth What activities do you enjoy outside of tennis? fortunate to be the “rover” so I did get to play support for our Aces for Kids grants and schol- Watching and cheering my daughter and full court. arship programs in all 17 sections. This sup- her teammates run cross-country and track in And, as an adult, having a two-banner year port is needed so that all students who need college, tending my flower garden in Vermont, getting to know the students in the Bridge Johan Kriek Academy at Pelham Memorial High School, August 13–15 traveling and reading. USTA Eastern Telephone Town Halls If you could have dinner with any person in USTA Eastern has launched a series of “Telephone Town Halls” that allow members history, who would you choose and why? to learn about the latest programs directly from Eastern staff and experts in the field. That’s a tough one. Nelson Mandela To sign up, all you need is web access and a phone. Visit http://eastern.usta.com for because he faced unspeakable atrocities and LEGENDS more information. rebuilt a country and impacted the behavior TENNIS CAMPS of people around the world. Eleanor Roosevelt Telephone Town Halls 2010: May 25 - State of the Section because she was comfortable in her own skin, SERVE UP THE ULTIMATE NEW ENGLAND TENNIS CAMP EXPERIENCE Jared Palmer June 22 - Technology followed her principles and convictions despite UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF THREE LEGENDS OF THE GAME August 13–15 September 21 - USTA Grants: Funding Your Program personal and public obstacles. And the last is • 13+hours of instruction, match play and social activities with the host legend and elite coaching staff. October 19 - Jr. Team Tennis Lidia Bastianich, the outstanding chef, restau- • Two nights’ accommodations at The Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont’s green mountains. November 16 - Annual Conference rateur and businesswoman. Every time she • Facility features ten outdoor courts (6 Clay/4 Hard) and two indoor courts. says just put a little more butter, olive oil, or • Pro-Am Doubles Tournament (optional) garlic into the recipe, you just know you want to be in her kitchen tasting the food. I would love (based on double occupancy) Packages starting at $609 per person Eastern David Novich, Editor, and Michael Cappozzi, Contributor to raise a glass with her and toast any of her www.woodstockinn.com • 877-213-8403 • www.cttennis.com delicious meals.

2 > USTA EASTERN > > > Ju n e 2010 Ju n e 2010 > > > USTA EASTERN > 3 the Wilson clinic were from Co-Op City Tennis Club in the Bronx: Richard Guint, Briel and Brittany Biggs, and Danielle Toro. They were chosen because they had the best attendance in the club’s tennis clinics, said Lorraine Rohls- en-Alexander, co-founder of the Co-Op City Tennis Club. Rohlsen-Alexander said getting to go to Manhattan was special for many of the kids, who loved hitting on the court, meeting Venus, and watching world-class tennis. “They had a great time,” she said. “These kids are very passionate about tennis.” While kids enjoyed the activities at the Garden, por- table nets were set up at the White Plains Youth Bureau, where more than 50 kids attended an Introduction to Tennis program as part of Tennis Night in America. Kids signed up for tennis programs and enjoyed refreshments at the end of the program.

Gathering for Girls Night Out (facing page) are Roberta Feldman, Nancy Kerrigan, Ilana Kloss, Mary Joe Fernandez, Stacey Allaster, Katrina Adams USTA Eastern Celebrates and Michelle Blake Wilson. Junior players met with before the BNP Paribas Showdown Tennis Night in America (top right); programming at White Plains Youth Bureau.

ennis returned to Madison Square issues, from developing self-confidence and a healthy body image Garden for the second straight year, and USTA Eastern to coping with defeat. Tmembers got a chance to watch the matches live and “The idea of “Girls Night Out” came out of a need for young ARE YOU IN OR OUT? listen to a panel discussion of major sports figures. The events girls to have mentors in sports, and develop the traits they need to were part of Tennis Night in America, a national USTA effort to succeed both on and off the court,” said Blake Wilson. “The girls attract more young players to the sport and kick off the outdoor who attended not only heard great advice from highly successful tennis season. women, but also got to see some of the best women’s tennis players The anchor of the night was the BNP Paribas Showdown for compete at Madison Square Garden.” the , where Venus Williams, , Quinn Gleason and her mom, Cynthia Constantino Gleason, and Svetlana Kuznetsova competed on center court drove from Rochester, NY, to attend the Girls Night Out. Quinn at MSG. said the advice from the women was helpful, and she took away But for Eastern, the action began two hours before game time. a lesson from each of them. She said it helped reinforce that it’s At about 5 p.m. a group of top-ranked girls from the section, ages the journey, and the lessons she will learn along the way, that are 12 to 18, gathered in the Play by Play Sports Bar and Grill at MSG important. with their parents to hear the Tennis Channel’s Katrina Adams “Winning is great, but it’s fleeting,” said Cynthia. “Becoming a lead a discussion with four major sports confident woman who faces new chal- figures: former Tennis ChampionMary lenges with courage, and always being Joe Fernandez, Olympic Skating Silver as prepared as possible, are lessons 2010 HOME SCHEDULE Don’t miss out on this Summer’s hottest sporting Medalist Nancy Kerrigan, Women’s Quinn will take away from the sport event. Come to Randall’s Island for seven nights of Tennis Association Chairman and CEO regardless of her ultimate ranking.” star-studded TeamTennis action, and bring your friends & family! Stacy Allaster, and World TeamTennis At the same time as Girls Night MON. JU LY 5 7pm WASHINgTON CEO and Commissioner Ilana Kloss. Out, juniors from six New York City WED. JU LY 7 7 pm BLAkE BOSTON The “Girls Night Out” event was member organizations got a chance to SUN. JU LY 11 4pm PHILADELPHIA hosted by Michelle Blake Wilson, Man- practice their swings on the court at MON. JU LY 12 7pm MCENROE SPRINgfIELD For tickets call aging Director of Marketing and Com- MSG, win prizes from Wilson Sport- WED. JU LY 14 7pm MCENROE vS RODDICk PHILADELPHIA 1-888-WTT-NYC1 munications for USTA Eastern, and ing Goods, and meet Venus Williams. THU. JU LY 15 7pm S. WILLIAMS WASHINgTON OR VISIT NYSPORTIMES.COM focused on a wide range of important Four of the kids who participated in MON. JU LY 19 7pm MCENROE/CLIJSTERS vS HINgIS NY BUzz

4 > USTA EASTERN > > > Ju n e 2010 Ju n e 2010 > > > USTA EASTERN > 5 TennisMomAd-Final_Layout 1 1/15/10 12:06 PM Page 1

Eastern

Larry Dillon USTA Eastern Reorganizes Tennis Service Representative - NJ Region 732-882-5449 Section staff now better aligned to grow membership [email protected] Jenny Irwin and tennis participation. Tennis Service Representative - Northern Region With a new emphasis on growing membership and tennis participation throughout 518-861-8782 the section, USTA Eastern recognized the need to be more focused and efficient. In 2010, USTA [email protected] Eastern changed its organizational structure to better align with the new priorities. Sandy Hoffman USTA Eastern created two new divisions: Community Tennis Development (CTD) and Competitive Tennis Service Representative - Tennis (CT). The new Community Tennis Development division will work to broaden Eastern’s reach Southern Region into local communities, introducing USTA programs to parks, clubs and schools. This replaces the 914-980-8216 Community Outreach and Advocacy Division. The CTD division is led by Linda Mann, Managing [email protected] Director, and has six region-based Tennis Service Representatives. Joe Steger Competitive Tennis will focus on building and managing three core programs: Junior Team, Tennis Service Representative - Adult League Tennis and Tournaments, and all competitive programming. It replaces the Player and Western Region Network Services division. CT is spearheaded by Managing Director Jenny Schnitzer and includes 914-282-4153 three region-based staff members called Tennis Program Specialists. The specialists are responsible [email protected] for developing USTA programs in the three core programs. Player Development and Adult Leagues departments remain under the CT Division. Competitive Tennis “This reorganization will give us better visibility and coverage within the communities that we are Jenny Schnitzer trying to serve,” says D.A. Abrams, Executive Director of USTA Eastern. “And it will help us fulfill the Managing Director, Competitive Tennis mission of USTA Eastern: to promote and develop the growth of tennis.” 914-697-2393 [email protected] USTA Eastern Staff Directory Jocelyn Cruz Tennis Program Specialist - D.A. Abrams 914-697-2381 Long Island & NJ Regions Executive Director [email protected] 914-462-1723 914-697-2300 Abby Lerner [email protected] [email protected] Manager, Advanced Media Sonia Sader Vicki Schoell 914-697-2383 Tennis Program Specialist - Executive Assistant & Office Manager [email protected] Metro & Southern Regions 914-697-2299 David Novich 914-980-8163 [email protected] Manager, Communications [email protected] Stefanie Iennaco 914-696-7290 Maria Lirio General Assistant [email protected] Tennis Program Specialist - 914-697-2386 Northern & Western Regions [email protected] Community Tennis Development 716-289-0051 Linda Mann [email protected] Finance & Information Technology Managing Director, Darcy Cobb Start a Junior Tennis Team. Tom Hutcherson Community Tennis Development Manager, Adult Leagues Managing Director, 914-697-2385 914-697-2226 It’s as easy as logging on to www.eastern.usta.com Finance & Information Technology [email protected] [email protected] for local coordinators’ information. 914-697-2376 Bill Mecca Julie Bliss All you need is a minimum of 3 boys and 3 girls and [email protected] Tennis Service Representative - Director, Competition & Player Development a passion for tennis! Sarahdia Pierre-Philippe Long Island Region 914-697-2229 Junior Team Tennis. Fun, fitness and friends! Assistant, Accounting & Finance 914-318-1167 [email protected] 914-697-2222 [email protected] Lauren Bull [email protected] Jose Rodriguez Competition Coordinator Tennis Service Representative - 914-697-2398 Marketing & Communications Metro Region [email protected] l Michelle Blake Wilson 914-462-2919 Managing Director, [email protected] For more information visit: Marketing & Communications http://eastern.usta.com

USTA EASTERN SECTION | 4 WEST RED OAK LANE | SUITE 300 | WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK 10604 | 914-697-2300 | EASTERN.USTA.COM 6 > USTA EASTERN > > > Ju n e 2010 MORE THAN A GAME. IT’S A LIFESTYLE. Eastern

12th Annual Camp A.C.E. Set for End of July Camp To Be Held at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Junior players looking to improve their tennis Mahwah, about 40 minutes from Manhattan. skills and prepare for college have only one Sandy Hugo of Mount Vernon, NY, is among overnight camp to attend this summer: USTA those planning to attend Camp A.C.E. This will Eastern’s Camp A.C.E. be her third year at the camp, which she says Camp A.C.E. (Achieving through Coaching was the perfect way “to play tennis in the sum- and Education) provides players ages 14 to mer, while bonding with friends.” 17 a week of daily tennis instruction, college “I really enjoyed going to the camp,” Hugo admissions counseling, and community activi- says. “I got insight into how college life really is, ties, geared to helping students continue their and played some really good tennis.” Literacy. The cost is $700 per camper ($250 success after graduation. In addition to swimming and daily tennis registration fee required with application, This year marks the 12th year of the camp, instruction, this year’s camp will feature classes regardless of financial need). There are a lim- which will be held July 25-31 at Ramapo in: Fitness, Nutrition, College Prep/Admissions ited number of scholarships available. College of New Jersey. The college is located in Counseling, Business Etiquette, and Financial Visit www.eastern.usta.com to apply.

It’s Your Game! It’s Your Eastern! Calendar of Events

June 4-6 USTA Eastern Adult Mixed Doubles League Section Championship

June 12-13 USTA Eastern Junior Team Tennis Winter Section Championship

June 19 USTA Eastern Zone Team Training Camp July 25-31 Camp A.C.E. Aug. 13-15 USTA Eastern Adult League Section Championship (2.5-3.5-4.5 men and women)

Aug. 20-22 USTA Eastern Adult League Section Championship (3.0-4.0-5.0 men and women)

Aug. 21-22 USTA Eastern Junior Team Tennis Summer Section Championship

Sept. 24-26 USTA Eastern Senior League Section Championship

Oct. 1-3 USTA Eastern Super Senior and Senior Mixed 2010 League Section Championship

Nov. 7 USTA Eastern College Showcase & High School Senior Tournament

For more information and to register for events, visit www.eastern.usta.com.

8 > USTA EASTERN > > > Ju n e 2010