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TEXAS SECTION
Zone Tournament. The event, which was previously held in Waco, took place April 19-22 USTA TEXAS NEWS & NOTES and featured 398 entrants in 32 brackets. The youngest player in this year’s tournament was 19 and the oldest was a Midland man who was 81. Hernandez Joins USTA Texas Staff South Plains Tennis Association Collected Carlos Hernandez joined the USTA Texas team on June 4 as our Diversity and NJTL For Adopt-A-Unit Program Coordinator and as a Community Development The South Plains Tennis Association in Support Staff member. He has a Bachelor of Lubbock, Texas collected and donated 22 full Science in Kinesiology from the University of boxes for care packages for the USTA Adopt-A- Texas and is currently completing his Master’s in Unit program. The boxes were sent to U.S. Sport Management. His work experience Lago Vista Mayor Randy Kruger, USTA Vice President Carol Army troops commanded by Joshua Dallas includes internships with the University Welder, USTA Texas Tennis Service Representative Carrie deployed in Afghanistan in April. The troops Interscholastic League, Wilson Sporting Goods Hale and the Lago Vista community preparing to cut the also received tennis equipment along with main office in Chicago, and Texas A&M ribbon. Photo courtesy of Lago Vista & Jonestown Area protein bars, personal items, socks, hand Chamber of Commerce University. Carlos is bilingual, and has a strong sanitizers and letters of support. background in promotions and marketing. Carlos celebrated the opening of the new Lago Vista can be reached at [email protected] or Family Tennis Center. This new facility is the at (512) 443-1334 ext. 215 culmination of a strong partnership between the community and the USTA. USTA Texas 10 and Sign Up for the USTA Texas Newsletter Under Tennis welcome the newest member of Did you know that USTA Texas produces an the 10 and Under Approved Facility list. The electronic newsletter that is distributed every two newly renovated facility opened two traditional weeks? Sign Up for the USTA Texas News courts, one court of blended lines, and two Bulletin / Newsletter. Register to keep up with all permanent 36’ foot courts. Lago Vista Family the top news, stories and events sent directly to Tennis Center is open to the public. your inbox. Just go to the USTA Texas website Congrats to the Lago Vista community, (www.texas.usta.com) and enter your email located on the north shore of Lake Travis near address in the grey box on the top right side of Austin, for making the facility a reality. Stay Connected with USTA Texas the page that says “Sign Up for our Newsletter.” Social Media Outlets Complete the required information and make sure Former DTA President Sam Cohn Passes There are several ways to stay electronically that you click TEXAS as one of your interests. It is with great regret to inform the USTA connected to all the tennis news and events Texas tennis family of the passing of Samuel from USTA Texas. The section offers social Texas Tennis Advocacy Group Edward Cohn, on May 28 at the age of 69 in media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and Visits Congressmen Dallas. Sam was very active in YouTube. USTA Texas wants you to get on the Texas Tennis community board the social media bandwagon. Be the first On May 10, a Texas delegation went to back in the 1980s and 90s to know about USTA promotions, events, news Capitol Hill in Washington DC to talk to U.S. including holding the office of and updates on everything having to do with Representatives Blake Farenthold (27th District President of the Dallas Tennis tennis in Texas. From USTA Texas league and of Texas) and Lamar Smith (21st District of Association. He was very championship results, rule changes, grants, to Texas) about tennis. The group stated that it involved with Junior facility news and promotions, you can be the was a very productive trip and visit with the Competitive Tennis because his first to know. Congressmen promoting the benefits of the Sam Cohn whole family played at high Facebook: www.facebook.com/ustatexas lifetime sport of tennis. The delegation from levels. Sam stayed in touch even after his direct Twitter: twitter.com/ustatexas Texas included Ben Eshleman, Carol Welder, involvement with tennis. He was one of the YouTube: www.youtube.com/ustatexas Bert Cole, Jane Morrill, Laura Worsham and finest and most likeable men we have known. Texas Tennis Matters: Nya Cheatham, a DTA Slam Jammer. He was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, http://www.texastennismatters.com/home.html and afterwards became one of the original pilots for Southwest Airlines. He is survived by his USTA Texas League Championships wife of 38 years, Jill and his children: daughter Carey and husband Brian Kint; his son Eric and Aug 3-5 & 10-12 his daughter Erin and husband Jeff Flowers. The winners from the 2012 USTA Texas Adult League Championships will have the San Angelo’s Persistence Pays Off In opportunity to represent the section at the National Championships. USTA Texas League Getting Major Zone Championships for men and ladies 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, Texas delegation meeting with U.S. Representative If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. 5.5 and the Men’s and Ladies Open will Blake Farenthold. For 11 years, San Angelo, Texas tennis leaders compete in Dallas, from August 3 – 5. The men tried to land a USTA Texas Major Zone and ladies Lone Star, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, will take place
INSIDELago TENNIS • VistaJULY 2012 Opens Tennis Courts Tournament. Undeterred, they kept trying and in Dallas from August 10 – 12. Each year over On May 7, the City of Lago Vista, Texas were finally rewarded for their perseverance last 1,300 players compete in each session of the along with the Lago Vista Tennis Association year when they won a bid to host a USTA Major USTA Texas Adult League Championships. 18 INSIDE TENNIS • JULY 2012 19 JULY 2012 Photo courtesy of Luis Ardila. Photo courtesy of Suki Rosen. Landon Ardila of Dallas, Texas. Texas. Dallas, of Ardila Landon Tate Rosen goes to Trinity Valley School in Fort Worth, Texas and trains at the McLeland at the and trains Texas Worth, in Fort School Valley Trinity to goes Rosen Tate Country Oaks at Shady Omana by Ricardo is coached She Club and Tracy Center. Tennis at McLeland. Davies and Karl Photo courtesy of Luis Ardila. www.texas.usta.com Luis said that he is a big of “I have seen the benefits Congratulations to all three change, rule complete the For Daniel Ardila of Dallas, Texas. Texas. Dallas, of Ardila Daniel go in the patio where we have a go in the patio where mini net set up, and play get matches,” said Luis. “I always come in a kick out of seeing them in sweat looking for drenched something to drink.” Tennis believer in 10 and Under modified and started his kids on it was equipment before fashionable. that it the gradual progression and the way that it provides, allows kids to fall in love with the said Luis. game quickly,” stars! rising Texas Under & 10 reference please at Regulations who teaches at Daniel and
Tate Rosen, Fort Worth, Tate all Daniel, Landon, and Tate On January 1, 2012, the rules in early after a hiatus Tate, Both Daniel and Landon “I tried to give them a solid He admits that the boys one of their “Even today, Texas along with Texas of Dallas have Landon Ardila Texas marked their spot in USTA first three the They are history. the new players to advance under 10 and Under system. during the won their fourth ZAT only the fifth month month of May, the since the rule change. With may four victories, Daniel and Tate (Yellow now elect to move to 12’s Ball) and Landon may now choose Ball to participate in the Green division. changed, for 10 and Under Tennis mandating the use of low balls, smaller and compression lighter racquets, and shorter courts. These changes allow players to have fun, develop skills, and enjoy competitive success at an early stage. Under the new players begin system, Texas USTA in the Orange their tennis career a level of Ball division and require qualification to advance to the Ball division and eventually Green 12’s. to ZAT 2011, started playing tennis again in September but did not earn enough points to transition into when the rules changed in 12’s 2012. Although she did not win her tournament in the Green first ZAT she won Ball division in January, and is now her next four in a row eligible for 12’s. started playing tennis when they about five years old, and were tennis their favorite professional player is Roger Federer. foundation and a love for the their game, but they groomed believe it or not, in our strokes, very own garage hitting countless balls against the wall,” said their father Luis Ardila T Bar M in Dallas. practice the majority of the time on their own. favorite activities after school is to
BY A. SHAW / USTA TExAS First Texas Players Earn Advancement in New 10’s System 10’s New in Advancement Earn Players Texas First T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:51 PM Page 19 Page PM 3:51 1 6/12/12 T-USTA:Layout T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 20
Run / Roll Series Makes Stop in Dallas / Fort Worth
BY T. HELFELDT / USTA TExAS
On May 26, the USTA Texas Run/Roll Series rolled into the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex and stopped at Wagon Wheel Tennis Center. Coordinated by the Dallas Wheelchair Tennis Club and USTA Jody Lawhead and Gene VonOverschelde won the Red Division title at the USTA Texas Wheelchair Committee Texas Run / Roll in Dallas / Fort Worth on Chairman, Carlos Turic, the event May 26. brought in nine different teams to take on all challengers. Division while Jake May and Julie Last years Texas Tennis Open champion Sabine Lisicki, currently ranked No. 13 in the The roster of “Roll” players Chieu came in a very close world is scheduled to return to Dallas / Fort Worth this year to defend her Texas Tennis consisted of players from all over second. The Red Division was also Open title. Photo courtesy of Lars Rosene Texas while the majority of “Run” close as Jody Lawhead and players where members of the Gene VonOverschelde squeaked Top Women Lining Up for 2012 WTA Texas Tennis local Community Tennis out the victory over Dylan Association - Tennis in Coppell. Baggett and his partner Sandra Open in Dallas / Fort Worth The White Division came out Lindstrom. even on every line, so the winners USTA Texas thanks the DWTC The 2012 WTA Texas in Grapevine. were determined during an and Wagon Wheel Tennis Center Tennis Open event, set for Aug. After a 22-year absence, “overtime” tie-break. Enduring the for their hospitality and all who 17-24 in the Dallas / Fort Worth women’s professional tennis heat and stiff competition, Shari participated to make this event a area, is gearing up to be another returned to the Metroplex in Ahlburg and James Jones came success! Texas showdown with the 2011. The Texas Tennis Open, out the victors of the White Run / Roll tennis features a committed players list, including which is part of the WTA tour, is unique partnership that pairs one Action from the 2011 defending champion and considered an “International wheelchair player with one able- USTA Texas Run world ranked No. 13 Sabine Level” tournament with prize bodied player to form a doubles / Roll in Dallas / Lisicki, No. 10 Angelique money of $220,000, and it Fort Worth on team. The rules in run / roll tennis Kerber, No. 30 Peng Shuai and features a singles draw of 32 May 26. remain the same as any other No. 43 Sorana Cirstea. players and a doubles draw of doubles match with the exception In 2011, all of the players 16 teams. that the ‘roll’ player is allowed two were in the top 75 in the world, Tickets and packages are bounces before he or she returns including 11 ranked in the top being sold through the Texas the ball back over the net. This 50. Wimbledon semifinalist Tennis Open Ticket Office at Shari Ahlburg and James rule makes tennis the only sport Lisicki was the inaugural (817) 313-3428 or Jones won the White that has the capability to be fully singles champion, and she is www.texastennisopen.com/tic Division title at the USTA integrated. For more information currently set to defend her title kets and through Ticket- Texas Run / Roll in Dallas please contact Taylor Helfeldt at the Hilton DFW Lakes Hotel master. / Fort Worth on May 26. [email protected].
Austin, Abilene, San Angelo and NOHO Qualify for Senior League Sectionals
Teams from Austin, Abilene, leagues or have fewer than San Angelo and North Houston 250 total players in their qualified for sectionals at the 2012 leagues. USTA Texas Leagues Senior All photos by T. Reed / Qualifying Tournament / Area USTA Texas 3.5 Ladies – Abilene 3.5 Men – San Angelo Championships held in College Station, Texas from May 18-20. This tournament was held for teams who do not have leagues for advancement to Sectionals at their
INSIDEspecific TENNIS • JULY levels 2012 (3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and 4.5) or who come from two member 3.0 Ladies – Austin. 4.0 Ladies – Abilene 4.5 Ladies – North Houston (NOHO) 20 T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 21 T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 22
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Dallas, Houston and San Antonio Claim JTT Titles at Spring Championships BY D. HACKETT / USTA TExAS
USTA TEXAS JTT SPONSORS eams from Houston, Dallas and San Antonio T all claimed titles at the 2012 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Spring
Championships held May 18-20 ALL PHOTOS BY D. HACKETT / USTA TEXAS at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels. This was the USTA Texas gold, silver and bronze matches for the 18 and Under Intermediate, 14 and Under Intermediate, 14 and Under Beginner and 12 and Under Intermediate divisions. In the 18U Intermediate division, Houston won the title with North East Tarrant (NETT) finishing second and Rio Grand Valley taking third. The Whataburger 18U Int. Sports- manship Award was won by Amy Schappert – NETT and Reason Selz – McKinney. In the 14U Intermediate division, San Antonio won the title with Houston finishing second and Dallas taking third. Emily Leigh Hudson – NETT and Ethan Carlson from San Antonio earned the Whataburger 14U Int. Sports- HOUSTON - 18U Intermediate Champions manship Award. In the 14U Beginner division, Dallas won the title with Houston finishing with the silver in second and San Antonio garnering the bronze in third. The Whataburger 14U Beg. Sportsmanship Award was earned by Natalie Brown – Denton and Sam Sommer – Spring Branch. In the 12U Intermediate division a team from Houston won the title with Dallas in second and another team from Houston finishing third. The Whataburger 12U Int. Sportsmanship Award was earned by Lexi Lindmudler – Brazos Valley and Chase Welch – Fort Worth. Learn more about Jr. Team Tennis in Texas by going to
INSIDEwww.texas.usta.com/junior_tennis TENNIS • JULY 2012 /jr_team_tennis/ SAN ANTONIO – 14U Intermediate Champions 22 T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 23
JULY 2012
HOUSTON – 12U Intermediate Champions DALLAS - 14U Beginner Champions
More pictures and action can be viewed in the photo gallery at www.texas.usta.com/ photos/landing. 2 1 0 2 Y L U J • S I N N E T E D I S N I 23 T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 24 T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 25
JULY 2012
Wimbledon Champ Dennis Ralston Returns to Competition in Texas Tournament
BY D. HACKETT / USTA TExAS winning the 1960s Wimbledon Doubles title. He from 1972-75. Ralston went on to coach Chris was US National Doubles Champion in 1961 Evert and Gabriella Sabatini. ennis Ralston, a former Wimbledon and 1963-64, teaming with Chuck McKinley. “Tennis is a great avenue for someone with Champion, Davis Cup team member He won the French Open Doubles title in 1966 prosthetics. Obviously wheelchair is big,” D and captain played in his first with Clark Graebner. Ralston said. “It is a great way to be outside competitive tennis match since having his leg Ralston achieved a career high world and get out of yourself. Yes, you are going to amputated. He did this at the Westwood Senior singles ranking of No. 5 and held the No. 1 US have doubts whether you can do it. I had Championships, in Austin, on Friday, May 25. men’s singles ranking for three consecutive moments thinking what are you trying to prove? Ralston, 69 now living in Austin, played in years in the 1960s. He was a member of the US I am not trying to prove anything! It is just the Super Senior Men’s 65 Doubles division, Davis Cup team from 1960-66 and was captain getting out and being active.” teaming with Fernando Velasco. They lost 6-0, 6-2 to Chip Massey of Fair Oaks Ranch and Byron Smith, of Golden Ridge. The match started at 12:45 p.m., at the Courtyard Tennis Club, one of the three sites for the champi- onship. In this USTA Texas sanctioned tournament, Ralston also played in the Senior Men’s 50 Doubles division, at the Westwood Country Club. He teamed with Michael Dillon of Manchaca. Dillon and Ralston fell to Bryan Canter of Middletown, Ohio and Jeff Gola of Roanoke 6-1, 6-3. “Mike asked me to play at Westwood. I thought he was joking, so I said well sure, why Dennis Ralston, a former Wimbledon Champion, not,” said Ralston about the decision to return Davis Cup team member and captain played in to competitive play about three months ago. his first competitive tennis match since having “We started going to the gym together, training his leg amputated, playing at the Westwood at seven in the morning, working with a really Senior Championships, in Austin, on Friday, May good trainer… working with me to learn to 25. Photo by D. Hackett / USTA Texas move better.” Ralston, pro emeritus at Gray Rock Tennis Club in Austin, said that he had been playing a little bit at his clinics and people he hits with including Velasco, the Gray Rock general manager who plays regularly in USTA sanctioned events. Ralston, now a champion supporter for wheelchair tennis and adaptive tennis, speaks from direct experience and relevance. In his heyday, Ralston was known for his fluid play and precision. His play was often described as
polished but he now wears a prosthesis on his 2 1 0 2 Y L U J • S I N N E T E D I S N I left leg due to complications from knee surgery in 1997. During recovery, he battled and overcame an addiction to painkillers. This is a story that he openly shares to anyone who will listen. “I love to play and I thought what the heck,” said Ralston, who aims to reasonably play well into his 70s. “I asked Fernando to play because next year he will be in his 70s. I am using this tournament as a starting point to improve on a bunch of things. This gives me an extra push to get in shape and stay in better shape.” A member of the International Tennis Hall
of Fame, Ralston teamed with Rafael Osuna 25 T-USTA:Layout 16/12/123:52PMPage26
26 INSIDE TENNIS • JULY 2012 Expensive Racquet Useless With Dead Strings have alife.Whetheryouhitlotofballsornot, serious competitivecounterparts,thatstrings (hopefully) hittheball. have beenintheframeforeightmonths. play amatchwithdeadsetofstringsthat in a$3setofstrings!Orworseyet,headoutto exact racquettheirhero playswith-onlytoput andhigh-techracquetavailable,orthe modern spend hugemoneyandeffort togetthemost TEXAS SECTION TEXAS Recreational from playersshouldlearn their Remember folks,it’s thestringsthat It alwaysamazesmehowplayerswill COMPETITIVE CORNER DIRECTOR OFCOMPETITIVETENNIS-USTA TExAS By SteveCobb development hashittennisracquets,shoes, minimum, evenifyouplayless. year. Twice peryearwouldserveasagood three timesperweek,re-string three timesper of playsessionsperweek.Example:Ifyou same numberoftimesthatyouaverage condition, isasfollows.Re-stringeachyearthe should replace yourstrings,regardless oftheir subsequently their“feel”. the stringswilllosetheirresiliency andtension, Just astechnologyandproduct A goodruleofthumbforhowoftenyou requests [email protected]. also emailStevewithcommentsandtopic Blogs ordirectly athttp://bit.ly/KvyEep.You can website underNews&Multimedia,thenclick Steve CobbcanbefoundontheUSTA Texas they relate totenniscompetition. coaching toaddress manyvaryingtopicsas experience from nearly30yearsofteachingand player. Steveissharinghisknowledgeand new tiptoassistyouinbecomingabetter Competitive Tennis forUSTA Texas, willoffer a you forit. game. Try afewandfindyourownfavorite. string, andthetension,thatbestsuitsyour through themanynewmaterialstofind or racquettechnicianandletthemguideyou composition. gauges (thickness),textures, colors,and good ol’fashionedgut.Theycomeindifferent filaments, Synthetics,andHybrids,aswell Polyesters, Kevlars,Mono-filaments,Multi- There are nowazilliondifferent typesof and allsportingequipment,sohavestrings. A completelistofblogsandcolumnsby Each issueSteveCobb,Director of Both yourresults, andyourarm,willthank Seek outtheadviceofyourlocalclubpro INSIDE TENNIS • JULY 2012 27 Michael, Curtis, Michael, became my best my became JULY 2012 Victor Victor and and Thanks to all Texas Section staff Section Texas all to Thanks celebrated from the heart, every heart, the from celebrated grins, ear to ear with hit successful the all from “high-fives” joy, of leaps from cheers and claps and volunteers, The family. and visitors of gallery the athletes, special nine Gary, Bid D, Phillip, Greg, Aron, Greg, Phillip, D, Bid Gary, Bryan friends after only two hours. I cheered I hours. two only after friends related. were we if as them of each for each smile, each recall forever will I and hug each accomplishment, of joy for me to given you” “thank each there. being simply who others and volunteers and successful event this make helped you of all of proud so am I year. this for Section Texas USTA the and [email protected] There were also Skills Competitions in Competitions Skills also were There be to Courts Skills the to assigned was I teary-eyed and delighted and amazed was I As long as I live, I will never forget the forget never will I live, I as long As Texas USTA the about info more For a non-special partner. partner. non-special a accomplished yet not were who athletes, which the have could matches, in compete to enough athletes other against compete to opportunity have athletes These levels. similar in were who palsy cerebral autistics, severe barriers, special Downs challenges, intellectual wheelchairs, in which disabilities other and athletes, Syndrome They difficult. tennis regular in competing make serves. and forehands volleys, in competed hit athletes special the when earned are Points area another In court. tennis the of areas certain nets tennis QuickStart several campus the of some where play, spontaneous for up set were hit could tennis experienced never who athletes Coaches ball. foam the with successfully potential new many and athletes their observed created. certainly were players tennis other six with along assistant, Randle’s Amanda the that learned quickly I players. baseball UTA to heartwarming was It serious. was competition their try athletes competing nine the of each see targets designated to balls red the hit to best very Amanda. by fed skillfully being were they as grit, much so demonstrated athlete each how at genuinely each how and desire concentration, giving the special athletes from all over Texas over all from athletes special the giving wonderful our experience to opportunity the recall I as joy in ear to ear grinning am I sport. experience. my the in competed who athletes nine special Summer State Skills Tennis Olympics Special tennis of joy genuine the rekindled who Games I 2012. of weekend Day Memorial the on me in The Olympics. Special the of fan new a am is “high-fives” the all from hands my of swelling some get to starting am I and away going slowly wondering. is anyone case in back… feeling Cindy contact please Mission Tennis Adaptive at Benzon There were tents erected everywhere under everywhere erected tents were There the hour ungodly this at courts tennis the At competition” “tennis the that learned I officials were getting information about the about information getting were officials play, regular from differences play, of format “high-fives,” for time (allowed), cheering scoring, interactions parent and tantrums of expectations who members, team baseball The delays. and Competition, Tennis Skills the for recruited were encour- and cheers their that reminded were Noise, participants. the to tons meant agement allowed. were hugs and fives” “high clapping, place. appropriate their to sent was Everybody fishing, track and field, skills challenges and challenges skills field, and track fishing, sports. other UTA the on trees enormous beautiful, the which teams, for were tents Some campus. for were some Texas, over all from came some volunteers, and athletes of registration special for some snacks, provided awards, nutrition, education, demonstrations, purposes. other countless and entertainment Groups organized. getting already were activities the and oriented getting were volunteers of matches tennis regular of consist would and doubles, and singles in athletes the between The ability. to according divided draws the in division, doubles Unified a included draws with competes athlete Games Olympic an which By Dr. Alfredo Trevino Alfredo By Dr. TExAS PRESIDENT - USTA PRESENTED BY www.texastennishotels.com ThE PRESIDENT’S ADVANTAGE ThE PRESIDENT’S Laura were , , Robyn Katy Taylor Kim , , Megan and and , , , the section’s Tennis Service Tennis section’s the , , Vice Chair of Chair Vice , . Adaptive Committee Adaptive . Joyce Dreslin Joyce and Field Coordinator Field and Amanda Randle Amanda Henry Cox Henry Al Suarez Al , , and and , , Carrie Hale Carrie . Office staffers, staffers, Office . , , Kevin Foster Kevin all when Thursday, on started activities The On Memorial Day weekend my eyes, soul eyes, my weekend Day Memorial On USTA our job great the about heard had I Benzon Cindy Richards Heldfeldt Longbotham competition, Under and 10 for Shaw Amanda volunteers, the competing athletes were rated and classified and rated were athletes competing the to groups and divisions appropriate their into in day a half took This competition. the out even wind. menacing and sun Arlington scorching the eyed bright a.m., 7 at up showed I Friday, On I dropped! almost jaw my and tailed bushy and around milling athletes special of thousands saw basketball, in competitions their for ready getting Representative for the Southeast the for Representative Tennis Adaptive and Region Texas Present charge. the led Coordinator, TSR’s Section Texas were Rogers there. also with up showed Committee Officials USTA are who volunteers 15 to 10 their donated that officials certified event the make to services of University entire the boot, To successful. were (who team baseball Arlington, at Texas Regional NCAA I Division a for preparing as recruited also were game) Playoffs tennis a run to people these All volunteers. every and each that say me Let tournament? event. the on putting in essential was one and heart were introduced to a magnificent a to introduced were heart and Summer State Olympics Special The occasion. Texas of University the at year this held Games, the of one as tennis has campus, Arlington at competed. athletes special the which in sports volunteers and staff Committee, Adaptive Texas and Games Olympics Special with year every do a as year this out help to arrangements made I the experience to wanted simply I volunteer. hand. first event Readicker Gilbert High-Fives for Special Olympics Special for High-Fives T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 27 Page PM 3:52 1 6/12/12 T-USTA:Layout T-USTA:Layout 1 6/12/12 3:52 PM Page 28
kENNy Mc’S CORNER
By Ken McAllister ExECUTIVE DIRECTOR - USTA TExAS
PRESENTED BY
Which, Where, What, Who? USTA TEXAS STAFF DIRECTORY USTA Texas 10 and Under Tennis 8105 Exchange Drive, Austin, TX 78754 (512) 443-1334 • www.texas.usta.com Our office is located near the intersection of Highways 183 and 290 in Austin, Texas. We have been one year into a two to three year construction Ken McAllister COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Executive Director of new overpasses, on-ramps, and a toll road near our location. This has (512) 443-1334 ext 201 Mike Carter affected our staff’s coming and going, and we have had to adjust at each [email protected] Director of Community Development (512) 443-1334 ext 207 stage of the changes. We hang in there with the belief that all will be better [email protected] when it is completed. Ironically, the construction of USTA’s 10 and Under ADMINISTRATIVE Todd Carlson Asst. Dir. of Community Tennis – our largest project in decades - is happening at the same time. Rhonda Lindsey Development / CTAs / Tennis On Campus The following is my effort to distinguish the parts, stages, and the angst of Director of Administration (512) 443-1334 ext 208 (512) 443-1334 ext 204 [email protected] this construction. [email protected] 10 & Under Tennis activity is serviced by the teamwork of our Eric Clay Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator Larry Eichenbaum (512) 443-1334 ext 212 Community Development and Competitive departments. Community Controller [email protected] Development, through designated 10 and Under Coordinator Megan (512) 443-1334 ext 222 [email protected] Taylor Helfeldt CD Support Staff / Schools Longbotham, oversees the foundation and early levels of 10 and Under. Coordinator / Wheelchair Coordinator / With the teamwork of the Tennis Service Representatives (TSR), she Pam Jaeger Grants / Advocacy Office Manager / Awards Coordinator (512) 443-1334 ext 219 oversees blended lines and 10 and Under courts construction, Kid’s Clubs (512) 443-1334 ext 216 [email protected] and PlayDays, and the beginning 10 and Under Workshops. [email protected] Competitive, through 10 and Under Field Coordinator Amanda Shaw, Carlos Hernandez Program Support Staff / COMPETITIVE Diversity & Inclusion / NJTL assists the tournaments, events, parents and players at the competitive (512) 443-1334 ext 215 level of 10 and Under. This includes PlayDays also plus a more advanced Steve Cobb [email protected] Director of Competitive Tennis 10 and Under Training & Workshop. Amanda is the Texas expert at all (512) 443-1334 ext 210 Megan Longbotham CD Support Staff / levels – local to national – of 10a and Under. Both Amanda and Megan [email protected] 10 and Under / Adult Recreation / Special Events work together to make the 10 and Under pathway as smooth as possible. Nancy Perkins (512) 443-1334 ext 218 Either can be reached by calling (512) 443-1334, Megan at ext. 208 and Adult / Senior Coordinator [email protected] (512) 443-1334 ext 217 Amanda at (806) 787-0844. [email protected] Laura Gilbert Tennis Service Representative / The good news for those of you who are interested at either level of 10 Fort Worth / North Central Region Tosha Smith [email protected] and Under, if you accidentally get the wrong staff person, either one will Leagues Coordinator know how to assist you to get the information you need. This applies to (512) 443-1334 ext 231 Cindy Benzon Tennis Service Representative [email protected] Houston / Southeast Region / Adaptive Tennis parents, players, coaches, pros, instructors, P.E. teachers, or after-school Coordinator, [email protected] providers. Todd Reed NTRP / Assist. Leagues Coordinator Amanda Randle Tennis Service Represen- Frankly speaking. With any new initiative of the proportion of 10 and (512) 443-1334 ext 232 tative Panhandle / West Texas Region Under, there will be hesitation, pushback, and controversy. At this stage, I [email protected] [email protected] am pleased to report that our tennis constituency is enthusiastically in Nick Arnold Junior Coordinator Robyn Readicker Tennis Service support of 10 and Under because of the potential for tennis by exposing it (512) 443-1334 ext 209 Representative / Dallas / Northeast Region in the right way to the six to 10 year olds in America. The primary [email protected] [email protected] controversy can be narrowed down to one piece of the rule changes for Melissa Chambers Katy Rogers Tennis Service Representative / Competitive 10 and Under. That piece is the requirement that all 10 and Junior Coordinator South Region, [email protected] (512) 443-1334 ext 220 Under players not be allowed to move to the yellow ball until they start [email protected] Carrie Hale Tennis Service Representative / playing in the 12’s. Currently, the USTA conforms to the International Tennis Waco / Austin / San Antonio Paige Schumacher [email protected] Federation rules, believing it is in the best interest of the youngsters. Junior Coordinator Without getting into those arguments, it is clear that the other 90-percent (512) 443-1334 ext 211 MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP [email protected] of the rules for 10 and Under have been accepted by the leading experts in Stephanie Arena - Director of Marketing our industry. As a 48-year veteran of the industry, I believe this is the best Amanda Shaw (512) 443-1334 ext 206 Field Staff / 10 and Under [email protected] step toward growing the game of tennis that the USTA has ever taken. [email protected]
INSIDE TENNIS • JULY 2012 Derick Hackett - Communications Manager (512) 443-1334 ext 202 As usual, if this leaves you still scratching your head or you have [email protected] further comments or questions, direct them to [email protected]. 28