Fall 2009 • Volume IV • Issue 2 FROM WOOD FRAMES TO NEW GAMES OCIALENNIS MEDIA SELECT MOMENTS OF USTA MIDDLE STATES HISTORY S T TART Theof FutureTenniskS MADISON& QUIC KEYS, ADVERTISEMENT USTA MIDDLE STATES Fall 2009 • Volume IV • Issue 2 Departments 16 Hall of Fame 4 Welcome Letter Celebrate 85 years! As the The USTA Middle States Hall of section celebrates its 85th Fame returns to the City of Bridges. 5 Guest10 DiversityColumnist – birthday, learn about its history Drew SunderlinFourteen-year-old Madison while celebrating its future. Keys lit up Tennisthe Shorts Philadelphia tennis scene 7 this summer, and she has no plans to stop. 14 Member Spotlight 26 Younique13 Community Court High school students all over Development the state are doing whatever it takes to play the game they 28 DistrictsUSTA Middle States love. and the Philadelphia • Junior Departmentcompetitors flockedof Recreation to AMD forare the granting Fox Chapel the city’s Junior Open youth access to the game of tennis. • A CPD woman is bringing tennis to Tanzania • Student athletes from DD find success on the collegiate courts 10 Diversity Fourteen-year-old Madison Keys lit up • Several EPD clubs and organizations the Philadelphia tennis scene this hosted tennis benefits this summer summer, and she has no plans to stop. • Jr. Team Tennis continues to grow in NJD Community 13 22 Tennis On Campus • QuickStart Tennis is changing the way kids in PATD learn the sport Development Two Gettysburg College student- USTA Middle States and the athletes are working hard to bring Philadelphia Department of Tennis On Campus to their school. Recreation are granting the city’s youth access to the game of tennis. Published by USTA Middle States Volume IV Issue 2 Fall 2009 Editorial Welcome Nathaniel Harrison Marge McGann Carrie Rupp Ben Zislis Contributors Tom Benic Kasey Connors Costello Photography Brian Denis Loretta DeWalt Amanda Faris-Denis Jeffrey Harrison and Marlynn Orlando 4 Jeff Garrett Jeffrey Harrison reetings Middle States members, Monique Holloway G Gloria Jaremko Ann LoPrinzi We should both be lucky enough to age as gracefully and wisely as USTA Middle States. As this issue of NetPlay highlights, our section turns 85 this year. 85! That’s a long time! But somehow, Nell Matthews our Middle States has managed to find the fountain of youth, allowing the section to stay Marlynn Orlando vibrant and relevant to thousands of tennis players throughout our 85 year history. Kitty Perrin Alexandra Schofield Looking at the historical timeline on pages eight and nine makes us acutely aware that our Cathy Shaak time here is simply a mark on the calendar, a blip in the path. Those that truly excel and reach Sonia Somasundaram beyond ordinary efforts become a permanent mark in history. Although our story played out on Drew Sunderlin grass, clay and hard courts, it’s the people who punctuated the history with their tennis talents, Jen Wozniak volunteer leadership and pioneer spirit. We are fortunate to have so many tennis greats who came from Middle States. Players like Bill Tilden and Vic Seixas made Middle States proud, USTA Middle States Officers then and now. Our section is also blessed with several historical tennis clubs that have hosted many Davis Cup and Fed Cup Ties. These clubs are steeped in tradition and have played an President integral part of American tennis history. Jeffrey Harrison Senior Vice President Middle States is strong with players like Connie Ebert and Newt Meade both of whom are 85 Patricia Weger years old and yet remain active in tennis. In this issue they share how they got involved in the Secretary sport a remarkable seven decades ago. Ellen V. Williams As we celebrate 85 rich years, we also look towards the future. In 2009 we have focused on Treasurer a new play format for 10 and under players, QuickStart Tennis (QST). We’ve brought QST Ruth Roulston demonstrations all across the section so coaches, pros and parents can see how to get children playing younger and excelling faster. We’ve also introduced Flex Leagues, a program which USTA Middle States adapts to our adult players needs, allowing more flexibility in scheduling and playing. We had the pleasure of witnessing the future of American tennis this summer in 14-year-old 1288 Valley Forge Road Madison Keys. Keys played for World TeamTennis’ Philadelphia Freedoms. If you were fortunate Suite 74, PO Box 987 enough to see her play, you got to see a remarkable talent who is sure to have a bright career. Valley Forge, PA 19482 (610) 935-5000 So, Happy 85th Birthday Middle States. We feel fortunate to be part of your rich history and (610) 935-5484 fax hopeful that we can help forge a vibrant future. Now, all together…make a wish and blow out [email protected] the candles. middlestates.usta.com Warm regards, Print & Design Bentley Graphic Communications, Inc. Jeffrey Harrison Marlynn Orlando Pottstown, Pa. President, USTA Middle States Executive Director, USTA Middle States www.bentleygraphics.com NETPLAY • FALL 2009 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected] Guest Columnist District Guest Columnist Drew Sunderlin Contributors Allegheny Mountain Are you having trouble figuring out what string or tensions to use Tom Benic to elevate your game or relieve some chronic arm, wrist or shoulder problems? You are not alone. So what type of string should you be looking to try? First, you need to assess what your needs are. Example #1: You are an up and coming junior tournament player looking for a string that will give your game an edge or one that will not break in the middle of that critical point. You have read about the number of players who are using polyester or poly-hybrids, but are they right for Central PA you? Here are some facts you need to know: 1. Polyester is difficult to break, plays great, but for a short period of time. Polyester strings only Richard last about 20 hours of play before they loose their resiliency and tension and go dead. Poly-blends 5 Rauenzahn can last up to 30 hours. 2. Polyester is much harder on the arm than synthetics or natural gut. They are NOT recommended if you have arm, wrist or shoulder problems. 3. Most players on the circuit use a blend of polyester and gut or polyester and a very soft, coreless multifilament nylon. Delaware 4. The pros cut polyester or polyester blends out of their racquets, on average, after one match and one practice (The commentators on television fail to mention this when they are singing the Monique virtues of this string type). Holloway Example #2: You are a club player who suffers from the discomfort of tendinitis, bursitis or arthritis and are searching for that magical string which will reduce or maybe even eliminate your pain. What works best? Here are the facts you need to know: 1. The most resilient string with the greatest shock absorption qualities is natural gut. The second is a hybrid blend of natural gut and a soft, coreless multifilament synthetic. Third is a soft, coreless multifilament synthetic. Eastern PA 2. Natural gut can last up to 60 hours in your racquet (if you are not abusive to your strings), gut hybrids (no poly) 45 hours and soft synthetics 30 hours. Loretta DeWalt 3. Tension is a big factor in reducing pain. Lower is better, but there are limits. 4. Frame type, grip size and stroke production can also be major factors when it comes to discomfort. Next, you have to find a competent stringer who is familiar with all the various strings on the market today and can recommend New Jersey good choices. Seek out a qualified, professional stringer. Just like a good teaching professional, a qualified stringer’s reputation Ann LoPrinzi should precede them. Ask around. Some guidelines should be, but are not limited to, United States Racquet Stringer’s Association (USRSA) certification, experience in both club and professional events, high level playing experience (to speak from experience), a laundry list of clients and a solid reputation of standing behind their work. Drew Sunderlin (Ambler, Pa.), a USPTA Master Professional and Master Racquet Philadelphia Technician with the USRSA, is the owner of Ft. Washington Swim & Tennis Club, Strings ‘n Things Pro Shop and Strings ‘n Things Competition Stringing Service. Sunderlin is considered by many to be extremely knowledgeable when it comes to helping his clients choose the right frame, Jeff Garrett string and tension for their individual needs and style of play. He strings over 3,000 frames a year for both professionals and amateurs. If you would like to contact Sunderlin with any questions you might have regarding racquets, stringing or customizing, you can reach him at: [email protected] NETPLAY • FALL 2009 • 610.935.5000 • [email protected] ADVERTISEMENT What a Season! 2009 Philadelphia Freedoms This year marked the greatest lineup of tennis stars ever seen in Philadelphia - Andre Agassi, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, John McEnroe, Martina Navratilova, Kim Clijsters, Anna Kournikova, Lisa Raymond, and, of course, Billie Jean King! Our new pre-match activities featuring “block parties,” USTA QuickStart Tennis, music, kids’ games, and more, were a huge hit. The tennis competition was fabulous and our enthusiastic fans interacted with the players and participated in countless contests, promotions, and giveaways. All of this made for seven memorable nights of tennis and fun. The Freedoms would like to give a special thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers, ballkids, umpires and staff that made the 2009 season one of the best yet! Looking forward to seeing everyone next July! W re or awa ld Te in Del Despite amTennis both adults the closing and children.