In Colorado, seasons tend to blend together, especially ...s3.amazonaws.com/ustaassets/assets/840/15/ct_fall-winter_2016.pdf · page 2 COLaTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER 2016 broadmoor.com

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In Colorado, seasons tend to blend together, especially during League season. We invite you to take a tour of Colorado's league tennis factory and see how it all comes together.

USTA COLORADOGates Tennis Center3300 E Bayaud AveSuite 201Denver, CO 80209303.695.4116

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Year 41, Issue 4 Est. 1976The Official Publication of Tennis Lovers

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YEAR 41, ISSUE 4 — NOVEMBER 2016

About COLORADO TENNISCOLORADO TENNIS (USPS #013-371) is the quarterly publication

(January, April, July & October/November) of :

USTA Colorado/Colorado Tennis Association

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Denver, CO 80209

303/695-4116

Free subscriptions are available, contact the editor.

Periodical postage paid at Denver, CO.

POSTMASTER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:COLORADO TENNIS, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201

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COLORADO TENNIS EditorKurt Desautels, Phone: 303/695-4116 x203

Email: [email protected]

AdvertisingKaren Engel, Phone: 720/495-5104

Visit our website for advertising rate cards: COLORADOTENNIS.com

Download this issue from ourDigital Newsstand :

© 2016 Colorado Tennis Association

10 the BUZZ: Nouns in the News doing This, That & the Other17 RACQUETS FOR ALL: Subaru continues its support of bringing tennis to Colorado communities 22 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT: Star Search tryouts, Team Colorado viewing days and EDC updates 24 JUNIOR RANKING: Courtesy of TennisRecruiting.net30 WALL OF CHAMPIONS: Saluting the 2016 Colorado League Tennis Champions31 HAIL TO THE VICTORS: CACMonaco ladies secure third national league title in two years for Colorado33 SNAP SHOT: MassMutual of Colorado celebrates league season with whisky/wine winners35 BODY TALK: How do you approach off season? Porter Hospital gives some suggestions36 THE BIG CHAIR: News and notes from USTA Colorado Headquarters37 THE LAST WORD: Tennis, interrupted.38 USTA CO-411: About USTA Colorado and contact information

6 INSIDE LEAGUESEvery year, 70% of USTA adult members in Colorado play league tennis. It's so popular in Colorado that the Denver metro area ranks second in the nation only to Atlanta. Colorado adult league participation rivals many Sections, many of which are comprised of multiple states.

Given that Colorado's climate provides unique challenges to league players, we asked the League Tennis Insider to give us an overview of the process that USTA Colorado's league coordinators go through each year to bring another league season to fruition.

FEATURES

IN FOCUS

PROFILES20 H5.27

A set of five profiles on local players, coaches and tennis advocates for their on/off-court achievements:

Voradel CareyVicki HolthusEthan HughesKate JamesTom Zundel

DEPARTMENTS

12 SPORTSMANSHIPMost young players are influenced by the leaders around them, but if there are coaches and administrators who don't understand sportsmanship, or parents or older players who don't practice it routinely, how does a youngster acquire the fundamentals of sportsmanship? Who can young players emulate when their "heroes" don't meet the standard?

Year 41, Issue 2 Est. 1976The Official Publication of Tennis Lovers

fall/winter 2016

16 ____OF THE YEARAnnouncing the 2016 winners of USTA Colorado's Annual Awards.

28 TENNIS PREPS Recapping the action from the 2016 Colorado State High School Boys Tennis Championships

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Every year, 70% of USTA adult members in Colorado play league tennis. It's so popular in Colorado that the Denver metro area ranks second in the nation only to Atlanta. Colorado adult league participation rivals many Sections, many of which are comprised of multiple states.

Given that Colorado's climate provides unique challenges, we asked the League Tennis Insider to give us an overview of the process that USTA Colorado's league coordinators go through each year to bring another league season to fruition.

THECOVERSTORYTHE VIEW FROM 30,000 FEET

THE LEAGUE TENNIS INSIDER TAKES US ON A TOUR OF HOW A LEAGUE SEASON IS MADE

The League Tennis Insider reached slowly into his/her trenchcoat, and pulled a slip of paper halfway out.

S/he looked up and down the dimly lit street. Now satisfied no one would see the transaction, s/he handed over the super-secret formula that USTA Colorado uses to plan its league season.

The reality is, as you will surely discover, scheduling a league season isn't rocket science. It is, however, a meticulous process that must factor in certain limitations and numerous variables.


t has been said that sausage and laws are similar, in that you never want to see how either are made.

While we can promise you that league tennis is a much less messy process, the complexity of

scheduling of a single league season might surprise even veteran players.

Before ever publishing league schedules for players, USTA Colorado League Coordinators spend hours poring over Pivot Tables, Breakouts, Facility Usage Reports (home/away capactiy issues), Avoidance Requests, National and Sectional dates, and more — all in the name of a single objective...to craft a league season that not only satisfies the vast majority of the nearly 14,000 individuals who play adult leagues in Colorado, but also satisfies the requirements set forth by the Intermountain Section and USTA National and helps facilities across the state balance the demand for league play and instructional programming. And while it may not look anything like the graphic on the facing page, the schematic can become extraordinarily complex when you factor in that this process is replicated for each of Colorado's 13 statewide leagues.

Setting the StageSo how does USTA Colorado league staff begin the process of

creating a league season? This process is one in which they have to start from the end and work backwards. National championship dates usually do not change very much, but there can be slight variations from one year to the next. These National Championship dates drive the requirements for when Sectionals must be completed. Sectional dates in turn dictate District (state)Championship dates. Of course, only leagues that advance beyond a state championship are affected, but as you'll soon discover, the whole Colorado league season calendar is organized around just a couple Sectional events.

Continued

I

THE LEAGUE SEASON

2016

PAR

TICI

PATI

ON

Colorado has been designated a “climate-challenged tennis environment, which makes it all the more challenging to run one of the countries largest league programs.

Between late March and mid-September, more than 40,000 Colorado players participate in adult leagues across the state.

That’s a lot of tennis to schedule in a small window.

Spike in 2015 league growth garners national attentionColorado Adult Leagues grew at a very impressive 9% in 2015, more than doubling the growth nationwide (4%). More than 39,000 participants competed in leagues throughout Colorado last year, an all-time high. It was such an impressive year, USTA Colorado was singled out as the country’s top-performer by the USTA for adding nearly 2,500 registrations, a national high. The USTA Colorado League staff works diligently to provide a quality league program for the everyday league player in their regular season, as well as exceptional experience for those who attend one of our District Championship events.

s


COLORADO ADULT LEAGUE GROWTH TRENDSIn 2016, USTA Colorado broke its own league participation record, with more than 40,000 total participants. Here’s a snapshot of Colorado’s Adult League Tennis program.

WHERE PEOPLE PLAYColorado is broken into five “areas”: Denver-Metro, Aspen/Mountains, Southern CO, Northern CO and the Western Slope.

USTA 18 & Over

USTA 40 & Over

CTA Twilight

CTA Women’s Daytime Doubles

USTA Mixed 18 & Over

ITA Fall Mixed

CTA Women’s Summer Daytime

USTA Adult 55 & Over

CTA Trio

CTA 65 & Over

CTA Women’s 2.5

USTA Mixed 40 & Over

CTA Adult 18-39

WTT

10777

7127

6704

2850

2840

2352

1895

1859

1387

752

672

543

337

116

11215

3310

4964

2551

2797

2298

1932

1026

0

0

0

0

0

118

2016 2010

The USTA 40 & Over league is one that tends to drive much of the Colorado league calendar each year. USTA Intermountain schedules 40 & Over Sectionals on the last weekend possible as determined by USTA National. Our District Championships take place the last weekend possible as determined by Intermountain, which is just two weeks prior to the Sectional. From there, we set the league dates, including flight playoffs, working backwards. The USTA 18 & Over league and the CTA Twilight league are scheduled around the 40 & Over league since they are all weeknight evening leagues.

As is the case around the country, the average length of one of our tennis leagues is 6-7 weeks. While there are examples of different lengths of leagues, the 6-7 week season is the standard nationwide. Anytime round robins are run, there are certain numbers of weeks that work out well mathematically. A 6-7 week league is one of those. When it runs is determined by the advancement process (i.e. is the season required to finish in time for Sectionals or not?) and largely based on court availability at facilities. Several of our leagues put facility usage close to (if not at) total capacity. It would be impossible for most facilities to accommodate the number of teams they have in 18 & Over, 40 & Over and/or Twilight at the same time, so those leagues cannot run simultaneously, or even overlap at all.

The scheduling processGenerally, leagues with 500-1000 teams take about a month for the USTA Colorado office

to schedule. There are currently three leagues that boast that kind of participation, while several other leagues have 200-300 teams, which takes up to two weeks to get scheduled.

The whole process begins in January, with meetings with Facility Coordinators — you know, the people at tennis organizations across the state whose job it is to coordinate league play for each facility. Registration for all leagues opens on February 1.

Registration is monitored until the deadline when USTA Colorado goes through its processes in an attempt to ensure that no teams forgot or failed to register. Ultimately, however, the responsibility lies with the facility or team.

Once the registration deadline has passed, the process of scheduling the league begins. As mentioned, this can take up to four weeks. The schedules are then published online, and the staff begins working on the District Championship setup and scheduling process. With so much overlap of leagues, this process is often done simultaneously with two or more leagues.

Throughout the league season, there is significant standard league maintenance and communications with facilities, captains and players that must be addressed.

When the local league ends, USTA Colorado finalizes the flight playoff schedules (for certain leagues) and publishes them online. Once over, the staff puts the finishing touches on the District Championship schedules before publishing them. USTA Colorado organizes and runs a dozen District Championship events.

At the end of each year, after the last banner has been pulled off the fencing, USTA Colorado will have scheduled more than 80,000 regular season matches, plus an additional 3,000 District Championship matches. And since USTA Colorado has been busy adding leagues to the schedule so that more and more players can find the right league that fits their schedule, that's an increase of nearly 15,000 matches since 2010.

That's a lot of tennis balls.

PER YEAR

+ 3,000 CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES

Before moving to flight playoffs, the USTA 18 & Over league was 40% larger than the US Open, and finished matches in three days instead of two weeks. It's now 772 matches long to the Open's 830 matches.


Case Study: USTA 40 & OverIn addition to being the one league that can ultimately define how the entire league

calendar looks from year to year, the USTA League Insider was quick to single out USTA 40 & Over. The league itself began as an offshoot of the perennially popular USTA Adult League. When it first began in 1991, just one decade after the initial launch of USTA league tennis, it was limited to players 50 & over, and was dubbed the USTA Senior League. Growth was slow, but consistent, and in 2013, the USTA structurally changed the league by dropping the age limit down to 40 & Over. Since then, the league has boomed, adding more than 2,500 new players here in Colorado and tens of thousands nationwide.

It's growing popularity, plus the feedback USTA Colorado receives from players which further helps the staff refine the league, signifies a "hit". It is actually Colorado's most successful league over the last half-decade, and is now the second most popular in terms of participation.

League Player SnapshotThe USTA helps our staff track and monitor player behavior and demographic

information. These are some of the ways we can further refine and add value to our programming so that players have an improved experience each and every year.

Did you know that the average league player is female, between 46-50 years old, and is a 3.5 player from the Denver Metro area? Not exactly startling, given that nearly two-thirds of all league players are women, but for several years now, USTA has been concerned that the average age of league players is late 40s. While certainly not unimaginable given that older players have more free time and disposable income than their younger counterparts, USTA Colorado has not sat idly by and is making numerous efforts to reach a younger audience, including the addition of the CTA 18-39 league, which launched this year. New offerings are in the offing, says the League Insider, as Sections from across the country seek to find ways to tap into the Millennial market.

3


Hall of Fame Gala registration now openRegistration is now open for the 2017 USTA Colorado Hall of Fame Gala and Annual

Awards Presentation. The event is set for Friday, January 20 at the Marriott Denver Tech Center ballroom. This annual celebration brings the tennis community together from across the state — and even across the country — to celebrate the accomplishments and recognize the achievements of our Hall of Fame inductees and those honored with a USTA Colorado annual award. Register online at COLORADOTENNIS.com.

JCC re-opens for winterThe JCC Tennis Pavilion is reopen for the 2016-2017 winter months. Visit JCCDenver.

org for more details.

USTA Colorado's BLAST! to launch new format in 2017Slated for early 2017, USTA Colorado is looking to launch a new format for its monthly

BLAST!, which is available by subscription through COLORADOTENNIS.com. The new format will be based on the popular Wordpress web platform. Stay tuned.

2017 Big Book advertising reservations being acceptedIt’s hard to believe, but the 2017 Big Book of Colorado Tennis is just a few months away.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to reach potential customers. More than 23,000 USTA members receive this publication directly in their mailbox, and thousands of additional copies are delivered to tennis and fitness facilities across the state where non-USTA members can enjoy tennis-related content. Contact Karen Engel <[email protected]> by December 12. The 2017 Media Kit can be downloaded under the NEWS tab at COLORADOTENNIS.com.

Colorado earns two Intermountain AwardsEach year, USTA Intermountain honors individuals and organizations that work to

promote and develop the growth of tennis in the Intermountain Section of the United States Tennis Association. Intermountain’s six Districts (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming) annually nominate candidates for the following recognitions: Organization of the Year; Family of the Year; Barbara Clark/Diversity & Inclusion Community Service Award; Jan Dowse (exemplary volunteer/staff member) Award; Youth Tennis Ambassador; Developmental Coach of the Year; and Nikos Ridle (sportsmanship) Award. Awards given periodically when deemed appropriate are the David Freed (lifetime service) Award and the Jon Messick Leadership Award.

Congratulations to the Colorado recipients:Rocky Mountain Tennis Center (Duke Paluch, Kendall & Donna Chitambar) in Boulder

has been honored with the Organization of the Year Award.Tom Van De Hey is the recipient of the David Freed (Lifetime Service) Award.

Coloradans representing USA Congratulations to Babolat Boulder Open Doubles champs Milos Koprivica and

Rob Kuseski, and CAC Inverness tennis pro Simona Bruetting, on their selections to represent the US at the 2017 ITF Young Seniors World Team Championships, which will be held March 19-24 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Also, congratulations to Fort Collins' Doug Ruffin, who helped the American Britannia Cup squad (65&Over) take third at the ITF Super-Seniors World Team Championships.

National Education Event hosted by Denver Tennis Club USPTA Master Professional Warren Pretorius brought attendees an inside look at

the emerging field of Tennis Analytics and how this data is being used to understand a player’s true strengths and weaknesses.

Hosted at the Denver Tennis Club on October 21, the event was sponsored by USPTA Intermountain, USTA Intermountain and USTA Colorado.

Tennis Analytics has over 4 million points in its database, from U12 to U18, collegiate, developing pros, all the way up to the world’s top players. This data is providing a new way of understanding the development pathway.

Pretorius' presentation discussed key elements of stroke techniques debunking some common tennis myths. The owner of Tennis Analytics, Pretorius is a frequent consultant to USTA Player Development, Tennis Canada and over 35 top NCAA Collegiate teams.

NOUNS IN THE NEWSPEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS DOING THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER.

THEBUZZ

Nation's best trainers go to court with Colorado coachesOver 50 new youth tennis coaches on the courts with two of our best 10 & Under

national trainers!! Great showing from the "I Have a Dream" Foundation of Boulder County AmeriCorp crew and most of the Metro State Tennis team who are all working with kids in the schools this year!

3v3 Play Days spread across stateFun on the courts in Boulder as Gonzo Tennis hosted its first 3v3 Play Day. Over 30 kids

of all ages had a blast on the courts! If this looks like fun, don't miss the 3v3 Grand Prix hosted by USTA Colorado coming up in a few weeks. Space is limited and filling up quickly! http://www.colorado.usta.com/cta/juniors/3v3/3v3_events/

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Big Three ResultsThe Denver City Open, the Boulder Open and the Colorado State Open...aka, The Big Three...

are the state's most prominent adult tournaments. The Denver City Open began in 1914, and the State Open in 1891. The Boulder Open began

in 1905 and later became the Intermountain Sectional Championship. The winners of the open divisions are crowned Sectional Champions.

Prior to the Open Era in the late 1960s, Colorado was a tour stop and welcomed some of tennis' greatest stars, including Don Budge, Bobby Riggs, Gene Mako, Jack Kramer, Althea Gibson and Dodo Bundy, as well as numerous members of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame.

With no further ado, here are the 2016 Big Three champions:

GAME-SET-MATCH DENVER CITY OPENMen's Singles: Hayden SabatkaWomen's Singles: Samantha MartinelliMen's Doubles: John Haywood/Jeff LoehrWomen's Doubles: Julia O'Loughlin/Maureen SlatteryMixed Doubles: Milos Koprivica/ Maureen Slattery

BABOLAT BOULDER OPENMen's Singles: Richard JohnsonWomen's Singles: Maureen SlatteryMen's Doubles: Milos Koprivica/Rob KuseskiWomen's Doubles: Zsofia Alfonso/Yana RuegseggerMixed Doubles: Milos Koprivica/Maureen Slattery

COLORADO STATE OPENMen's Singles: Henry CraigWomen's Singles: Jacqueline PayneMen's Doubles: Chris Cooprider/Hayden SabatkaWomen's Doubles: Zsofia Alfonso/Yana RuegseggerMixed Doubles: Daniel Lizarribar/Anastassiya Zherdeva


e hear it at every level of sports, and at every age. "It's not whether you win or lose," famed sportswriter Grantland Rice once wrote, "it's how you played the game." We can recognize the ethos behind Rice's admonition — to play the game for the sheer enjoyment of playing the game, and to do

so with integrity, a sense of fairness, respect, and to demonstrate fellowship with one's competitors — while also acknowledging the blunt truth asked by NFL Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi.... "If it doesn't matter who wins or loses, then why do they keep score?"

It's easy to forget about the ethos of sportsmanship when watching professional sports, which are as much about entertainment as they are about sports. Touchdown celebrations, slam dunk dances and soccer showboating have reached absurd levels, so much so that the governing bodies of professional sports have had to step in and crack down on the excessive grandstanding that still permeates pro sports. In most, if not all sports, sportsmen at the elite level make the standards on sportsmanship and no matter whether they like it or not, they are seen as leaders and role models in society. That behavior then begins to trickle down, and appear in youth sports.

Most young players are influenced by the leaders around them, such as parents, coaches and older players. If there are coaches and administrators who don't understand sportsmanship, or parents or older players who don't practice it routinely, how does a youngster acquire the fundamentals of sportsmanship? Who can young players emulate when their "heroes" don't meet the standard?

INSIDETHEGAMEA CELEBRATION OF SPORTSMANSHIP

HOW WE APPROACH THE GAME IS AS IMPORTANT AS HOW WE PLAY THE GAME

W

SPORTSMANSHIP


STORY BYTOMFASANO

The TorchbearerKatrina Adams began playing

tennis around the age of six, joining a youth program on Chicago's West Side. It's hard to know if anyone suspected that she would win a NCAA doubles title, or earn a pair of All-American honors. She moved on to the pro ranks, playing 12 years on the WTA tour, earning a career high ranking in singles at No. 67 and in doubles at No. 8. She won 20 career doubles titles and reached the quarterfinals or better in doubles at all four Grand Slam events, while also reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon in 1998, her best-ever Grand Slam singles result.

She made history on January 1st, 2015 when she became the first African-American, first former professional tennis player and youngest person to serve as USTA Chairperson of the Board and President in the organization’s 135-year history. Now 48, Adams will begin her second term after accepting the nomination she received at the conclusion of the US Open.

Adams has pursued three primary goals since she took over as USTA President.

"First, I wanted to grow the Hispanic base of players in America. It is the fastest-growing demographic in the U.S., yet it was one of the smallest demographics of players that we had. Second, I wanted to create an initiative to keep high school players engaged beyond their season. Many of these student-athletes are multi-sport, and we were losing out on them."

And finally, Adams says, she wants to focus on sportsmanship.

“One of my priorities during my time as USTA President has been sportsmanship. We started a Sportsmanship Task Force two years ago that’s now evolved into a full-time committee dedicated to promoting sportsmanship at all levels of tennis in the United States, especially in the junior ranks.”

Now that she has another 2-year term to look forward to, she is even more committed to bringing good sportsmanship back to the game.

“When you have a love and passion for the game, you want to see it played the right way. Tennis has been such an important part of my life, but the game is a lot bigger than me or any one individual. And so it’s incumbent on anyone who takes the court in competition to uphold the integrity of the sport. You do that through respect — respect for the game, respect for your opponent. Even though tennis is an individual sport, everyone who’s ever played shares the same responsibility, and that’s to ensure the present and future health of the game we all love.”

The Role ModelYou'd be hard-pressed to find a more decorated player in Colorado tennis history than Casey Ross, the two-time 4A State Champion

from Kent Denver (see Prep Competition, page 28). It's not that Ross has dominated the competition — although he's certainly no slouch in that department, having won back-to-back-to-back Sectional Championships. He is currently ranked 38th in the country, and No. 1 in both the Intermountain Section and in Colorado. Since he began playing tournaments, the 18 year-old has been recognized for his exceptional sportsmanship on dozens of occasions, most recently at the 2016 Boys 18s Nationals at Kalamazoo, MI where he was named the Wes Richards Sportsmanship Award recipient. This wasn't the first time Ross has been recognized at the national level. He has received numerous honors at Nationals, Zonals and Sectional events, as well as several USTA Colorado Annual Awards.

Ross, who will take his tennis talents to Dartmouth College next year, has been coached by his father, Randy, his entire career. His brother, Cory, was also a two-time 4A State Champion, also at Kent.

“(Sportsmanship) is important to me because that’s how my dad raised me to be, and that’s how Cory was. He won a lot of sportsmanship (awards) as well. It’s also the respect that you have for the game of tennis, respect for all the people that you’re representing when you go out and play — your coach, your family, your friends in high school and your team. It’s knowing that you’re representing more than just yourself.

“(My dad’s) really big on the values of family and respect. If I go out there throwing my racquet, I’m not showing respect for my family. That’s what he instilled in Cory and me. Cory won the sportsmanship (award) at Kalamazoo, and then I won it like 18 years later. There’s that connection. Him and my dad leading by example has put that into me.”

Ross said he values sportsmanship as much as winning.“I think it’s really important to have that. For me, at least, when I’m being a good sport and not being angry, I can be more focused

on playing. I guess the two kind of go hand in hand. If I’m not wasting energy like yelling and screaming and throwing stuff, I can be more into the match and have a better chance of winning. I definitely think that sportsmanship is a pretty big part of the game. On an outside standpoint, people look at you and see if you have a good attitude. There are some guys that are really, really good, but they’re not the best sport and that’s kind of their attitude toward it. It’s always good to play a good sport and have a nice, clean, intense match.”

The MentorFor more than two decades,

49 year-old Carol Elliott has been helping young men and women work toward their potential on the court as the head boys and girls tennis coach at her alma mater, Grand Junction High School.

A three-sport athlete in high school (tennis, basketball ªnd volleyball), Elliott went on to play point guard on the Notre Dame women's basketball squad for three years.

One of 11 children, Carol grew up in a family of athletes.

“I think (sportsmanship) is very important in any sport. I coached basketball and tennis, grew up in a family that was high in terms of athletic ability. I think my folks taught me early, and taught the whole family early, that you respect your opponents

no matter who they are. Kids will get more out of it when you teach them how to respect your opponents and how to respect the game itself, and how important it is later in life and how you should respect everybody. I think I teach that through making sure they know the rules of the game and the etiquette of the game.”

“I think (sportsmanship) is more important (than winning) because you can learn a lot about yourself. You can learn a lot about the game itself. In the world we live, it’s all about caring. It’s all about giving back and showing respect. I teach my kids to be very competitive, but you’ve got to be a good sport doing it. That’s what people will remember. They don’t remember the wins and losses. They remember who you are and how you acted out on the floor or out on the court.”


The Ambassador“It seems to me that valuing sportsmanship

is almost more important than valuing winning or losing," says Colby Kortum, President of Colorado Wheelchair Tennis Foundation.

"The winning or losing kind of comes with time. People will remember you more not by the way you act when you win, but by the way you act when you lose. At the end of the day, it won’t really matter if you win or lose a match, but it certainly matters how you conduct yourself in that situation. It’s a lot more fun to watch somebody who isn’t out there completely losing it on the court, having a massive mental breakdown. I think it helps maintain the fan base, too. There’s not a big fan base for wheelchair tennis, so you certainly don’t want to alienate any of the people that are watching because you’re making it ugly by the way that you’re acting.”

Kortum has been in a wheelchair since a 2000 car accident. Already active in the community, he and his wife, Meara, started a nonprofit, That’s How I Roll Foundation, in 2011. The simple premise is that peer interaction and simple conversation may be all it takes to turn someone’s outlook on life around.

In 2012 he started playing tennis, and just last year was named USTA Colorado's Outstanding Wheelchair Player. But he's not only a player, he's become a passionate advocate for wheelchair tennis.

“I feel like sportsmanship is extremely important to help grow the sport and to help people to progress in their own game and keep coming back. Remember that we were all beginners at some point being willing to go out on the court and play with anyone regardless of their skill level. I know what it was like when I started playing and having guys who were obviously much better than myself be willing to go out and play and be patient and kind, even though I’m sure that it was frustrating for them to play with me. It’s what allowed me to get to the point that I’m at currently playing. I try to remember that when I’m meeting with new players, people who are new to the sport.”

The ProtégéIn just her second year of competing in

tournaments, Denver's JoAnna Kennedy has already turned more than a few heads.

Kennedy will be heading to Miami next month with the chance to equal the accomplishments of notable tennis stars Andy Roddick, Madison Keys and Cici Bellis — become a "Little Mo" Grand Slam champion. Named after Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly, the first women's Grand Slam Champion whose career was cut short due to an accident, the Little Mo Slam consists of winning four "major" events across the country that culminate in the finals.

Not only has Kennedy won the first three events this year, she also won the Kindness award at the Little Mo Regional Championship in Chicago and the Little Mo International in Forest Hills, NY.

“(Sportsmanship) means you’re kind and you’re fair on the court and you’re saying like, ‘Good shot and stuff.’ If (an opponent) is like down or sad or they’re off the court and they just lost, I will say, ‘It’s OK.’ ”

At just 8 years old, Kennedy embodies the ethos of sportsmanship.

“Even if you lose or win, you’re still having fun and you’re still playing hard and you’re meeting new friends and you’re being kind to them. When you’re kind, it makes them feel happy and it makes you feel happy, too. (My dad) taught me that even if you win or lose, be kind, be a good sport, and be fair. I just go with the flow, and try really hard when I’m practicing. When I go to a tournament, I copy what I’ve learned and I just have fun out there.”

JoAnna's dad, Mike, played for Regis and later at the University of Colorado. He says if you’re going to play that young, there can’t be any drama.

"Her favorite thing about matches is talking to the kids at changeovers. She tries to be friendly and talk to every single girl at the changeover. Everyone really respects and likes her. She’s never too high, never too low. Opponents come up and say, ‘JoAnna is one of the truly only nice people we play.’”

ONE PERSON PRACTICING SPORTSMANSHIP IS FAR BETTER THAN A HUNDRED TEACHING IT.

KNUTE ROCKNE


The StandardWinning came naturally for former Loveland High

School and University of Northern Colorado standout Rob Kuseski. But as he discovered fairly early in his playing career, it came much easier when he exhibited good sportsmanship.

“I just found when I played, being a good sport was the way that I would play my best. If I resorted to lowball

tactics, it interfered with what I was really trying to do as a competitor. The two go hand in hand. I think sportsmanship would be the most important thing to me whether or not it helped me win. When I also realized that it would help me win, it was a no-brainer."

Today, Kuseski is the Head Tennis Professional at Highland Meadows Tennis Center in Windsor. He is ranked No. 1 in the country in USTA Mens 35 doubles, and was selected to represent the US at the 2017 ITF Young Seniors World Team Championships, slated for March 19-24 in Cape Town, South Africa. What matters most to him, though, is the integrity he brought to his career at UNC, where he won the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's James O’Hara Sargent Sportsmanship Award and also the Outstanding Sportsman Award (UNC).

“Sportsmanship really is the most important thing for me. There are a lot of things on the tennis court that you cannot control. You can’t control how good your opponent is that day. You can’t control the weather. Sometime you can’t even control whether or not you’re hitting the ball well, or your timing is on. But you can always control whether or not you are going to represent yourself and your school and your family and your values in the appropriate way, which is good sportsmanship.”

Today, he helps his students not only understand the importance of sportsmanship from a respect standoint, but also how showing good sportsmanship positively impacts their play.

“The game is so mental. So much of my coaching is the mental side of the game of tennis. When we talk about mental toughness, a big part of it is having respect for your opponent, respect for yourself, respect for the integrity of the game. If you’re mentally weak and you think you need to be cheating or doing things that are dirty, you’re kind of letting the cracks show in your mental toughness. If you are always honest, up front and polite … you don’t have to be buddies with your opponent, but you do have to be a good sport. Everyone wants to quote John McEnroe as being somebody who was a pretty hot-headed tennis player who seemed to get better when he got angrier, but for every John McEnroe there’s probably 500 other people who always get worse when they get angrier. It just does not help your performance when you start losing control of your emotions and losing control of your temper.”

The CoachOne of Colorado's most exceptional juniors,

Chad Tsuda knows a thing or two about expectations.

Tsuda was ranked No. 11 in the country when he was 16, and captured consecutive 5A state No. 1 singles titles at Fairview in 2000-01. He played for the University of Colorado the last four years of the program, during which time the team earned a top 25 ranking. For the last decade, Tsuda has been at the helm of Fairview High School boys' tennis team, and he was recently named Director of Tennis at Meadows Swim & Tennis Club.

But growing up, it wasn't his results that mattered most.

"The way I was raised from my parents, sportsmanship was the most important to them. If I didn’t have good sportsmanship, my parents weren’t going to let me play," he recalls.

“If I didn’t have good sportsmanship, it reflected poorly on my coach who I respected so much. To my longtime coach, Rich Berman, that was above all results. Sportsmanship was always a high priority for me. The only reason I was allowed to play sports is that I conducted myself in a manner that my parents approved of and Rich Berman approved of. When you get to these more competitive tournaments,

the sportsmanship definitely can change. You make sure that you’re in control of how you act, and just making sure that you’re representing yourself, your family, your coaches, high school tennis and your school with a lot of respect.”

Sportsmanship has been an important aspect of Tsuda's game since his playing days, and now carries over to coaching. "It’s just as important, if not maybe more important, to instill the characteristics of good sportsmanship to the juniors."

Tsuda says sportsmanship means even more to him as a coach than as a player.“As a coach, I make sure that it’s important to the high school team. You learn more from sportsmanship

than sometimes tennis itself.”On teaching sportsmanship, Tsuda said the biggest thing is to start with players when they’re young.“Teaching them the tennis etiquette, and letting them know at early age before competition what my

expectations are.”

The CaptainAt 71, Carrie Sharp understands that

league competition can be pretty cutthroat. Thankfully, she says, that's not common in her experience.

“Because we’re in a little older tennis divisions, it’s not so cutthroat like it used to be when we all played USTA in our 20s, 30s, 40s. Most of these girls are just thrilled to still be playing tennis. I think with sportsmanship at this age, I’d be very surprised if anybody said there are a lot of bad calls or teams that aren’t friendly. I think by the time we’ve all reached this stage we’re like, ‘Hey, we’re still playing tennis. It’s great and we’re happy to be out there.’ I just think it makes things easier.”

Sharp captains several league teams in Aurora where she now lives, including a USTA 55 & Over squad and a CTA 65 & Over team. She started playing tennis 40 years ago, and has spent more than half that time as a league captain. In her experience, tennis players are usually respectful and kind.

“You see a little difference between the local leagues and when people are moving on. Players probably aren’t quite as friendly. Even my players want to be friendly, have a great match but we don’t want to get tied up in chit chat and talking on the crossovers. You’re there to focus on what you’re doing. I’ve done 11 years here. I did 16 years in Texas being captain. I could count on one hand the things that have not been good sportsmanship — bad calls, questioning things. It’s very rare, at least in our age groups. I always tell my girls that if they think they get a bad call just shrug it off because if you get upset about it, it really upsets you more than the other team. Most girls give you the benefit of the doubt. I really think as an overall sport that tennis has a lot of good sportsmanship. Usually there are very few problems. USTA encourages that. We’re out there to play and do our best, but we’re also out there to represent tennis and not get overly upset about anything. It’s just not worth it.”


2016 ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS

ON-COURT ACHIEVEMENTMale Player

Hayden Sabatka (Denver)

Female PlayerSamantha Martinelli (Denver)

Senior PlayerKen Sawer (Carbondale)

SPORTSMANSHIP Margaret Rogers Phipps Award

Sarah Hamner (Denver)

John Hough Award Akhil Gupta (Ft. Collins)

Phyllis Lockwood AwardAmber Shen (Broomfield)

Mike, Gene & Maurice Reidy AwardCharlie Franks (Denver)

Charlie & Ira Brown AwardSam Welling (Grand Junction)

SERVICEE.L. Griffey Award

(Organization of the Year)Washington Park Tennis Club (Denver)

Carter & Lena Elliott Family Award(Family of the Year)

Mark & Olivia Lorenz Family (Colorado Springs)

Jody Riser Knudsen Award (Volunteer of the Year)

Clinton C. Vessels III (Denver)

Dorothy Mauk Award (Media Excellence)

Kurt Desautels (Denver), EditorColorado Tennis newspaper

Arthur Ashe Award (Service to Under-served Populations)

Robert Wichmann (Buena Vista)

Clyde Rogers Award (Service to Recreational Players)

Vilura Haas (Arvada)

Bud Robineau Award (Service to Tennis Community)

Duke Paluch (Boulder)

ANNUALAWARDSINTRODUCING THE 2016 RECIPIENTS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017MARRIOTT DENVER TECH CENTER5:30 PM COCKTAILS | 7:00 PM DINNER, LIVE AUCTION & PROGRAM

TICOLUMBINE KNOLLSETS AVAILABLE SOON AT COLORADOTENNIS.COM

Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala honors inductees, annual award winners

Each year, USTA Colorado recognizes players, administrators, facilities and volunteers who have distinguished themselves over the course of the year. Recipients are honored each year at the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala. Nominations are accepted each year through September 15.

2000Carol Baily, John Benson, Jack Cella, Carter & Lena Elliott, Phyllis Lockwood, Sam & Sid Milstein, Margaret Rogers Phipps

2001Joan Birkland, Sherrie Pruitt Farris, E.L. (Elmer) Griffey, Tom Keach, Jim Landin, Jeff Salzenstein, Kathleen Winegardner

2002Anne Dyde, Rosemary Fri, Stephanie Hagan, James Loehr, Dorothy Mauk, M.H. "Bud" Robineau, Jake Warde

2003Edwin "Ned" Crow, Irwin Hoffman, Dan Luna, Mike, Gene & Maurice Reidy, Karen Sather

2004Adolph “Ade” Butler, Carolyn Roberts Byrne, Richard Gugat, Fay Shwayder, Joseph Thompso

2005Miko Ando, Arnold Brown, Chet Murphy, Jeanette Paddock, Willa Wolcott Condo

2006Bruce Avery, Willard Douglas Corley & Willard Douglas Corley, Jr., Don Harker, Carlene Petersen, Bill Wright

2007Tariq Abdul-Hamid, Ned Cooney, Sandra Elliott, Roald Flater, Andrea Jaeger

2008Paula Coulter, Charlie Gates, Jr., Allen Kiel, Katie Koontz, Jeff Loehr

2009Chester Harris, Vernon John, Rhona Kaczmarczyk, Jack TerBorg, Becky Varnum Bucolo

2010Clarence Dodge, Art & John Hagan, Brenda Vlasak, Kent Woodar

2011Cliff Buchholz, Maricaye Christenson Daniels, Scott Humphries, Alicia Salas

2012Clayton Benham, Chad Harris, Warrick Jones, Victoria Palmer Heinicke

2013Nicole Leimbach, Rita Price, Gil Roberts, John Whistler

2014Sara Anundsen, Kelly Lovato, Cory Ross, Art Thomson

2015Rich Berman, Bob Curtis, Andy Potter, Susan (Mehmedbasich) Wright

2016Dave Benson, Mary Jane Metcalf Donnalley, Dennis Ralston, Don Willsie


Tennis Magazine “Hero” Matarazzo to be recognized at Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame Gala

Story by Blair Henley for USTA.com When Vicky Matarazzo was diagnosed with breast cancer

in 2010, she had simple instructions for her doctors: They needed to perform the necessary mastectomy quickly so she could take her Special Olympics tennis players to nationals five weeks later.

Her medical team obliged, and Matarazzo took her place by her students’ side as she had so many times before. Her dedication to her athletes has become legendary in Colorado since she took over a Denver Special Olympics tennis program 1994. She has expanded opportunities for adaptive athletes exponentially, starting a variety of new programs and watching her players collect medals all over the world.

Matarazzo was a 30-year-old mother of five when she first stepped onto a tennis court. She made a foray into coaching about a decade later, turning a local high school team into a Colorado powerhouse. During that time, she found her true passion after answering an ad for a local Special Olympics coach. “It was like the reason God sent me to tennis at age 30 was not because I was going to go to Wimbledon,” she says, “but because I was going to be a Special Olympics director.”

No disability was too severe for Matarazzo to take on. She has been known to put bells on racquets to help blind athletes, even developing a Velcro fastening system for students unable to properly grip a frame. David Jensen is one of her most memorable success stories. He arrived at a class after a childhood seizure robbed him of his mobility, speech and much of his sight. He now has several gold medals to his name.

“Those born with adversity often turn out better than those of us that weren’t,” Matarazzo says. “Every day of their life is adversity, and we whine about the silliest little things.”

Watching her students deal with disability has undoubtedly prepared Matarazzo to manage her own ongoing health issues. In 2014, just four years after her breast cancer battle, doctors diagnosed her with stage IV lung cancer. Against the odds, the 68-year-old is still active in coaching her beloved Special Olympics players.

“Even though I know my life is probably coming close to an end, I know I’ve had an opportunity to touch lives,” she says. “People think tennis is just a game, but if they spent one day with me, they would see that it is so much more.”

Matarazzo, a recipient of the 2003 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for the USTA Intermountain Section as well as several other local honors, has spoken to many groups in hopes that her experience will inspire others to make a difference. Her enthusiasm is convincing, contagious and immediately invites the question: What are the rest of you waiting for?

“I don’t care if people remember my name, but if they can take one thing away, I’d want them to find an opportunity to change a life.”

s The Mullen High School boys' tennis team recently shared tennis with students at Ft. Logan Northgate 3-8 School. With Subaru’s support, each student received a tennis racquet to take home so they could keep playing.

Thanks to Subaru’s longtime support of CYTF Racquets for All program, the Southern Ute Indian Academy in southwest Colorado received the gift of tennis for their students. Thirty tennis racquets and balls were donated to the school for their start-up tennis program.

“Last year I started by introducing racquet sports such as badminton and pickleball, and I wanted to do tennis,” said teacher Kris McSweeney, “but, I realized there was no equipment for this.”

A friend told her about the Colorado Youth Tennis Foundation’s Racquets for All program and that her school might be eligible to receive equipment,

so she reached out to learn more. “The new school year has started, and we really got to play tennis,” a grateful McSweeney said. “I taught students about racquet size, serving, scoring and that tennis can be a lifelong sport.” McSweeney said that she plans to start a tennis club at their school in the near future.

Subaru was a big part of USTA’s Colorado Community Tennis Series, including the 2016 edition of Diversity TennisFest, which was held on the courts at MSU Denver. TennisFest engaged 115 youth and families in the sport through interactive on-court games and activities set to fun music.

As official vehicle of USTA Colorado, Subaru of America continued to invest in tennis in 2016, making the sport accessible to those who want to learn and play.

SUBARU PAVING ROADS FOR GRASSROOTS TENNIS

s


THE 2017

BIG BOOK OF COLORADO TENNIS

IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

PLEASE CONTACT KAREN ENGEL <[email protected]> TO RESERVE YOUR ADVERTISING. THE DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 12, 2016


THE 2017

BIG BOOK OF COLORADO TENNIS

IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.


presented by

You can find the complete history of HighFIVEs online at:http://colorado.usta.com/cta/news/buzz/highfive

THE FIVE: EPISODE H5.27GETTING TO KNOW THE COLORADO TENNIS COMMUNITY, FIVE FACES AT A TIME KATIENEWELL

ow you handle yourself after life gives you an unfair hand says a lot about the true essence of a person. For Ethan Hughes, a junior at Fountain-Fort Carson,

he’s handled his challenges with courage, determination and grace. And while his life story is complicated, his outlook is simple.

“Don’t give up.”Ethan, who suffered brain damage and

was partially paralyzed on the right side of his body after a tragic farming accident when he was three, plays No. 3 singles and No. 1 doubles for his high school team. A baseball player at heart, Ethan said it took him a while to adjust to tennis, but now he’s fully committed to being the best he can be.

Playing with one arm which is quite impressive especially on his serve, Ethan is most confident in his forehand and most challenged by the return of serve.

Ethan enjoyed his first high school win this year, a straight set victory at No. 1 doubles against Harrison in September.

When asked if he has any pre-game rituals or self-talk to help settle nerves, he said, “I just tell myself that Jesus is looking down on me.”

That grace is also reflected in Ethan’s favorite part of the game. “I love competing with different people,” he said of what tennis has meant to him.

Linda Timmons, Ethan’s Special Olympics Coach and also his unified partner, says that Ethan is a remarkable young man. “He’s a great singles player and a great doubles player. He uses strategy very well, especially in singles.” She also said that Ethan is incredibly athletic which has helped him with the success he’s had in just the two short years since he was introduced to the sport.

Heather Hughes, Ethan’s mother is proud of the pure determination shown by her son. Lucky to have survived the accident, neither one of them take anything for granted. “He’s an amazing kid that has an amazing attitude,” she said.

Not one to shy away from his experience, Ethan has advice for younger players or those going through adversity. “You never can give up. You have to stay motivated and focus on your goals.”

Ethan’s short term goals include retaining his singles spot in tennis and staying strong academically. Longer term he wants to attend college potentially in the medical arena.

here are people in life who know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. That's precisely the scenario in which Vicki Holthus — who recently left her role as the South Suburban Parks & Recreation tennis programs director after 16 years — found herself at the age of 7.

“I picked up a racquet when I was seven,” she said, “and it was pure joy.” She jokingly remembers that she was on her dad’s last nerve by smacking the ball against their garage door. So

Vicki and her best friend found a nearby tennis court and began her life in the tennis world. Entering the realm of high school tennis, Vicki forged her own way early. Despite being in a cast, she secured a spot playing

doubles on the Cherry Creek High School squad. “I had a blast,” she reminisced. “It was a different time with technology and equipment. Things have come a long way since my wooden racquet!”

After graduation, Vicki went straight to Van der Meer Tennis Academy (in Virginia at the time) to become a PTR tennis professional. Her dream to teach the sport became stronger after learning from the legend himself. “Dennis knew every student by name,” she said of the 70 something students in her class. “He was an incredible teacher.”

Young to be a professional at 18 years old, Vicki began her career at Tennis World (now Monaco) and then taught at the City of Aurora for eight years. Deciding at that point to go to college, Vicki obtained her degree in Parks & Recreation with a minor in Sports Management.

“Then I landed my real dream job,” Vicki said of her opportunity at South Suburban in 1999. “I can’t begin to say enough about my time there. The team is incredible.”

Yet it is her and her team’s accomplishments at South Suburban that are incredible including: USTA/NRPA Excellence in Tennis Programming, Outstanding Tennis Facility Award (Littleton Golf & Tennis 2004, Lone Tree Tennis Center 2011), E.L. Griffey Award in 2005 and 2012, Organization of the Year Award, Citizen Life Saving Award/ South Metro Fire & Rescue where Vicki directly saved a life, and Top 50 Tennis Welcome Center.

Vicki is looking forward to a new chapter in “semi-retirement”, excited to plan a big celebration for her beloved mother who will be turning 90 years young soon. But no doubt there’s more tennis in the upcoming pages.

ETHANHUGHES

VICKIHOLTHUS

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colorado.usta.com/cta/news/buzz/highfive


rom very early in her childhood, Voradel Carey was taught the fundamental value of “Service to Others.”

In a prior role as Program Coordinator at the Center for African American Health, and now with Jefferson County Public Schools, Voradel is an exceptional leader and fundraiser. She’s also a dedicated volunteer

and committee member for tennis and youth in Colorado, serving as Volunteer/Committee Previous Chair Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the USTA and former Board Member/Volunteer for Warren Village with poverty alleviation. The community advocate is currently on the board for cityWILD, East5ide Unified Leadership Committee. She also served as a Board Member/Volunteer for The First Tee of Denver (educate and inspire youth through golf), as well as having served as Board Member/Volunteer/Chair of Disbursement Committee for the Colorado Youth Foundation ... just to name a few.

Having been educated in a private Catholic school, she said giving to those around you was instilled in her from an early age. “My entire family was taught how important service to your community is.” That value system has defined her path and will continue to weave its way through her future goals.

Voradel grew up in San Diego, and picked up her first racquet at 10 years old through the Parks and Recreation program that offered free

lessons – an opportunity she was grateful for and experienced firsthand what tennis can bring to a young life. “It’s a great sport,” she said. “I had the opportunity to teach for a year which was a wonderful experience.” She played in high school and then at Purdue, earning bachelor’s degrees in both Sociology and Journalism. Ultimately, she received her Masters in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. Voradel says she would love to serve on the USTA Board, bringing more exposure to tennis. She said she understands how she can be an integral part of that desired growth. “Kids have a chance to see me and who I am,” she said of her opportunity to attract more diversity to the sport. “When they see someone more like them, it helps them want to part of it.”

ate James, USTA Colorado’s newest League Coordinator, isn’t afraid of a little snow that Colorado offers. In fact, the tennis enthusiast grew up in southwest Minnesota and jokes about the “tough” winters here. She thrives

on the change of seasons, as well as the change in her life since moving to our state.

Introduced to tennis by her dad, she grew up in a small town where there weren't many opportunities to play, but her passion and hard work led to four years on the varsity squad at Mankato State in Minnesota.

The economy was tough in 2008 when Kate graduated with her marketing degree. She fell back on her love of tennis, taking a position with Minnesota-based Lifetime Fitness in their tennis program. An expansion to Colorado Springs offered Kate an opportunity to a life beyond Minnesota. She jumped at the chance to experience a new life in Colorado and eventually worked her way to the Centennial location.

“I loved working with the younger players, the under 10 group,” she said of her Lifetime experience. But said she enjoys working with all ages and ability levels. “Tennis gives people the chance to grow athletically on the court, but honestly it gives people a chance just to grow up! There’s so much about life’s challenges that happen on a tennis court!”

When asked what it is about tennis that fits with her life personally she laughed and explained, “It’s everything really! I love tennis.” She goes on to explain that working in tennis is her business life, and her social life. She was recently married to fellow netter Ryan James.

Tasked with growing the sport of tennis, particularly for the under 25 participant, is an exciting goal and Kate is up for the challenge. “We are looking at unique ways to bring those who have never swung a racquet to tennis,” she said. “These are people that could be on kickball leagues currently or playing other social sports,” she mentioned of the marketing and outreach efforts that will form her strategy.

n each life there are moments that define the path one needs to follow. For Tom Zundel, retired former real estate agent, it was driving in his car, listening to sports talk radio that stirred up something deep within him. Stopping

at Morse Park and watching the Lakewood High School girls’ team practice, the self-described “spiritual guy” knew he was meant to be there at that moment and knew he could help the team.

Approaching then 15-year veteran coach, Laura Zlogar, he offered himself up to the program. “She said come back tomorrow with all your stuff,” he laughed about that day. After years spent volunteering at several levels within the program, Tom is now the head coach of the Lakewood Girls Varsity Tennis Team.

“My goal was honestly just to help improve the program and to have more kids involved,” he said. The no-cut sport went from 23 girls to near 50. “Part of that growth was word of mouth — if you want to try it out, you have a place here.” And although Tom himself didn’t play tennis competitively until his 30s, he knew the positive impact it could have on a person’s life.

Making a difference to teenagers is deeply vital to Tom who himself struggled with fear and anxiety in sports as a young athlete who played competitive hockey. “I started a mission trip to figure out how to deal with those negative emotions,” he said, “and learned about the difference between a fixed mind-set and growth mind-set.” He worked hard at learning how to deal with the emotional and ego issues that can paralyze players and wanted the chance to help other young athletes who struggle with that balance.

“There is so much pressure on these kids and we just want to give them a safe haven,” he said of the program. “These young people are smarter than myself and the other coaches but we have more life experiences, helping us to provide a positive environment for them to deal with those issues.” Tom said many of the kids are confronted with high levels of academic, social and family pressures that often create anxiety and worry and he understands how that feels.

In his community, Tom is known as a tireless volunteer who has worked hard in providing tennis clinics in area schools. Whit Wilson with the Lakewood Park Tennis Center said that, “Tom doesn’t have to do what he does, he does it because he truly cares about people and promoting tennis in any way he can.”

VORADELCAREY

KATEJAMES

TOMZUNDEL

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MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.


PLAYERDEVELOPMENT

Player Development update Part I: Player Development is much more than providing assistance to the ultra-competitive/highly ranked players.

USTA Colorado Player Development is about providing a pathway and programming for all levels of players — regardless of their long term tennis goals. Promoting and developing the sport to all youth.

Part II: USTA Colorado Player Development as it relates to U12 tennis. Establishing guidelines as to the suggested use of ROGY (Red-Orange-Green-Yellow progression). • Skills/competencies to be met BEFORE the player transitions to next court.• Encouraging Colorado coaches to learn these guidelines and incorporate into their

teaching methodology.• Educate parents so that everyone is on board and understands the benefits of this

philosophy.

Player Development Focus for 2017Coaches Education

• Establish and strengthen relationships with coaches statewide. Use variety in USTA Colorado programming.

• Create a teaching/learning environment in all USTA Colorado programs for involved coaches.

• Encourage continuing education through USPTA and PTR — especially in regards to U12 tennis.

Parent Education

• Hold statewide forums to support parents. Share new USTA Colorado philosophy. Help with understanding ROGY.

• Will support coaches as they are pressured by parents to move players too quickly. Increase number of Team Colorado parent education talks.

FALL/WINTER 2016CREATING A NEW USTA COLORADO PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY


PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS2016 ROSTERS

EDC RostersBoys Orange

Colin Crecelius Emmitt RichardsonTeo DavidofNathanael TreveyPhillip PakTimo WuWill Moldenhauer

Girls OrangeBrenna RadebaughLauren MakinkovichLila MoldenhauerSamantha BrennerSophie Parr

Boys GreenBrady JenkinsBridger GalyardtChristian TreveyEnzo InghiterraFletcher CraigLucas KrambeckMark LapkoNik Jacobson Tyler Burridge Warren WellsZack Salfi

Girls GreenElona SimonovKendall Adams Maya BrakhageQuinn BernthalRosabella Andrade

COME EXPERIENCE

For more information, please contact

Miikka Keronen, Director of [email protected]

Ryan Gannon, Membership [email protected]

Adult & Junior programs for all ages, abilities.

www.TheRanchCC.com

Competetive Training Squad

BoysAkhil GuptaMatthew BatmunkhNico Jamison

GirlsAnna JordaanKaja JacobsonLela DaszutaValerie Negin

Devo Team 10sGirlsLila MoldenhauerSophia BeattySophie Parr

BoysBryce DilworthEmmitt RichardsonJace NakamuraNathanael TreveyPhilip PakWill Moldenhauer

Devo Team 12sGirlsGrace AgsterKatie ParrKendall AdamsMaya BrakhageRemy Nguyen

BoysChristian TreveyDaniel SmithFletcher Craig

Gus AlbrightLuca SiringoLucas KrambeckNik JacobsonPhoenix LeeWesley LeachZach Hayutin

CoachesCTSMeike Babel / Co LeadMike Phillips / Co Lead

Devo TeamsMeike Babel / LeadGonzo GarciaIvona JacobsonMike PhillipsPeggy BernardisSteve Williams

Star Search Winter RostersOrange Ball

Ayden NguyenKiana GaillouxKhai NguyenMaanasi GowdaSebastian MejiaJaden RussellEric PhamMaija DonnellyParisa KianJohn MillerSofia LovatoRithvik IyerTravis NguyenTyson HardyBryce DilworthDavid TranLuke Gailloux

Green BallBlake NguyenIana NguyenEileenTranMia GoldbergLucas FademIan DuqueEthan TranArman KianLiam KerriganNikita SazonovCade ShiveleyRyan ParkerSophia MaestasDiegoGarcia GalloRowan Evans

The Star Search program is designed to nurture and further develop the tennis skills of identified 8-12 year olds from culturally-diverse communities throughout Colorado. These players possess a love for the sport and are committed by actively participating in outside tennis programming.

There are NO FEES associated with Star Search. Fall and Winter ProgramsOur fall Star Search program is held outdoors at Denver City Park on Saturday afternoons from mid-September through October. The winter program takes place indoors at Colorado Athletic Club Monaco from mid-December to May on Saturday evenings.

http://theranchcc.com


2017 14 Samantha Martinelli Denver2017 134 Madison Wolfe Monument2017 220 Casey Zhong Highlands Ranch2017 300 Alex Pessoa Denver2017 402 Grace Koza Littleton2017 510 Sara Schoenbeck Pueblo West2017 584 Maeve Kearney Englewood2017 851 Alyssa Arenson Colorado Springs2017 874 Sydney Smith Colorado Spring2017 909 Maleeha Chowdhury Highlands Ranch2017 913 Morgan Bullen Denver2017 972 Anna Hoffman FtCollins2017 982 Cara Fitzpatrick Mead2017 991 Isha Banerjee Boulder2017 997 Megan Lantz Parker 2018 76 Tatum Burger Steamboat Springs2018 105 Amber Shen Broomfield2018 183 Anshika Singh Greenwood Village2018 223 Emily Strande Centennial2018 306 Ky Ecton FtCollins2018 385 Micha Handler Englewood2018 585 Sarah Fleming Grand Junction2018 722 Julia Pentz Niwot2018 726 Taylor Thulson Louisville2018 748 Alexandra Djoumaliev Loveland2018 818 Rachel Nguyen Westminster2018 907 Natalie Bronsdon Highlands Ranch2018 912 Emma Gaydos Monument2018 920 Savannah Mease Littleton2018 1203 Caitlin Hearty Littleton2018 1255 Savannah Leifer Colorado Springs2018 1260 Cynthia Morin Colorado Springs2018 1267 Ana Horvath Broomfield

2019 217 Josephine Schaffer Greenwood Village2019 219 Seraphin Castelino Superior2019 303 Morgan Hall Colorado Springs2019 369 Sophie Pearson Longmont2019 419 Emily Untermeyer Cherry Hills Village2019 591 Sayuri Garud Centennial2019 627 Trisha Somasundaram Superior2019 770 Mia Oliver Denver2019 774 Lindsay Lynch Englewood2019 885 Madissen Allen Centennial2019 927 Amanda Schlatter Cherry Hills Village2019 959 Mattie Kuntzelman Colorado Springs2019 1024 Trini Somasundaram Superior2019 1036 Josie Williams Centennial2019 1053 Emma Morrissey Denver2019 1200 Willow Purvis Denver2019 1281 Allyson Horvath Broomfield2019 1289 Shelby Roberts Longmont 2020 283 Meghna Chowdhury Highlands Ranch2020 318 Samantha Moore-Thomson Denver2020 357 Hana Kimmey Parker2020 370 Mavis Edwards Bayfield2020 378 Veronika Bruetting Highlands Ranch2020 386 Lela Daszuta Evergreen2020 471 Ellie Strande Centennial2020 566 Olivia Desso Evergreen2020 582 Natalie Hamill FtCollins2020 728 Mae Thorp Steamboat Springs2020 913 Amanda Pruitt Highlands Ranch2020 999 Isabella Pacheco Englewood2020 1013 Haley Artis Aurora2020 1021 Gigi Jensen Boulder

2020 1024 Noelle Cerone Steamboat Springs2020 1137 Keelie Bennett Monument2020 1142 Rebecca Pavot Longmont2020 1228 Erica Mock Littleton2020 1229 Grace Chadwick Castle Rock2020 1231 Bridget Bell Louisville2020 1274 Amanda Kopf Englewood2020 1288 Tehnley Longmont2020 1302 Jessica Pan Highlands Ranch2020 1376 Jodi Reed Colorado Springs 2021 182 Samantha Anthony Longmont2021 184 Lucy Lu Broomfield2021 190 Sarah Hamner FtCollins2021 248 Valerie Negin Centennial2021 255 Eliza Hill Greenwood Village2021 275 Dilafzo Abdullaeva Aurora2021 375 Natalie Stone Broomfield2021 379 Rachel Swan Highlands Ranch2021 390 Anna Reimers Highlands Ranch2021 425 Julia Rydel Denver2021 432 Nicole Hill Greenwood Village2021 554 Cassidy Rich Highlands Ranch2021 649 Miranda Kawula Cherry Hills Village2021 696 Alexis Bernthal Boulder2021 707 Marina Youngdahl Superior2021 781 Alyssa Kawakami FtCollins2021 831 Lauren Manwiller Evergreen2021 832 Christina Heffron Castle Rock2021 932 Natalie Sprenger Superior2021 1012 Mackenzie Wheeler Parker2021 1014 Anna Fusaris Castle Rock2021 1049 Ella Barclay Aurora2021 1051 Emily Creek Longmont

2021 1070 Dahlia Rappaport Englewood2021 1085 Chloe Knape FtCollins2021 1175 Mikaela Mueller Littleton2021 1236 Gwen Hall Englewood 2022 30 Rebecca Lynn Denver2022 320 Alissa Gurkovskiy Aurora2022 427 Jasmine Geiss Loveland2022 525 Radina Bakalov Longmont2022 575 Lilianna Chitambar Boulder2022 750 Stephanie Untermeyer Cherry Hills Village2022 787 Christine Jevicky Littleton2022 804 Ellie Hartman Colorado Springs2022 807 Lila Travis Boulder2022 882 Dakota Gelman Denver2022 906 Ruby Muhl Monument 2023 40 Karolina Jacobson Broomfield2023 145 Anna Jordaan Cherry Hills Village2023 462 Amina Abdullaeva Centennial2023 483 Grace Agster Castle Pines2023 507 Emma Aubert Grand Junction2023 573 Katie Parr Evergreen2023 603 Makenna Collins FtCollins2023 658 Quinn Bernthal Boulder2023 690 Olivia Aguirre Cherry Hills Village2023 745 Lauren Pavot Longmont

COLLEGE RECRUITING LIST, NOVEMBER 2016THE LATEST NATIONAL STANDINGS FROM TENNISRECRUITING.NET

2017 62 Casey Ross Littleton2017 129 Ethan Hillis Centennial2017 336 Kai Smith Denver2017 378 Ryan James Denver2017 398 Ben Antonsen Highlands Ranch2017 441 Niko Hereford Denver2017 456 Robby Hill Greenwood Village2017 505 Matthew Lambert Aspen2017 662 Matthew Chavez Mead2017 666 Frederick Edwards Bayfield2017 679 Tom Hudson Golden2017 698 Devin Harper Westminster2017 853 Connor Clancy Greeley2017 929 Nolan Rademacher Monument2017 947 Spencer Wolff Broomfield2017 957 Patrick Ross Littleton2017 1003 Graham Blanco Boulder2017 1026 Aaron Weil Highlands Ranch2017 1112 Xavier Pacheco Englewood2017 1136 Samuel Hoelscher Lakewood2017 1144 Bryce Viorst Denver2017 1149 Conor Smith Parker2017 1210 Michael Nagus Longmont2017 1211 Cameron McGregor Littleton2017 1215 Ryan Lahr Evergreen2017 1285 Jacob Stringer Longmont2017 1361 Peter Graham Longmont2017 1404 Nathan Hillier Centennial2017 1411 Logan Fristensky Superior2017 1416 Everett Martin Boulder2017 1421 Patrick Booth Salida2017 1437 Gabriel Graves Littleton 2018 53 Kasper Smith Boulder2018 251 Jack Moldenhauer Denver2018 266 Charlie Franks Denver2018 290 Tom Melville Boulder2018 332 Joshua King Englewood2018 363 Skyler Gates Littleton2018 382 Ryan Neale Parker2018 416 Daniel Guiot Denver2018 467 Jack Alexander Littleton2018 483 Mitchell Johnson Cherry Hills Village2018 628 Ethan Schacht Boulder2018 676 Dillon Leasure Carbondale2018 686 Benjamin Murray Englewood2018 837 Vinay Merchant Centennial2018 899 Bradley Ma Colorado Springs2018 939 Quinn Bermingham Denver2018 1143 Arjun Gupta Severance

2018 1151 Dustin Bohuslavschi Peyton2018 1211 Patrick Seby Denver2018 1221 Jordan Wagner Littleton2018 1233 Henry Hawk Boulder2018 1352 Drew Hill Greenwood Village2018 1394 Laird Stewart Englewood2018 1407 Stone Heyman Englewood2018 1412 Sam Angell Denver2018 1435 Brandon Nelsen Longmont2018 1442 Ethan Katz Boulder2018 1476 Gabriel Suarez New Castle2018 1497 Evan Nuss Castle Rock2018 1500 Brooks Savage Boulder2018 1533 Jake Becker Colorado Springs2018 1624 Alexander Wimer Englewood2018 1635 Carter Holbrook Boulder2018 1673 Landon Lees Loveland2018 1700 Gabriel Caldwell-Nepveux Denver2018 1708 Jackson Cesark Grand Junction2018 1718 Alexander Glimco Colorado Springs2018 1719 Hans Callanan Boulder2018 1764 Matthew Mahoney Denver2018 1771 Adam Brubaker Loveland2018 1789 Jonathan Szwaja Loveland2018 1832 Ryan Burbary Lone Tree 2019 103 Richter Jordaan Cherry Hills Village2019 114 Nicholas Lorenz Colorado Springs2019 148 Brett Finan Broomfield2019 184 Christian Holmes Littleton2019 583 Teague Burger Steamboat Springs2019 647 Tyler Landen Centennial2019 748 Sam Nassif Denver2019 837 Kosta Garger Englewood2019 954 Alexander Ilic Aspen2019 956 Riley Black Niwot2019 981 Andrew Seehausen Lonetree2019 1013 Andy Wu Boulder2019 1031 Jackson Holland Windsor2019 1117 Teodor Cariov Boulder2019 1131 Beck Chrisbens Boulder2019 1189 Wyatt Stempel Steamboat Springs2019 1291 Henry Cox Parker2019 1349 Brenden Arndt Longmont2019 1361 Luke Miller Colorado Springs2019 1386 Jordan Rickard-Peisner FtCollins2019 1394 Cameron Weckerly Niwot2019 1405 Andrew Jeffries Littleton2019 1456 Maxwell Probst Highlands Ranch2019 1614 William Holst Greenwood Village

2019 1665 Trent Beckman Greenwood Village2019 1687 Riley Mulshine Longmont2019 1715 Samson Knape FtCollins2019 1741 Michael Barto Colorado Springs 2020 128 Jett Middleton Littleton2020 198 Quinn Snyder Steamboat Springs2020 264 Caden Kammerer Longmont2020 420 John Dick Highlands Ranch2020 534 Akhil Gupta Severance2020 665 Alex Gordon Cherry Hills Village2020 838 Jean-Loup Auzias Denver2020 858 Paul Jones Manitou Springs2020 940 Nicholas Svichar Greenwood Village2020 957 Stefan Hester Longmont2020 1095 Caleb Aguirre Cherry Hills Village2020 1108 Dario Alcala Pueblo2020 1205 Manas Saini Longmont2020 1230 William Jones Littleton2020 1233 Michael Conde Superior2020 1267 Ben Bicknell Niwot2020 1305 Jared Green Centennial2020 1433 Zach Scott Aurora2020 1474 Cedric Loehr Centennial2020 1493 Joey Geisz Colorado Springs2020 1604 Anton Lavrouk Firestone2020 1701 Brandon Pennington Lakewood2020 1722 Mac Caldwell Greenwood Village2020 1733 Saurav Behera Aurora2020 1782 Hunter Gormley FtCollins2020 1798 Nautica Cobb Arvada2020 1801 Jackson Oechsle Westminster2020 1813 Ryan Wood Centennial2020 1838 Christian Hirano Niwot 2021 76 Clark Steinhauser Denver2021 135 Neil Wilcox Boulder2021 253 Morgan Schilling Littleton2021 479 Luke Silverman Boulder2021 511 Andy Schuiling Steamboat Springs2021 544 George Cavo Greenwood Village,2021 560 Grigor Karakelyan Aurora2021 562 Nicholas Dietrich Golden2021 595 Phillip Albright Denver2021 858 Chase Walters Highlands Ranch2021 896 Arjun Batra Aurora2021 962 Chris Swanson Highlands Ranch2021 1037 David Bomgaars Aurora2021 1038 Dayton Fisher Arvada2021 1167 Christopher Nelson Castle Rock

2021 1172 Wyatt Stack Boulder2021 1248 George Henry Hanzel Denver2021 1278 James Levison Westminster2021 1289 Dante Dino Denver2021 1331 Zak Chehadi Louisville2021 1336 Samuel Keronen Longmont2021 1346 Andre Maltzahn FtCollins2021 1379 Clayton Baldwin Boulder2021 1380 Nico Gonzalez Denver2021 1397 Carter Kawakami FtCollins2021 1409 Christian Trevey Parker2021 1476 Braden Mayer Englewood2021 1489 Dennis Pozhidaev Longmont2021 1539 Carter Galyardt FtCollins 2022 270 Finn Cooper Denver2022 406 Matthew Batmunkh Aurora2022 442 Conor Kaczmarczyk Denver2022 634 Mason Arado FtCollins2022 690 Gabriel Wu Colorado Springs2022 702 Charlie Jenkins Lonetree2022 818 Aksel Moe Boulder2022 829 Jack Scherer Littleton2022 941 Carter Smith Littleton2022 971 Sam McDonald Englewood2022 1010 Oliver Muhl Monument2022 1012 Phoenix Lee Lakewood2022 1187 Ainsley Elliott-Beagle Centennial2022 1195 Henry Johnson Greenwood Village2022 1211 Colin Boublik Castle Rock2022 1224 John Lehto Evergreen2022 1239 Alan Davis Colorado Springs 2023 35 Nico Jamison Greeley2023 395 Jack Kennedy Denver2023 464 Max Moe Boulder2023 477 Bridger Galyardt FtCollins2023 609 Raphael Wieland Denver2023 623 Nolan Arado FtCollins2023 680 Andrew Schell Denver2023 683 Wesley Leach Wheat Ridge2023 701 Daniel Smith Littleton2023 759 Enzo Inghilterra Denver2023 765 Jack Barker Littleton2023 786 Kiril Kostadinov Denver2023 805 Ezra Doherty Boulder2023 811 Gus Albright Denver2023 814 Hadley Fisher Arvada2023 836 Tyler Burridge Boulder2023 869 Jordan Pan Highlands Ranch

CLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWN CLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWNCLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWN CLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWN

CLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWN CLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWNCLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWN CLASS RANK PLAYER HOMETOWN

BOYS

GIRLS

Rankings as of November 1, 2016

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grand prix

10s Division: 12-2pm

DECEMBER 4COLORADO ATHLETIC CLUB / INVERNESS

12s division: 2-4pm 14s division: 4-6pm

Registration at coloradotennis.com or email [email protected]

10s 12s 14s

CHALLENGER DIVISIONSTeams are comprised of 4-6 players

Coaching is

both PERMITTED

& ENCOURAGED!

3v3 Format• 1 singles + 1 doubles played simultaneously

• Real-time substitutions

• Gender-neutral teams

Find out more at facebook.com/USTAColoradoScenes from the 3v3 Grand Prix in Lakewood


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4A Individual ResultsNo. 1 singles Championship: Casey Ross, Kent, def Brett Finan, Peak to Peak, 6-4, 6-03rd place: Richter Jordaan, Colorado Academy, def Matt Chavez, Niwot, 6-1, 6-1

No. 2 singles Championship: Jack Moldenhauer, Kent Denver, def Quinn Bermingham, Colorado Academy, 6-0, 6-23rd place: Dillon Leasure, Aspen, def Cadan Kammerer, Niwot, 6-0, 6-3

No. 3 singles Championship: Niko Hereford, Kent Denver def Riley Black, 6-0, 6-03rd place: Jordan Wagner, Colorado Academy, def Alex Ilic, Aspen, 7-6, 6-3

No. 1 doubles Championship: Laird Stewart/Sam Nassif, Kent Denver def Garrett Sutter/Nicholas Pulido, Colorado Academy, 6-4, 7-53rd place: Keegan Mehall/Gabriel Suarez, Aspen, def Chapin Schott/Jonathan Hertel, 7-5, 7-6

No. 2 doubles Championship: Alex Wimer/Oliver Greenwald, Kent Denver, def Zachary Brinker/Caleb Aguirre, Colorado Academy, 6-1, 6-33rd place: Cade McClellan/Seth Clemente, Dawson, def Riley Mulshine/Cruz Culpepper, Niwot, 7-6, 7-6

No. 3 doubles Championship: Nick Savignano/Coby Gold, Kent Denver, def Isaiah Dawid/Garrett Rademacher, Lewis Palmer, 4-6, 6-2, 6-23rd place: Cameron Pollock/Emmett Ela, Colorado Academy, def Christopher Gregory/George Ghali, Aspen, 6-4, 6-0

No. 4 doubles Championship: Jack Cuntz/Blake Kuzava, Evergreen, def Ren Lubchenco/Eli Henry, Colorado Academy, 7-5, 4-6, 6-43rd place: Ryan Otto/Cam Cramer, Dawson, def Alex Baum/Trent Beckman, Kent Denver, 2-6, 7-5, 6-3

4A Team Results1 Kent Denver 912 Colorado Academy 643 Niwot 384 Aspen 335 Dawson 155 Peak to Peak 15T7 Lewis Palmer 11T7 Evergreen 119 Valor Christian 810 Silver Creek 6T11 Discovery Canyon 4T11 Steamboat Springs 4T13 D'Evelyn 3T13 Thompson Valley 3T13 Air Academy 3T13 Cheyenne Mountain 3T13 Fountain Valley 3T18 Palmer Ridge 1T18 George Washington 1T18 Mullen 1T18 Windsor 1T22 Greeley Central 0T22 Skyline 0T22 Longmont 0T22 Pueblo Central 0T22 Pueblo West 0T22 Pueblo Centennial 0T22 Canon City 0

Photo by Chris McLean/Pueblo Chieftain

PREPCOMPETITIONROSS CAPS CAREER WITH REPEAT 4A SINGLES CROWN, LEADS KENT TO FOURTH STRAIGHT TEAM TITLE

4A WRAP-UPCasey Ross (pictured) led Kent Denver to its fourth straight team title as he captured his second consecutive singles title at No. 1. Ross will take his considerable tennis skills to Dartmouth College next fall. The rest of the Kent squad did their part as well, winning at every position except for No. 4 doubles. This makes the 9th season in which Kent has won the 4A team title, and they did it in dominating fashion, tying their own state record with 91 points (set in 2013). In the nearly 90 years of state competition, no school has eclipsed the 90-point mark, and Kent has now done it twice.

Aspen made a strong showing with 33 points, nearly doubling their previous best (17 points in 2013).

Dan Mohrmann/CHSAANow.com


Horizon duo bring baseball skills to state tennis meetHorizon's No. 3 doubles team didn't expect to be here. At State. In tennis. The duo

only got together after Jett Lopez convinced his good friend Parker Kretzler to pick up a tennis racquet and join him on the team. Jett had given tennis a try the year before, and he wªnted to play with his buddy, Parker, who was graduating in the spring. The easy part was timing — tennis is a fall sport, so it wouldn't conflict with their primary sport, baseball.

This year was Parker's first time playing tennis for high school. "I'm good in racquet sports in gym, so I decided to give [tennis] a try." Things worked out in the lineups and the two were paired together at No. 3 doubles.

As luck would have it, head coach Alex Le said, "their on-court chemistry, baseball philosophies, and extreme competitiveness made them an unexpected tennis phenomenon. The boys have a lot of fun when they play together especially with their expressive personalities. At first glance, most players don't expect them to be as good as they are with their big 'McEnroe' hair and bandanas and unorthodox play styles. What

they lack in fundamental tennis strokes, they make up in speed, smarts, good communication and consistency."

The duo improved throughout the season, and became the first state tennis qualifiers for Horizon in more than a decade, where they won two of their four matches, scoring enough points to tie the school in 11th overall the team's first points at State since 1991.

Coach Le says that while Parker wishes he could have started tennis sooner, he is happy to have had this opportunity to compete and make lasting memories.

As for Jett, Le knows that he'll be returning, if for no other reason than to help out his primary sport.

"He thinks baseball and tennis complement each other very well. Tennis has taught him to be more precise with hitting a serve to a target which sometimes equated to how he would hit a baseball to a certain part of the field. He says it gave him more 'touch and feel' with the ball."

Next year, Le says he expects to see even more improvement in his program. "Horizon isn't known for its tennis, but year-after-year we are steadily improving."

The source of his optimism? Le said that Jett is planning on persuading more boys from the baseball team to join tennis. And that's proven to be a winning combination this year.

5A Individual ResultsNo. 1 singles Championship: Ethan Hillis, Cherry Creek def Dawid Kijak, Overland, 6-0, 6-13rd Place: Kai Smith, Denver East, def Tom Melville, Fairview, 6-1, 7-5

No. 2 singles Championship: Robby Hill, Cherry Creek def Charlie Franks, Denver East, 6-7, 7-6, 6-43rd Place: Jack Alexander, Heritage, def Ethan Schacht, 5-7, 6-2, 6-1

No. 3 singlesChampionship: Akhil Gupta, Fossil Ridge def Bryce Viorst, Denver East, 6-1, 6-23rd Place: Graham Blanco, Fairview, Alex Gordon, Cherry Creek, 6-1, 6-1

No. 1 doublesChampionship: Devin Harper/David Zhao, Fairview def Luca Abbott/Will Dennen, Regis Jesuit, 6-1, 6-23rd Place: Jacob Bendalin/Ben Murray, Cherry Creek def Tyrone Braxton/Eric Dellavalle, Denver East, 6-4, 6-2

No. 2 doublesChampionship: Evan Nuss/Emilio Gonzalez-Cruz, Regis Jesuit def David Glazer/Patrick Berzins, 6-3, 6-03rd Place: Sam Angell/Drew Hill, Cherry Creek def Beck Chrisbens/Andy Wu, Fairview, 6-3, 6-1

No. 3 doublesChampionship: Stone Heyman/Nick Eidler, Cherry Creek def Matt McCarthy/Gabe Caldwell-Nepveux, Regis Jesuit, 5-7, 6-3, 7-63rd Place: Brooks Savage/Adam Chehadi, Fairview def Aaron Hargis/Cam Salz, Fossil Ridge, 6-2, 6-13rd Place: Aaron Hargis/Cam Salz, Fossil Ridge No. 4 doublesChampionship: Zach Smith/Nick Svichar, Cherry Creek def James O’Connor/Matthew Mahoney, Regis Jesuit, 6-2, 7-63rd Place: Aaron Nguyen/Hall Humphrey, Fairview def Will Franks/Jack LaBarge, Denver East, 7-6, 6-4

5A Team Results1 Cherry Creek 812 Fairview 603 Denver East 594 Regis Jesuit 475 Fossil Ridge 246 Heritage 177 Overland 15T8 Mountain Vista 4T8 Grand Junction 4T8 Monarch 4T11 Arapahoe 2T11 Boulder 2T11 Broomfield 2T11 Horizon 2T15 Rock Canyon 1T15 Fort Collins 1T15 Coronado 1T15 Chatfield 1T15 Grandview 1T20 Ponderosa 0T20 Columbine 0T20 Palmer 0T20 Legacy 0T20 Ralston Valley 0T20 Fruita Monument 0T20 Rocky Mountain 0T20 Pine Creek 0T20 Bear Creek 0T20 ThunderRidge 0T20 Brighton 0T20 Legend 0

HILLIS FULFILLS EXPECTATIONS, SENDS CREEK COACH HARRIS OFF WITH ONE FINAL TEAM TITLE

5A WRAP-UPWith defending champion Kap Smith (Boulder) out of the picture for 2016, Cherry Creek's Ethan Hillis (pictured) was the odds-on favorite to take home the No. 1 singles title. Hillis didn't disappoint, cruising to his first title at No. 1, his second career singles title (No. 3 in 2013). Hillis, who will play at Amherst College next year, finished the year undefeated in high school play, even defeating 4A champion Casey Ross in a USTA match just a few weeks before the State Championships. Hillis and Robby Hill (No. 2 singles) led the way for Cherry Creek — who also picked up championship points at No. 3 and No. 4 doubles — which earned its 42nd team title. Cherry Creek's team win helped send off long-time assistant coach Gary Harris, who is retiring after 17 years with the Bruins.

Ryan Casey/CHSAANow.com




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USTA MIXED 18 & OVER6.0 Colorado Springs Racquet Club 7.0 Miramont Lifetime Fitness 8.0 Rocky Mountain Tennis Center 9.0 Bear Valley Park 10.0 Point Athletic Club

USTA ADULT 18 & OVERW 2.5 Fort Collins CC W 3.0 Pueblo Tennis ClubW 3.5 Pinehurst W 4.0 Ken Caryl W 4.5 CAC Monaco (NATIONAL CHAMP)W 5.0 Point Athletic Club M 3.0 Lifetime Fitness Co SpgsM 3.5 Miramont Lifetime FitnessM 4.0 Highland Meadows M 4.5 Lebsack Tennis Center M 5.0 Denver Tennis Club (4TH)

USTA MIXED 40 & OVER 6.0 Pinehurst 7.0 Centennial Valley 8.0 CAC Monaco 9.0 Bowmar 10.0 NA

USTA ADULT 55 & OVER W 6.0 Pinehurst W 7.0 Bowmar W 8.0 Tennis Assn of GreeleyW 9.0 South Suburban LittletonM 6.0 Pinehurst M 7.0 Centennial Valley M 8.0 Longmont Tennis Assn / finished

1st at Disticts, went as a WY teamM 9.0 Centennial Valley

USTA ADULT 40 & OVER W 3.0 South Suburban Holly W 3.5 North Jeffco W 4.0 Highland Meadows W 4.5 Highlands Ranch M 3.0 Country Club at WoodmoorM 3.5 Parker M 4.0 South Suburban M 4.5 Washington Park

ITA FALL MIXED 5.5 North Jeffco 6.5 Lifetime Fitness Co Spgs7.5 CAC Monaco 8.5 CAC Monaco 9.5 Washington Park

CTA ADULT 65 & OVER W 6.0 Highlands Ranch W 7.0 Miramont Lifetime FitnessW 7.0 Lebsack Tennis Center W 7.0 CAC Inverness W 8.0 CAC MonacoW 8.0 Memorial Park M 6.0 Lifetime Fitness Centennial M 7.0 Anthem Ranch Community Assn M 8.0 Denver Tennis Club M 8.0 Longmont Tennis Assn Nationals scheduled for May 2018

WOMEN'S DAYTIME DOUBLESW 2.5 Cherry Hills CCW 3.0 CAC InvernessW 3.5 Snowmass Club W 4.0 Highland Meadows W 4.5 Columbine Knolls W 5.0 N/A

SUMMER DAYTIME W 2.5 Ken Caryl W 3.0 CAC Monaco W 3.5 Snowmass ClubW 4.0 CAC MonacoW 4.5 Columbine Knolls

CTA WOMEN'S 2.5W 2.5 Ken Caryl

TWILIGHTW 2.5 Fort Collins CCW 3.0 Hiwan W 3.5 Lebsack Tennis Center W 4.0 Greenwood Athletic ClubW 4.5 CAC Monaco W 5.0 Washington ParkM 3.0 Miramont Lifetime FitnessM 3.5 Lifetime Fitness Co SpgsM 4.0 CAC Monaco M 4.5 Centennial Valley M 5.0 NA

CTA 18-39W 2.5 Did not playW 3.0 CAC Monaco W 3.5 Broomfield Swim & Tennis W 4.0 CAC Monaco W 4.5 Did not playM 3.0 Broomfield Swim & TennisM 3.5 Boulder Tennis Assn M 4.0 Washington ParkM 4.5 Did not play

LEAGUE

2016 COLORADO ADULT LEAGUE TENNIS CHAMPIONS


CACMonaco ladies capture national titleBeautiful desert weather marked a memorable weekend for the Intermountain

Section women’s team (from Colorado Athletic Club Monaco) as they overcame a challenging field to win the USTA League Adult 18 & Over 4.5 National Championships at the Rancho Las Palmas Country Club in California.

The Monaco squad, representing the Intermountain Section, triumphed over the Southern Section team from Hattiesburg, MS, 3-2, to win the 4.5 National Championship.

“We’ve had a great time, everything’s been really great,” said Intermountain team captain Katherine Nicolson. “I’m really excited. I’m still really in shock. We are a very close team and have an awesome sisterhood. One of our doubles players Mary Moses actually played with a cast on her arm the whole tournament and she killed it for us!”

This marks the second consecutive year that a team from Colorado has won the crown at the USTA League National Championships. Last year, teams from CAC Inverness and Washington Park Tennis Club claimed national titles.

Earlier in the day, Intermountain Section defeated the Northern Section women from Minneapolis, 3-2, in a semifinal encounter. The Southern Section women’s team advanced to the final after scoring a 4-1 semifinal victory over the Caribbean Section team from Mayaguez, P.R.

Second Serve getting national recognitionWe told you about SecondServe.com in the Spring 2016 issue of Colorado Tennis.

Nice to see Kathy Jacobson and Sarah Smith recognized at the national level....

From USTA.com:Success on the court is one thing, but two members of the Intermountain Section women’s team from

Windsor, Colo., competing at this weekend’s USTA League Adult 40 & Over 4.0 National Championships, went the extra mile this year and established their own charitable foundation to make a difference off the court as well. Earlier this year, team members Kathy Jacobson, a 45-year-old CPA, and Sarah Smith, a 46-year-old marketing professional, co-founded the Second Serve Foundation, with a mission to benefit the environment and the community through the recycling and resale of tennis gear.

Read the full story at facebook.com/USTAColorado.

(Left to Right) — Heidi Trichler, Judy Esteppe, Mary Moses, Stephanie Zaitz, Katherine Nicolson (Captain), Kippy Christenson, Jenny Wiens (Co-Captain), Claire Douthit, Susie Marie Farrar, Debbie Trewitt. Not pictured: Cindy McLemore, Marcy MacDonnell, Susan Hoelscher



assMutual Colorado was this year’s proud presenting sponsor of USTA Colorado’s District Championship Series. Hopefully many of you had the chance to meet the team (Debi, Emily and Gloria) at one of

the USTA Colorado District Championship events over the summer.

As part of this sponsorship, MassMutual Colorado hosted the “Take Your Best Shot” Contest, which had league teams posting pictures with the Championship Series banner on a special Facebook page. The winner of this contest had the chance to win either a Wine or Whisky tasting of their choice.

Well, the results are in and due to the overwhelming response, they have opted to give away one of each! The

winners are:Wine Tasting at Kate’s Wine Bar in Downtown LittletonNorth Jeffco GreenWhiskey Tasting and tour at Bear Creek DistilleryParker Black

SNAPSHOTTAKE YOUR BEST SHOT

MASSMUTUAL COLORADO'S PROMO NETS TASTY TREATS FOR WINNERS

Whiskey Tasting Winning Team: PKRP BlackRobert Olson (captain), Charles Beckstrom, Pete Brayton, Brandon Carpenter, Robert Cochran, Jim Farrar, Jim Flint, Vladimir Kvasnica, Robert Lopez, Derrill Pratt, Brian Varner, Allan Walts

Wine Tasting Winning Team: North JeffcoJennifer Stiebeling (captain), Diana Beck, Kimberly Bonczynski, Melanie Crowder, Kelly Depalo, Bobbi Dorgan, Lee Duhl, Helen Hock, Doris Minor, Kathy Peterson, Natalie Schaefer, Jennifer Tucker

MMass Mutual Colorado is the

presenting sponsor of USTA Colorado’s

District Championship Series.

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s a tennis player’s season comes to an end, they look forward to some down time to reflect on their accomplishments and areas that need improvement. Chances are you are already thinking about how or when that process will start depending on the schedule

for your next season.Here are some things to evaluate for an athlete to stay in

tip top shape this offseason.Number one is to REST. Let your body heal and recover

from constantly pushing it to the highest level. Your body is a finely tuned machine. Take care of it! When it starts to break down, you are more likely to experience injuries that could keep you from participating for weeks or months. When your season is over, take at least two to four weeks to REST.

Number two is EVALUATE. While you are taking those two to four weeks off, reflect on what you need to improve on and maintain! Everyone has different needs, so your offseason training will depend on a few key factors.

How long do you have to prepare for the start of your upcoming season?

Did I have any injuries this season? Or, is there a history of nagging injuries that you need to take specific action for?

Mental awareness is also crucial when playing any sport. Clear your mind! A clear mindset will either make or break you during a grueling match.

Now, with all that in mind it is time to put together an offseason training program. During your evaluation time,

you should have compiled a list of things to get you started. For example, do you need a bit more strength? How about more speed or endurance? Build an offseason routine that is conducive to your specific needs!

One last thing that is truly essential to help make you a better tennis player (and overall person). Disregard all habitual thinking, learn, adapt, and have fun! What does this mean, you say? It is all about the aspect of mental awareness and to excel for the up and coming season.

You must learn to accept constructive criticism from others to help you see your tennis game from a different

perspective. This is very difficult for most people to endure. Once you understand this concept, your mental and physical skills will be unstoppable on the court.

You must learn from your old self. Every season is a new fresh start of something positive. You can now put all your offseason preparation to good use!

Lastly, you can combine everything to adapt to your new and improved game. Just know that you are continuously adapting in every way on the court. Let it all come together with ease, and have fun with it.

BODYTALKPREPARING FOR THE OFFSEASON

HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DOWNTIME

A

Stephen Schmidt, BEXSc, ACE, NASM, AMFPTPersonal Trainer Mult-disciplinary Clinci at Porter Athletic Club


STA Colorado is closing out another very successful year — in so many areas and facets of our operation in support of our mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis in Colorado. To highlight just a few of the primary areas:

• Overall League Participation is up — we reached the 40,000 participant mark in one season for the first time!

• In addition to our ever-solid Junior Team Tennis league, we unveiled our first ‘series’ of junior 3v3 events — a new team format that is modeled after other youth 3v3 offerings like soccer, hockey and basketball.

• Junior Tournament Participation is up — with significant increases particularly in the challenger (intermediate level) events, which is a great sign in our hopes of developing a solid foundation for today and the future.

• Player Development has ushered in a structure and approach that emphasizes and embraces the ROGY (Red, Orange, Green, Yellow) progression for youth tennis. All of our development programs conform to those principles and philosophies — our Early Development Camps, Team Colorado and Star Search.

• Workshops (including Provider and Physical Education Teacher in-services) — have had record-breaking numbers of participants with training sessions across the state. The goal is to support instructors who are an absolutely critical piece to attracting, engaging and keeping new and developing players in the game.

• Diversity & Inclusion outreach efforts spanned geographic and ethnic communities to expose people of all backgrounds to the sport utilizing today’s methodology and innovations (proper sized courts and racquets and ball types) so people of all ages can realize how much easier it is to pick up the sport — have fun and be successful.

• Hall of Fame & Annual Awards Gala attendance was close to an all-time high (second largest) as people across the state converged on the Denver Tech Center’s Marriott for an amazing tribute and celebration of tennis in Colorado.

• Our communications efforts extended further with social media as well as our website; and we continued to provide the very best in print publications with The Big Book of Colorado and Colorado Tennis newspaper. Advertising is also incredibly solid as entities

across the state and even the country recognized how valuable our publications are to promote their products and services.

• Sponsorship reached new heights with additional presenting and program support along with the retention of long-standing partners who realize the value and benefits of associating with USTA Colorado.

There are a lot of people to thank — as this is truly a team effort. Thanks to all our sponsors, advertisers, partners, volunteers — including those involved in events, committee work and of course our Board of Directors. A special thanks to our President — Carolyn Peters; our other officers (Angela Finan, vice-president; Laurie Anderson, secretary; Ed Anderson, treasurer; and past-president Brett Haberstick)- along with our entire Board of Directors. Thanks to our staff — who dedicate countless hours in their efforts to provide the very best for the people across the state. And that includes all the independent contractors who support our efforts in a host of facets that are essential to the delivery of tennis in communities statewide. And we want to especially thank all the providers who are the ones who actually bring the tennis programs and offerings directly to the people in their respective communities. We value what you do and we’re excited to build on our partnerships as we move forward.

And while we have had a very successful year, we realize there is much to do. Our Board and staff are focused on two USTA National Imperatives (Urgent and Youth Tennis) as we plan for 2017 and beyond. We’ve implemented a number of structural and program changes to support these initiatives and will expand on them in the year and years to come. Our goal is to feed the pipeline of players — create an incredibly solid base or foundation so our sport can thrive for decades to come. The emphasis will be on making a real impact on increasing the number of people who actually get on the court to play the sport — and play it with frequency. This is an incredibly important time for our sport and we are very aware of the role we play in shaping the future of tennis here in Colorado.

All of us at USTA Colorado hope you’ve enjoyed participating in the sport this past year. And we look forward to providing even more opportunities for you and others in the future.

Thank you.

THEBIGCHAIRFRITZGARGER

USTA COLORADO EXECUTIVE DIRECTORSTATE OF THE DISTRICT

NEWS FROM USTA COLORADO HEADQUARTERS

U

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN


THELASTWORDTENNIS, INTERRUPTED

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GET BACK ON THE COURT....KURTDESAUTELS

EDITOR, COLORADO TENNIS

t all started with the best of intentions. It's been years, literally, since I last stepped on the court. Injuries during my younger days have hampered my movement, and my desire, to get back to running on concrete. In fact, I was quite comfortable thinking of myself as a "retired" tennis player, despite having no career to have retired from.

My son and my daughter have both expressed an interest to start playing tennis. After hitting with a talented young coach, my son's desire to play grew, and he soon expressed his interest in going to hit with me, something that hasn't happened in years. At 12, he's starting to branch out in his sports interests, and tennis moved up the list.

Even my daughter, who has repeated rejected the idea of playing tennis, saw how fun it could be when we grabbed some racquets and were bouncing the ball around in the driveway.

And the surprise of all surprises came last summer when my wife, who hadn't put on her tennis shoes in more than a decade, went out to hit with a friend on a couple occasions. Suddenly, I felt like a fire was lit inside of me. Injuries be damned, I was going to join my family. And who knows, maybe we'll become a tennis family. I know that when I was playing

years ago I felt more connected to my job, more passionate about the sport itself. Maybe it was time to climb back on the proverbial horse and step back on the court.

And so I did.One of the great aspects of working on the second floor above a tennis center is that you have access to both equipment and court time.

I don't own a racquet. The one I used when I was a frequent player was donated to the Racquet For All program two years ago. The good folks at Gates Tennis Center set me up with a fine new stick, and I joined a pair of friends for an hour-long hit.

It was liberating. The aches and pains were still there, of course. But I felt immediately connected again, like the years were nothing more than a changeover between games.

We made a date to do it all again, the very next week. And then again. While I couldn't manage to hit more than once a week, the opportunity to swing a racquet, to feel the ball, to move (albeit slowly) around the court tracking down my opponent's shot and sending a reply was profoundly enjoyable. I was happy.

And then....It happened in an instant. I was riding my mountain bike with my wife to celebrate her birthday. We haven't been able to ride together much anymore, with so

many responsibilities with kids and sports and such, so we were thoroughly enjoying our happy place, on a bike.As I dropped down the rocky singletrack and approached the left hander, I leaned into the corner and let my wheels rise to the banked

turn along the berm. But it wasn't a berm. It was a pile of moon dusty mancos shale, as light and pale as talc. With nothing to hold me upright, I drove my shoulder into the ground. Gravity did the rest.

As I sit down to write this, I am convinced that this setback won't keep me off the court for long. There's just too much I'll miss, from the joy of movement to the camaraderie with old friends, to the opportunity to spend time with my family.

Thank you to tennis, which has given me so much in my life. It is my career, and has given me purpose.See you all back on the courts this spring. I'll be the one with the big smile on my face. 3

I

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ABOUT USTA COLORADO Founded in 1955, USTA Colorado (the Colorado Tennis Association) is a district affiliate of the United States Tennis Association,

and the governing body of tennis in Colorado. Its mission is to promote and develop the growth of tennis in Colorado, coordinating recreational and competitive tennis opportunities for players of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. A not-for-profit organization, USTA Colorado invests 100% of its resources into growing the game.

We provide grants to organizations that want to introduce tennis to their communities and we offer scholarships to junior players who seek to take their game to the next level. We coordinate adult league play for 35,000 players across the state, and offer programs for junior players of all ages and abilities. Our sanctioned tournament schedule offers 150 junior and more than 80 adult events this year, including opportunities for wheelchair athletes. The Colorado junior tournament formats have been redesigned so as to be more player and parent-friendly by offering guaranteed multiple matches and shortened events.

We are in the parks. We are in recreation centers and in private clubs. We are in schools helping physical education teachers introduce our kids to a game that they can play for a lifetime, keeping them fit and healthy. We believe that fundamental tennis principles like sportsmanship, hard work and personal responsibility translate into every area of life. Through tennis we are helping people realize their potential both on and off the court.

We are 23,000 members strong, but our scope is not confined to those players alone. We represent the nearly 500,000 tennis players in our state, providing information and opportunities to play for each and every one of them. We reach out to all players, including those of diverse cultural backgrounds, mentally and physically challenged athletes, and under-served communities. Diversity and Inclusion is a strategic priority for USTA Colorado and one of our core values.

We invite you to find out more about the lifetime sport of tennis. We will help you find a court, find a program, find a league or find a team. We will help you put the FUN back in FITNESS. So whether you want to learn to play tennis, get back into the sport, or just find more opportunities to play the game, we’re here to help.

USTA COLORADO

Gates Tennis Center

3300 E Bayaud Ave

Suite 201

Denver, CO 80209

phone:303.695.4116

toll free: 800.531.7438

fax: 303.695.7631

league fax:303.695.6302

web: COLORADOTENNIS.com

STAFF LISTINGAdministration:FRITZ GARGERExecutive Director, USTA CO/CYTFx204 [email protected]

LISA SCHAEFERAssociate Executive Director, USTA CO/CYTFx201 [email protected]

ANITA COOPERAdministrative Assistantx200 [email protected]

THERESA DICKSONAccountantx227 [email protected]

Player Development:CINDY MACMASTERPlayer Development [email protected]

Leagues:JASON ROGERSLeague Programs Director, IT Coordinatorx202 [email protected]

TAYLOR MCKINLEYLeague Programs Managerx210 [email protected]

KATE JAMESLeague Coordinatorx208 [email protected]

EMMA SAJSALeague Coordinatorx207 [email protected]

KENT WARYANLeague Coordinatorx206 [email protected]

Community/Grassroots Tennis:KRISTY HARRISCommunity Development Directorx300 [email protected]

KRISTY JENKINSCommunity Youth & School Tennis Coordinatorx301 [email protected]

Competitive Tennis:JASON COLTERTournament Operations Directorx205 [email protected]

Marketing/Diversity:PAULA MCCLAINMarketing & Diversity Directorx220 [email protected]

Publications:KURT DESAUTELSCreative & Communications Director x203 [email protected]

Information Technology:GARY GOFFInformation Technology & Technical Support Directorx303 [email protected]

2016 USTA COLORADO BOARD OF DIRECTORSDELEGATES AT-LARGECarolyn Peters (Highlands Ranch), President Ed Anderson (Thornton), TreasurerLaurie Anderson (Greeley), SecretarySusan Bolton (Denver)Brett Haberstick (Nederland), Past PresidentJohn Martinez (Denver)Rachel Morley (Denver)George Tavarez (Castle Rock)Debbie Yoder (Denver)

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVESCarol Baily (Mountain)Cliff Digby (Western Slope)Angela Finan (Boulder), Vice PresidentDave Hill (Northern Colorado)Mike Humphrey (Southern Colorado)

SPECIAL CATEGORY MEMBERS Barry Riddle (CTUA)Nora Harrison (Diversity)Ron Steege (USPTA)Bill Trubey (Wheelchair)

facebook.com/USTAColoradotwitter.com/USTAColorado


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N GAME-SET-MATCHOF LOUISVILLE 650 S. Taylor Ave, Suite C Louisville, CO 80027

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303.394.1991Yale Ave

University B

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Iliff Ave

Evans Ave

NNEW LOCATIONWe provide pro shop services at:

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Documents

In Colorado, seasons tend to blend together, especially ...s3.amazonaws.com/ustaassets/assets/840/15/ct_fall-winter_2016.pdf · page 2 COLaTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER 2016 broadmoor.com