FALL/WINTER 17 The Official Publication of Tennis Lovers - Amazon S3
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FALL/WINTER 17 Year 41, Issue 4 The Official Publication of Tennis Lovers Est. 1976 USTA COLORADO Gates Tennis Center 3300 E Bayaud Ave Suite 201 Denver, CO 80209 303.695.4116 www.COLORADOTENNIS.com
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page 4 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 fall/winter 2017 Year 41, Issue 4 The Official Publication of Tennis Lovers Est. 1976 FEATURES YEAR 41, ISSUE 4 — OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 6 BLENDING IN FALL/WINTER 17 About COLORADO TENNIS After 115 years, Paddle Tennis has been rebranded COLORADO TENNIS (USPS #013-371) is the quarterly publication (January, April, July & October/November) of : Year 41, Issue 4 The Official Publication of Tennis Lovers Est. 1976 as POP Tennis. The change is more than just a marketing effort with onomatopoeic words. USTA Colorado/Colorado Tennis Association POP Tennis is exactly that....tennis that POPs! 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201 Adopting the 60-foot blended line courts required Denver, CO 80209 303/695-4116 for all 10 and Under play and the GREEN dot low-compression ball, POP is both old school Free subscriptions are available, contact the editor. (originated in 1898) and mainstream. Periodical postage paid at Denver, CO. POSTMASTER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO: Thanks to the recent decision to adopt existing COLORADO TENNIS, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201 tennis infrastructure, POP is no longer a niche Denver, CO 80209 sport. The readily accessible courts, the easy to COLORADO TENNIS Editor www.COLORADOTENNIS.com find equipment and the lack of complicated rules – not to mention the positive effect the 303.695.4116 Denver, CO 80209 Suite 201 Kurt Desautels, Phone: 303/695-4116 x203 3300 E Bayaud Ave Gates Tennis Center USTA COLORADO game has on one's tennis skills – has led to the USTA's endorsement of POP Tennis. POP Email: kurt@coloradotennis.com became the first paddle sport in the 19th century, and is leading the way again in the 21st Advertising century as the case study for adapting and collaborating with other sports. Karen Engel, Phone: 720/495-5104 Visit our website for advertising rate cards: PROFILES COLORADOTENNIS.com 14 SPOTLIGHT 16 H5.30 22 PREP WRAP Download this issue from our The Denver Tennis A set of five profiles on local Brett Finan, Christian Holmes Digital Newsstand : Park seeks to bring players, coaches and tennis make history, Fairview finally tennis to Denver's advocates for their on/ topples Creek, and Kent Denver schoolkids. off-court achievements: earns their fifth consecutive title. Jackie Jones Parker Racquet Club Ginger Phillips Daniel & Natalia Smith Ron Steege COLORADO TENNIS Summer (July) 2017 COLORADO TENNIS 0 1 3 3 7 1 09/1/2017 18,063 18,250 Quarterly (the Big Book/January, April, July, October) Four (4) NA 16,257 16,716 Kurt Desautels Colorado Tennis Association, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201, 0 0 IN FOCUS Denver, CO 80209 303/695-4116 ext. 203 0 0 Colorado Tennis Association, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80209 0 0 16,257 16,716 Colorado Tennis Association, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80209 0 0 13 ANNUAL AWARDS 21 PLAYING KIND 28 YOUR WRIST AT RISK Kurt Desautels, Colorado Tennis Association, 3300 E Bayaud Ave, Suite 201, Denver, CO 80209 N/A 0 0 1,706 0 0 1,434 Introducing the 2017 Meet two youngsters who are The biomechanics of the wrist 1,706 17,963 1,434 18,150 Colorado Tennis recognized by their peers and are amongst the most complex of Colorado Tennis Association (non-profit) 3300 E Bayaud Ave 100 100 Suite 201 18,063 18,250 Denver, CO 80209 Annual Award Winners coaches for "Playing Kind". any joint in the body and play an 99.4% 99.5% integral role in every tennis swing. • 0 0 The slightest bit of discomfort can 17,963 18,150 18,063 18,250 99.4% 99.5% significantly hinder your tennis game. • • • Fall/Winter (October) 2017 09/01/2017 DEPARTMENTS 10 the BUZZ: Nouns in the News doing This, That & the Other 18 JUNIOR TENNIS: News & notes 19 YOUTH PROGRESSION UPDATE: Colorado implements national Youth Progression Pathway in 2018 20 JUNIOR COMPETITION: Recruiting lists from our friends at TennisRecruiting.net 25 ADULT LEAGUES: Recapping the 2017 Adult League Season 27 ADULT COMPETITION: Recapping the Big 3: Denver City Open, Boulder Open, Colorado State Open 29 THE BIG CHAIR: News and notes from USTA Colorado Headquarters 30 THE LAST WORD: Will Net Generation be déja vu all over again? 31 USTA CO-411: About USTA Colorado and contact information © 2017 Colorado Tennis Association
FALL/WINTER2017 COLORADOTENNIS.com page 5 It’s your serve. We’ve got you covered when the seasons change. :: 16 Indoor Courts | 24 Outdoor Courts :: USTA Adult Team Tennis, Mixed Doubles, Seniors’ Tennis, and 10 and Under Programs :: Elite and Excel Jr. Programs :: Adult Tennis Drills and Ladders Enjoy 3 days free club access plus a complimentary tennis clinic. Inverness 303.790.7777 | Monaco 303.758.7080 To learn more about our 8 Front Range locations, visit ColoradoAthleticClubs.com today. *Restrictions and terms may apply. Must be local resident, age 18 or older with valid photo ID. First-time guest only. Offer ends December 31, 2017. ©2017 Wellbridge
page 6 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 THECOVERSTORY BLENDING IN STORY & PHOTOS BY THE REBRANDING OF POP TENNIS IS A CASE STUDY IN ADAPTATION AND COLLABORATION USTACOLORADO T he master of understanding adaptation, Charles Darwin, wrote: While Darwin was likely referencing tortoises, finches or perhaps even marine iguanas, the fundamental truth is that survival often depends on flexibility, being able to roll with the tide. And the extent of one's ability to adapt to a changing environment is the difference between surviving, and thriving. After its founding more than 100 years ago, Paddle Tennis found "it is not the most intellectual of itself surviving amongst a sea of predators — Platform Tennis, Pádel, Table Tennis, Pickleball, Badminton, etc. But in order to stop the species that survives; it is not surviving and begin thriving, Paddle embarked on a decision that the strongest that survives; would instantly shine a spotlight on the sport and land it smack dab in the center of the mainstream culture. but the species that survives The name change to "POP" was featured on an NBC is the one that is able best TODAY Show interview where the re-branded Paddle Tennis was introduced as a fun and social game that to adapt and adjust to the can be played by everyone. While the segment changing environment in created a tremendous amount of interest, there were only a limited number of paddle courts which it finds itself." in the US. The solution was, in essence, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." The decision was made to add a new format, one that took advantage of the more than 30,000 tennis courts across America that have added 60-foot blended lines (for 10 and Under play). In addition to immediate infrastructure access across the country, POP also adopted the low-compression green-dot tennis ball found in sports and department stores nationwide. And because the rules are virtually identical to traditional tennis, the transition from traditional tennis to POP tennis is an easy one. “We are standardizing the size of POP Tennis courts so the game can also be played on the thousands of 60-foot tennis courts already in use and being built across the US,” says Ken Lindner, a member of the POP Tennis Hall of Fame. “We’ve also adopted the lower pressure green-dot tennis balls that have been used for many years throughout the country for both youth and adult tennis programs and competition,” says Lindner. And just like that, POP Tennis blended in with the Ken Caryl's Judy Anderson is all mainstream. smiles after a long POP rally. GOOD FOR YOUR TENNIS GAME “Unlike sports that require prior lessons, children and adults of all ages and abilities can just grab a racquet and a ball and have a fantastic time on a 60-foot court, which makes POP Tennis a great family activity,” Lindner says. “Tennis and POP Tennis are totally complementary and compatible sports. POP Tennis is a form of tennis—just about every youngster who has ever picked up a POP Tennis racquet has transitioned naturally and inevitably to play tennis in high school, college, and/or socially.” “POP Tennis is fantastic for your tennis game for many reasons,” said, Austin Doerner, a multi-time POP Tennis national champ currently ranked No. 1 in the world in POP Tennis rankings in singles, and alongside his brother, Scott (an All-American at Pepperdine during its NCAA Championship season) in doubles. Austin teaches both tennis and POP Tennis in Southern POP Tennis ambassadors California. “First, the strokes are very similar to tennis, so making the transition back and forth Austin & Scott Doerner is easy. Second, most shots in POP Tennis after the serve and return are volleys because of the flank POP Tennis President smaller court. This rewards players who take the net and keep the ball down the middle of the Jerry Pham at the POP debut at Ken Caryl Ranch, court.” hosted by USTA Colorado. continued >>>>>
FALL/WINTER2017 TM POP Quiz 60 ft. Court COLORADOTENNIS.com POP 60: Singles & Doubles: 21’ x 60’ page 7 POP Quiz 36” Doubles: 27’ x 60’ (optional) THE HISTORY OF What is POP Tennis? 60’ 78’ Standard size POP TENNIS POP Tennis is Tennis, just played 21’ on shorter tennis courts tennis court Net Height: 36” standard height TM with shorter, solid racquets, lower compression tennis Racquet: Solid racquet with holes balls and the samesingles scoring and rules as tennis - except Paddle Tennis was invented in the late 1800s by Reverend Frank Peter Beal as an activity for one underhand serve. POP Tennis is the new POPular What is Ball: POP Green Tennis? Dot, low compression doubles for children and as a means for them to learn type of tennis with a twist on paddle tennis dating back POP Tennis is Tennis, just played on shorter tennis courts to play Tennis. His initial Paddle Tennis court to 1898 and is being played across 27’ the USA and around with shorter, solid racquets, lower compression tennis POP Quiz was 18’ x 39’, exactly one-half the size of a the world. POP Tennis is a fun, social work out that balls and the same scoring and rules as tennis - except regulation tennis court. Players used a sponge- everyone can play and enjoy—immediately! 36’ for one underhand serve. POP Tennis is the new POPular rubber ball and a wooden paddle. The much type of tennis with a twist on paddle tennis dating back smaller court and the short-handled paddle to 1898 and is being played across the USA and around allowed children to pick-up the game quickly; TM the world. POP Tennis is a fun, social work out that as a result, they enjoyed playing while attaining mastery of a racquet sport that prepared them everyone can play and enjoy—immediately! to play tennis. Reverend Beal then moved to New York City in 1921, and the following year, POP 60 the first Paddle Tennis tournament was held. 60 ft. Court POP 60: During this time, adults began playing the sport and enjoyed how easy and exhilarating it was to Singles & Doubles: 21’ x 60’ play. In the late 1920s and early 1930s, Paddle 36” Doubles: 27’ x 60’ (optional) Tennis grew in popularity and spread to various Pickleball: 60’ 78’ Standard size Badminton: What is Pickleball? What is Badminton? tennis court Net Height: 36” standard height cities across the country, especially on the West ckleball is a racquet game that combines elements of badmin- Badminton is a racquet sport played Court: 21’ using20’ x 44’ to hit a racquets Court: 20’ x 44’ n, tennis, andCoast. table tennis. Doubles or singles players use solid shuttlecock across a net. Although Netit Height: may be played36”with larger Racquet: Solid racquet Net Height: with holes61” addles made of By theorlate wood 1950s, the composite game’s materials popularity to hit had a perforated teams, the most commonsingles Racquet: Thin"singles" forms of the game are solid and Racquet: strings grown. Tennis greats, such as Althea Gibson astic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net. The game uses the and "doubles". Badminton is often played as a casual outdoor activity racquet with holes Ball: Green Dot, low compression Ball: Shuttlecock mensions and Bobby layoutRiggs, were playing of a badminton court,Paddle and a net Tennis and and rules inWhat a yard orisonPickleball? a beach; formal games are played doubles on a rectangular What is Badminton? milar to tennis, with a fewinmodifications. competing its tournaments.Pickleball Alsowas invented during this indoor court. Pickleball is aPoints aregame racquet Ball: scored Plastic by combines that striking thewiffle ball shuttlecock elements with the of badmin- Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets to hit a 27’ the mid 1960s as a the time, children's backyard Brighton Beach pastime Baths, butinhas Brooklyn, racquet and landing ton, tennis, and tableit within tennis. the opposing Doubles side'splayers or singles half of use the solid court. shuttlecock across a net. Although it may be played with larger ecome popular New among York,adults as well. converted hand-tennis courts into 20 paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated teams, the most common forms of the game are "singles" and TM 36’a net. The game uses the plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over "doubles". Badminton is often played as a casual outdoor activity smaller-sized Paddle Tennis courts; and “BBB” soon became a hub for Paddle Tennis and dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules in a yard or on a beach; formal games are played on a rectangular POP 60 similar to tennis, with a few modifications. Pickleball was invented indoor court. Points are scored by striking the shuttlecock with the remained so for decades to come. in the mid 1960s as a children's backyard pastime but has racquet and landing it within the opposing side's half of the court. POP Quiz In 1961, the official Paddle Tennis court become popular among adults as well. was lengthened by three feet on each end in 60 ft. Court order to make it 20’ x 50’ thus creating the “Classic POP” Tennis court size. At this time, TM the sponge-rubber ball was replaced with a 36” decompressed tennis ball, the net was lowered, and the overhand serve was also eliminated, What is POP Tennis? 60’ 78’ Standa tennis and only one underhand serve was allowed. POP Tennis is Tennis, just played on 21’ shorter tennis courts What is Padél These Tennis? changes were accepted by both the East What is Platform Tennis? Padél Tennis: Pickleball: Platform tennis Badminton: with shorter, solid racquets, lower compression Tennis: adél Tennis is played on Coast and West Paddle an enclosed Tennis court Associations approximately and ⅓ the Court: Court: Platform Tennis is an outdoor winter racquet 20’ 33’ xx66’ 44’ sport derived balls and the same scoring singles Court: Court: 20’ x 30’ 44’ x and rules as tennis - except60’ are still in effect today for “Classic POP”. ze of a tennis court. Team doubles play is most popular. Scoring from tennis, developed in 1928 Net Net Height: Height: in Scarsdale, 36” . Total New 36.22” York for one underhand serve. POP Tennis Net Net Height: Height: is the 61” 37” newdoubles POPular the same as tennis Throughout theused and the balls 70s,are 80s, and 90s, West low compression enclosed court size is approximately Racquet: Racquet: ⅓ the sizeThin Solid solid of a racquet tennis type of tennis with a twist on paddle Racquet: Racquet: strings Thinback tennis dating solid Coast adél tennis balls. ThePaddle Tennis enjoyed main differences are thatgreat growth the court has and court and is surrounded by a chicken racquet with holeswith holes high. wire fence 12 feet Ball:27’ racquet Shuttlecock with to 1898 and is being played across the USA and around holes alls and the balls can be played popularity off them in Venice in a similar Beach, way as clubs and private in WhatTennis Platform is Padélhas itsTennis? own unique Ball: Ball: set of rules but Plastic low scoring wiffle compression ball is What is Platform the world. POP Tennis isTennis? Ball: a fun, social work soft outplatform that e game of squash or racquetball, like Sand and Seaand that solid Club, racquets areClub, the Jonathan similar to tennis. Padél Tennis A solidonpaddle is played with holes an enclosed courtare used to hit a⅓ the approximately Platform Tennis is an outdoor winter racquet sport derived ed. Over 4Mthe players Padél tennis ball everyone can play and tennis36’ ball enjoy—immediately! Belplay AirPadél BayinClub, Europeandand the South America. Beach Club. spongy size of aball measuring tennis 2.5” in court. Team diameter. doubles play is most popular. Scoring from tennis, developed in 1928 in Scarsdale, New York . Total During this golden era of Paddle Tennis in is the same as tennis and the balls used are low compression enclosed court size is approximately ⅓ the size of a tennis Los Angeles, some of the greatest POP Tennis Padél tennis balls. The main differences are that the court has court and is surrounded by a chicken wire fence 12 feet high. walls and the balls can be played off them in a similar way as in Platform Tennis has its own unique set of rules but scoring is players emerged. the game of squash or racquetball, and that solid racquets are similar to tennis. A solid paddle with holes are used to hit a While the popularity of the game progressed, used. Over 4M players play Padél in Europe and South America. spongy ball measuring 2.5” in diameter. confusion with the name arose. The term “Paddle” tennis differed drastically per geographic region and has since been confused with sports other than the original game (i.e. ping pong, platform paddle tennis, paddle ball, beach tennis, pickleball or more recently padel). The need for a new name to set the game apart What is Pickleball? Padél Tennis: Pickleball: Platform Tennis: was necessary. What is Badminton? In 2015, an integral group of trailblazers Court: Pickleball is a racquet game that combines elements33’ x 66’of badmin- Court: Court: Badminton is a racquet sport played using racquets 20’toxx 60’ 30’ 44’a hit coined the unique name, POP Tennis™. Alas, Net Height: ton, tennis, and table tennis. Doubles or singles players 36.22” use solid Net Net Height: Height: shuttlecock across a net. Although it may be played with37” 36” larger the spirit, popularity and sound of our sport is paddles made of wood or composite Racquet: Solid aracquet materials to hit perforated teams, the most common forms of theRacquet: Racquet: Thin game are Thinsolid "singles" solid and portrayed through its namesake and re-brand. plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball,with over aholes net. The game uses the "doubles". Badminton is often played as a casual racquet withoutdoor with holes holesactivity dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules Ball: low compression in a yard or on a beach; formal games are played on a rectangular “Everything about our sport, POPS!”™ similar to tennis, with a few modifications. Pickleball was invented Ball: soft platform Plastic wiffle ball indoor court. Points are scored by striking the shuttlecock with the In 2016, POP Tennis adopted both the 50' and Padél tennis ball tennis ball in the mid 1960s as a children's backyard pastime but has racquet and landing it within the opposing side's half of the court. 60’ courts, providing more options for play. become popular among adults as well.
page 8 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 POPPIN' AT THE KC RANCH HOUSE With twenty 60-foot blended courts and POP Tennis racquets available for players to try, Ken Caryl was a natural place for Jerry Pham to introduce POP. "Finally, I've always believed different International POP Tennis Association, to racquet sports help develop sharper hand debut the sport in Colorado. Introductory eye skills and because POP is played on a events were held at Gates Tennis Center tennis court with almost identical rules it's a and Ken Caryl Ranch House, and people no brainer that it would improve your tennis had the chance to get on the court and game,” he went on to say. experience it first-hand. Doerner believes that one of the most Clay and Heather McCoy enjoyed getting transferable skills learned by playing POP on the court at the POP Tennis Debut at Gates. Tennis is staying steady through impact. Heather, a former collegiate basketball “I believe this transfers from POP Tennis player loves watching professional tennis to tennis, specifically when returning and but doesn’t play. “POP Tennis was easy to volleying. Staying steady and controlling a pick up, especially for someone who doesn’t shorter swing during contact is essential in play tennis but does know the game concept. POP Tennis because of the shorter court and The structure and scoring all mirror tennis.” smaller racquet in hand. Taking that lesson She went on to say, “I love that I have added “For adults who are new or returning to drills and games in POP Tennis clinics that onto the tennis court can give a player the a racquet sport to my athletic endeavors. I tennis, for children starting out in the sport, they offer in tennis clinics. tools to change and improve their game,” grew up playing team sports which is really and for those who may not feel they can move Leanne Palmisano, Direct of Tennis at said Doerner. hard to keep up as you get older. My husband as well as they used to, tennis on shorter Crestmoor Community Association in The Doerner brothers recently came to loves tennis and we enjoyed playing POP courts makes perfect sense,” says Lindner. Denver, attended the training. She had Denver with Jerry Pham, president of the Tennis together.” “But POP Tennis is also helping currently previously introduced her members to POP active people maintain and improve their Tennis at one of her social mixers this past POPPIN' AT GATES health and fitness, because it’s incredibly summer. “It was fun and different, and Gates Tennis Center hosted the Colorado debut of POP Tennis, which introduced local tennis teaching pros to fun to play. It will keep people on the courts players had a great time,” she described. the sport, and trained them on how to incorporate POP into their existing programming. Gates has eight 60-foot and playing tennis throughout their lives.” Palmisano plans to incorporate POP Tennis blended courts ready for POP play, and will soon have POP racquets for guests to try. into her existing programming because she GOOD FOR FACILITIES sees how the skills can transfer into tennis, “For tennis providers, offering POP Tennis and also thinks it is a great way to get those at facilities and parks will help bring more who don't play or stopped playing tennis out people of all ages into tennis,” says Jolyn on the court. de Boer, executive director of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA). “POP Tennis is a PROVIDERS IN A PICKLE perfect fit for all facilities, especially those Here in Colorado, and across the country, who are facing demands from short-court there has been a recent demand from players alternative forms of tennis that potentially to add permanent Pickleball lines on tennis impact existing tennis infrastructure.” courts. What they don’t realize is that the In conjunction with the POP Tennis addition of permanent pickleball lines on a Debut events, 20 tennis teaching pros tennis court renders the court unusable for attended an instructor training to explore sanctioned tennis play in Colorado. ways to incorporate POP Tennis into their "There are only so many dollars available programming on their existing tennis courts. for investment in tennis," says Lisa Schaefer, Teaching pros can offer many of the same USTA Colorado Associate Executive Director. COME EXPERIENCE Adult & Junior programs for all ages, abilities. For more information, please contact Miikka Keronen, Director of Tennis Kate Karnik, Assistant General Manager 303-469-5372 303-460-9700 x112 www.TheRanchCC.com miikka@theranchcc.com
FALL/WINTER2017 COLORADOTENNIS.com page 9 "When Paddle became POP, and adopted existing tennis infrastructure, we were able to TAKING POP TO THE TOP work together to bring more tennis opportunities to communities across the state. We have Playing POP Tennis also has advantages for those who enjoy a bit more competition. the same real estate, the same rules. We can have a symbiotic relationship where we all Current and former professional tennis players, such as Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, benefit from our combined advocacy on behalf of our players." John McEnroe, Mardy Fish, Sam Querrey, Alison Riske, Derrick Rostagno, Stevie Johnson, Vinnie Van Patten and others have played POP Tennis for fun. “These top tennis players, COLLABORATION, NOT COMPETITION, IS KEY along with everyone else who plays POP Tennis, know that POP Tennis helps improve As more and more public and private entitites add the 60-foot blended lines to their your tennis game, especially hand-eye coordination, reaction time, court movement, already existing infrastructure, the future of POP Tennis is already looking better. groundstrokes, and volleying,” Lindner notes. POP Tennis on 60-foot tennis courts (or even on 36-foot courts) is the same as tennis on a traditional 78-foot court, except that in POP Tennis, the serve is underhand and players only COLLABORATION LEADS TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP get one serve. All other rules and scoring are the same, as well as the strokes, footwork “POP Tennis and the USTA chose to partner on a 60-foot court to provide an option to and strategies. other short court racquet sports in the marketplace. POP Tennis is Tennis: it uses the same That POP Tennis utilizes the same Tennis rules and courts without modification is a real scoring, similar stroke mechanics and footwork as tennis. Now that POP Tennis is spreading benefit, not just to players, but to facilities especially. across the US, 60-foot tennis is gaining popularity in the millennial and adult age groups,” said Pham. SATISFYING THE DEMAND Dozens of facilities have already added blended lines to courts here in Colorado, and the There are those in the tennis industry that believe the recent interest in Pickleball USTA offers 100% reimbursement grants to those facilities who get pre-approval. indicates people are looking for a short-court alternative to tennis. As a result, POP Tennis has been promoted by various tennis organizations as a fun way "POP is the perfect short tennis game for people who have never picked up a tennis for players of all ages to remain active and healthy, and to improve their tennis skills. “There racquet and for those who are beginners all the way up to skilled players. And, the game are a number of reasons why POP Tennis and the sport of tennis are such great partners,” is an equalizer, so people of varying ability levels can play POP Tennis together and have a Lindner says. “Maybe foremost, POP Tennis is tennis — except for the underhand serve, great time. We believe that POP Tennis will challenge Pickleball in five years as the short- POP Tennis and tennis have the same strokes, movement, footwork, strategies and scoring.” court racquet sport in the US," said Pham. POP Tennis “demo kits” are available for tennis and sports facilities through POPTENNIS. Part of that confidence is based on POP's collaboration with the tennis industry. com, and can be purchased locally by players at any of the Game-Set-Match, Inc. retail "By adopting the 60-foot court, POP can be played by everyone nearly everywhere,” said stores (located in Centennial, Denver and Littleton), and at Gates Tennis Center in Denver. Pham. “Traditional paddle tennis courts are slightly smaller with slightly lower nets, which creates a somewhat different feel. The difference is negligible, but the ease of play and fun Visit POPTennis.com for more information. factor hasn’t changed.” 3 © 2017. United States Tennis Association Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
page 10 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 THEBUZZ NOUNS IN THE NEWS PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS DOING THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER. USTA Colorado says goodbye to Waryan, Sasja After coming out of retirement, Kent Waryan has once again, retired. For the past four years, Kent was a member of the USTA Colorado league department, coordinating recreational play for more than 40,000 players each year. Earlier this summer, Emma Sasja, our Junior Team Tennis coordinator, took a teaching position in Israel. USTA Colorado is currently in the process of hiring additional staff to shore up the department in advance of the start of the 2018 season. For more on Kent and Emma, please read The Big Chair (p29). Hall of Fame Gala registration open soon Registration will soon open for the 2018 USTA Colorado Hall of Fame Gala and Annual Awards Presentation. The event is set for Friday, February 2 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 (p13). Registration will be online at COLORADOTENNIS.com. 2018 Big Book advertising reservations being accepted It’s hard to believe, but the 2018 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 3v3 Grand Prix wraps up season In its first year, USTA Colorado's 3v3 Grand 23,000 USTA members receive this publication directly in their mailbox, and thousands of Prix offered 14 events for youth players to try out the new 3v3 format, where match additional copies are delivered to tennis and fitness facilities across the state where non- experience is optional, but fun is mandatory! Winners of each event are invited to USTA members can enjoy tennis-related content. Contact Karen Engel by December 18. The 2018 Media Kit can be downloaded under the NEWS tab Centennial. Three divisions (10s, 12s & 14s) will crown inaugural champions. Pictures at COLORADOTENNIS.com. and details will be available through social media and at COLORADOTENNIS.com Don’t Let Winter Burst Your Bubble Come Join Us Indoors at RMTC • Intermountain Club of the Year • 5 indoor courts • Adult Junior and High Performance programs • Internationally Certified USPTR & USPTA Coaches Boulder RMTennisCenter.com 303.449.5033
FALL/WINTER2017 COLORADOTENNIS.com page 11 COME PLAY WITH US STEAMBOAT SPRINGS OFFERS CHAMPAGNE POWDER SKIING, EXCITING INDOOR TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL! Article courtesy of Regis Jesuit Remembering Jack Cella, 1921-2017 The Colorado tennis community remembers Jack Cella, who passed away in August. Jack was an inaugural member of the Colorado Tennis Hall of Fame, inducted in 2000. ELEVATE YOUR GAME at the award winning Jack was just the second Colorado player to be nationally ranked in the top 10, reaching No. 7 in the 15 and under singles Tennis Center at Steamboat Springs. Create the division. From 1937 to 1939, Jack went undefeated and captured three consecutive Colorado high school state titles at the No. perfect tennis and ski vacation or join the growing 1 singles position, the first player to accomplish that feat. Later, he became the first tennis player inducted into the Colorado sport of indoor pickleball while you are enjoying High School Sports Hall of Fame. winter in Steamboat Springs. The Tennis Center Despite missing an entire decade of Colorado tournaments due to his professional status (he was a tennis professional at offers youth and adult classes, drills and fun play the Denver Country Club), Jack holds nine championship titles in the Denver City and Colorado State Opens. opportunities year round. Call us to customize a Jack also won eight consecutive 45 and over singles titles in the Denver City Open tennis tournament in the 1960s and 70s. tennis package for your family and friends during Jack led Regis Jesuit to state basketball titles his junior and senior years. He was named All-Conference, All-State, and All- the day or in the evenings. The Tennis Center is American. open from 8 am to 8 pm. Check out latest news Jack was 95. regarding upcoming events at Steamboat10s.com. Colorado's oldest USTA member passes Colorado's oldest United States Tennis Association member, Louise "Mim" Donner, passed away on August STEAMBOAT RESORTS by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is 30. She was 106. Donner was an avid tennis player, and was a proud preferred lodging partner with condos and villas profiled in a Denver Post column shortly after she turned next door to The Tennis Center. Receive special lodging Photo by Denver Post 100. Local NBC affiliate 9News did a short segment on her rates for event attendees with your stay at one of our in 2016, on the occasion of her 105th birthday. select professionally managered vacation rentals. Keep Mim was born in Philadelphia, and moved when very the family entertained with on-site pools, hot tubs, BBQ young with her family to Indianapolis. Always athletic grills and game room. Experienced Vacation Specialists and outgoing, Mim competed in many sports from an at Steamboat Resorts take care of all the arrangements early age. On January 13, 1931, as a student at Wellesley from lodging and airline tickets, to car rentals or airport College, she won the college women's cup for her "skiing, transfers to make your tennis training vacation a success. jumping and fancy skating". Mim competed in many golf tournaments, reaching the quarterfinals of the Women's US SteamboatResorts.com Amateur Championship twice, and was a lifelong competitive tennis player. Her last tennis win was at the family tennis 888.383.0431 Use promo code 10s tournament at the age of 100. /USTAColorado Now in season.... #pumpkinspiceballs /USTAColorado Available at a /USTAColorado tennis retailer near you. coloradotennis.org/BLAST
page 12 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 COMMUNITYACTIVATION SUBARU, RACQUETS FOR ALL PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGH SCHOOLS Racquet Recyling program reaches goal By the end of Q3, the 2017 Racquets For All collection goal had been met! In all, thirty-five contributors had donated 623 racquets, 90 of them coming in the form of brand new youth racquets provided by longtime USTA Colorado partner, Subaru of America. The official vehicle of USTA Colorado, Subaru continues to be an important supporter of the program designed to put racquets in the hands of people who need help in order to play tennis. “Subaru dollars allowed us to purchase small-gripped new racquets In addition to its support of the Racquets For All program, Subaru of America is a proud for older kids. Most of the partner of the USTA Colorado Diversity Tennis events that take place every summer. donations we receive are adult racquets (with grips too large for tweens and young teens), and so this gives us the ability to better service people of all ages,” said Kristy Harris, Community Development Director for USTA Colorado. The RFA High School Challenge brought in a total of 243 racquets, with the Chatfield High School Girls team and Fossil Ridge High School Boys team collecting and donating the most racquets of all. A total of 523 racquets have been distributed to twenty-one different organizations already in 2017, and we’re always looking for new community-based groups and schools in need of equipment. A request form is available at COLORADOTENNIS.com. GET OUTSIDE THE BUBBLE! • 4 Heated Indoor Courts • No Court Fees • Junior Programs/Adult Drills Right off I-25 and 105 • Women’s Winter Camp 18945 Pebble Beach Way • Full Service Bar & Grill Monument, CO 80132 719-884-7241 • No Initiation Fee Memberships* *Limited time offer..call for details sarah@ccwoodmoor.com www.ccwoodmoor.com Just 20 minutes Check out our online specials at south of www.ccwoodmoor.com/tennis Castle Rock
FALL/WINTER2017 COLORADOTENNIS.com page 13 ANNUALAWARDS INTRODUCING THE 2017 RECIPIENTS 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 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 Tennis Hall of Fame Gala. Nominations are accepted each year through September 15. 2017 ANNUAL MARRIOTT DENVER TECH CENTER AWARD WINNERS 5:30 PM COCKTAILS | 7:00 PM DINNER, LIVE AUCTION & PROGRAM ON-COURT ACHIEVEMENT Male Player Stanislav Korshunov (Centennial) 2000 Carol Baily, John Benson, Jack Cella, Carter & Lena Elliott, Female Player Phyllis Lockwood, Sam & Sid Milstein, Margaret Rogers Yana Ruegsegger (Lakewood) Phipps 2001 Senior Player Joan Birkland, Sherrie Pruitt Farris, E.L. (Elmer) Griffey, Tom Keach, Jim Landin, Jeff Salzenstein, Kathleen Winegardner Steve Schultz (Ft Collins) 2002 SPORTSMANSHIP Anne Dyde, Rosemary Fri, Stephanie Hagan, James Loehr, Dorothy Mauk, M.H. "Bud" Robineau, Jake Warde Margaret Rogers Phipps Award 2003 Lucy Lu (Broomfield) Edwin "Ned" Crow, Irwin Hoffman, Dan Luna, Mike, Gene & Maurice Reidy, Karen Sather John Hough Award 2004 Morgan Schilling (Littleton) Adolph “Ade” Butler, Carolyn Roberts Byrne, Richard Gugat, Fay Shwayder, Joseph Thompso Phyllis Lockwood Award 2005 Ky Ecton (Ft Collins) Miko Ando, Arnold Brown, Chet Murphy, Jeanette Paddock, Willa Wolcott Condo Mike, Gene & Maurice Reidy Award 2006 Jack Moldenhauer (Englewood) Bruce Avery, Willard Douglas Corley & Willard Douglas Corley, Jr., Don Harker, Carlene Petersen, Bill Wright Charlie & Ira Brown Award 2007 Jared Foster (Colorado Springs) Tariq Abdul-Hamid, Ned Cooney, Sandra Elliott, Roald Flater, Andrea Jaeger SERVICE 2008 E.L. Griffey Award Paula Coulter, Charlie Gates, Jr., Allen Kiel, Katie Koontz, Jeff Loehr (Organization of the Year) 2009 Crestmoor Community Assoc (Denver) Chester Harris, Vernon John, Rhona Kaczmarczyk, Jack TerBorg, Becky Varnum Bucolo Dorothy Mauk Award 2010 (Media Excellence) Clarence Dodge, Art & John Hagan, Brenda Vlasak, Kent Grand Junction Sentinel Woodard 2011 Carter & Lena Elliott Family Award Cliff Buchholz, Maricaye Christenson Daniels, Scott (Family of the Year) Humphries, Alicia Salas Jacobson Family (Broomfield) 2012 Clayton Benham, Chad Harris, Warrick Jones, Victoria Palmer Jody Riser Knudsen Award Heinicke (Volunteer of the Year) 2013 Brett Haberstick (Nederland) Nicole Leimbach, Rita Price, Gil Roberts, John Whistler Arthur Ashe Award 2014 (Service to Under-served Populations) Sara Anundsen, Kelly Lovato, Cory Ross, Art Thomson George Tavarez (Castle Rock) 2015 Clyde Rogers Award Rich Berman, Bob Curtis, Andy Potter, Susan (Mehmedbasich) Wright (Service to Recreational Players) 2016 Ron Elliott (Grand Junction) Dave Benson, Mary Jane Metcalf Donnalley, Dennis Ralston, Don Willsie Bud Robineau Award 2017 (Service to Tennis Community) Kellen Damico, Scott Davidoff, Nancy Rudd Popof John Suter (Denver)
page 14 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 SPOTLIGHT DENVER TENNIS PARK LOOKS TO AMPLIFY TENNIS FOR KIDS STORY BY PUBLIC, PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP BREAKS GROUND ON DENVER'S ONLY PUBLIC INDOOR FACILITY TOMFASANO Denver Tennis Park collaboration moving forward After years of planning, the 13-court indoor/outdoor public/private venture has broken ground on the space located between I-25 and Denver South High School. I-25 The facility will create numerous tennis opportunities for youth, especially those new to the sport. south–> A public/private collaboration with the Denver Tennis Park, University of Denver and Denver Public Schools will help put smiles on kids’ faces and tennis racquets in their hands. After three years of planning, groundbreaking of the philanthropically funded $14.1 million youth-centered public indoor/outdoor tennis facility near Interstate 25 and Franklin Street at All City Stadium in Denver took place in August ($3 million of that total are for drainage improvements and $4 million are contributions from DU). Project completion is scheduled for October 2018. Seven indoor courts with a 6,000-square-foot support building, six outdoor courts with room for two future courts, a better routed, more accessible parking lot with entry and exit lanes are all part of the project. “It’s such a good fit for DPS because the All City Stadium serves all DPS schools so all of them are very experienced at getting to this site,” said Julie Bock, director of the Denver Tennis Park. “It’s another facility that they will all have access to. This is a collaborative project with all of the tennis entities that are already here. We’re not looking to put anybody out of business. We’re looking to amplify tennis for kids, and I think in doing so we’re going to amplify tennis for everyone.” Bock said she’s starting to see that there’s going to be an incredible opportunity to serve kids who have never played a sport of any kind at Denver’s only public indoor facility.
FALL/WINTER2017 COLORADOTENNIS.com page 15 “They’re first-generation athletes, and that’s pretty exciting across the board,” she said. “It should be tremendously rewarding and also a great deal of fun to bring this to these kids.” An independent 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Denver Tennis Park was created to provide youth outreach, mentoring and advanced training programs; enhance DPS’ tennis programs and serve as the home courts for DU’s NCAA Division I tennis teams. Bock said the Denver Tennis Park-owned project, which will be 122,000-plus square feet, was initially slated for City Park. “A handful of Denver tennis lovers realized that there was no indoor public facility in the city and there’s no facility that’s entirely devoted to serving kids, or has that as its main emphasis,” Bock said. “That’s unlike a lot of other American cities that have some pretty incredible organizations that have been at it for decades.” The City Park location hit some double faults when it was determined that too many trees would have to be cut down. Enter the All City Stadium site. “With the All City Stadium site, it was noted that there was a really large unimproved parking lot sitting there and also a drainage problem that kept about three acres of land from ever being used,” Bock said. “Just across the highway is the University of Denver which does not have home tennis courts for its teams.” Bock said serious conversations kicked off in 2014. DPS was open to the idea of having the “The DTP is an unusual project that, not surprisingly, has taken a long time,” Bock said. tennis facility at its site. A master site/feasibility study was conducted for a year. She said the “We’re on school district property via a ground lease and will operate and manage the facility feasibility study confirmed that a tennis facility would be optimal for the site and that land independently as a not for profit dedicated to serving kids. It’s a unique, innovative public/ use, traffic, parking and noise would all be improved by virtue of doing this. The timetable private collaboration. We’re deeply indebted to Denver Public Schools and the University of included two votes by the Board of Education, multiple community meetings, design process, Denver for their extraordinary commitment and to USTA Colorado and the USTA for their a busy Denver construction market and City of Denver permitting process. Denver Tennis guidance and enthusiasm every step of this long way.” Park, DU and DPS negotiated lease, facility use and development agreements. Bock added that the new facility will be constructed to pay its own bills, and a portion of the time it will be reserved for general public usage. For more details on the project, please visit DENVERTENNISPARK.org. • TENNIS, BASKETBALL & MULTI-USE COURTS • REPAIRS, RESURFACING & CONSTRUCTION • ALL COURTS, ALL SURFACES • ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT • FREE ESTIMATES • SERVING COLORADO SINCE 1970 (303) 423-4303 www.coatingsinc.net
page 16 COLORADOTENNIS.com FALL/WINTER2017 THE FIVE: EPISODE H5.30 GETTING TO KNOW THE COLORADO TENNIS COMMUNITY, FIVE FACES AT A TIME KATIENEWELL unning successful tennis programs isn’t R the only thing that makes Ron Steege, Director of Tennis at Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club, stand out among those making an invaluable impact on Colorado tennis. It’s the fact that he’s willing to challenge a highly successful program to see if it can be rebuilt into something even stronger. Now 59, Ron’s been in the industry since 1983, getting his professional start with the John Gardiner organization working at various locations including Arizona, California, and Florida. But it was his own entrance into tennis that is the true foundation of his passion for improving the way that tennis is both taught and learned. Growing up in Cheyenne, Ron describes his entrée to tennis at 15 as almost an accident. “Our high school was all about intramural programs,” he said, “and we’d get points for participating.” With a huge trophy on the line, he jokes that, “I did everything I could to win it and ended up getting hooked on tennis.” presented by In an era when young athletes had opportunities to play many sports and weren’t under pressure to specialize RONSTEEGE in one, he appreciates what developing as an athlete before becoming a strong tennis player did for him. Ron knows that tennis can lose young players to other competitive opportunities, and how the continued evolution of the sport is critical to its survival in Colorado. A prominent proponent of ROGY (the progression for youth tennis), Ron is adamant that all of Greenwood’s teaching professionals are training to the latest method/strategies for kids, which adapts equipment and You can find the complete history of HighFIVEs online at: courts to make sure young people have a more enjoyable experience and are able to play with proper http://colorado.usta.com/cta/news/buzz/highfive technique. Some recent program changes he and his team made challenged an already thriving club. “I literally walked in and said we’re going to shake it up,” he said about encouraging his staff to consider what a new program would look like if you could build it from the ground up.” That commitment to not getting into a rut is one of the driving forces behind Ron’s success. He served on the USPTA Intermountain Board, is currently on the USTA Colorado Board and is the Colorado District Representative on the USTA Intermountain Board. Ron has been recognized as the Intermountain Tester of the Year (four times), Intermountain Pro of the year in 2001 and Facility Manager of the Year (2006, 2008). Ron’s commitment to progressing tennis through modern techniques and programs that attract young athletes and keeping them engaged will have an impact for many years to come. He said that he also wants young players to understand that tennis can provide a professional life for people just like it did for him. “I don’t think many young people look at the sport of tennis and realize that it can be your profession,” he said, adding that, “it’s a great lifestyle and I’m so blessed to have found it.” n our pressure-filled world where heavily our kids started playing more tennis competitively, we got Describing being a ball boy as a mixed bag of emotions I burdened schedules can sometimes into it as well and our kids became our little coaches. Playing including excitement and nervousness, Daniel’s favorite cause families to barely check in with one as a family is very special to us!” athlete at Indians Wells was up and comer Kayla Day, who another, it’s a pleasure to get to know the A sophomore at Chatfield High School, Natalia picked up a won the both the Junior US Open and USTA Girl’s National Smith family. Including parents Charles racquet at 4, and played No. 2 singles last year. She hopes to Championship in 2016. When asked what it means to and Magdalena, and children, 15-year-old play collegiate tennis if there’s a match with academics and volunteer he didn’t hesitate. Natalia and 12-year-old Daniel, this family if not, she will play club tennis. Her favorite book is To Kill “I learned that when I help make someone else better at is committed to making the world a better place. a Mockingbird and her favorite subject is AP Social Studies. something, that it makes me better as a person, as well.” Not only are these young people balancing academics and She reflects on being a ball girl as a growing experience. athletics, but they are articulate, proud of their family and “My time at Indian Wells was an amazing,” she said. individually dedicated to volunteering. When asked if any athletes stood out to her she said Natalia and Daniel have volunteered at the 2016 and 2017 that, “Azarenka took the time to come talk to us ball Cinco de Mayo in which they participated in all of the tennis kids,” said she, illustrating to her the impact that could events, the 10th Anniversary of Diversity TennisFest at MSU be made taking the time to acknowledge and relate to Regency Sports Complex and down in Colorado Springs for those around you. She also said that being a ball girl the Rio Olympic Downtown Celebration. They were chosen was her first volunteering experience. “It’s fun to be as ball kids for Indian Wells, a reflection of their dependable involved and especially to do it with family,” she said. and responsible demeanor. In addition, they volunteered at In the 7th grade at Falcon Bluffs, Daniel is on Team the 2016 and 2017 Colorado State Open as ball kids and work Colorado and hopes to play high school tennis and win with the “Rookie Tennis” program at the Ken Caryl Ranch state. What he loves about tennis is the opportunity to Tennis Center. “move and think,” understanding that tennis is both a “We are very proud of Natalia and Daniel for their physical and mental sport. Beyond high school, Daniel achievements on the court as well as their actions off the hopes to play collegiate tennis if the opportunity to court. It is their passion and awareness for giving back that study engineering allows both opportunities. For now makes us overjoyed”, Magdalena said. She explained that he’s focused on “becoming one of the top 14s and neither she nor Charles played as kids themselves, “but as playing and learning more.” NATALIA & DANIELSMITH
FALL/WINTER2017 COLORADOTENNIS.com page 17 he future of tennis depends on more than here are people you meet who live a busy life and T T great coaches, dedicated players or a add in a little tennis to get some exercise, keep the steady line up of leagues and tournaments. competitive juices flowing or add to their social lives. But The future also relies on maintaining the for Ginger Phillips, a top–notch league player and teaching integrity of the sport, which is what drives professional, tennis is a huge part of her life and she Colorado’s own Jackie Jones. Jackie was wouldn’t have it any other way. chosen as the 2017 Nicolas Powell Award winner, the At 50-years-old, Ginger is still competing in the highest most prestigious award the USTA gives to an official division of league tennis (5.0). Recently winning the Intermountain and celebrates that official’s contribution to grassroots Sectionals to advance to the USTA League Tennis 18 and over National officiating, which was presented to Jackie at the Officials championships, she said she loves the team comradery and structure that Award Ceremony during the US Open. league play offers. “I love to play league knowing it’s a guaranteed once a “It was a thrill to accept the award with my family week opportunity to play great tennis. It’s organized, and I know what the [including her 11 year-old grandson, Hayden] there.” time commitment is going to be,” she said about being able to play while Introduced to the game in high school where her two maintaining a busy teaching schedule. options were cheerleading or tennis, Jackie’s passion for Ginger was introduced to tennis at age 7 by her dad, Pete Cook, who the sport was immediate. She began officiating in 1970 was a top intermountain player and played pro tennis in the 1950s. She’s while a student at the physical education department at been involved in many aspects of the sport over her life including being a Texas university and went on to officiate for a long list a teaching professional, assistant coach, high school coach, sales rep, of local tournaments, high school and collegiate play, tournament director, league and event coordinator, pro shop manager and USTA local events competitor. She also met her husband, Mike, through tennis. and professional “Mike is the BEST part of my world…tennis or not!” she tournaments. explained of her husband. GINGERPHILLIPS In her 47 years Teaching tennis is a passion for Ginger who graduated from as an official and the University of Wyoming and quickly entered a career of tennis instruction. When asked about her teaching referee, she's philosophy she said it was pretty basic. been part of a few “I always try to work with people’s strengths,“ she said, adding that while she wanted to challenge people to notable events work on areas to improve, it would be their natural gifts she’d highlight. She also said she leaves all her players including the with words of advice. Alan King Caesar “The person who hits the last ball in the court will win the match!” Classic in Las In terms of future goals, Ginger said she want to keep enjoying the sport as a player, as a teacher, and as student. Vegas, women’s “I love being at the USPTA conventions,” Ginger said. “I’m a student of the game and truly enjoy learning about the pro events at the sport as it continues to evolve.” Manhattan Beach Tennis Club in California and or visionary Barry Riddle, F the men’s pro bringing quality tennis to senior event held the Parker community is a at the Broadmoor passion. Barry’s been in the Hotel in Colorado industry for 40 years as a Springs. While collegiate player, a teaching professional, Head Sports the bright lights JACKIEJONES Manager, and now as general manager and and notoriety of professional play might seem more glamorous, Jackie majority owner for the highly anticipated loves the local tournaments the most, noting that the Parker Racquet Club set to break ground in late 2017 dynamics of officiating pro events can be challenging. and opening in the fall of 2018. Officiating in her own community allows Jackie to make Along with his wife, Suzette, a tennis professional at a positive impact — players know they are competing in a Greenwood Athletic Club, his passion for getting quality fair environment, and having a resource for line calls and tennis into Parker started over a decade ago when he rules helps to maintain the sport's integrity. was moved to do something about the lack of courts and programming available for a growing Parker tennis “At the core of it I am passionate about helping kids community. They started Parker Tennis LLC in 2004 PARKERRACQUETCLUB and helping adults. I’m all about education for the athletes, coaches and parents.” and joined with the Town of Parker providing tennis Passionate about recruiting and teaching new officials, opportunities at Railbender Tennis Park, which quickly became overburdened through double digit growth year after year. she worries about the 20% decrease in available officials “We knew that frustration was growing in the general public about the lack of court availability. We knew the time was right in Colorado. Jackie acknowledges that online training is to solve that problem and bring year-round tennis to Parker,” Barry explained. less engaging than face-to-face interaction, and that it is That vision to put affordable and accessible tennis into Parker will become a reality next year, the state of the art facility that harder to find young people with the time to become an will feature 6 indoor cushioned surface courts, 4 outdoor post tension courts, a 1,500 square foot patio, a 2,000 square foot official in their already busy lives for relatively low pay. Welcome Center with locker rooms and a lounge, a full length balcony for excellent viewing on every court, permanent court To attract the next generation of officials, Jackie time, and a full- suite of year round junior and adult programming. said it’s about empowering young people to see the This soon-to-be-realized facility in the heart of Parker took vision, perseverance in overcoming the challenges of working importance of helping within their tennis community. through a Public-Private partnership, and the commitment to secure the necessary financing. “It’s a way to give back and to do it through the great Along with 22 founding members, key staff will include; Barry Riddle as General Manager, and part owners: Steve Prosowski sport of tennis. They will see things from a whole new as Director of Tennis, Craig Marshall as Director of Junior Tennis and Paige Hiatt as Director of Financial Planning and perspective and will be able to do something good at the Controls. same time.” You can learn more about the Parker Racquet Club by visiting PARKERRACQUETCLUB.com. 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.
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