Indianapolis Tennis Magazine - Spring 2009 by Cooper Media Group LLC

Volunteers pitch in to give local courts some ‘love’

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine Spring 2009

Brooke Austin

Top-rated teen has ambitious schedule as she works toward bigger, better things

Calling the shots

Think it’s easy to be a USTA League Tennis team captain? Think again! News & Notes

ITC wildcard awaits new tourney champ

Focus on Fitness

New feature demonstrates pre-tennis stretches

(pro)file

Marian College coach Cassie Lomison

Destination

The Wintergreen Resort in Virginia

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Contents Volume 3, Issue 4

Spring 2009

ON THE COVER:

(Front) Brooke Austin has had a busy last six months, representing the USTA in competitions in Australia and Europe. And with several national junior tournament titles and a girls’ 14 top-10 ranking in her bag, her future’s looking very bright. (Photo by Shawn Barney)

12 Brooke Austin

The talented teenager has already made a big impression on the tennis scene - both at home and abroad; but her biggest challenge may be trying to keep her busy life as normal and routine as possible.

Tournament announces format change

O captain! My captain!

Hall of Fame makeover

More players take to courts

Indy Parks court clean-up

Used with success at other tournaments, the Indianapolis Tennis Championships switches to a onesession format.

USTA League Tennis captains share the secrets of their success.

The renovation and expansion of the High School Tennis Hall of Fame is well underway.

Two industry surveys cite a tremendous increase in the number of people playing tennis

Plus…

Ad In – Publisher’s Commentary

News & Notes – Team Witsken announces new tournament; winner will get ITC wild card

(pro)file – Marian College women’s coach Cassie Lomison

On Court – Can adult players still improve their game? Yes!

Focus on Fitness – Get a good stretch before

your next match

Destination – Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort

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From local players to high school teams, volunteers help get local courts ready for action.

Ad In

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine

Publisher’s commentary

n last issue’s installment of On Court, Tomas Johansson talked about the different ways to maximize your potential for success in playing doubles. He prefaced his discussion with a story about overhearing a player talk about preferring to play singles rather than doubles, the reason being that, in addition to getting fewer hits, there’s too much “standing around”. I’ve relayed my own feelings on that subject many times over the years to anyone within earshot. Like most people, I grew up playing mostly singles since it seemed far easier to stand back at the baseline and slam the ball back and forth. Besides, it’s also easier to practice singles-type shots against a backboard.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Shawn Barney Al Johnson Tennis Australia GRAPHIC DESIGN Nardi Art, LLC Regina Nardi

Part of the problem was that I was only playing doubles in tournaments as an aside to playing singles. I didn’t practice doubles or play it recreationally, and I still didn’t understand the subtle nuances and strategies.

For advertising information, call (317) 918-0726

Most club-sponsored clinics tend to be made up of mostly doubles drills and, whether you want to admit it or not, doubles is the easier alternative as you get older. ****** In this issue we’re debuting a new feature, Focus on Fitness, written by Scott Hudson with the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center. As players, we tend to only look at what we can do on the tennis court in order to improve our game or help raise it to the next level. But, in the process we neglect what could be considered equally important – improving our game off the court.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Linda Cook Scott Hudson Tomas Johansson Linda Schroeder O’Neill

Likewise, when I took up the game again 13 years ago and began playing USTA League Tennis and tournaments, I naturally gravitated back toward singles. I loved singles and hated doubles. More than that, I detested doubles. I despised it. I didn’t understand it, I couldn’t volley well, and it actually did seem like you spent more time standing around watching other people hit, especially if you were the net player.

But that all changed when we lost in our first doubles final and uttered the phrase everyone has said at least once in their tennis careers, “hey, we should have beaten those guys”. After that I took more of an interest in doubles and learned that there’s a lot more to the game than hitting the ball back and forth as hard as you can.

PUBLISHER Scott D. Cooper

Scott has worked with Carmel’s Rajeev Ram, as well as several of the top junior players in the Indianapolis area. He’s served as a trainer at selected USTA pro events and is a frequent presenter at the Indiana High School Tennis Association (IHSTeCA) annual conference. Most of you will probably read Scott’s feature and think, “How can I do all of that? I’m lucky if I can get to the court in time for the first point!” Well, as Scott points out in his introduction, think of it in these terms: how many days, weeks or even months could you be out of action with an injury that could have easily been prevented by a few minutes of stretching before playing? Hopefully, Focus on Fitness will help keep you playing longer – and better! The first two installments, in this issue and the summer issue, will cover different stretches that should be performed both before and after playing. Future issues will deal with other aspects of off-court training, including weight and cardio training specifically directed toward tennis players.

Bal-Bow Grafix Terri Balon-Bowden

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine is published four times a year by Cooper Media Group, LLC Bargersville, Indiana Contact us at Indianapolis Tennis Magazine P.O. Box 21 Bargersville, IN 46106 (317) 918-0726; (317) 422-4559 fax; or e-mail to scott@indianapolistennismagazine.com Material may not be used or reprinted without prior permission from Cooper Media Group, LLC. Copyright® 2009, Cooper Media Group, LLC www.indianapolistennismagazine.com

Indianapolis Tennis Magazine and the Indianapolis Tennis Magazine logo are registered trademarks of Cooper Media Group, LLC. Indianapolis Tennis Magazine is the winner of Media Awards from the USTA/Midwest Section (2007) and Hamilton County Community Tennis Association (2008).

See a photo you like? E-mail us at: scott@indianapolistennismagazine.com for reprint information.

News & Notes Tennis happenings from around the area

New tournament winner he winner of a new men’s open tournament organized by Rick Witsken will receive a wild card entry into the qualifying draw for the Indianapolis Tennis Championships presented by Lilly. Team Witsken Tennis is hosting the inaugural City Championships June 19-21, with men’s singles and doubles open events being held at Zionsville Middle School. The tournament’s singles champion will receive a wild card entry into the Tennis Championships qualifying tournament, along with prize money. Witsken is hoping the tournament will attract current and former top-ranked players from the greater Indianapolis area. Registration is currently available online at www.usta.com. For more information about this event visit the tournament’s page or contact Witsken (rick@teamwitsken.com), Nelson Nguyen (nelson@teamwitsken.com) or call (317) 372-1656. The tournament is one of two where winners can earn wild cards into the qualifier, the other being the Pearson Open held at the Indianapolis Tennis Center. The

Zionsville tournament replaces one that had previously been held at Five Seasons Sports Club.

Karmic Deﬁance headed to WTT Nationals Karmic Defiance captured the 3.5 Division title at the World Team Tennis Recreational League national qualifier in Bradenton, Florida, last month and earned its first trip to the WTT national finals. Team members are Toby Gaynor (captain), Frank Alcala, Christina and Dennis Seipel, Tami Strack, Julie Viellieu-Thompson, and Kelley Werner. The Bradenton tournament, held at the IMG Bollettieri Academy, is the first of six national qualifying events of the year for the Advanta WTT Rec League. The winning teams in each division advance to the Advanta WTT National Finals, October 30 – November 1, in Indian Wells, California. Two other teams from the Indianapolis Tennis Center WTT league, captained by Sherwin Bocade (3.5) and Shannon Risacher (4.0), also competed in the Bradenton qualifier but failed to advance to the nationals. For more information about competing in the local recreational WTT league, contact Michael Vidaurrazaga at (317) 278-2103.

Ram gets ﬁrst tour doubles title

The Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame welcomed five new members February 6 during its annual dinner at the Barbara S. Wynne Tennis Center on the campus of North Central High School. Those making up the Class of 2009 were (from left) Steve Gantz, Mike Owen, Louise Owen, Dave Heffern and John Greif. (Photo by Scott Cooper)

Carmel’s Rajeev Ram captured his first ATP World Tour doubles title at the Chennai (India) Open Tennis Championships in January. Ram and fellow American Eric Butorac defeated the Swiss pair of Stanislas Wavrinka and Jean-Claude Sherrer, 6-3, 6-4. Rajeev also teamed with Bobby Reynolds to reach the semis at Delray Beach. In February, Ram also won a doubles title on the Challenger Tour with Prakash Amritraj in Dallas. PAGE 22 

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to get wild card into Indy qualies

(pro)file A closer look at metro Indy teaching pros and coaches

Woman on a mission

First-year Marian coach looks to take team to the next level By Scott Cooper

assie Lomison looked at ease as she moved around the court during the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA) conference, where she provided tips to the two dozen or so coaches in attendance on coaching beginning players. Most probably didn’t realize she had just completed her own “rookie” season of sorts, as coach of the women’s team at Marian College.

Between feeding balls and talking four high school players through various drills, the 25-year-old Lomison was right where she wanted to be, having already found that point in her life where preparation met opportunity. Born in Pennsylvania, Cassie’s dad taught her the game when she was around six years old. She was a two-sport athlete when the family moved to Indiana five years later, but she eventually chose tennis over softball. “I liked the individuality of it (tennis) better,” she said, which led to additional lessons under P.A. Nilhagen at the Indianapolis Racquet Club. Lomison’s high school career saw her go 81-8 in singles at Mt. Vernon (Fortville), and she was named to both the first team all-state and the Indiana All-Star teams her senior year. It was then onto Milligan College in Tennessee, where she was named Region XII Player of the Year in 2005 and Appalachian Athletic Conference Sportswoman of the Year in 2006.

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“I was looking for a college that would ultimately benefit me and what I wanted to do with my life,” Lomison said.

In 2006 she was also chosen from among the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) 269 member schools as the female recipient of the prestigious NAIA/ Intercollegiate Tennis Association Arthur Ashe Leader & Sportsmanship Award. Armed with a communications degree, Cassie first worked for a non-profit while at the same time turning her attention toward something that would allow her to give something back to her community. “When I was playing at Mt. Vernon, my sister and I, and maybe one or two other people, were the only ones who took lessons year ‘round,” Lomison explained. “So, I wanted to give people in that area a chance to play tennis in a situation where they didn’t have to drive very far and at a lower cost.”

LOMISON

“It got to the point where I had enough students and I decided to go on a leap of faith and do it full time,” she said. “I was able to manage it the way I wanted and teach the things I wanted to teach. It was just the thing I had always envisioned.” Summer sessions were held at Mt. Vernon High School, with winter sessions heading indoor to Family Fun & Fitness in Greenfield. In addition, she continued as an assistant coach to Mt. Vernon’s Gabe Muterspaugh. Though she started with a base of 25 students, within a year that number had ballooned to near 60.

Cassie Lomison demonstrates a forehand technique during a session at the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association conference.

“It was an adventure,” Lomison said of her first season as head coach. “A lot of coaches were telling me that this was my transition year to get used to everything and for your players to get used to your coaching style. And it is different.” Marian’s previous coach split his time between the men’s and women’s tennis teams and women’s basketball team, but his emphasis was on the basketball team. At the same time Lomison was hired to direct the women’s tennis program, another coach was brought onboard to strictly coach the men.

nationally,” she said. “And it’s nice because I can also relate to them in some aspects. I believe with the experience that I have in coaching and playing, that I can be a coach who can take our team to the next level. Obviously it won’t happen overnight, but with the time, energy, and passion I am willing and am putting into the program, team, and the ladies, I believe we can be very competitive in the NAIA.

(pro)

“I absolutely loved the environment it was creating,” Lomison said. “I felt tennis was beginning to catch on in the area.” But success of running her own business also led to other concerns for Cassie, such as the need to provide her own health insurance and benefits. While searching an online job placement site for a sports-related position, she found an opening for an administrative assistant in the athletic office at Marian College.

May marks Lomison’s one-year anniversary at Marian. Her team went 7-6 during last fall’s season and tied for third in the Mid-Central College Conference tournament with freshman Alyson O’Conner winning the conference title at No. 6 singles.

In addition to adapting to a new coaching system, Lomison also found herself having to recruit players for the first time. “It’s challenging, but it’s fun,” she explained. “You know the numbers you have to get, but the reality of it is that you get to develop relationships with high school coaches that you’ve never met before. It’s a challenge because you want to find the players that fit the positions you want, but it’s awesome because you get to meet different kinds of people through the process and develop relationships that never would have happened otherwise.”

“I believe that once recruits have a chance to sit down and talk to me that they won’t see the age, but will see the goals and dreams my assistant and I have for this program,” she added. “My hope is that when I have an opportunity to meet a recruit, they see a coach who is passionate about tennis, wants to be competitive in their division, and cares about them as individuals.” As for goals, Lomison said she not only wants to develop a team that has the same passion for the game as she does, but one that has the potential to advance beyond their conference tournament to the national finals, something a Marian tennis team has never done before.

file

“That popped up and I thought it was perfect. I love all kinds of sports, and I’m a very analytical person, so I felt it was where I needed to be,” she said. But when athletic director Joe Haklin called about the interview, he also asked if Cassie would be interested in coaching the women’s tennis team.

“My hope and prayer is that I’m able to help these girls to transition during this stage of their lives and give them an opportunity to play a sport that they love while helping them pay for their education (through scholarships),” she said.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

That led to the development of a parttime tennis business, giving lessons and clinics primarily for the kids in the Fortville area. However, the scope of the business quickly grew to include both adult and junior players from throughout Hancock County. Two years later, Lomison had built the business to the point where she could do it full time.

Cassie believes her own youth helps her relate not only to the players she’s trying to recruit, but also those currently on the team.

“It’s great because I just got out of playing NAIA Tennis within the past three years (as has assistant Steve Mackell), so we know what it is like. I know what it will take for us to be competitive in our conference and

“I know it’s going to take a few years to develop, but that’s my ultimate dream,” she said. “But I also want to develop a team that bonds both on and off the court. (Photos by Scott Cooper)

On Court Tips to help improve your game

Can adult players

still improve their game? Yes!

By Tomas Johansson

ecently, a friend tried to convince me that adult tennis players – the same men and women I see everyday both on the court and off – won’t get better than they are right now. I thought about it for a moment, silently agreeing at first, before I finally spoke up. “Yes, they can,” I said. “They can get better, but there are a few things I think they need to pay attention to in order to improve.” He said I was kidding myself, but I went on to outline what I thought they needed to do.

Be technically sound I particularly enjoy it when a player comes to me with a problem with a particular stroke. In an earlier issue of the Indianapolis Tennis Magazine I explained my philosophy of cause and effect when dealing with technical deficiencies. I strongly believe that all tennis players, whether adults or juniors, can get better if they pay attention to the technique on all of their strokes. This can be a monumental task for some, since it means having to break old and bad habits, but for others it could be as simple as a grip change. If you’re a beginning or intermediate tennis player, you’d be wise to start off learning the most efficient techniques from the onset of your lessons. In my opinion, having the most efficient grip, one that cuts down on any unnecessary and disruptive body movement, will not only help improve your game, but also avoid injuries. Are you serious about getting better but think your technique is holding you back? It might be a good

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Take off-court training seriously

While it’s true that playing tennis is a great way to stay active and fit throughout your life, if that’s all you do, there will be limitations placed on how far you’ll be able to take your game. This is where off-court training comes into play, and its advantages are pretty straight John McDermott gets in some weight lifting following a clinic. Off-court training can help your game on the court; however, be sure to check with a certified trainer who can guide you through the proper routine.

idea to take a couple of months off from competition and work with an instructor. Do you ever wonder why the best players in the world make their strokes seem so effortless? In large part, it’s due to their efficient technique, which allows their bodies to move naturally. Don’t hesitate to take a break from competition and get with a pro to resolve certain issues with your game, as Rania Abbasi does here to work on her serve.

forward. By moderately working on your endurance off the court, you’ll quickly notice the ability to sustain a high level of play for a longer time. And, if you combine that with some moderate anaerobic conditioning and interval training, you’ll improve your ability to recover more quickly between points. Another major part of tennis is moving well and moving quickly on the court. This can be improved through agility drills and jumping rope. And, a well-rounded strength program that involves all muscle groups while also working on explosive strength will greatly benefit your game. It’s also very important to engage in a daily routine of stretching, both before and after you play (be sure to see Scott Hudson’s article on stretching in this issue). However, it’s very important to find the right certified trainer who can properly guide you through such off-court programs. Not only will you begin to feel better, but your improved condition that you’ve developed off the court will lead to increased confidence on the court.

On Court

Hit with more topspin

Being around recreational adult players on a daily basis, I know the least utilized strokes are the topspin forehand and backhand. Most players, whether at the 2.5 or 4.0 levels, either hit flat or use a minimal amount of topspin. Perhaps that’s because instructors think topspin is an advanced way of hitting the ball and neglect to teach it. Instead, I think instructors need to do a better job

A multi-colored sponge training ball can help you understand topspin.

‘Get it’

Recently, I had to remind players in one of our doubles clinics of several major points. In order to “get it” as a tennis player you have to understand that standing with your feet glued to the court during a point or simply turning your head to track the ball doesn’t cut it if you want your game to improve. Stay on the balls of your feet and ready to move during a point. And, if you look at your racquet for answers after missing a shot or turn to your instructor for assistance, you’re not even close to “getting it.”

of introducing topspin ground strokes early in an adult tennis player’s development, similar to what we do with juniors.

As most recreational players know, matches are not typically won by the player who hits the most winners or forcing shots, but by the one who commits the least number of unforced errors. Having some degree of topspin on your ground strokes will help you construct, control and ultimately win points. Topspin will not only give you more control, but also give you more net clearance and shot depth, making it even tougher for your opponent to go on the offensive.

If you’re unfamiliar with topspin and how to achieve it, try using a red and yellow sponge training ball. Drop the ball by your side, and, using your hand in place of a racquet, brush up the back of the ball and finish your “swing” upwards by the opposite shoulder. Watch the ball as it leaves your hand and study the forward rotation of the ball. Do this, and you’ll have a better understanding of the concept of topspin.

Take pride in your game and in your work-outs, and make your opponent work harder to beat you. By doing just these small things, you can consider yourself one step closer to “getting it.” Finally, try to be in a constant state of motion during a point. A number of players move on the court in what I call a stop-and-go fashion. They will hit a ball, stop, and then start again when they have to run down the next ball. In doing that, they usually overrun the next shot and send it flying, or they’re in such poor balance that they’re lucky to make contact. Remember these words about footwork: move when you don’t think you need to, so that you don’t have to move when you really have to.

In spite of the great love I have for tennis, I’ll be the first to tell you that I’d rather go out and play a match than endure a 90-minute practice. But, if I want to improve my overall game, I realize that playing matches or even practice matches won’t be enough. Chances are in a match or practice I won’t make myself work on certain aspects of my game such as technique, consistency, or stroke production. Plus, I won’t have the opportunity to continually repeat shots which, in turn, won’t help me get them stuck in my muscle memory. Still, while I might play a match against my good friend Chris and tell him that I intend to work on a particular thing, in the heat of the battle we still end up trying to win the point. In the end, tennis is a still game, and when points are being counted, most of us want to win. That is simply how we subconsciously or consciously measure our success. As a final note, if you’re serious about becoming a better player, it’s important to come up with a plan on

what you need to improve upon, how to go about improving it, and what to add to your game. Sure, you need to play matches, both against better players and players of equal ability to you, but don’t forget to set aside time for practice sessions. So having thought further of what my friend mistakenly told me, I reached my conclusion. All of you out there, from Karin and Jeanan to John, Kristen, and Jack (along with everybody else I know) can continue to improve every time you step on the court. So, take my points into consideration as you contemplate your next move and don’t be shy in asking your pro for help! Tomas Johansson is the director of junior tennis at Westview Healthplex Sports Club.

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Balance practice and play

Focus on Fitness Off-court strategies to help your game on the court

‘Dynamically’ stretch your way to a proper pre-tennis warm-up Editor’s note: Most tennis players believe the way to a better game is to simply hit more balls and put in more hours on the court. However, there is much more to it than that. Over the next few issues we’re debuting a new instructional feature, Focus on Fitness, with Scott Hudson from the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center. Hudson will discuss different ways you can improve your game off the court, including cardio, weight training, and stretching. All are designed to help improve your on-court game and help you maximize your potential. As with any exercise regimen, be sure to confer with your doctor, certified athletic trainer or certified personal trainer prior to incorporating these into your exercise routine.

By Scott Hudson

ow well are you warmed up for your tennis match?

What type of activities do you perform before you take your first swing on the court? Many players run around the court a few times and then pick up the racket, maybe play a game of mini tennis, then start whacking balls back and forth. They do all this without breaking a sweat. At times it may take 15 – 20 minutes before their body truly feels like it is ready for play.

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In this issue we will lay out some guidelines for a proper warm-up prior to stepping on the court. The summer issue will deal with static stretching after the tennis workout. Contrary to popular belief, “dynamic” stretching prior to exercise is better than the old school of “static” stretching. Past and present studies have

shown that static stretching before sports like tennis, running, and soccer can actually decrease performance and not prepare the body for the movements of the sport involved. A dynamic warm up should consist of activities that allow us to: • Increase blood flow to the muscles • Turn on or excite the nervous system to prepare the body for movement • Increase the mobility or pliability of the muscles • Break a sweat The following exercises should be done after approximately 5 - 10 laps of jogging around the court and should take no longer than 10 minutes total.

Knee Hug

Quad/Hip Flexor

Purpose: Activate and “tighten” abs

How it’s done: Stay tall – don’t hunch over; alternate pulling each knee to chest.

How it’s done: Pull at ankle and extend hip away from body (do not arch the back)

Duration: 5 reps on each leg as you walk 10 yards

Knee Cradle

Lateral Lunge

Purpose: Activate and “tighten” abs

How it’s done: Stay in place and alternate lunging to the left and right (sit into each butt cheek); your hip, knee and ankle should be aligned

How it’s done: Pull left knee to right shoulder (stay tall – don’t hunch over); you should feel a pull in the Gluteus Maximus

Duration: 5 reps to the right and 5 to the left

Purpose: Activate and “tighten” abs

Duration: Should feel a gentle pull

Duration: 5 reps alternating between left and right for 10 yards

s es

How it’s done: Alternate kicking legs as you walk 10 yards; stay tall and keep the leg straight

How it’s done: The knee should not extend past toes – push up through the front heel then lunge to the opposite foot (keeping your chest tall)

Scott Hudson, MS, ATC, CSCS, is an athletic trainer at the St. Vincent Sports Performance Center specializing in training techniques and rehabilitation services for tennis players. An athletic trainer at selected USTA pro events, he has worked with Carmel’s Rajeev Ram and currently works with several of the top juniors in the Indianapolis area.

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Tin Man

Walking Lunge

tn Fi

Fo c

Duration: 5 reps on each leg as you walk 10 yards

Up and coming Brooke Austin strives for normalcy

amidst an increasingly hectic schedule By Linda Schroeder O’Neil

t’s one o’clock on Friday afternoon and 13-year-old Brooke Austin looks and acts like any other junior player getting ready to train at the Indianapolis Tennis Center. Dressed and ready with racquet in hand for that day’s workout, she greets coach Jeff Smith with a big smile that reveals a mouth full of braces. That normalcy is good, for both Austin and Smith. Once on the court, however, the smile is replaced by an intense focus, as shot after shot rips across the net, and it becomes readily apparent that there is something both unique and special about the teenager from the southeast side of Indianapolis. The Tennis Center has become Brooke’s home away from home, and she has settled into a familiar routine. As of the beginning of this workout, Austin had already logged 20 hours of court time for the week, in addition to the two nights working out at Acceleration Indiana.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

However, through all of the training – both on court and off – and constant tournament play, Austin still manages to maintain a straight ‘A’ grade average at Franklin Township Middle School East.

But what sets Brooke apart is the fact that she’s ranked as the number one 14-and-under U.S. player in the Class of 2014. She could easily be the next big thing in American tennis, a fact that isn’t lost on the United States Tennis Association (USTA), which works closely with Austin, subsidizing her tournament travel, tracking her progress physically, and tallying her wins and losses. Since she was nine years old, Austin has been evaluated twice a year by USTA Player Development at its training centers in either Carson, California, or Boca Raton, Florida. There, she’s put through exercises and drills designed to measure traits of her explosiveness and jumping ability. Once she’s back home, the coaches and trainers follow up with suggestions on possible changes to her training regimen. Smith is also involved in twicemonthly calls with the USTA. At this point in her development, Austin isn’t struggling in very many areas. In fact, in the last six months, she has undergone a growth spurt, growing four inches and gaining about 20 lbs and now wears a size nine shoe. Such news is significant since, as she matures, Brooke

Austin with the spoils of victory after capturing one of her five USTA national championships last year. (Photo by Al Johnson)

has the potential to get bigger and stronger. Good news for the USTA; bad news for whoever’s on the opposite side of the net. “Brooke has a nice game, lots of power, beautiful backhand,” said Smith. Overall, Austin is the real deal, and Smith doesn’t hold back in his praise of both her drive and mental capacity, which is huge for a player, let alone a 13 year old. “I think my ability to focus makes me tough to play,” said Austin. “Sometimes, I don’t know what happens, but I come off the court and I’m shaking and my face is red and it’s very intense.” “She really enjoys it and is really fun to be around on the court,” said Smith. “She doesn’t have bad days, and the kids really like being around her.”

In between drills, Brooke shares a laugh at the net with fellow ITC junior David Beasley. (Photo by Shawn Barney)

Having just turned 13 in February, the expectations are already there for Austin, and progress is measured in wins and losses.

The USTA challenges Austin in other areas, inviting her to prestigious junior tournaments. A gold ball is awarded to anyone winning a USTA national championship, and Austin won five in 2008, the most of anyone her age. She’s also begun playing in events outside North America. Last November, Brooke was chosen by the USTA to be part of a six-player team to represent the U.S. in the Maureen Connelly Brinker Bonne Bell Championships in Australia. Austin, the first 12 year old to play in the girls’ 14 event, spent 10 days in Melbourne playing on grass for the first time. She was surprised to find that she loves the surface since it suits her game – short backswings and taking the ball early. In January, the world tour continued as she was recruited to play in two prestigious 14 and under tournaments in Europe, Teen Tennis in Bolton, England and Les Petit As in Tarbes, France. Brooke made it to the semi-finals in England, where she lost to the number one seed, and she got to the quarters in France.

Brooke gets in some extra practice on her serve. (Photo by Shawn Barney)

Austin has traveled to California (“lots of times”) and Florida (“several times”) for various tournaments and training camps. Her USTA tournament schedule is a hectic one, with 28 events on the schedule last year (in 2007 she played in 35 tournaments). She was one of two players from the United States invited to the Coupe Le Blanc junior world championships held last August in Montreal for players 12 and under. Austin won both the singles and doubles titles with wins over players from Mexico, Japan, Brazil, China, France, and Canada. Just prior to that tournament, Brooke was announced as the first Americansponsored player for German tennis string manufacturer MSV. In the summer, Brooke works all day with Smith. After the hard court season ends in early August, they move to clay courts through the middle of November. Sometimes Austin is the only one of 400 or so summer camp kids left when it starts to rain. “Don’t get me wrong, I don’t keep anyone outside if there’s thunder or lightening, but a little rain never hurt anyone,” said Smith. “Brooke will say to me, ‘everyone else has gone in,’ and I remind her that, in effect, she’s not everyone else.” Through this summer, Austin plans to play some bigger national tournaments. She made her first appearance at the prestigious Easter Bowl tournament in California, competing for yet another gold ball. Now that she’s 13, there is also hope for her to start playing International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments later this summer.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

“We’re playing tournaments at her level and she’s expected to win,” said Smith. To her advantage, Brooke has already regularly played – and won – in the girls’ 14s, even as a 12 year old. Austin continues to learn how to win, even when she’s jet-lagged, not feeling 100%, or even if it’s just one of those days and she’s not playing to her potential. The point is for Austin to get comfortable, but not too comfortable, which is where the USTA comes in.

“Hopefully she can stay healthy,” Smith said. “You make changes real quick depending on how the player is doing and what doors are being open for them.” It’s not uncommon for the USTA to give Smith and Austin just two-week’s notice about a tournament that involves a fair amount of travel. “We plan six months out, but plans can change quickly,” Smith added. “We try and take advantage of each opportunity if we can do it.” Whatever happens, Austin can rely on Smith to help her stay grounded. Like anyone, she does miss her own bed and her dogs while traveling, but Smith, gesturing with his hands, reminds her that at the end of the day, “there is tennis here and the rest of the world over here.” That philosophy is infectious between the two, and Austin tries, through what many might consider an impossible schedule, to remain positive.

Austin tracks down a forehand at a USTA national event.

“I try to be positive and remember at the end of the day, the sky is still there,” said Austin. “Tomorrow is another day and another chance.”

(Photo by Al Johnson)

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Brooke, standing to the left of the trophy, poses with her USA teammates and their counterparts from Australia at the Maureen Connelly Brinker Bonne Bell Cup in Melbourne last November. (Photo by Tennis Australia)

Taylor Dent

joins Championships lineup

Late afternoon start

among changes for ’09 tournament

he comeback tour of Taylor Dent will continue at the 2009 Indianapolis Tennis Championships presented by Lilly. The tournament announced the American has joined Andy Roddick and Sam Querrey in announcing their intent to play in the Championships, which will run July 18-26 at the Indianapolis Tennis Center. Dent, who reached a career high of No. 21 on the ATP Tour World Rankings in August of 2005, has been sidelined for much of the past three years with a back injury that required two operations and left him in a body cast for months. “It’s been a dream comeback for me,” said Dent, after his 3rd RD victory over No. 15 Tommy Robredo at the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 in Miami. “It hasn’t been a perfect ride, but the fact that I’m here and still plugging away and fighting hard is a dream come true.” The 27 year old serve-and-volleyer from Newport Beach, California last appearance at Indianapolis was in 2005, when he reached the finals and lost to fellow American Robby Ginepri.

and Active Lifestyles (HAL) initiative created by the tournament and sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. As part of the convocation, Dent will visit two local elementary schools and talk with students about the importance of staying active through sports like tennis and how to make healthy choices that will contribute to a long, fulfilling life. Fans will also notice several other changes for this year’s tournament, including a switch to a single-session format for most of the tournament’s main draw. Previously, there were two sessions: an afternoon session beginning at noon and an evening session starting at 7 p.m. However, at the suggestion of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the Monday-Thursday sessions will now begin at 4 p.m. “With our draw size (32), the players prefer it,” explained Sarah Brelage, executive director of staff operations. “No one wants to play that noon match with the heat, and the ATP felt like, from a fan’s standpoint, we’d be getting the same number of matches in by starting at 4 p.m.”

“We have a strong player field forming for this year’s tournament,” said Kevin Martin, tournament director. “We are all excited to have Taylor back on the tour and back in Indianapolis. Be prepared for great tennis this July.”

There will still be two sessions on Friday, July 24, for the quarterfinals, at noon and 7 p.m., and the semi-finals on Saturday will begin at 11:30 a.m. Finals are set for Sunday, July 26, starting at 1 p.m. Brelage noted that the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington, D.C. has successfully used a similar format.

Dent will also be in Indianapolis May 19 for a day of outreach to area school children as part of the Healthy

“We spent quite a bit of time on the phone with that group, asking about the pros and cons, and PAGE 19 

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

By Scott Cooper

‘O captain! My captain!’ ‘Backbones’

help USTA Leagues run smoothly By Linda Cook

hey are most visible on the court during most USTA League Tennis matches: getting teammates to the right court, passing out balls, exchanging lineups, and recording scores afterwards. Oftentimes this is the easier part of their job, since most of the real work has already taken place off the court: checking player availability through a constant stream of e-mails and phone calls, finding substitutes if necessary, and setting the lineup. “They” are league team captains, whom Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) District League Coordinator Sue Harris calls “the backbone of the league.” Many captains have headed one or more teams for a number of years and have it down to a fine art. Bill Bane, for example, has played tennis for 20 years and has captained men’s teams at the Indianapolis Racquet Club (IRC) for at least 12 of those. He has captained multiple teams in a season, even some at levels he cannot play, and four of his teams have advanced to the USTA League Tennis National Championships. Last fall CITA honored Bane with its Joe Graham Memorial Award for his involvement and service to tennis.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Bill Bane (left) goes over the lineup with members of his team before a 3.5 men’s match in the Early Start League. In any given league season, Bane will captain as many as five different teams for the Indianapolis Racquet Club.

But Bill’s motivation for devoting so much time to tennis is clear. “I love tennis, I love the people, and I love Dean Road (IRC),” he says. “I look at it as a form of volunteerism and a way to give back to the sport I love. And I like that level of involvement with people.”

Bane is constantly keeping his players informed through e-mails. He tracks how many times each player has played as he attempts to even out playing time while still maintaining a competitive team. And, he readily admits the job can be challenging. “It’s like pulling teeth to get them signed up for the teams,” he says. He adds that more people probably do not step up to captain a team because of the time involved. “Or, maybe a lot of people don’t like the game as much as I do!” Another longtime captain of multiple teams is Yas Matsumoto, who has been playing for 30 years and will be captaining for her 16th year this summer. She has also led teams at various levels, including adult, senior, and super senior, to six National Championships, the most memorable being when she celebrated her 50th birthday in Palm Springs. Like Bane, Yas also received the Joe Graham Memorial Award (in 2006). Keeping it all in the family, her husband, Ken, has played for 40 years and captained for 10 of those. Yas further gets into the spirit of competition with contests and prizes for her teammates, including a pop tab contest for the team’s community service project, which benefits the Ronald McDonald House. Yas tries to attend all the matches to show support, and since she now captains independent teams where some players are traveling a distance, she brings a post-match snack for her teammates. Each player receives a folder at the beginning of the season with league guidelines, match schedule, team roster, and maps to away-match sites. Jeff Schimmelpfennig got a first-hand feel for many of those duties during the 2009 Early Start League, and his motivation for being a first-time captain had a familiar ring to it: if he didn’t step up and volunteer to put a 4.5 men’s team together at Westview Healthplex Sports Club, there probably wouldn’t have been a team. A 4.0 player himself, Schimmelpfennig had several friends who were at the 4.5 level and looking for a team. “I decided to captain a team because I thought that I’d be good at it and wanted to give players the opportunity to try something new (playing 4.5),” he said.

Lisa Nelson (left) and Christy Johnson perform one of the many duties of a league captain prior to a match – exchanging lineups. Johnson was the designated captain for her mixed doubles team for the match since the regular captain, Julie Viellieu-Thompson, had a previous commitment.

“I feel that I did a great job,” he noted. “I put in the efforts with scheduling and communication that comes with captaining, and I accomplished my goal of allowing everyone to play about an equal number of matches throughout the season. And, because our team was playing up a level, there was never any pressure to win team matches, only the individual’s desire to play their best and better themselves.” And then there’s Gregg Hamby, who was looking to captain a super senior team for the first time in this summer’s league season. Like Schimmelpfennig, Hamby had to step up to captainship after the last captain decided to “retire”. And although no one has yet to write the authoritative guide to being a first-time captain, Hamby said being observant throughout the years of being a team member has helped prepare him. “It’s definitely going to be on-the-job training,” he noted. “I think having observed people, how they’ve reacted and responded, and what’s been passed along through e-mails have been important. What you say to the players, whether it’s through e-mail or on the court, is critical in helping establish a tone for your players and what you’d like to see from them.” Although he’s become well-versed in the trials and tribulations of being a team captain, Wayne Willis has also introduced an element of fun into his post-match routine with a (mostly) humorous re-cap of the results that’s now e-mailed to more than 30 team members and friends.

“From the start I would always send an e-mail with info on the last match and the line-up for the next,” Willis remembered, noting that the first time he began adding extra commentary was two years ago after a match in which one of his new players loudly questioned his opponent’s line calls. “We could all hear him suggesting rather loudly to his opponent that a trip to the optometrist might be in order. I wrote about it (mentioning in jest what a great first impression he made),” Willis said. “It just grew from that. And I must enjoy writing it because I do it every week. Or maybe I just enjoy the fact that everyone seems to enjoy reading it.” Technology – e-mail and cell phones – has simplified many of the duties for league captains. Similarly, Harris uses e-mail as her primary method for contacting league captains with pertinent information, deadlines, and rules updates. Still, the annual captains’ meetings are an important way to bring everyone together to review procedures, go over new rules, and answer questions. While being a team captain involves a time commitment and lots of unpaid work, there are often numerous rewards to the job. Yas speaks for many captains when she says, “One gratifying part of being a captain is putting together a team of talented and dedicated players who, through hard work and cooperation, achieve a common goal. I have been most fortunate to have many wonderful memories of shared successes. The best rewards are the lasting friendships that have been formed as the result of team camaraderie, laughing together, celebrating special times, and traveling together.” Editor’s note: Linda Cook herself is no stranger to league captaincy, having captained an average of 3 teams per season over the last 11 years. She served as president of the CITA Adult Leagues Committee for two years and is still a committee member.

Another rite of spring – the annual meeting for captains fielding teams in the summer USTA League Tennis season. Captains get rules updates from CITA league coordinator Sue Harris, in addition to receiving information packets and match balls.

(Photos by Scott Cooper)

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

And what was Schimmelpfennig’s self-assessment after his first full season?

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009



PAGE 15

they really had no cons to it,” she said. “They said people really love it, and it was a lot easier for them operationally.” Also new this year will be the playing of at least one main draw match on Sunday, July 19. In past years, the first weekend of the tournament was set aside exclusively for qualifying matches with the main draw beginning on Monday. The change in format also means changes in several traditional events, including the loss of Kids Day and Ladies Day. “Our special events are being completely revamped this year,” Brelage explained. In place of Kids Day, Sunday will be designated “Family Day,” with a special ticket package being made available. “We’re going to plan some on-court events for the kids and their families and try to get them involved.” Ladies Day had been a popular activity in the past, but Brelage said feedback from attendees helped lead to the decision to cancel it. “We’ve struggled in the past with whether or not to continue it,” she said. “The (USTA) leagues are starting to finish up, and it’s just a struggle for that group to get out. We’re going to add some different activities geared towards the 4 p.m. and later timeframe.”

FREE

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Ball kid tryouts set Children between the ages of 12 and 18 who are interested in becoming ball kids can register now online. If chosen, the ball kids receive an entire uniform including hat, shoes, shorts and shirt. In order to be considered, those interested must appear at one of the five tryouts. All ball kids must be available during the week of July 18-26 and must be able to attend two mandatory practice sessions. The remaining sessions will be held on the following dates: • May 2 (Saturday), Indianapolis Racquet Club Dean Rd., 2:30-4:30 p.m. • May 3 (Sunday), Carmel Racquet Club, 2-4 p.m. • May 10 (Sunday), Center Grove High School, 2-4 p.m. • May 17 (Sunday), Five Seasons Sport Club, 2-4 p.m. A valid email address is needed to enter the application program. Upon entering the program, please select ball kids and complete the application. Applicants may only sign up for one tryout session. If you have any questions, please email Elizabeth Shafer, Ball Kids Committee Chair, at ballkids@tennisindy.com.

SUMMER TENNIS EXTRAVAGANZA

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• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Taylor Dent

30 years of great tennis! Join us at the Community Hospital Anderson Tennis Classic July 10-19 at Anderson University With 30 divisions and 366 players in 2008, the Community Hospital Anderson Tennis Classic is a quality tournament with participants coming from miles away. Visit CommunityAnderson.com/tennis or call 765-606-5075 for more information.

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• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

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ITC juniors

bring home national titles The junior development program at the Indianapolis Tennis Center added more national titles to its resume as four of its players combined to win six USTA national junior tournament championships in the last four months, including five in one weekend. Joe Van Meter earned his first gold ball, signifying a USTA national championship, by winning the boys’ 14 doubles with Michigan’s Jack Murray at the USTA Winter Nationals in Tucson, Arizona. Despite having just turned 13 years old a few days before, Brooke Austin dominated the girls’ 14s at the USTA National Opens in El Paso, Texas, winning both the singles and doubles national championships. Ronnie Schneider has similar success, winning the boys’ 14s singles and doubles. In Lake Charles, Louisiana, Sameer Kumar won the singles title in the boys’ 12s division. Kumar and David Beasley narrowly missed winning the doubles, falling in a third-set tiebreaker.

Coaches spearhead efforts By Scott Cooper

hose attending the annual induction of new members into the Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame in February also had an opportunity to see the first of several phases of renovations to the displays at the hall of fame, located within the Barbara S. Wynne Tennis Center on the campus of North Central High School. Phase one, completed with seed money provided by the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA), includes new hand-crafted oak cabinets containing the plaques honoring HOF members, as well as recognition of every state team champion on two new tennis courts painted on the hall’s ceiling.

“The ultimate goal is to put, in one place, an historical look at Indiana high school tennis,” said Jim Clark, coach at Homestead High School and hall of fame delegate for IHSTeCA. Originally, the goal of the hall of fame project was to recognize those who had been elected to the hall. But, it has grown to the point where organizers want to make it more comprehensive by documenting as much of the history of high school tennis in the state as possible. “We’ve been working on this phase for two years, and finances have been the only thing slowing us down,” Clark noted. “We hope to have the remainder of phase one completed and phase two done by the 2010 IHSTeCA convention, and phase three will depend on when we can collect all of the information we’re hoping to find.” Hampering the efforts is the fact that earlier officers of the coaches association had done a poor job of recordkeeping. Missing is important information such as: when the IHSTeCA was formed, its former presidents and officers, and lists of all-state and allacademic players. Clark is hoping former high school coaches or players might have access to that information, as well as any other pertinent data, that can eventually be maintained in a central repository. Phases two and three will include more cabinets and additional displays honoring IHSTeCA boys’ and girls’ state coaches of the year; photos of state championships teams and individual singles and doubles champions; IHSAA mental attitude award winners; notable achievements in Indiana tennis history, and a collection of memorabilia. Donations for future phases of the renovation are being accepted at various levels, beginning at $50. All donations are tax deductible, and more information can be found at www.ihsteca.com.

Among the initial renovations to the Indiana High School Tennis Hall of Fame is a pair of oak cabinets built by hall of fame member David Specht. (Photo by Scott Cooper)

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

to upgrade tennis HOF

News & Notes 

PAGE 5

Former CITA president passes Former Central Indiana Tennis Association (CITA) president Ralph Linder passed away on February 22. Linder was CITA President from 1971-72 and served the association in many capacities throughout the years, most recently in 1999 as an auditor. CITA presented him with the Stan Malless Award in 1987. Linder owned and operated Linder Machinery Company for over 50 years. In addition to his tennis activities, he coached basketball for various organizations throughout the Indianapolis community. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association.

Indy NJTL wins national USTA honor The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) of Indianapolis is one of three chapters nationwide to be named 2008 USTA/NJTL Chapter of the Year. The NJTL of Indianapolis was recognized as the top chapter of those whose budget ranges from $50,000 and $500,000. All three programs were recognized at an awards banquet, held during the USTA’s annual Community Tennis Development Workshop.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

The NJTL of Indianapolis serves more than 1,800 children in Marion County every year by offering lowcost tennis lessons at more than 28 parks, schools and racquet clubs. More than 41,000 children have been served over the past 35 years.

The chapter has also named the following officers for 2009: Kyle Simmerman, President; Donna J. Hubbard, Vice President; Kate Schreiber, Secretary; and Jill Eder, Treasurer. In addition, the chapter also named the following new board members: Stacy Cook, Tanner Coulter, Rev. Gene Fisher, Melissa Gesse, Brian Lockhart, Madan Murali, and Pete Thornton. IHSTeCA recognizes area coaches Three metro area coaches were honored by the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association (IHSTeCA) during its annual conference in February. Former Roncalli High School coach Harry Schwartz was named boys’ Coach of the Year in District 3; Park Tudor High School coach Dave Heffern won the girls’ award in District 3; and Jim Hostettler of Anderson Highland High School was named the top girls’ coach in District 4.

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Surveys say D

more people playing tennis

espite a down economy overall, the tennis industry is enjoying growth in participation. According to data released by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), tennis is the fastest growing sport in America among individual traditional sports with an increase in participation of 43 percent from 2000 to 2008.

According to the SGMA, tennis was one of only six sports to experience participation growth exceeding 40 percent from 2000 through 2008. Tennis is well ahead of other traditional sports like baseball, ice hockey, gymnastics and football, all of which suffered a decline in participation during the past eight years. In the last year alone (through December 31, 2008), tennis experienced a 9.6 percent growth in participation. The SGMA study is the latest in a series of reports and studies that have cited the extraordinary growth for tennis. In December, the Taylor Research Group (TRG) reported that tennis participation reached a record high of 27 million players in 2008, more than any other period in the past 15 years. Sales of tennis racquets and balls have both also increased significantly, most notably, an 88% increase in the sale of youth racquets from 2003 through 2008, according to the TRG report.

PHOTOGRAPHY

“The SGMA study is a clear validation of all the hard work and commitment that our industry has put into the sport,” said Jon Muir, president of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), and General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “We’ve focused not only on reinforcing our already strong base, but at the same time, we’ve developed new, innovative programs to bring players of all ages and skill levels into the game.” “We are especially pleased that interest in tennis has been able to withstand this soft economy,” added Jolyn de Boer, TIA Executive Director. “We’ve charted the various economic indicators against industry shipments and participation numbers from 2003. We’ve clearly seen that tennis has experienced a level of growth unmatched among other major sports, and participation doesn’t seem as impacted by a down economy.” In addition to the rise in tennis participation, charting industry shipments over this same five year period showed shipments of adult racquets are up 30%, while shipments for youth racquets increased a remarkable 88% from 2003 thru 2008. Furthermore, tennis ball shipments for the same time period were up over 16%, continuing to demonstrate an increasing attraction to the sport. Muir adds: “While no industry can escape the current impact of the nation’s economic challenges, we will use the current report provided by the SGMA study and our own TIA/USTA participation research to focus on creating even more players and consumers for our sport.”

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• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

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Destination Places to go – places to play

Blue Ridge Mountains frame tennis activities at Wintergreen Resort

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains provide the perfect setting for the Wintergreen Resort.

panning 11,000 acres on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia’s Wintergreen Resort not only offers four seasons of mountain recreation and activities, but also one of the country’s top tennis programs.

For the seventh consecutive year, Tennis Resorts Online has ranked Wintergreen as one of the top 10 tennis academies and one of the top 15 tennis resorts in the world. Located just 90 minutes from Richmond and adjacent to the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen has also consistently garnered high marks from Tennis Magazine as one of its top 50 U.S. resorts.

Between two outdoor tennis complexes and an indoor facility, guests at Wintergreen have access to 22 courts, as well as one of the country’s top resort tennis programs.

Accommodations

Between its Devils Knob and Stoney Creek complexes, the Wintergreen Tennis Academy boasts 19 clay and three indoor Deco-Turf courts. Whatever your level of play and skill, the academy has programs specially tailored to improve your game. Because of this specialized attention, the Wintergreen Tennis Academy is ranked as the No. 6 adult tennis academy in the world and one of the top five doubles camps in North America. Under the direction of tennis director Thomas Johnston and his staff, players learn doubles positioning and movement, mental toughness techniques, communication, racquet skills, and aggressive play such as poaching and the “I” formation. All academies include free outdoor court time, discounted indoor court time, pro shop discount, and free use of demo racquets. Players 12 and under enjoy complimentary outdoor tennis and registered overnight guests receive complimentary midweek tennis. Wintergreen Tennis programs include private lessons, clinics, sport psychology sessions, as well as the academy.

Indoor and outdoor pools, as well as hot tubs, can help you unwind after a day on the courts.

Approximately 30 homes atop the mountain are managed by Wintergreen Resort and available for rental. Guests are granted access to all the superior dining, recreational and resort amenities of the resort. Each of the homes is privately owned and individually decorated, and all are furnished and fully equipped with most including outdoor decks. Rates include: complimentary housekeeping services; 24-hour check-in, front desk, switchboard, emergency services and maintenance; preferred access to 45 holes of golf and the Wintergarden Spa; transportation shuttle within Wintergreen Resort; access to the Aquatics & Fitness Center, including indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, and complimentary midweek outdoor tennis.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Wintergreen Tennis Academy

The uniqueness of the Wintergreen Resort extends beyond its winding trails, cascading streams and lush forest to its myriad of spacious accommodations and vacation homes. Its 300 accommodations range from studios to nine-bedroom homes, with the private home adding a level of comfort and community for families desiring a more intimate space.

Need some time off the court? The Wintergreen Resort boasts a number of other recreational activities, including hiking trails.

A picturesque sunset is framed through the windows of one of Wintergreen’s condominiums.

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Amenities

In addition to the tennis program, the resort’s all-season recreation menu includes: 45 holes of championship golf on two courses; winter skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing; a full-service, mountaintop spa; and other outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, swimming and mountain biking. Having undergone a $4 million expansion, the Wintergarden spa offers several specialty packages, such as the “Girlfriends Getaway”, that includes: accommodations; one 50-minute Swedish massage; a choice of a caviar manicure, caviar pedicure or Sole Sundae pedicure; a spa robe to take home; one breakfast at The Copper Mine Restaurant; a bottle of wine delivered to your accommodation; and access to the Aquatics & Fitness Center. Package rates start at $333 per person (based on 2 persons in a lodge room), although rates will vary based on occupancy, unit type and dates of stay.

Besides The Copper Mine American Steak House, Wintergreen Resort offers other dining options such as the Devils Grill clubhouse restaurant; The Edge, offering casual dining with views of the mountains and slopes and live music; and the Stony Creek Bar and Grill. Looking for a round of golf? The resort features the 18-hole Devils Knob, the highest course in Virginia at 3,850 feet, or the 27-hole nationally ranked Stoney Creek course designed by Rees Jones. Wintergreen Resort also offers family vacation packages, children’s programs at The Treehouse, and a host of special events and activities to keep everyone entertained. For more information, visit the resort’s website at www.wintergreenresort.com.

Indy Parks courts L

get some TLC during clean-up event

ocal tennis players and high school teams traded their racquets for rakes, brooms and shovels on March 21 as the courts at Broad Ripple, Ellenberger, Garfield, Riverside and Tarkington parks received some much-needed attention. More than 120 volunteers pitched in for what organizers hope will become an annual event.

How many people does it take to install a tennis net? Volunteers at Riverside Park ganged up to put up new nets on several of the courts.

Suzie Booker and Julie Fritz said the idea for pitching in at the local parks came about during a brainstorming session among Indianapolis Community Tennis Association (ICTA) board members and represented a way to address one of the underserved sectors of the local tennis community.

Hot Box Pizza provided discounted pizza for the volunteers, and Sullivan’s Hardware and Everyday Paint and Wallpaper donated supplies. Budget reductions at Indy Parks have impacted court maintenance, but Fritz said the ICTA hopes to begin working with neighborhood associations and interested community members to find ways to raise funds to keep the courts in the parks playable.

The girls’ team from Cathedral High School tackled the nearly impossible task of clearing leaves from around the courts at Garfield Park.

It wasn’t all about tennis, as the North Central High School boys’ team spread a new layer of mulch at the playground adjacent to the courts at Tarkington Park. Laquisha Young was the first to try out a new hitting board (which would later be painted) at Riverside Park. (Photos by Scott Cooper)

• INDIANAPOLIS TENNIS - Spring 2009

Team members and coaches from Cathedral, Chatard, Lawrence Central, Scecina, Tech, North Central, and New Palestine high schools joined members of the Indianapolis chapter of the National Junior Tennis League, Indy Parks personnel, and other local tennis enthusiasts to clear leaves, weeds and other debris from courts, as well as touching up paint and installing new equipment.

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