Net News March April 2022 by New South Publishing

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ATLANTA LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION, INC.

ALTA, WHERE ATLANTA COMES TO PLAY

MARCH/APRIL 2022

Expanded Section

IMPROVING YOUR GAME 2022 Board of Directors p. 30 Your Serve New Location p. 36 2022 Summer Camps p. 62

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CONTENTS

MARCH/APRIL 2022 VOLUME 32 NUMBER 2

32 FEATURES

48 LEAGUE NEWS

60 COURT CUISINE

ALTA Board of Directors

Good Sportsmanship

ALTA Foundation

Mixed Doubles

ALTA JR Pilot Program

Junior Challenge Ladder

IN EVERY ISSUE

New Your Serve Location

Seniors

President’s Letter

Summer Camps

ALTA Calendars

Heard Around Atlanta

EXTRAS 26 Trivia Contest Winner Meet Dana Brian, Senior Day Women, Fowler Park, the winner of last issue’s trivia contest.

Net News Trivia Contest

IMPROVING YOUR GAME

2022 Photo Contest

Sandwiches

Jensen Zone

Tennis Headlines

Make That Adjustment

Good Question

Add Shots to Stop the Clock!

Classifieds

About ALTA

Weaknesses—They Are There, Now What?

Enter our trivia contest for a chance to win a great prize.

HEALTH & FITNESS 56

What Can Tennis Players Learn From Baseball?

NUTRITION 58

ON THE COVER ALTA players in action. Photos by Laura Barnard

Building Stronger Bones For Better Tennis

Net News, USPS 553-850, is mailed bimonthly by New South Publishing Inc., 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350 and is the official publication of the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, Inc., © Copyright 2022. Copies are mailed to members as part of their annual dues. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, Georgia and additional mailing offices. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: ALTA, 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076. 2

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Expanding Our Membership

For the latest news, information and events.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

in the gaps. That’s why attracting young players to ALTA is essential, and you play an integral part in achieving that goal. On the subject of growth, I am putting together a committee to research ways to expand our horizons. One avenue of expansion we are exploring is how ALTA can integrate pickleball. Pickleball is not just a passing fad; we can either look at it as a tremendous opportunity or look the other way and possibly lose members because of the increasing popularity of this racquet sport. ALTA already has all the organizational components in place for the management of a database, membership, leagues, socials, etc. Adding a new dimension will not dilute ALTA’s primary focus, but rather enhance what we can do for tennis in Atlanta. In addition, I’d like to hear from you. How can we attract new members? How can we improve the ALTA experience? Are there member benefits you’d like us to explore? Do you have ideas to help us expand our Junior League program? By the way, our AA Junior Pilot program, launched last year, has proven to be successful with 20 junior league players participating in our various leagues. ALTA recently voted to make this a permanent league program. This will include Thursday Women, Men, Sunday Women, and Mixed Doubles Leagues, beginning this spring season. There is nothing like ALTA, and our greatest asset is YOU, our membership. You are our best advocates, our heart and soul, and our best foot forward. You represent ALTA as the great experience that it is, but even more importantly, you share the great sport of tennis with others who don’t realize that, truly and uniquely, this is the sport for life! Lamar Scott, 2022 ALTA President

altatennis.org facebook.com/Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association instagram.com/ALTA_tennis netnewsmag.com

Photo by Laura Barnard

t’s no surprise to anyone how much I love ALTA. Like you, I believe we are part of the most wonderful and unique organization ever! And it’s not just about our unparalleled leagues and what happens on the court; we thrive on the strong social connections we make with our teams and even our opponents. Through ALTA, we all have forged friendships, made business connections, and some have even found love connections that resulted in marriage and children. Just as we pass on our knowledge and wisdom to the next generation, we also should share our passion for tennis and ALTA. Even though we still have a long way to go, tennis is the perfect post-pandemic recreational activity for all ages and levels! In our ongoing, year-round membership drive, I encourage you to invite your friends and family, especially younger people, to join the fun of ALTA. I’m not just referring to junior players, but also junior people. Male or female, 8 years old to 88 years old, weekend warrior to tournament pro; there are no restrictions on playing this beautiful game. Our leagues are great for maintaining health, fitness, strength and agility, not to mention the social and psychological benefits. Don’t forget, we were all newbies once. Let people know there’s a place for them. We offer tools on our website to assist with connecting members to teams at all levels. Our city is growing so quickly, you may have neighbors who are new to our area and don’t know about us yet. Despite hard times globally, right here at home, we are celebrating our success. Winter league registrations are up, and as we embark upon our spring season, our overall membership numbers continue to grow. Our Junior Leagues also are slowly returning to the level that we saw several years ago, but we can’t take our eye off the ball. For any association to prosper, it must keep growing and has to continue to fill

2022 ALTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 770.399.5788 Website: altatennis.org President Lamar Scott First Vice President Linda Shepherd Secretary Mimi McFall Treasurer Larry Waters VP Men’s League Mitch Falkin VP Thursday Karen Sullivan Women’s League VP Sunday Susan Levin Women’s League VP Senior Day Leagues Cathy Gonzales VP Senior Leagues Gina Clance VP Mixed John Lowell Doubles League VP Junior Leagues Tammi Copelli VP Junior Anthony Swatski Challenge Ladder VP Special Programs Lynn Lee VP Media Barbara Ingram Appointed Member Dorian Jefferson 2021 President Debbie Gaster 2020 President Sandy Depa ALTA Foundation Rep Cameron Turner

2022 ALTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Bill Price 2020 ALTA President Sandy Depa 2021 ALTA President Debbie Gaster 2022 ALTA President Lamar Scott The ALTA Foundation Rita Maloof President 2021 Elected Member Chequetta Allen 2022 Elected Member Keri Beck

COURT CUISINE

Treasurer Larry Waters

Sausage Muffins

California Quinoa Salad

Linda Smith West Smyrna S&T Thursday Women C4 1 lb. ground sausage 1 can cheddar cheese soup 3 cups Bisquick 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated soup Brown and drain sausage. Mix with mixing and Bisquick. Add 3/4 can water, regular or well. Drop in greased muffin tins, bake at mini. Top with grated cheese and 375 15-20 minutes, or until brown.

Peanut Butter Balls

Lisa Gravlee, Woods of Parkview Sunday Women B1 1 cup large flake rolled oats 1/2 cup all natural peanut butter 1/4 cup honey 2 Tbsp. ground coffee 2 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 2 oz. white chocolate, chopped Mix ingredients together well. Refrigerate (makes for 20 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls approximately 20).

Jenni Steines, Parkbrooke Sunday Women AA2

2 cups mixed quinoa 4 cups water 1 pkg. frozen mango or 2-3 diced fresh mangoes 1/2 large red onion, diced 1 medium to large red pepper, diced 1 small bunch cilantro, chopped 1-2 cups shredded, unsweeted coconut 3/4-1 cup unsalted, dry-toasted slivered almonds 1/2 cup raisins 2-3 cups frozen edamame, thawed 4-5 limes, juiced 1-4 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

When Rinse quinoa well, cook as directed. Add all done, fluff and spread out to cool. cold. other ingredients and toss. Enjoy

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Taylor Aycock, Buford City Parks Juniors 12U [pls ck] 1 3/4 3/4 1 2 2 1/4 1 1 2

cup butter, softened cup white sugar cup brown sugar, packed tsp. vanilla extract eggs cups all purpose flour

NOW YOU CAN SHARE YOUR FAVORITE COURT CUISINE RECIPES ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

tsp. salt tsp. baking soda cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

and In a large bowl, beat butter, sugars Add vanilla extract until ight and fluffy. Gradually eggs, one at a time, beating well. until well add flour, salt and baking soda Spread in blended. Stir in chocolate chips. for 14-inch pizza pan. Bake at 375 degrees cooling 20-25 minutes. Cool in pan or on rack. Decorate as desired.

Secretary/ Linda Shepherd First Vice President

2022 THE ALTA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Rita Maloof Treasurer Larry Waters Secretary Cameron Turner

SHARE YOUR RECIPES! at via email to Lindsay Penticuff Send your recipes for Court Cuisine Court by mail to New South Publishing, lindsay@knowatlanta.com or 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. Cuisine, 9040 Roswell Road, Suite

2017 NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL

NEW SOUTH PUBLISHING, INC. 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350 Phone: 770.650.1102 President Larry Lebovitz Vice President/Publisher John Hanna Net News Editor Emmy Powell Features Editor Cory Sekine-Pettite Art Director Tracy Stalling Advertising & Megan Willis Production Manager

Visit netnewsmag.com for our published Court Cuisine recipes.

NETNEWSMAG.COM 6

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

Account Executives Jennifer Gonzalez Sherry Gasaway Circulation Manager Amy Fine Accounting Marilyn Walker

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Direct all advertising, circulation and editorial inquiries to 770.650.1102. All information herein has been checked for accuracy to the best of the publisher’s ability. No responsibility is accepted for deletions, omissions, errors and/or inaccuracies. Printed in U.S.A. The ALTA logo is a protected trademark™.

2022 ALTA CALENDAR

MARCH 2022

16 18 19 21 22 24 30

Men – Spring playoffs and City Finals for AA (rain date 5/15) Sunday Women – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/15) Junior Leagues – Spring City Finals (rain date 5/15) Junior Challenge Ladder – Online registration begins Sunday Women – Spring City Finals for AA (rain date 5/17) Senior Day Women – Spring City Finals (rain date 5/23) Senior Day Men – Spring City Finals (rain date 5/20) All Summer Leagues – Summer schedules go online; team add-ons begin Men – Spring City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date 5/28) Sunday Women – Spring City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date 5/29) Run ‘n Roll – Play begins Office Closed – Memorial Day

JUNE MARCH 3 5

15 16 17 19 20 22

All Spring Leagues – Spring schedules go online: teams add-ons begin Mixed Doubles – Winter playoffs and City Finals for AA (rain date 3/6) Senior Mixed – Winter City Finals (rain date 3/6) Mixed Doubles – Winter City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date 3/13) Junior Leagues – Spring play begins Senior Day Women – Spring play begins Wheelchair – Spring play begins Senior Day Men – Spring play begins Thursday Women – Spring play begins Men – Spring play begins Sunday Women – Spring play begins All Summer Leagues – Roster registration begins

APRIL

12 23 26 26 27 28 30

All Summer Leagues – Roster registration ends Junior Leagues – Spring play ends Senior Day Women – Spring play ends Wheelchair – Spring play ends Senior Day Men – Spring play ends Thursday Women – Spring play ends Men – Spring play ends Junior Leagues – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/3)

MAY 1 2 3 4 5 7

8 9 10 11 12

Sunday Women – Spring play ends Senior Day Women – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/4) Thursday Women – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/5) Wheelchair – Spring finals (rain date 5/6) Senior Day Men – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/6) Thursday Women – Spring playoffs and City Finals for AA (rain date 5/10) Junior Leagues – Spring City Finals (rain date 5/8) Junior Leagues – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/10) Men – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/8) Sunday Women – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/8) Men – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/14) Sunday Women – Spring playoffs (rain dates 5/14) Senior Day Women – Spring playoffs (rain date 5/16) Thursday Women – Spring playoffs (rain dates 5/12) Senior Day Men – Spring playoffs (rain dates 5/13) Thursday Women – Spring City Finals for A, B, and C (rain dates 5/19)

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

2 3 4 30

Senior Women – Summer play begins Senior Men – Summer play begins Mixed Doubles – Summer play begins All Fall leagues – Roster registration begins

JULY 4 5 12 14 15 16 21

22 23 24

28 29 30

Office Closed – Independence Day Run ‘n Roll – Play ends Run ‘n Roll – City Finals (rain date 7/19) Senior Women – Summer play ends Senior Men – Summer play ends Mixed Doubles – Summer play ends All Adult Fall Leagues – Roster registration ends Senior Women – Summer playoffs (rain date 7/23) Senior Men – Summer playoffs (rain date 7/24) Mixed Doubles – Summer playoffs (rain date 7/24) Mixed Doubles – Summer playoffs (rain date 7/30) Senior Women – Summer playoffs (levels tbd) (rain date first clear evening) Senior Women – Summer playoffs (rain date 7/30) Juniors – Fall roster registration ends Senior Men – Summer playoffs (rain date 7/31) Summer playoffs and City Finals for AA (rain date 7/31)

AUGUST 6

7 15

Mixed Doubles – Summer City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date 8/7) Senior Women – Summer City Finals (rain date 8/13) Mixed Doubles Mixer – Summer Mixer Senior Men – Summer City Finals (rain date 8/14) Junior Challenge Ladder – Online registration ends

S M T 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

W 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

APRIL 2022 S M T W T F 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29

21 23 25

S 2 9 16 23 30

Junior Challenge Ladder – Kickoff Junior Challenge Ladder – Ladder opens All Fall Leagues – Fall schedules go online; addons begin

SEPTEMBER 5 6 7

10 11 13 20

Office Closed – Labor Day Senior Day Women – Fall play begins Senior Day Men – Fall play begins Thursday Women – Fall play begins Junior Leagues – Fall play begins Men – Fall play begins Sunday Women – Fall play begins Run ‘n Roll – Fall play begins All Winter Leagues – Roster registration begins

OCTOBER 15 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 29

30 31

All Winter Leagues – Roster registration ends Senior Day Women – Fall play ends Senior Day Men – Fall play ends Thursday Women – Fall play ends Junior Leagues – Fall play ends Men – Fall play ends Sunday Women – Fall play ends Senior Day Women – Fall playoffs (rain date 10/26) Run ‘n Roll – Fall play ends Thursday Women – Fall playoffs (rain date 10/27) Senior Day Men – Fall playoffs (rain date 10/28) Thursday Women – Fall playoffs and AA City Finals (rain date 11/2) Junior Leagues – Fall playoffs (rain date 11/1) Men – Fall playoffs (rain date 10/30) Sunday Women – Fall playoffs (rain date 10/30) Men – Fall playoffs (rain date 11/5) Sunday Women – Fall playoffs (rain date 11/6) Senior Day Women – Fall playoffs (rain date 11/2)

Dates are subject to change.

2022 ALTA CALENDAR BY LEAGUE

JUNIOR LEAGUES Mar. 3 Mar. 12 Apr. 23 Apr. 30 May 7 May 7 May 14

Spring schedules post online Spring play begins Spring play ends Spring playoffs (rain date 5/3) Spring City Finals (levels tbd) (rain date 5/8) Spring playoffs (rain date 5/10) Spring City Finals (rain date 5/15)

MEN Mar. 3 Mar. 19 Apr. 30 May 7 May 8 May 14 May 21

Spring schedules post online Spring play begins Spring play ends Spring playoffs (rain date 5/8) Spring playoffs (rain date 5/14) Spring playoffs and AA City Finals (rain date 5/15) Spring City Finals A, B, and C (rain date 5/28)

THURSDAY WOMEN

SENIOR MIXED Mar. 5

Winter City Finals (rain date 3/6)

SENIOR WOMEN Mar. 22 Apr. 12 May 19

Roster registration begins Roster registration ends Schedules post online; team add-ons begin

Mar. 3 Mar. 17 Apr. 28 May 3 May 5 May 10 May 12

Spring schedules post online Spring play begins Spring play ends Spring playoffs (rain date 5/5) Spring playoffs and City Finals for AA (rain date 5/10) Spring playoffs (rain date 5/12) Spring City Finals A, B, and C (rain date 5/14)

WHEELCHAIR / RUN ‘N ROLL Mar. 15 Apr. 26 May 3 May 24

Wheelchair spring play begins Wheelchair spring play ends Wheelchair spring City Finals (rain date 5/11) Run ‘n Roll play begins

SENIOR MEN

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER

Mar. 22 Apr. 12 May 19

May 15

Roster registration begins Roster registration ends Schedules post online; team add-ons begin

MIXED DOUBLES Mar. 5 Mar. 12 Mar. 22 Apr. 12 May 19

Winter playoffs and City Finals for AA (rain date 3/6) Winter City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date 3/13) Summer roster registration begins Summer roster registration ends Summer schedules post online, team add-ons begin

Registration opens

SENIOR DAY WOMEN Mar. 3 Mar. 15 Apr. 26 May 2 May 9 May 16

Spring schedules post online Spring play begins Spring play ends Spring playoffs (rain date 5/4) Spring playoffs (rain date 5/11) and City Finals (levels tbd) (rain date 5/16) Spring City Finals (rain date 5/23)

SUNDAY WOMEN

SENIOR DAY MEN

Mar. 3 Mar. 20 May 1 May 7 May 8 May 14 May 22

Mar. 3 Mar. 16 Apr. 27 May 4 May 11 May 18

Spring schedules post online Spring play begins Spring play ends Spring playoffs (rain date 5/6) Spring playoffs (rain date 5/13) Spring City Finals (rain date 5/25)

Dates are subject to change. MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA REPORTED BY EMMY POWELL, CORY SEKINE-PETTITE AND JOHN HANNA

2021 GPTA Award Winners Announced The 2021 GPTA Award winners were presented at the GPTA Annual Holiday and Awards Party on Dec. 1, 2021, at the Dunwoody Country Club. Under the leadership of Master of Ceremonies Eddie Gonzalez, the evening was spent honoring the contributions that GPTA members have made throughout the 2021 year. Congratulations to the following award winners: • George Amaya Award – Bill Anderson, Capital City Club • Woody Hoblitzell Award – Ken Adriano, Atlanta Country Club • Community Outreach Award – Debbie Kennedy, Atlanta Youth Tennis & Foundation (AYTEF) • Junior Professional of the Year – Ben Dashiell, Cherokee Town and Country Club • Independent Professional of the Year – Emory Harris, Agape Tennis Academy • Adult Head Professional of the Year – Sue Carson, Druid Hills Golf Club • Assistant Professional of the Year – Eric Taylor, Ansley Golf Club • Phoenix Award – Joe Hill, Agape Tennis Academy

Spring is in the air, and so are the exciting plans for this summer’s ATP tournament in Atlanta, the Truist Atlanta Open (TAO). Last year’s tournament was a huge success, and thanks to the hard work of our TAO partners and sponsors, ALTA was able to engage with members by offering special discounts and unique VIP experiences. This year, we plan to make those opportunities bigger and better than ever. One way you can get in on the exciting action is to gather a group of your teammates and share the special ticket packages that will be available. We’re still working on all the fine details, but we plan to offer our ALTA Captain’s Package for those who can help bring 20-25 of their teammates and friends to the tournament this summer. The package includes: • VIP Tennis Clinic for up to 20 Captains • Special Dunlop gift package • Bottle of Kim Crawford wine • $20 gift card to the PGA Superstore …and more.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

Don’t forget to also mark your calendar now for ALTA Day, which is July 25, 2022. Plan to make a day of it at the Truist Atlanta Open! For more information, contact Altaeditor@ altatennis.org.

Photos by Laura Barnard

ALTA Captain’s Package Details Announced for Truist Atlanta Open

Mizuno/Net News Contest Renewed for 2022

Photos by Laura Barnard

The popular Mizuno and Net News contest from last year, in which one ALTA team was chosen and outfitted with new shoes, will return for 2022. This time, one lucky summer Mixed Doubles team will be selected by the shoe manufacturer and then provided with new shoes for their entire team. More details and the official rules will be announced in the next issue of Net News.

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA

TECH TALK The Easy Way to Find Past Match Scorecards

1 Member Portal > My Performance > My Scorecards > Input an Opponent Facility Name to show scorecards from seasons that include the searched facility.

From Search Results, use the Select button to reveal the season scorecards. Click on the desired scorecard.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Atlanta Tennis community for helping make Atlanta’s only ATP event such a success!

Signature Tennis Courts Proud builder of the courts … since its inception! mike@signaturetennis.com

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

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HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA

ALTA Welcomes New Office Staff ALTA thrives on the longtime volunteers who dedicate years of service to assist with the operation of our leagues. None of this, however, could be done without the dedicated office staff. That begins with Renee Bowen, the lifeblood of the office, who serves as the Director of Member Services and begins her 17th year with ALTA. Joan Appelbaum works tirelessly as our IT Manager, making sure the website functions efficiently; Emmy Powell, Director of Marketing, who oversees social media, email marketing, membership growth and serves as the Net News Editor, joined the staff in 2018. All things financial are a big part of the work done by Leslie Gersack, who is the ALTA bookkeeper and works closely with the ALTA treasurer. Just as important is the support given to help run the ALTA leagues. We welcome two new member services specialists to the ALTA office. Meet Michelle Camay and Jena Pace. When asked where she is from, Camay says “the South,” but her accent says otherwise. “I say way more south than here, South Africa, to be precise.” Camay was born and raised in Johannesburg and took up tennis at the age of 12. “I played

for two years and did not really like the sport,” she said. “I quit and took up ballroom dancing and thought tennis was in my review mirror.” Fast forward to 1997 when Camay, her husband, and two sons moved to Atlanta, as her husband received a job transfer. “I knew the Olympics had just taken place in Atlanta, but I had no idea how big tennis was,” she recalls. Camay, and her husband, an avid golfer, joined Indian Hills Country Club, and soon there she was with a racquet in her hand, ready to try tennis again. She played in several leagues, including ALTA, became a captain, a coordinator in the Junior Leagues and Thursday Women, and now truly enjoys the sport. “I have so many friendships that started on the tennis court and have continued through the years. Tennis soon became my passion,” Camay said. All of this has culminated into the job she now has with ALTA, as she helps ALTA members navigate through the league system. “Another part of my job is to support the amazing volunteers that make up the ALTA organization. I love every minute of it.” As her tennis family has grown, so has her real family. Ca-

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NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

may has two sons, two amazing women she refers to as her daughters, three grandkids, and one on the way. “All of them know they should avoid needing me for a crisis on Thursday morning, and that the message on my phone that says, ‘I am out playing tennis’ is almost always true.” For Jena Pace, tennis has been a big part of her life, starting as a young beginner in Southern California and then as an adult playing league tennis with ALTA. After learning the game, Pace progressed to playing national tournaments representing the Southern California Section all over the country. “I was ranked nationally, and I accomplished my goal of getting a scholarship to play college tennis and played for the University of California Santa Barbara’s tennis team for four years,” she said. Pace played singles and doubles and earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications. After college, she and her doubles partner traveled around Europe, playing low-level tournaments with prize money and had a wonderful time. “I came home and taught tennis for a while, but then quit tennis completely,” says Pace. Due to a job relocation, Jena and her husband moved to Atlanta in 1993 and later had two kids. She got the tennis bug again and

discovered ALTA. “I have made life-long friends through the organization and played at the AA level for many years,” she said. Unfortunately, due to the wear and tear on her knees, she is no longer playing tennis but has picked up pickleball, which she says she loves. “For anyone that has played pickleball, they call a lot of us old tennis players ‘bangers,’ which is what I am.” Pace’s involvement with ALTA incudes five years as a Junior League team manager, and serving as a coordinator and an overall coordinator, but she had to give it up when she went back to work. “ALTA is a great organization that allowed me to continue to play high-level tennis and also make life-long friendships, even after no longer playing tennis,” says Pace. She adds it was a wonderful way to get to know a new city and make connections with many people. Pace now works for ALTA and helps people navigate the website, organize a team, and she supports the volunteers along with helping newcomers to Atlanta find a team on which to play. “So, I might not be playing tennis anymore, but I still feel a big part of it.” Welcome Michelle Camay and Jena Pace to the ALTA family!

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA

Honoring USTA Southern Executive Director John Callen His tennis career spans more than 50 years, and his contributions in the Southern tennis world are widely known. John Callen, who is currently the longest-serving USTA section executive director, is retiring. In 1989, Callen was named USTA Southern Executive Director and served as its Chief Operating Officer. USTA Southern President and CEO Randy Jackson says, “Announcing the retirement plans of our beloved and respected Executive Director of 33 years is not done without a lot of mixed emotions.” Jackson says it’s difficult to describe the significance of a John Callen to their organization, as he is a most respected leader in the tennis world. “There is no one who deserves more credit for the incredible success of the USTA Southern Section that John Callen.” Callen grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and went undefeated as a varsity tennis player in high school dual matches. He went on to play at Georgia Tech from 1970-1974. That led to a 15-year tennis professional career at Big Canoe, Indian Hills Country Club, and the Standard Club. His dedication to volunteerism and wide range of “No one accomplishments are unmatched. He was a founder of the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame, a founding member of person has the ALTA Foundation and was elected to ALTA’s Board had a greater of Trustees and the GPTA Board of Directors. He is a impact on member of four Halls of Fame: the Southern Tennis Hall tennis in the of Fame, the Alabama Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame, the Georgia Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame, and the South than Georgia Professional Tennis Association Hall of Fame. John Callen.” Starting this year, both the GPTA and RSI (Racquet Sports Industry) will install separate awards recognizing this tennis icon. The GPTA has created the annual John Callen Service Award, while RSI will recognize those who earn the John Callen Lifetime Achievement Award; Callen is the inaugural recipient. “No one person has had a greater impact on tennis in the South than John Callen,” said USTA Southern Delegate Bonnie Vandegrift. “John sets the standard for how staff and volunteers can work together in unison to further the mission of the organization.” USTA New England Executive Director Matt Olson plans to continue that mission and will take over the role. Jackson says, “We knew it would be a difficult task to find a replacement for John Callen, but we found an extraordinary leader in Matt Olson, who has extensive experience in heading up a grassroots tennis community in the South.” Olson was named New England Tennis & Education Foundation Executive Director in January 2019. Well-known in the USTA community in the South, Olson headed USTA Atlanta for 12 years beginning in 2003.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

TENNIS HEADLINES

Atlanta Radio Personality Invents a Must-Have for Tennis Players

How would you like a home base for all your tennis gear? Now, for the first time, you have this with the My Court Caddy. The story of the My Court Caddy is one that was born during the pandemic. Jason Bailey, owner and creator of the My Court Caddy, noticed one day while on the courts that everyone was hanging their tennis bags, water bottles, and towels on the chain-linked fence surrounding the courts. He thought: “What if there were a caddy of sorts that could hold everything without damaging the fence and making the courts look like stuffed animals hanging behind the toss-a-softball game 20

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

at the fair.” That day the idea for My Court Caddy was born. Also, that mysterious and oftentimes hindering third ball loaned itself to the creation of the My Court Caddy. There are times when the third ball goes missing or finds its way to the only puddle on the court. These are bad scenarios, especially if your ankle finds that third ball. My Court Caddy solves these problems with a small, mobile caddy that you can take anywhere. Simply place the two down hooks onto the chain-linked fence and let gravity do the rest. This most likely will be done on the side fences because most courts have windscreens in the back. Bailey, former Atlanta radio personality now full-time podcaster (podcastTheBS. com), as well as the emcee for the Truist Atlanta Open, says the device features two holes on top for your tennis balls; hooks on each side and a hanging hook underneath for your water bottle, towel, racket, and bag. Molded from durable

ABS plastic, the My Court Caddy has not only found its way to tennis courts across the country but also pickleball courts, softball and baseball fields, as well as with those who play in the wheelchair leagues. Robby Ginepri, former professional tennis player, owner of Olde Towne Athletic Club, as well as owner of Ginepri Performance Tennis, said about the My Court Caddy: “In 30 years of playing the sport, I’ve never seen anything this unique. My Court Caddy thinks of it all. Helps speed up the game.” Bailey said he was pleasantly surprised when, last year, Tournament Director Eddie Gonzalez used the My Court Caddy on both grandstand and stadium courts. “We were fortunate to have a product so unique at our disposal for the players,” Gonzalez said. “I told Jason that this is a very special tennis invention and great for the sport.” For more information and to purchase a My Court Caddy, visit mycourtcaddy.com.

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

TENNIS HEADLINES LED CONVERSIONS

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Slinger Signs Exclusive 4-Year Global Tennis Ball Partnership Agreement with Dunlop Slinger announced recently a four-year, exclusive tennis ball partnership with Dunlop. As one of the most recognized tennis brands, Dunlop provides the official ball of the ATP World Tour and the Australian Open Grand Slam Tournament. Dunlop also supplies several WTA tournaments their official tennis balls, and its cooperation with leading individual ATP tournaments gives Dunlop the status as the NO.1 ball on tour. “Our goal in further aligning ourselves globally with Dunlop is to provide optimum performance from the Slinger Bag launcher with the best tennis balls in the world and provide access to premium tennis balls for all Slinger Bag users,” said Slinger CEO Mike Ballardie. “Our first year of commercial partnership with Dunlop as our distributor across nine leading European regions has been a big success and we look forward to further collaboration with their international team.” Dunlop and Slinger first announced 22

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

a commercial partnership in 2020, as Dunlop International Europe Ltd. currently serves as the distributor for Slinger Bag across the core European tennis markets of Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. Specific to today’s news, Dunlop will be co-branding its premium FORT TR Plus balls, as well as the pressureless FORT XTRA Life ball for Slinger, with custom eco-friendly packaging aimed at reducing plastic waste. This partnership will be serviced via Dunlop’s global sales subsidiaries to facilitate local inventories and market pricing. “We are thrilled to take the next step in our partnership with Slinger. We share their passion and drive for innovation within the sport of tennis, and we look forward to enhancing the on-court experience for all Slinger Bag users with the world’s best tennis balls,” said Ken Yamamoto, head of tennis business for Dunlop parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries LTD.

RIA Eyewear Releases New Tennis-Specific Frame RIA Eyewear is making waves in the tennis community with the release of its second line of tennis-specific sunglasses, the Model 2. The New York-based performance eyewear company has set out to change the way tennis players see the game, and protect their most important performance asset, their vision. To do so, the company has partnered with world renowned lens maker ZEISS to deliver unparalleled

optics built specifically to enhance ball contrast on court while providing 100-percent UVA/B protection. RIA’s frames are all handcrafted in Italy and can be seen on the likes of Brad Gilbert, Patrick McEnroe, and Gigi Fernandez amongst other current and former professional tennis players. Learn more at riaeyewear.com.

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

TENNIS HEADLINES

GREETINGS ALTA MEMBERS

Greetings ALTA members and I hope the spring ALTA season is off to a great start for you and your team! As always, our GF Sports & Entertainment team cannot thank ALTA and its members for all of your support over the last 10+ years of having an ATP Tour event in our metro Atlanta community. Our Atlanta Open ATP event growth has coincided with the growth in tennis participation over the last 10 years, including record growth over the past two years. Keep watching, as our 2022 ON SALE DATE is coming up at the end of MARCH! You will be able to secure your tickets at that point for this year’s event, with the dates: July 23-31, at Atlantic Station once again. With our event’s continued growth and popularity, it’s important to get your tickets as soon as they become available! Visit www.atlantaopentennis.com for deals and tournament news. That includes ALTA discounts and our 2nd annual ALTA Captain’s Package that will be even bigger and better than in 2021. ALTA team captains are encouraged to bring their teams out as a “team building opportunity” while watching world-class tennis. You will also receive VIP perks and be able to participate in a celebrity clinic for your efforts. In addition to thrilling live tennis, we have some of Atlanta’s top restaurants and chefs on-site and a popular music stage, so there’s non-stop action for everyone!

We will have some exciting player announcements to share in the near future and we also have made some exciting changes to our stadium build in 2022 as well. Specifically, we have added some cool (literally) shaded box seats in the highly desirable south-end seating section! Based on our survey results, more shaded seating is our #1 tennis patron request. Thanks for another great year to everyone at Ortho Atlanta for being our trusted medical partner. They are a tremendous asset to our ATP players, but they also help tennis players of all ages and levels get back playing tennis. From ATP Tour players to ALTA league players, contact Ortho Atlanta to get back on the court! Lastly, please know that we are taking all of the needed preparations and precautions to ensure a safe, healthy and fun event! As always, we welcome your emails with any comments, questions or ideas on how we can improve our ATP event each year. See you the end of July! — Eddie Gonzalez Truist Atlanta Open presented by Fiserv Tournament Director gonzalez@atlantaopentennis.com

A good orthopedist gets you back in the game. A great one gives you back YOUR LIFE. Official Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Provider of the Truist Atlanta Open

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

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TOURNAMENT DATES: JULY 23-31, 2022

NEW

SHADED BOX SEATING SECTION IN 2022

• 1ST TWO (2) ROWS OF THE SOUTH END PRESIDENTIAL SUITE SEATING AREA • FOUR (4) SEATS PER BOX • $5,600 FOR THE WEEK-LONG EVENT DURATION

DATE 20200925 EMS G 20211129 EMS H 20211201 EMS I J K L

Architects For more detailsStewart contact Marc gerstein at Mgerstein@gfsportsandentertainment.com or call 516.331.4290 Conceptual Rendering Only.

SHEET 20

This document and any other related information is proprietary and the sole property of Arena Americas. Any use or sharing of these documents, with anyone other than Arena Americas, without our express written approval and permission is strictly prohibited.

Tent/Seating Layout, Court 1 Truist Atlanta Open 2022 Stewart Architects

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

DATE 20200925 EMS G 20211129 EMS H 20211201 EMS I J K L

REVISIONS

Tent/Seating Layout, Court 1 Truist Atlanta Open 2022

REVISIONS

Conceptual Rendering Only.

SHEET 4

Last Issue’s Trivia Contest Winner Is … Congratulations! We drew our winner from a pool of readers who submitted correct answers, and Dana Brian, Senior Day Women Fowler Park, won a new pair of shoes from K-Swiss! Try your luck with this issue’s contest and see if you can join the ranks of our previous trivia contest winners. Here is the original quiz and the correct answers: 1. Who will take over as ALTA’s Chairman of the Board in 2022? Bill Price 2. Which two 2022 Executive Committee members answered Jon Bon Jovi and “It’s My Life” as the best song or movie title to describe their life? Mimi McFall and Barbara Ingram 3. Which 2022 Executive Committee member answered “a peanut butter and bacon sandwich” as to what he or she thinks everyone should try at least once? Debbie Gaster

May/June Trivia Contest Enter for your chance to win a prize pack including a signed, oversized ball from John Isner and a 6-pack can of Dunlop tennis balls courtesy of the Atlanta Open! To enter the contest, correctly answer the following three questions, in addition to submitting a new favorite courtside recipe, and mail it to New South Publishing, Attn: Cory Sekine-Pettite, 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. Answers and recipes may also be submitted online at netnewsmag.com. Hint: The answers can be found in this issue. Entry deadline: Monday, April 4. 1. What are the names of the two ALTA JCL players

Please submit a favorite courtside recipe along with

who finished at the top of boys’ and girls’ Junior

this entry to be eligible.

Challenge Ladder?____________________________________

Name______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ 2. Who is the 2022 ALTA Board Chairman and in what year did he serve as the ALTA President? ________________________________________________________ 3. What is the date of ALTA Day at the ATP

Address____________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State________ ZIP______________ Email_______________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________________________________

tournament that is played in Atlanta this summer?

League_____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Team___________________________________________________Level________

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

JULY 23-31, 2022

SAVE THE DATE WEEKLONG ALL-SESSION PACKAGES ON SALE END OF MARCH

WWW.ATLANTAOPENTENNIS.COM @atlopentennis @atlantaopentennis

T HE 19 T H A NNUA L N ET N EWS

Photo Contest ONLINE DIGITAL PHOTO SUBMISSIONS ONLY!

DEADLINE IS SEPT. 16TH!

You must be a member of ALTA. Photos must relate to tennis and/or tennis play. Do not use filters on photos. Do not send screenshots. Do not take photos of printed photos. All contest submissions must be received ONLINE by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2022. 7. Decisions of the judges are final. 8. Limit three entries per ALTA member. 9. Do not resubmit photos from a previous year. 10. Each photo entry must include a completed ONLINE entry form.

11. Judges reserve the right to title photos if no title is provided and to change the category into which a photo has been entered. 12. Photos not taken by the entrant must be accompanied by a release form signed by the photographer. ALTA and Net News are not responsible for any copyright violations. 13. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the above rules and regulations. 14. All winning photos will be featured in the annual November/December edition of Net News. 15. Questions may be addressed to production@ knowatlanta.com.

NEW! Photography Specifications 1. Photos must be provided in a high resolution format. (300dpi at a minimum of 5" x 7") This means your photo will be a file that is between 1.5MB and 3MB in size! 2. When uploading images from your phone, always choose the "Actual Size" option. 3. Low resolution, non-reproducible images will not be considered for the photo contest.

Prizes courtesy of

Upload original digital photos through the Net News website at netnewsmag.com/photo_contest

All photos must relate to tennis • All entries due September 16, 2022 28

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

Rising To The Challenge Of An Ever-Evolving ALTA BY BILL PRICE, ALTA BOARD CHAIRMAN

am honored to be the 2022 ALTA Board of Directors Chairman. My journey to this point has led me through virtually every aspect of the ALTA organization. I began playing ALTA in the early 90s and was hooked immediately. As time went by, I began to captain teams and even volunteered to be scorekeeper for our division. My ALTA volunteer journey continued as a coordinator in both the Mixed and Men’s Leagues. After several seasons, I became an overall coordinator and then the Mixed Doubles Vice President. As VP Mixed, I was part of the Executive Committee and ALTA Rules Committee. In this role, I learned the operations of the leagues and the rules governing them. Following two years as VP Mixed, I became First Vice President and then the 2019 ALTA President. ALTA is a unique organization known to most for league play. League play is run by the Executive Committee, which is made up of the vice presidents of the various leagues and a few other members. The Board of Directors is made up of various committees that oversee the business of ALTA. These committees address initiatives such as IT, ALTA policy and procedures, and nomination of officers. Another area of board oversite is the ALTA Foundation. The foundation is the non-profit,

community outreach arm of ALTA. It supports programs such as START, which is a tennis development program at Title I high schools; the L. Keith Wood Scholarship Program; Special Olympics; Special Pops Tennis; and much more. COVID has made the past few years challenging for everyone, and this has been no different for ALTA. We’ve had to change the way we do things and remain flexible, and because we were able to do just that, we are in a great position coming out of COVID. We see membership growing in all leagues, especially with juniors. We’re looking at new ways of doing things for our members that we may not have done in the past; thinking outside the box can benefit everyone. Tennis, and particularly ALTA, benefits from people looking for safe, social and recreational activity. The board will continue to protect the great tradition and history of ALTA, while being mindful that change is not always bad, and new ideas keep us fresh and growing.

We’re looking at new ways of doing things for our members that we may not have done in the past; THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX CAN BENEFIT EVERYONE.

Keri Beck

Debbie Gaster

Rita Maloof

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Sandy Depa

Lamar Scott

Linda Shepherd

Larry Waters

Photos by Laura Barnard

Chequetta Allen

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

Giving For The Greater Good BY RITA MALOOF, ALTA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT Southwest DeKalb High School is one of the latest schools to join the ALTA Foundation’s START (Support for Teaching Atlanta Recreational Tennis) Program.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

LTA members know the backbone or our organization stems from the tremendous work ethic of our volunteers. They give their time and effort to help captains and players experience fun, competition, and friendships that come along with it. Giving is key to our organization. One way you give is through the purchase of your ALTA membership. A percentage of those annual dues is shared with the ALTA Foundation, which is planning an even bigger and better year in 2022. The ALTA Foundation was formed in 1986 to promote health, character, sportsmanship, and responsible citizenship utilizing the game of tennis to support the community. The generosity of your membership allows the foundation to not only assist amateur athletes, but to offer financial support of programs for the disadvantaged and for those who are physically and mentally challenged. Programs will continue to be funded throughout 2022. We are delighted to kick off the year with the L. Keith Wood Scholarship Program and the START Program.

2021 Scholarship recipients

2022 L. Keith Wood Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! The ALTA Foundation is excited to once again offer graduating high school students who have participated in the ALTA Junior Leagues, and/or the ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder, and/or the ALTA START program an opportunity to receive a $2,500 scholarship to an accredited college, university or technical school of their choice. Eight recipients who have a passion for the game of tennis and represent the community spirit of ALTA will be selected from applications submitted. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply. Award Timeline: • Applications will be accepted starting on Feb. 14, 2022. • The deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Apr. 15, 2022. • Winners will be announced Friday, May 6, 2022, via the ALTA website, social media, and membership email. Eligibility Requirements: • Must have played at least one year (2 seasons) in the ALTA Junior Leagues, and/or one year in the ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder, and/or one year on an ALTA START High School Team • Be a graduating Georgia high school student from a public, private or home school institution, and pursuing a post-secondary education in the fall of 2022 • Be a legal resident of Georgia and a U.S. citizen • Relatives of current/recent (past 4 years) ALTA Executive Committee, ALTA Board of Directors, and the ALTA Foundation are ineligible.

Photos by Laura Barnard

Selection Criteria:

Southwest DeKalb High School

OFF TO A FAST START! With GHSA spring sports under way, the ALTA Foundation START (Support for Teaching Atlanta Recreational Tennis) Program teams are in the spotlight. Joining our original Cobb County Title 1 pilot schools, Pebblebrook High School and Osborne High School, we welcome: South Gwinnett High School Snellville, GA Coach: Lydia Munoz Tennis Program: Varsity and JV-Boys and Girls Projected # of Players: 24 Mascot: Comets According to Coach Munoz, “Funding from this START grant would impact our tennis program by allowing us to have the funds to hire a certified community coach. Most of our students started learning how to play tennis in high school, so they would benefit greatly from having a professional who can help newer players learn basic strokes and skills as well as improve the game play of more experienced players.” Southwest DeKalb High School Decatur, GA Coach: Lance Davenport Tennis Program: Varsity and JV-Boys and Girls Projected # of Players: 32 Mascot: Panthers “The START grant allows us to immediately purchase some much-needed equipment, such as balls and ball hoppers, maybe even a ball machine, and help offset the cost of uniform purchases. We don’t have a booster club and being able to offer a stipend to community coaches would be huge,” says Coach Davenport.

• Display of passion for the game of tennis • Confirmation of scholastic ability and intellectual curiosity • Evidence of leadership and involvement • Service to community • Outstanding character

Best of luck to all four schools in region play!

For more information, visit altatennis.org/AltaFoundation.aspx

More information and applications for the ALTA Foundation START program can be found at by contacting foundationpresident@altatennis.org.

In recognition of the additional resources needed in Title I high schools for tennis, grants are available to provide funding for supplemental tennis needs, including coaching certifications, coaching stipends, and equipment needs.

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

JUNIOR PILOT PROGRAM

Growing the Game: ALTA’s New Junior Program is a Big Hit!

f you’re new to Atlanta or just picking up the game of tennis, it doesn’t take long for one of your friends, co-workers, or even a parent to mention how great it can be to play ALTA. We offer something for everyone. From beginner to advanced, you can find a team that fits your skill level. This includes our juniors, who can play on a team when they turn 7 years old and remain in the league until they reach age 18. As our 2022 President Lamar Scott mentioned in his letter (see page 4), we are expanding our horizons. We are now allowing ALTA members who are 16 or 17 years old to play with adults at the AA level. This program is available in the Thursday Women, Sunday Women, Men’s, and Mixed Doubles Leagues. Scott says attracting young players to ALTA is essential. This pilot program was launched in the fall 2021 season and has been very successful. “We’ve heard so much positive feedback from parents, coaches, and the players. Not only does this allow them to compete at a high level, but it also exposes them to doubles and helps these players understand strategy, movement, and what is takes to win at this level,” says Scott. At age 17, Claire Giddings first participated in the program when she joined a Sunday Women’s team. When she turned 18, she continued to play at the AA level by joining a Mixed Doubles team. “Playing in this league has been one of the best experiences I have had in ALTA,” she said. “You can practice your doubles game at a high level and have fun with it, without having the stress that comes in a junior tournament where if you win or lose determines if you have another match.” Giddings adds that this type of play has helped her become more aggressive on the court and strengthened her serve and net game. “To any junior who is thinking about playing AA, I highly suggest you do it! It will be the most fun you can have; you’re on a team with high-level players, and you get to improve your doubles’ skills,” she said. Improving their doubles skills is just one of the benefits for these juniors. For 16-year-old Elle Sceney, she gets the added

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bonus of playing with her dad, Brad Sceney, who is one of the most well-respected and talented players in the Atlanta area. Elle says she loves to play on a team with her dad and says this experience is much different than playing with juniors. “I realized in the first match how much faster the points were. Sometimes it was just a serve and return, or the point was over in the next shot or just a few shots. In juniors, the points last much longer,” she says. This type of play has helped her be more active at the net. She also says any junior looking to improve his or her doubles skills and who wants to learn how to think more on the court while focusing on what to do on each point would enjoy this level of play. Brad, too, is enjoying the opportunity to play with his daughter. Through the years, they have watched each other play a lot of matches but have not played together as a team. “So, to play and just have fun on the court is a great experience for me,” he said. “I try to just play the role of her doubles partner and remove the coach or father role. So far, so good.” These juniors get to experience playing a different style of doubles than that to which they are accustomed. “Many of these players are hoping to play college tennis, and the experience they are getting as they head into college is extremely beneficial,” says Brad. He also believes this is increasing the pool of AA players, and that can only strengthen the competition. “If we want to make AA ALTA the highest-level competition in Atlanta, bringing top-level juniors into this league certainly helps achieve that,” he said. “Knowing we are helping them with their tennis, regardless of what end of the court you are on, is very satisfying.” ALTA has officially made this pilot initiative a permanent league program and will continue to look for ways to strengthen and develop junior and adult leagues to benefit our ALTA members.

Photos by Laura Barnard

BY EMMY POWELL, NET NEWS EDITOR

MORE THAN A TENNIS SHOP Visit us at Tennis-Point.com

Photos by Laura Barnard

Official Racquet Sport Retailer

Serving the Atlanta Tennis Community BY EMMY POWELL, NET NEWS EDITOR

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

“I trained every stringer for years. I am proud to have my second employee, Randy Bagley, still a vital part of our organization,” says Dale. Bagley says his job at Your Serve has never felt like work. He used to hang out at the store and would play tennis with Dale, who he says has been a great friend and more like a brother for about 46 years. During the last 17 years, he has watched Dale’s son, Adam, help run the day-today operations. “With both Dale and Adam, I still feel like a part of their family,” Bagley said. “The job itself has been extremely rewarding in that a great number of people who come into the stores are not only customers; they have become friends over the years.”

Photos by Laura Barnard

ou see the signs and storefronts across our great city. From Buckhead to East Cobb, Johns Creek and most recently in Woodstock, Your Serve Tennis has been a cornerstone for tennis players across Atlanta since 1976. Your Serve Tennis is the largest specialty store in the country in terms of the number of locations. There are 10 stores in operation, including the most recent, an outlet store, which just opened in Woodstock. The stores stock everything you could possibly need from racquets, shoes, clothing, and gifts, but this didn’t happen overnight. It has been a long but gratifying journey for the father/son team of Dale and Adam Queen, who own and operate Your Serve Tennis. It all started in Dale’s garage. He had been working for Dunlop and soon realized there was a great need for someone who could string tennis racquets. Back in the 1970’s, people still played with wooden racquets, and you could usually find them only in a department store. Imagine having your racquet shipped off for stringing and waiting days for it to be returned. Dale’s stringing business picked up steam, and at the young age of 19, he opened his first store, Your Serve Racquet Shop in the Northwoods Plaza in Doraville.

It’s that face-to-face interaction that has made the difference in Your Serve’s success. “In Atlanta, over 200 different storefronts that sold tennis merchandise have closed since Your Serve Tennis opened,” Dale said. “We have stood strong through the era of mail order and the surge of internet retailers.” That direct customer connection also is a priority for Adam. He says since the beginning, Your Serve Tennis has had the long-term focus of helping the Atlanta tennis community. “We are Atlanta’s neighborhood tennis store, and our focus is to work face-to-face with customers and help them find the right racquet, shoes, strings, and accessories to help them play their best,” says Adam. Both he and Dale maintain this could not be done without the work of their amazing staff. “We would not be where we are without having great people on our team,” Dale says. “Keeping a high level of customer service and having great employees over the years have been key to our success.” One other key to their success was the big tennis and building boom in the 70’s and 80’s, which resulted in the construction of swim and tennis neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta. Public courts in parks also emerged throughout the city. “Tennis became very accessible to those looking to just try it out,” says Adam. He also says ALTA created a transition for those players to jump from just a casual player into a full-on tennis player. “The combination of the social aspect of ALTA and the natural competition and exercise that are part of playing tennis make it an amazing sport of a lifetime.” The Atlanta tennis scene is bigger and more vibrant than any city in the country. To achieve that required many passionate and dedicated people from all walks of life who came together within the shared love of this “sport of a lifetime.” The contributions from Your Serve Tennis continue to be vital to that cause and serve as the nearly 50-year legacy for the Queen family and their employees.

Your Serve Timeline 1976

First store opened in Doraville as Your Serve Racquet Shop. Dale was 19.

1982

Second store opened in Stone Mountain.

1986

Third store opened in Norcross (in this location for 29 years) and rebranded to Your Serve Tennis & Fitness.

1988

Dale named United States Racquet Stringers Association Stringer of the Year.

Mid-90s 1996

Rebranded to Your Serve Tennis.

2001

Named the inaugural Tennis Industry Association Retailer of the Year.

Store opened in East Cobb (longest active store location).

Store opened in Alpharetta.

2006 2007

Store opened in South Forsyth. Adam joined the business full-time after graduating from Georgia Tech. Store opened in West Cobb.

2010 2013

Store opened in Buckhead. Took over operations at Sandy Springs Tennis Center pro shop. Official Merchandise Store of WTA Charleston event (now Credit One Charleston Open).

2014

Named the Tennis Industry Association Retailer of the Year (first 2-time winner).

2015

Moved Norcross location to Johns Creek and Alpharetta to Milton; Snellville store (formerly Stone Mountain) closed.

2017

Acquired multiple locations from Serious Tennis (Roswell, North Gwinnett, Alpharetta).

2021

Opened Outlet at Woodstock (10th location).

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

LEAGUE NEWS

Good Sportsmanship BY LINDA SHEPHERD, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

LTA prides itself on the camaraderie and strong, long-lasting friendships that result when people come together to play on a team. We truly have a unique league concept, and we hope as we continue to deal with the challenges of the pandemic that we can keep the important aspect of the social ALTA connection. Just as important is maintaining high levels of sportsmanship while either playing or organizing matches. We want to hear from you. If you have someone you would like to nominate for a sportsmanship award, send an email to your coordinator or league vice president. You also can find the nomination form on our website (altatennis.org) under ALTA Documents>Sportsmanship Award. Congratulations to this issue’s sportsmanship winners!

for any player, especially young juniors. The road to the City Finals was not easy. We started last season as a team, and we were last in our division. This season, we worked extremely hard and practiced more often. We won our division by 1 point. It could have been luck, but maybe our hard work secured our spot. We were crushed in the City Finals; however, we never gave up, and we played every game honestly and solid. We fell down but managed to get up and continue play. We played hard even when we were down. We never gave up.

Seven Hills 2021 Fall Sunday Women B4

I am nominating Elisha MacEllan and her team from Chimney Springs for the ALTA Sportsmanship Award. Before the ALTA schedules were released, I knew I had an availability issue one of the weeks during the season. As soon as I knew the opponent for that week, I contacted her with my situation. It was a school fall break. Without any hesitation, Elisah understood my dilemma and was so gracious to work with us. She certainly did not have to do it. We thanked each of her players and found they were all just as accommodating as their captain. She simply believed it was better to win on the court than to just take a win due to a default.

GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP

Captain: Dana Kubow Player: Dana Kubow Nominated by Gloria Sheets, Kennworth Tennis Center

Due to fall break, our availability was minimal. Of the available players I had, most had played at the lower lines. Movement rules were preventing us from being able to put together more than two legal lines. There were two players available to play Sunday morning at line 3. That would have allowed us to have four lines for the match. I called Dana and told her our situation. Even though she was pulling together makeup matches from the week before, she readily agreed to ask her team if anyone could play Sunday morning. Sheri and Kathryn, two players, agreed to play and Dana let me know early the next day. Seven Hills could have easily taken the three points. They showed great sportsmanship, and in the true spirit of ALTA, they wanted to be on the court. It was a beautiful day, and everyone had fun matches. Seven Hills won the match, but we were all appreciative of the great sportsmanship they exhibited by agreeing to play matches early to accommodate us.

Medlock Bridge – Wilson Road 2021 Fall Junior 10U Manager: Larisa Horback Players: Brendan, Caden, Chase, Michael, John, and Evan Nominated by Larisa Horback

I would like to nominate the players of my team who played City Finals this year. The City Finals is a lifetime opportunity

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Chimney Springs 2021 Fall Sunday Women C3 Captain: Elisha MacEllan Player: Elisha MacEllan Nominated by Paula Denton, Bradshaw Farm

Seven Oaks 2021 Fall Sunday Women B5 Captain: Alex Klein Player: Alex Klein Nominated by Lori Morlan, Captain, Atlanta Athletic Club

Unfortunately, a former teammate of ours lost her battle with cancer and passed away. Her funeral was scheduled for Sunday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. I was made aware of this the afternoon of Thursday, October 21. I reached out to Alex and explained our situation. I was hopeful that we could a least play 1 or 2 lines early. We did not want to default the entire match. Alex was understanding, and her team went above and beyond to accommodate our situation. We were able to play every line. It is important to note that we were tied with this team for first place. Clearly, it was to their advantage not to play lines early. That would have ensured a win for their team. Alex and her teammates are a perfect example of good sportsmanship.

MIXED DOUBLES

Serving Our Customers

MIXED DOUBLES Saturday 9:00 a.m. Summer registrations – Mar. 22 – Apr. 12 Summer season runs June 4 – July 16

BY JOHN LOWELL, MIXED DOUBLES LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

Photos by Laura Barnard

his is my first year as the Mixed Doubles Vice President for ALTA. I’m really pleased to see that we had 984 teams for the winter season, which is more than we have had for this league than at any time since 2018. That’s great. It’s not great enough. Frankly, those numbers are nowhere near where they were back in the early part of this century when we often had more than 1,300 teams. I want to get back there, or at least close. In fact, I’ve said that I’d like to grow Mixed Doubles by 20 percent during my tenure. To do this, we need more players. And, to get more players, we need to provide great customer service — and we need great ideas. Let me address customer service first. It was my emphasis when the Mixed Doubles coordinator group gathered in late November to prepare for this winter season. There are more than 21,000 of you who are playing Mixed Doubles and you are being served by about 25 volunteers and an office staff of six. Given those challenges, you still have every right to expect that your problems and concerns are important to us and that to the extent that the rules allow, we will resolve them to your satisfaction. When we get that right, it’s probably because of the hard work of the office staff and your coordinator and overall coordinator. When we don’t, that’s on me. So, when we do get it right, please show your appreciation for the volunteers and office staff who help you. When we don’t, please email me at

mixedvp@altatennis.org. Your concerns are truly important to me. Ultimately, great customer service keeps existing members happy. However, it doesn’t necessarily attract new members until they experience it as members. Some of those future members haven’t yet joined because they don’t know about ALTA. Please tell them. Some haven’t joined because they don’t think ALTA is the right league for them. Please tell them it is. I also mentioned above that we need great ideas. All of the ideas that are now part of ALTA became a part because somebody had the idea and raised it. Some of your ideas may be about ALTA generally. Other ideas may relate to Mixed Doubles specifically. I’m sure most of you are thinking nobody will listen to you. If that’s your assumption, you’re wrong. I say that with confidence because if you have a valid idea and you want to be heard, send it to me if you can’t decide who might listen. I might not agree with you, but if I don’t know what your idea is, there is no chance that I will agree with you. I promise that I will read it and unless it is clearly a joke, you will get a reply. Who knows? Your idea might be the one that helps us to grow the league by 20 percent. And, if it is, I am going to want to thank you personally. I’ll want the league to know what you did. How else can you help? Go out and play in this league and have fun. And make sure that you help to make it fun for your opponents as well. See you in the summer! MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

LEAGUE NEWS

Climbing The Ladder in 2021 BY ANTHONY SWATSKI, JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER VICE PRESIDENT

We look forward to seeing players from across the metro area take on this challenge. Registration for the 2022 season will begin on May 15 and end on August 15. Play will begin August 23. As we look toward the next season, we look back and celebrate this one. Finishing this season in the top spot for the boys was John Lasanajak, and for the girls, Michelle Jones topped the chart. Congratulations to them for achieving this honor. Finally, there are many great players that have come through the program, culminating in their senior season, and this season was no different. Congratulations to our 2021 JCL seniors!

2021 JCL Seniors

Special Recognition

JCL TOP 10 GIRLS

JCL Girls:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Brennan Davenport Cooper Davis Macsen Higgins Reese Hilsen John Lasanajak Dean Kingsley Lauren Khou Mary Jacoppo Ayden Mamaghani Andrew Munn Andrew Pietkiewicz Kennedy Talbert Ryan Thompson Additionally, awards this season included bag tags for all players, and tennis apparel was given to all players who completed their season. Players who won three matches in a row received a large blue ALTA match towel. Furthermore, the following recognition for other achievements was given in the following categories:

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

Most Matches Played JCL Girls: Manasi Bedi Shresta Gunda Bella Lotz Athithi Ayyappan

JCL Boys: Moulik Jain Ashrith Vemireddy Jack Xu Lucas Vasilescu

Most Movement (players who moved up the farthest from their original position on the ladder)

JCL Girls: Manasi Bedi Jigisha Singh Isabella Massay

JCL Boys: Jeffrey Hallett Moulik Jain Vivaan Sethi

Ladder Manager Award: Lily Meyers and Myra Wu VP Award: Manasi Bedi Sportsmanship: Alexis Taylor

JCL Boys: Ladder Manager Award: Nicholas Ivchenko and Mathew Mui VP Award: John Lasanajak Sportsmanship: Grayson Perlman We also honored our Top 10 JCL players who were active all season and completed the majority of their matches. These players received a medal, and a gift of cufflinks was presented to the boys, while the girls were awarded an Alex and Ani tennis bracelet. Congratulations to all of these outstanding JCL players!

Michelle Jones Mckenzie Shelton Franchesca Brown (Snellville) Mana Fawcett Jensen Diianni Madison Andrews Sasha Dimitrov Jigisha Singh (Johns Creek) Manasi Bedi Myra Wu

JCL TOP 10 BOYS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

John Lasanajak Dean Kingsley Reese Philip Hilsen Andrew Pietkiewicz Stephen Zhu Kellen Simmons London Vasilescu Jackson Brady Parth Mody Jason Eigbedion Photos by Laura Barnard

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER

very challenge ladder season is a great opportunity for players to develop their skills, make new friends, and inspire others through their sportsmanship and fair play. This past year, nearly 180 players participated in the 2021 ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder season. Each rung earned provides players the ability to expand their pool of potential opponents as they make challenges up the ladder, so they can achieve greater heights. At the same time, those being challenged can defend the heights they have already achieved. It is a unique experience and a competitive environment that inspires players to challenge their personal glass ceiling and break through it. For those who have been in the program for multiple years, they can get a sense of where they stand given all the hard work they have put into improving their game.

Boys 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

John Lasanajak Dean Kingsley Reese Philip Hilsen Andrew Pietkiewicz Stephen Zhu Kellen Simmons London Vasilescu Jackson Brady Parth Mody Jason Eigbedion Matteo Maddaleni Ethan Swatski Robert Frierson Maddox Iliescu Jack Miller Justin Wilson Asher Negandhi Brandon Kim Vivaan Sethi (Johns Creek) Tom Hughes Chingiz Nadyrshin (Atlanta) Moulik Jain (Alpharetta) Cooper Davis (Johns Creek) Kevin Screws Andrew Munn Ayden Mamaghani Tyler Austin

28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Ryals Earnhardt Bryan Powell Shiv Siju Ashrith Vemireddy Mike Hughes Jacob Dorland (Dunwoody) Harrison Odom (Marietta/East Cobb) Grayson Perlman Alexander Sloan Benjamin Krebs Devesh Venkateswaran (Johns Creek) Connor Mowrey Ayaan Valiani (Gacs) William Hackney Logan Gilleland (Marietta) Nicholas Ivchenko Graham Antin (Johns Creek) Gene Yun Dhruvsai Dhulipudi Jeffrey Hallett Will Grable Matthew Mui Brennan Davenport Lucas Vasilescu Andrew Godbey Raymond Gabler Aditya Bhoti

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82

Ryan Thompson (Villages At Huntcrest) William Miller (Marietta) Aaryan Ralkar Landon Marcus (Decatur) Alex Barber Nicholas Pate Jack Xu (Marietta) Macsen Higgins Everett Wenzel Ryan Halligan Gavin Koch-Yip Dale Huertas (Austell) Buddy Cason Karaya Macharia Andrew Halligan Ethan Sanders Trace Wood Jordan Leon (Sugar Hill) Garratt Builder Marc Maldonado Levi Howard Ezra Brooks Michael Muldoon Jackson Bennett (Decatur) Nikesh Patel Sumant Baishya Vihaan Boddula

25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48

Teri Brantley Manavi Bedi Athithi Ayyappan Alyssa Braude Megan Mckinnon Juliana Diianni Molly Mcwethy Caroline Malcom Stephanie Malcom Lauren Powell (Roswell) Deekshu Devarasetty M’kenzi Pate Grace Hauge Virginia Fisher Samantha Ruder Joiya Middlebrooks Valeria Bazan Isabella Luce Meghna Baishya Ansley King Lily Kate Bell Bella Lotz Lily Meyers Shresta Gunda

49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

Diya Khurana Katie Koenning Isabella Massay (McDonough) Jamaya Williams Lillian Lee Lilianna Lavelle Keza Macharia Jaiden Palmer Claire Morris Nyah Ralkar Kaiya Sharp (Alpharetta) Ashleigh Grable Kavya Mistry Marysa Mansfield Audrey Pak Alexis Taylor (Marietta) Mahi Ravi Ava Mckay (Roswell) Brooke Marsden Elliana Cristadoro (Marietta) Natasha Varas Gabrielle Christie Vera Koch-Yip Tanika Saravanan

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER

Junior Challenge Ladder 2021 Standings

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER Registration runs May 15 – Aug. 15 Ladder begins Aug. 23

Girls 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Michelle Jones Mckenzie Shelton Franchesca Brown (Snellville) Mana Fawcett Jensen Diianni Madison Andrews Sasha Dimitrov Jigisha Singh (Johns Creek) Manasi Bedi Myra Wu Lauren Khou Jaala Screws Amanda Tanaka Ishita Ravi Prisha Mody Alyssa Khou Lauryn Swatski Mary Jacoppo Trinity Porter Kylie Johnson Bernadette Kotscher Kimaya Paranjpe Sydney Wszolek Kennedy Talbert

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

LEAGUE NEWS

SENIORS Women, Thurs. 6:30 p.m. Men, Fri. 6:30 p.m. Summer registration – Mar. 22 – Apr. 12 Summer season runs June 2 – July 15

Summer Seniors Will Be Heating Up Soon!

SENIORS

re you turning 45 this year? Or are you already over that hump? If you answered yes to one of these questions, you are in for a treat! You can finally join the ALTA Senior Leagues! This gives you more opportunities to be outside with friends, enjoying some fantastic tennis. Our winter Senior Mixed Doubles League was a great way to get through our ‘frigid’ Southern winter, but now it’s time to prepare for the summer Men’s and Women’s Senior Leagues! Congratulations to all of our winter Senior Mixed Doubles City Champions! We know you had a great time celebrating your victories! ALTA appreciates your enthusiasm — it’s what makes this organization such a fun, social group! As the cooler temperatures leave us behind, we are looking forward to spending the long, warm Georgia evenings on the tennis courts with friends! ALTA summer Senior Leagues are

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

open to men and women ages 45+ and feature four lines of doubles play at each dual meet. The women play on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and the men take the courts on Fridays at 6:30 p.m. This league continues to grow, proving that metro Atlanta residents can’t get enough tennis. Roster registration begins March 22 and ends April 12. Each team only needs 10 players (although a few extras are a good idea…and more fun), so get your friends together NOW! The league features all levels of play — from AA to C. The season begins June 2 (women) and June 3 (men) and runs through July 14 and July 15. City Finals will be August 6 and 7, wrapping up another great summer of ALTA tennis! For more information, check out the ALTA website, altatennis.org. Hope to see you on the courts!

Photos by Laura Barnard

BY GINA CLANCE, SENIOR LEAGUE VICE PRESIDENT

GOOD QUESTION

WHO SERVES NEXT? During a match, the score was tied 6-6, prompting a tiebreaker to be played. Team A served first in the tiebreaker and Team B was last to serve when the tiebreaker was over. When they started the next set, Team A said it was their turn to serve because they were next in the rotation serve. Team B argued it was their turn to serve because team A was first to serve in the tiebreak. Who is correct? Tammi Copelli, Junior League Vice President Team B would serve first. Referring to Rule 5b in USTA “Official Rules of Tennis,” the player whose turn it was to serve first in the tiebreaker shall be the receiver in the first game of the following set. Therefore, Team B would be the first to serve in the next set.

During a match, play is suspended due to light rain. During the suspension, one team’s captain calls his team’s players over and starts coaching them regarding shot selection and strategy. One of the opponents hears the captain coaching his players. Play resumed after a short delay, but the opponent says the team that was coached should default the match, as coaching is not allowed. Is this correct? Mitch Falkin, Men’s League Vice President General Rules Adult Leagues IV Dual Meets H: Coaching is illegal during match play. Because that rule does not address the issue of coaching during a suspended match, USTA rules govern play. Found in “Friend at Court,” Part 1 – ITF Rules of Tennis, Section 30 Coaching: Players are allowed to receive coaching if play is suspended.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

DOES THE SERVER REQUIRE 3 BALLS?

CAN I HIT OUTSIDE THE NET POSTS?

My opponents always demanded the third ball before they started the next point. Shouldn’t they be able to start the point when they have two balls?

My partner had to go wide outside the double’s lane for a return. In addition, she had to extend her racquet out to make the play. It was a great get and landed just inside the back corner of the opponent’s court. However, since the return was outside the net posts, who wins the point?

Karen Sullivan, Thursday Women’s League Vice President It is perfectly ok for the server to wait and request all three balls. USTA Rules Part 3, 22. Server’s request for third ball. When a server requests three balls, the receiver shall comply when the third ball is readily available. Distant balls shall be retrieved at the end of a game.

Susan Levin, Sunday Women’s League Vice President Even though the return was outside the net posts, the point is good. Rule 25 in USTA “Rules of Tennis” states that it is a good return if the ball is returned outside the net posts, if it hits the ground in the correct court.

DID YOU EVER WONDER ABOUT … ? If you’ve ever had a situation occur in a match where no one on the court knew the rule that applied, send your inquiry to Good Question. ALTA officials answer questions in each issue of Net News and yours could be chosen next. Submit your question, along with your name, league, team name and level to altaeditor@ altatennis.org.

Photos by Laura Barnard

CAN PLAYERS RECEIVE COACHING DURING SUSPENSION?

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Does Your Tennis Facility Have A Defibrillator?

hat a crazy start to tennis in 2022! The Djokovic situation at the Australian Open in January was a mess. I wonder how that will affect his tennis moving forward? Nadal continues to be amazing as he won a record 21 major singles titles in men’s tennis. With his favorite tournament — Roland Garros, where he has won 13 titles — coming up, can anyone stop him? I do know Roger Federer still wants to play, but setbacks with his knee rehabilitation have pushed his return to maybe Wimbledon this summer. There are so many story lines in professional tennis that make following the best ballers so interesting. On the WTA side with so many talented players, Aussie Ash Barty pulled away from the field to win her country’s major in dominating fashion. Barty impacts the game with an effective serve and a wonderful second serve that has tons of kick on it. That means the big power returners have a tough time taking control of the point right from the return. This spring, I highly recommend you take a road trip to the Tennis Garden at Indian Wells, California or the Miami Open in Hard Rock Stadium. These are two extraordinary venues in which to see the best players on the planet. Some of the best views are seats on the practice courts where fans get to see how the world-class players prepare to play bigtime tennis. On a personal note, my brother, Murphy, and I have spent a lifetime on tennis courts, but a fun exhibition last fall almost ended it all. Early in the match, Murphy was about to serve to me when he went into cardiac arrest. Luckily, there were off-duty medical professionals and 46

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

The next time you play tennis, keep an eye out for that facility’s emergency equipment. You absolutely never know when you may need a defibrillator. Seconds matter. first responders there who rushed to Murphy’s side. After assessing my brother, the first thing the medical professionals asked for was a defibrillator. Fortunately, there was a defibrillator right behind that tennis court. They brought back Murphy a total of five times before reaching the hospital! Murphy is alive because of extraordinary work from extraordinary first responders who met the moment. He also is alive because the Garden of the Gods Resort & Club in Colorado Springs, Colorado made it a priority to have lifesaving equipment in their facilities. The next time you play tennis, keep an eye out for that facility’s emergency equipment. You absolutely never know when you may need a defibrillator. Seconds matter. “Miracle Murphy” is doing better every day with physical therapy and rest. He’s already back on the tennis court and having fun, but with a defibrillator im-

planted on his left side for the rest of his life to prevent this same situation happening to him again. I wanted to share with you a scary situation that turned out well because a facility was prepared for a worst-case situation. I hope you never have to go through anything like this but being at a facility that is prepared makes the difference. It did for my brother. Always prepare for everything! I am forever grateful to Garden of the Gods Resort. — LUKE JENSEN FRENCH OPEN DOUBLES CHAMPION

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

IMPROVING YOUR GA ME

Make That Adjustment

BY JOHN IRVIN, HOT SHOTZ JUNIOR ACADEMY DIRECTOR

Tennis matches are frequently won and lost by players making the right adjustment at the right moment. 48

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

played in my first ALTA match in 1999. We were tied 2-2 with the other team, with my line deciding the outcome. The score was tied 4-4 in the first set when my partner, Brian, and I finally garnered a break point. The server had one of those wicked, lefty slice serves that was giving me a lot of trouble. So, I decided to take a calculated risk: I stood a yard to the left from where I normally stood, leaving the serve up the "T" totally exposed. The server looked at me for a second, smiled, and proceeded to blast an attempted ace up the "T". It was out by 2 inches. On his second serve, I didn’t budge; he was not smiling. He then tried to hit his customary, wide slice and it hit the top of the net and rolled back. We won the set and the match 6-4,6-4. Tennis matches are frequently won and lost by players making the right adjustment at the right moment. So, why don’t more players try it more often? The answer is twofold. The first reason is fear of embarrassment. The late, great Vic Braden once said, “Tennis players would rather lose than look foolish.” So, if you are losing your serve playing standard doubles and your team decides to start poaching, you may get burned down the alley and look (and lose) even worse! This is a realistic fear, but if you allow it to take over, you will not be open to making adjustments. The second reason is just plain not knowing what adjustments to make! Here are some problems you may encounter and their solutions:

Positional Adjustments • Return of service: Really fast serve — back up three feet behind the baseline Really slow serve — move up three feet inside the baseline Really short second serve — move halfway between the service line and the net Really wide serve — stand three feet to the right for righty slice, three feet to the left for lefty slice • Service: The returner is having no problem directing their return of serve and you are struggling to hold serve. I did a clinic years ago with Stan Smith (He won Wimbledon in 1972 and had an exceptional serve.). He told me if you’re having trouble holding serve, adjust the place that you serve from. So, if you normally stand halfway between the service line and the net, try standing next to the center mark (like singles) or behind the doubles sideline. It doesn’t change the speed or spin of your serve, rather, it changes the angle of your delivery. • Volleys: The returner is blasting the return right at you, and you are having difficulty getting the ball in play. The solution is to back up a yard. If you’re still having trouble, back up two yards. If that doesn’t work, back up behind the baseline. • Groundstrokes: The opposing baseline player is out rallying you. The solution is, mix your shots up; throw in slices and lobs so your opponents don’t get into a groove.

USTA GEORGIA-GPTA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: JOHN IRVIN Hometown (City/ State): Acworth, Georgia How did you get involved in teaching tennis? Coached high school tennis initially and thought it would be fun to do full-time. Diehard fan of what sports team? Chicago Blackhawks

Tactical Adjustments • Opposing net player is nailing you and your partner when your side is returning serve. I used to employ a tactic we called “George Lott” after the famous 1930’s doubles champion. You play two back in tandem on the return, hence taking away the target from the poacher and forcing the other team to hit a series of overhead smashes. It drives players crazy! • Return of server has a tremendous angled crosscourt. Solution: Go Australian. • Return of server burns you and your partner down the alley. The solution is (after you’ve yelled at your partner for continually serving wide), leave the alley wide open and then shift into the alley just before the net player hits their return there. So, next time you play a (preferably practice) match, be fearless and give a few of these adjustments a whirl. You may be pleasantly surprised!

Best part of your game? Making my opponents run. Dream doubles match would be me and… “Pistol” Pete Sampras When I’m not teaching tennis, I’m… Drinking IPAs, eating pistachio nuts, and watching the Blackhawks. My favorite tennis memory is: Playing doubles with my sons, Chris and Cameron. My favorite professional player is: Rafael Nadal #1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis: It’s absolute joy to provide students with the tools they need to enjoy the game more. What important tennis message do you want to promote? Tennis is without a doubt the best sport ever invented. Whether young or old, you can be competitive regardless of age, gender, or physicality. It’s a sport for life.

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

IMPROVING YOUR GA ME

Add Shots To Stop The Clock! BY TIM NOONAN, FOUNDER, UNIVERSAL TENNIS ACADEMY

had a “big” birthday in the Fall of 2021, and hopefully everyone reading this has big birthdays ahead! I’ve heard that 60 is the new 40, but I’m certain that the saying didn’t come from a 40-year-old! I’m not as fast as I used to be. I don’t jump quite as high, and my serve doesn’t have the pop that it did when I was 40. Despite these disconcerting facts, I can still play the sport that I love at a fairly high level. And so can you!

We just need to add some things to our game to make up for some of the things that are working against us. When I was younger, I would tell my students: “Add a shot, jump a level!” Now, when talking to my students who are, like me, in the third set of life, the line is, “Add a shot, stop the clock!” I used to tell people to add a wrinkle or two to their game, but the last thing we need at this stage of life is more wrinkles! So, the next question is: “What should I be adding to my game?” Since Atlanta, 50

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with ALTA leading the charge, is primarily a doubles town, I offer two options for players of a certain age. The drop shot off of second serves Anybody out there like being on the receiving end of a good drop shot? Me neither. I still move pretty well, but there is no answer for a well-placed drop shot. Moving someone side to side in a doubles match is a difficult prospect, and wide misses are likely to occur if we insist on trying. Covering 18 feet of court space (half of a doubles court width) is not that difficult, but a player standing three feet behind the baseline (a fairly standard rallying position) is 42 feet from the net. An average drop shot still means a run of more than 30 feet! Why a second serve? It is the only guaranteed short ball we have in a point, and most players that I see are not going too big or serving & volleying off of a second serve. Becoming a triple threat off the ground If you’ve ever played against players who only do one thing well, finding a solution is usually not that difficult. If I’m playing a banger who is just ripping the ball, I can close in tight without fear of getting lobbed over. If I am playing a “lob first” player, I can station myself at the service line and wait for the inevitable overhead. If my overhead is solid, I shouldn’t have any major issues controlling the points. But when I come up against a player who can drive, lob, and angle the ball with some level of disguise, I know that I may be in for a rough ride. If I close too quickly, they may lob. If I hang back looking for a lob, that opens up the angle for them. If I cover the angle, they may drive it hard through the middle. It

all adds up to the uncomfortable realization that I am no longer in control, and not being in control of the action in a tennis match usually means one thing — a loss. In conclusion, add these shots to stop the clock and control more points! Your local certified pro is ready to help!

USTA GEORGIA-GPTA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: TIM NOONAN Hometown (City/ State): Originally St. Louis, Missouri How did you get involved in teaching tennis? Started teaching in high school. Diehard fan of what sports team? Fighting Irish, Blues, Cardinals Best part of your game? Volleys Dream doubles match would be me and… the late Ken Flach, Walt Disney, and Charles Schulz When I’m not teaching tennis, I’m… Playing golf, hockey, skiing, or watching my teams! My favorite tennis memory is: Hitting with Rod Laver when I was 12. My favorite professional player is: Roger Federer #1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis: There is nothing better than helping someone improve their game and achieve their goals. What important tennis message do you want to promote? If you learn the sport correctly, the sky is the limit!

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IMPROVING YOUR GA ME

Weaknesses – They Are There, Now What? BY IAN THOMSON, DIRECTOR OF TENNIS, CARL E. SANDERS FAMILY YMCA AT BUCKHEAD

The off-season is a great time to revamp the weakness with practice and take it out of the “fear zone” and into the “confidence zone.”

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

very person who has ever played tennis has a weakness in their game. Yes, that means that players who make a living doing this are on the list. Many of you reading this right now are thinking of some weakness you have, and maybe are even considering calling your coach for a lesson before your next ALTA match. It is important to understand that a weakness can be turned into a strength and can be somewhat protected in matches. While there are ways to combat someone who protects their weaknesses, this article will deal with the weakness before the match, during the match, and following the match. The most important thing to realize is what a weakness is, and how it came into existence. Common weaknesses among tennis players are the backhand and the serve for most levels of play. Part of the issue might be your coach; most pros, myself included, will be so focused on drills and strategy that we do not realize we are feeding all the balls to your forehand. Think of your last practice and see what percentage of shots started with a forehand versus a backhand; it is probably 75/25 or 80/20. You can see why there is

more confidence in the forehand. Think of something in which you are confident and think about how many times you have done this activity. The example I tell my players is to consider the route you use driving home from playing tennis. You know the route well and can take any number of alternate routes if needed. Do you have the same confidence going on a different route for the first time? Practice builds confidence. Consider how many serves you do in the team practices. While you should not spend too much time serving, would 5-10 minutes working on it be better than serving in a doubles rotation? The next time you are in a lesson, look at what is going on and ask for some backhands on the feed to begin adding to the reps. I feel a 60/40 split between your favorite shot versus your weaker shot will help build your confidence for match play. What can you do during matches to protect the weakness? For example, since the backhand is a common shot to protect, some simple tactics might be in order. The first tactic might be in warm-up to run around your first couple of forehands and hit backhands. cont. on pg. 54

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

IMPROVING YOUR GA ME

cont. from pg. 52, "Weaknesses—They Are There, Now What?"

Then look at your partner and act as if the lightbulb turned on and start hitting forehands. This will confuse your opponents because hardly anyone runs around forehands for a backhand unless they love the shot. This will make them really have to ponder where to hit the ball. This is ethical gamesmanship and is fair so long as it isn’t taken too far. Another tactic for protecting your weak backhand is to use the Australian formation to make sure you are running to the side where you can hit more forehands. This is based on the player’s strength, but usually deuce court for right-handed players and ad court for left-handed players. If a team uses the lob, have your partner play a little deeper in the box so the lob is not a good option, which forces your opponents to hit to your forehand side. There are many other ways to protect your weakness. Talk with your coach about how to protect during a match based on their personal knowledge of your game. If your first serve is a weakness, use your second serve as a first a few times each set so you are making more first serves. This will decrease the likelihood that your second serve will be attacked so decisively. Once you’ve started implementing these new strategies, reflect on each match and see how well you protected your weakness. Did the opponents exploit your weakness? How do you feel about the way you played? Make some notes and discuss these with your coach. Make sure you continue to work on the weakness so it is no longer something that you will be as stressed over in a match. The last part of your post54

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

Once you’ve started implementing these new strategies, reflect on each match and see how well you protected your weakness. match work is setting up a game plan on what you are going to do when you get the shot in a match. It can be that every backhand will be cross court, a lob, or a slice. It does not matter what shot you choose so long as you have a plan to take that guesswork out of the equation, which will allow you to relax during the match. The next time you are in a lesson, make sure you take the time to analyze the breakdown of the shots you are hitting.

Are you at the net all the time and neglect groundstroke work? Do you spend too much time on the baseline? All forehand feeds, or backhand feeds? Tennis professionals really want you to have a good time, so hitting your favorite shot is sometimes just an automatic reaction for your benefit. While this will make the practice a lot of fun, it will continue to leave a weakness without getting practice on it. You can work on this before the match so when you get on the court it is easier to have more confidence. Have a game plan to protect or confuse your opponent in the warm-up. And after the match, reflect on what happened so when you come to practice, you have something to discuss with your coach. The off-season is a great time to revamp the weakness with practice and take it out of the “fear zone” and into the “confidence zone.” Good luck in your matches!

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

HEALTH & FITNESS

What Can Tennis Players Learn From Baseball? BY DR. MARK KOVACS, CTPS, MTPS; CEO, KOVACS INSTITUTE; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERNATIONAL TENNIS PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATION

Reaction speed is another key component to tennis and baseball alike. A batter must react to the incoming pitch and make the proper adjustments the same way a tennis player returning a serve must react to the change in speed, bounce, and direction of a tennis ball.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

t is not often that tennis and baseball are used in the same sentence when it comes to training and/or competition. However, since the Atlanta Braves won the 2021 World Series and the 2022 baseball season is about to start, I thought it would be valuable to think about some things that you can learn from baseball that are applicable to tennis. There are commonalities between the two sports such as hitting a ball at high speeds, the throwing mechanics of a pitcher compared with the serve motion, and the fast reflexes/reactions required of both activities. I have been fortunate to work in both sports for many years, and I have concluded that tennis players can learn a lot from baseball. Athletes in both sports suffer from shoulder and elbow injuries that can sometimes linger for months at a time. Over the last few years, baseball has seen a significant decrease in shoulder injuries, but an increase in elbow injuries. In professional baseball, athletes spend more time strengthening their shoulder area, including the rotator cuff. At the recreational level, many of the injuries are due to poor technique, lack of injury prevention work, and overuse. The same way a pitcher has a pitch count, a tennis player should limit their weekly play time in order to allow the body a chance to recover and heal. Increasing range of motion (especially in internal rotation) also has been shown to decrease shoulder injuries in pitchers. In tennis, the serve goes through a series of eight stages (check out the Kovacs Institute 8 Stage Model For The Serve). A pitcher goes through a similar series of stages when throwing. In both sports, this requires not just learning proper biomechanics, but also controlling the body through each stage of the motion. The pitching motion

and a tennis serve begin by shifting back into a loading position. They then rotate and set the arm before accelerating and releasing all the stored energy. Both motions decelerate at the end, but because of the weight and length of a tennis racquet, it takes some stress off the shoulder. The important lesson here is the transfer of weight and rotational control; they are the key to accuracy and placement. Reaction speed is another key component to tennis and baseball alike. A batter must react to the incoming pitch and make the proper adjustments the same way a tennis player returning a serve must react to the change in speed, bounce, and direction of a tennis ball.

Baseball players will tell you that hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports. At the highest levels of tennis and baseball, the average reaction time for a batter is 0.42 of a second, whereas in tennis the average reaction time is between 0.47 to 0.55 (on a return of a hard serve). Improving anticipation and reflexes to increase reaction time will help your return-of-serve reaction speed. Hand-eye coordination is extremely important in helping the brain process all incoming information. The faster one reacts, the easier it becomes to return the incoming serve or the pitch. Reflex training with a variety of balls, light systems, and starting positions helps train the body

and the mind to always be ready during training or competition. A baseball player reacts to the ball coming out of the pitcher’s hand. In tennis, many players react to the signs/tells of the player serving rather than paying attention to the ball. This causes a delay in reaching the next ball and places the individual out of position for the next shot. By training your reflexes and anticipation, you will reduce the number of times you are caught out of position or setting up for a ball. The next time you watch a baseball game, try to watch the pitcher and the batter, and try to incorporate some of these aspects into your training and preparation for tennis.

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MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

NUTRITION

Building Stronger Bones For Better Tennis Clearing up five common dairy myths BY PAGE LOVE, MS, RDN, CSSD, USPTA AND BAILEY BRUMBACH, DIETETIC INTERN, LIFE UNIVERSITY

hy is dairy nutrition important to tennis players? Dairy products are packed with essential nutrients that are vital for the health and maintenance of the body, especially when it comes to tennis performance. Milk and other high-fluid dairy products, such as yogurt or cottage cheese, provide electrolytes, protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fluid. For athletes, milk and other dairy products provide a great source of carbohydrates to fuel the body during sports, and they offer a high-quality source of protein and electrolytes that are important for recovery and rehydration. In fact, research has shown that flavored milk (such as chocolate) rehydrates athletes more efficiently than sports beverages and water. The unique nutritional composition of this food group gives milk and other dairy products an important role in both pre- and post-exercise nutrition. But there are a lot of common misconceptions about dairy consumption having a negative impact on athletic performance. Here are five common dairy myths and what current research has to say about debunking these false beliefs.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

Myth 1 Milk contains harmful antibiotics and hormones that may affect hormone levels in our body

Fact: Store-bought milk goes through rigorous testing to ensure no antibiotics have entered the milk supply. Any milk that contains trace antibiotics is not allowed to be sold in stores and must be discarded. Naturally occurring, trace amounts of hormones present in milk, as well as other animal and plant foods, are completely broken down by the body during digestion (making them biologically inactive), and research has shown that they pose no health risks to hormone levels in our body or to athletic sports performance. Additionally, many athletes have cut out milk and other dairy products from their diet unnecessarily due to fears that it will cause inflammation and irritate their gut, therefore hindering their athletic performance. Recent scientific evidence has revealed that milk and dairy products do not have adverse, systemic inflammatory effects in the body. In fact, evidence suggests that milk and fermented dairy products, like yogurt or kefir, may reduce systemic inflammation and improve inflammatory biomarkers. This benefit may, in fact, lessen muscle soreness after physical activity.

Myth 2 Dairy products contribute to excess mucus and exacerbate asthma Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that milk or dairy consumption causes excessive mucus production or increases the occurrence of asthma exacerbations. Nor does it decrease athletic performance. Study results suggest that the perception of the way milk feels in the mouth and throat contributes to individuals’ reports of feeling that milk and dairy products worsen mucus production rather than any direct effect milk and dairy products have on these symptoms.

Myth 3 You must avoid all dairy products if you are lactose intolerant

Fact: For many athletes who have a lactose intolerance, consuming small amounts of aged cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, or yogurt tend to be tolerable because they have a low-lactose content. Yogurt contains live cultures that help to break down the lactose aiding in digestion. It’s important to remember to introduce dairy products slowly and only increase as tolerated. Additionally, bloating symptoms after dairy consumption are usually brought on by the body’s attempt to break down lactose. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should cut out dairy all together. Consuming low-lactose dairy foods, such as cottage cheese or low-fat milk and yogurt, make it easier on your body to digest and allows you to perform your best on the court!

The unique nutritional composition of this food group gives milk and other dairy products an important role in both pre- and postexercise nutrition.

Myth 4

Cutting out dairy will help with body fat loss

Fact: Dairy foods, when consumed in moderation and in conjunction with a healthy and balanced diet, can aid in weight loss. Dairy foods increase satiety, meaning they help you to feel fuller longer and reduce the occurrence of overeating, which can help with sustainable weight loss. Often, athletes will cut out dairy without replacing the nutrients it provides with another dietary source. Naturally, the total removal of an entire food group will promote weight loss if the removed calories are not replaced with an adequate alternative. However, this weight loss is not sustainable and can end up doing more harm than intended to athletic performance due to the removal of key nutrients needed for peak performance.

Myth 5 Don’t consume dairy before sports

Fact: Milk and other high-fluid dairy foods provide adequate amounts of fluid with electrolytes and are an excellent carbohydrate source that is low in fiber. These attributes make dairy a great pre-sport snack to enhance athletic performance. Furthermore, research supports that consumption of a rich source of calcium, particularly from a dairy source, just before sport may protect bone health.

For athletes who have chosen to remove dairy from their diet due to a diagnosed health condition or for environmental/ethical reasons, there are great fortified and natural vegan-friendly foods and beverages that provide the nutrients found in dairy foods. Great vegan sources of calcium and protein include fortified soy, almond, and/or rice milk; fortified orange juice; leafy greens such as turnip greens, collards, and kale; garbanzo, kidney, and navy beans; seitan; tofu and edamame; and lentils. What makes an adequate vegan dairy option? Look at the nutrition facts label and make sure the product provides 8-10 grams of protein and 300 mg of calcium per 100 ml. Page Love is an avid ALTA participant and sport dietitian/nutrition advisor for the WTA and ATP professional tours, served on the USTA sport science committee for 25 years, and has a private practice in Sandy Springs. You can reach her at nutrifitga.com. Bailey Brumbach is a dietetic intern with Life University’s Dietetic Internship and interned with Page this last year as she is training to become a registered dietitian. MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

COURT CUISINE

Sandwiches You know them. You love them. Whether you’re rolling them, grilling them, baking them, or eating them cold, they are simple to prepare. They’re easy to share. They’re sandwiches. The following recipes were submitted by your fellow ALTA members and already have proven popular as courtside cuisine. So, give these a try for your next match.

Easy & Cheesy

Colorful & Appetizing Hidden Valley Ranch Pinwheels Vanessa Siguenza, Peachtree City Tennis Center, Thursday Women B4 2 8-oz. pkgs cream cheese, softened 1 oz. Hidden Valley Ranch original salad dressing mix packet 2 green onions, minced 4 (12-inch) flour tortillas 4 oz. jar diced pimentos 4 oz. can diced green chilies 2.25 oz. can sliced black olives Mix first three ingredients. Spread evenly on tortillas. Drain vegetables and blot dry on paper towels. Sprinkle equal amounts of remaining ingredients on top of cream cheese. Roll tortillas tightly. Chill at least 2 hours. Cut rolls into 1-inch pieces. Discard ends. Serve with spirals facing up. Makes 3 dozen.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

Mexican For Sandwich Goat Cheese Torta Karen Ideker, The Highlands at Parkbridge, Thursday Women B3 6 oz. goat cheese 6 oz. cream cheese 3-4 cloves garlic parsley to garnish ½ cup pesto ½ cup chopped, oil-packed sundried tomatoes with 2 tsp. marinate salt and pepper to taste Mix cheeses with garlic and salt & pepper to taste. Line small bowl with plastic wrap. Put 1/2 cheese mixture in bowl. Top with pesto. Top with sundried tomatoes. Top with remaining cheese mixture. Cover with plastic and chill at least 2 hours or up to 4 days. Invert and serve with crackers or bread.

Ham & Cheese Mini Sandwiches Lori Hamada, Edinburgh, Thursday Women B3 1 cup butter, softened 3 Tbsp. poppy seeds 1 onion, grated 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp. prepared Dijon-style mustard 2 (12 oz.) packages white party rolls ½ pound chopped cooked ham 5 oz. shredded Swiss cheese Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, mix together butter, poppy seeds, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and prepared Dijon-style mustard. Slice rolls in half horizontally and set aside tops. Spread bottoms with the butter mixture. Top with ham and Swiss cheese. Replace tops. Arrange rolls in a single layer in a medium baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven 10 to 12 minutes, until rolls are lightly browned and cheese is melted.

Timeless Combo Baked Turkey and Cranberry Sliders Jennifer Lee, Avocet Club, Sunday Women B3 Cooking spray ½ stick butter, melted 1 ½ Tbsp. Dijon mustard, or more to taste 1 Tbsp. dried minced onion 1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 (12 count) package Hawaiian bread rolls, split 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise, or to taste ½ (14 ounce) can jellied cranberry sauce ½ pound cooked honey-roasted turkey, shaved 6 slices Havarti cheese, cut into halves Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13-inch pan with cooking spray. Whisk melted butter with Dijon mustard, dried onion, and Worcestershire in a small bowl. Place the bottom halves of the rolls into the prepared pan. Spread mayonnaise and additional Dijon mustard to taste along the rolls. Spread cranberry sauce. Add turkey and 1/2 slice of cheese to each. Spread melted butter mixture evenly over tops. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, uncover, and continue to bake until cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes.

For Pesto Lovers Turkey Pesto Sandwiches Michael Turney, Leafmore, Men B2 2 thick slices sourdough bread 4 Tbsp. (60 mL) pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) 1 package (300 g) Oven Roasted Carved Turkey Breast 4 slices bacon, cooked according to package directions 6 slices provolone cheese 4-6 large sundried tomatoes, diced 4 Tbsp. (60 mL) unsalted butter, divided Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium-high heat. Place two slices of sour-

dough, side by side on a cutting board. On both slices of sourdough, spread 2 tbsp of pesto evenly. On one slice, top with 2 slices of Oven Roasted Carved Turkey Breast, followed by 2 slices of bacon, 3 slices of provolone cheese, and 3 sundried tomatoes. Place the second slice of sourdough on top. Smear the top of the sandwich with 1 tablespoon of butter, and then place that side of the sandwich down on the large griddle or skillet. Smear the remaining tablespoon of butter over the top. Toast the sandwich in the pan until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 4-5 minutes per side. Place a lid on top of the pan while cooking to speed up the cheese melting.

Or Blue Cheese If You Prefer Buffalo Chicken Sliders Chase Peden, Flowers Crossing, Men A8 12 dinner rolls 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded cup hot sauce ½ cup ranch dressing 2 Tbsp. butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 F. Slice the pack of dinner rolls in half. Remove the tops and place the bottom sections in a 9x12 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the bottom with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Top the cheese with the shredded rotisserie chicken. Drizzle the hot sauce and ranch dressing evenly over the chicken. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Place the top half of the rolls on top and brush evenly with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes.

SHARE OUR RECIPES ON SOCIAL MEDIA! Check out previously published Court Cuisine recipes online at

FROM THE VAULT Reprinted from ALTA: Its History, Humor & Hors D’Oeuvres by John Williams.

Sizzling Barbecue Sandwiches Submitted by Patti Cox, Crooked Creek, 2002

1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cups ketchup 1 cup red wine vinegar ½ cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed ¼ cup liquid smoke ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 jalapeno peppers, minced 2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. coriander seeds, crushed 1 tsp. cumin seeds, crushed 1 4-pound beef brisket 1 jumbo package of hamburger buns Saute´ onion in olive oil, stirring constantly until tender. Stir in ketchup and next 4 ingredients. Combine garlic, jalapeno peppers, salt, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds. Stir well. Add to sauce mixture. Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Trim excess fat from brisket and place on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil in a roasting pan. Spoon 1 cup of sauce over the brisket; seal foil around the brisket. Bake at 325 degrees F for 3-3½ hours or until meat is very tender. Let cool slightly and shred meat. Add 3 cups of sauce to shredded meat. Serve on jumbo buns with remaining sauce.

netnewsmag.com. MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

2022 SU M M E R T E N N IS C A M P S

THE ALTA GUIDE TO SUMMER CAMPS

! y a l P s ’ t Le By Cory Sekine-Pettite After the year we’ve had, after all the pandemic-related uncertainties, the stresses, the closures, the isolation, we all should be ready to take advantage of the summer months. Certainly, those of you with children will want to make this summer unforgettable. One way in which you can do that for your future all-stars is to enroll them in a summer tennis camp. Give them a chance to improve their games, to make new friends, and to learn from some of the best coaches in the state. Keep reading to find a camp that fits their needs and will build lasting memories.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

NIKE TENNIS CAMPS 2022 Summer is a time to play without limits, to have a blast getting better at your favorite sport. Become more passionate about tennis this summer by improving your fundamentals and gaining more confidence alongside our top Nike Tennis Camp coaches. Work on every part of your game through a mix of drills, exercises and spirited competition. OVER 80+ LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE OFFERING JUNIOR OVERNIGHT AND DAY CAMP OPTIONS, INCLUDING: The Lovett School University of Georgia The University of Alabama Florida State University

SCAN TO SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY Questions? Call us! 1-800-NIKE-CAMP All rights reserved. Nike and the Swoosh design are registered trademarks of Nike, Inc. and its affiliates, and are used under license. Nike is the title sponsor of the camps and has no control over the operation of the camps or the acts or omissions of US Sports Camps.

www.USSportsCamps.com

THE CAMPS ACE Tennis Academy Manuel Diaz Bulldog Tennis Camp for Boys Nike Tennis Camps Universal Tennis Academy Camps

SUMMER CAMP

Yellow Jacket Tennis Camp

CAMPS OFFERED IN PEACHTREE CORNERS JOHNS CREEK & NORCROSS

MORNING CAMP Monday - Friday, 10am - 12:30pm

FULL DAY CAMP Monday - Friday, 10am - 3:30pm Ask about discounts for additional weeks.

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

THE ALTA UIDE TO UMMER CAMPS

2022 SU M M E R T E N N IS C A M P S

YELLOW JACKET TENNIS CAMPS Georgia Tech is excited to offer Yellow Jacket Tennis Camps on campus this summer. Yellow Jacket Tennis Camps are a challenging, fun time for boys and girls between the ages of 9-18. The camps aim to enhance each camper’s skills through morning instruction and afternoon match play. Coaches will stress the importance of sound fundamentals and strategy. Campers will be split into groups/teams based on age and ability level. All camps will take place at the state-of-the-art Ken Byers Tennis Complex, which consists of 10 outdoor courts and six indoor courts. The dates and times for these camps are as follows: • June 6-9 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • June 13-16 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • June 20-23 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. • June 27-30 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Yellow Jacket Tennis Camps are coached by the Georgia Tech Tennis Staff who have coaching and playing experience at the high school, college, and professional levels. The Georgia Tech staff will be assisted by other great tennis coaches and trainers. For more information go to yellowjackettenniscamp.com

UNIVERSAL TENNIS ACADEMY CAMPS Universal Tennis Academy (UTA) in Atlanta offers summer tennis camps throughout Atlanta. UTA has trained all levels of players, from ALTA champions and NCAA competitors to ATP/WTA touring professionals in a fun, exciting, and educational environment. UTA Tennis Camps are offered at the following locations: • Agnes Scott College • Blackburn Park Tennis Center • Briarlake Church • Horseshoe Bend • James Creek Tennis Center

UTA holds summer camp every week of the summer, starting the week of Memorial Day. Both half-day and fullday tennis camps are available. Camp details include: • Ages 4-14, co-ed • May 31-June 3, June 6-10, June 13-17, June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, and Aug. 1-5 • UTA follows COVID-19 safety guidelines at each UTA facility. See utatennis.com for more information.

To learn more about UTA Summer Camps, visit utatennis.com, or call 470.430.1439.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

! y a l P s ’ Let 2022 SU M M E R T E N N IS C A M P S

ACE TENNIS ACADEMY ACE Summer Tennis Camps are offered in Peachtree Corners, Norcross, and Johns Creek. Camps begin the last week of May and continue through early August. ACE offers Morning Camps and Full-Day Camps for players of all levels. And its Kids Academy Camps are a fun way to introduce tennis to your kids! Jeff Weaver and his staff have been developing top-ranked juniors since 1994. ACE players have won more than 35 national titles, including 12 Gold Balls (national championships).

• ACE Kids Academy Camps (introduction to tennis) • ACE Camps (Recreational – Competitive Players) • ACE Elite Camps (Tournament Players only/selection by UTR) • Morning Camp (Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) • Full-Day Camp (Mon-Thurs, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and Fri from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.)

To register, visit ACETennisAcademy.net, or email manager ACETennisAcademy.net for more information.

2022 UTA SUMMER TENNIS CAMPS WE HAVE ATLANTA COVERED! Sign up now at any of our sites: -Agnes Scott

-Horseshoe Bend

-Blackburn TC

-James Creek

-Briarlake Church

Visit our website at utatennis.com to register! Questions - Email camps@utatennis.com • Call 470-430-1439

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

THE ALTA UIDE TO UMMER CAMPS

2022 SU M M E R T E N N IS C A M P S

MANUEL DIAZ BULLDOG TENNIS CAMP FOR BOYS The Manuel Diaz Bulldog Tennis Camp is now in its 52nd year! Coach Manuel Diaz and his staff, including Associate Head Coach Jamie Hunt, provide campers with the same championship instruction he utilized to lead the Bulldogs to the 1999, 2001, 2007, and 2008 National Championships. The 2007, 2001, and 1995 National Coach of the Year, Diaz has won an amazing 28 SEC titles and is in his 34th year as the head coach of the Bulldogs. The camp will be held at the perennial site of the NCAA Championships, The Dan Magill Tennis complex, which holds 12 outdoor courts as well as four indoor courts. The Georgia Bulldog Tennis Camp will provide instruction for every level of play. For the beginner, fundamentals and stroke production

will be emphasized. For the intermediate players, refinement of the fundamentals: footwork, grips, strokes, and strategy will be stressed. The advanced players will be trained at the same intensity level and similar drills used to train Bulldog college players. Along with match play and conditioning, the camp emphasizes challenging the campers regardless of their level of play. • Session I: 6/19 – 6/23 • Session II: 6/26 – 6/30 • Session III: 7/17 – 7/21 • Residents: (Age 10 by Sept. 1, 2022) – $775 • Extended Day Campers: (9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.) – $650 • Day Campers: (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) – $575 • Boys of all abilities, ages 9-17

For more information, visit bulldogtenniscamp.com, or contact Lynn Steedman at 706.542.9348.

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

! y a l P s ’ Let 2022 SU M M E R T E N N IS C A M P S

NIKE TENNIS CAMPS Nike Tennis Camps are back in action! Kids from 6 to 18 can join the fun and improve their game this summer at a Nike Tennis Camp. Organizers offer junior overnight, day and half-day clinics, as well as adult weekend clinics. Visit the camp website for more information as camp details and programs being offered may change according to local regulations. University of Georgia The Georgia Nike Tennis Camp, coached by UGA Tennis Coach Jeff Wallace, is one of the best tennis camps in the South. This all-girls tennis camp in Athens will focus on developing the complete tennis player. Campers from all over attend these junior tennis camps in Georgia to receive top-notch instruction from collegiate coaches and to make lasting memories with their peers.

• Age levels: Girls Only, Ages 9-17 • Dates: June 5-9, June 12-16, July 10-14 • Pricing info: Day (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) $675, Extended Day (9 a.m. – 8 p.m.) $775, Overnight (Ages 10-17 Only) $1,095 • Health & Safety protocols: Camps will follow COVID-19 social distancing and safety guidelines as set by the CDC, state, local, and facility authorities. For more information, please visit ussportscamps.com/covid-safety. • Contact info: US Sports Camps | Nike Tennis Camps, 800.645.3226, tennis@ussportscamps.com. • ussportscamps.com/tennis/nike/university-ofgeorgia-nike-tennis-camp The Lovett School As one of Georgia’s best tennis camps, the theme is “Fun. Friends. Improvement.” At this

MARCH/APRIL 2022 NETNEWS

2022 SU M M E R T E N N IS C A M P S

YELLOW JACKET TENNIS CAMPS georgia TeCh

High Level byTECH Georgia Tech Head Coaches JOINCoaching GEORGIA HEAD COACHES

Kenny Thorne & & rRodney odney harmon, Kenny Thorne Harmon

Former Pro Kevin King & Tennis assisTanT CoaCh alexisTech CasaTi in theaTP state-of-the-art Ken Byers Complex at Georgia

Rain is never a problem with 6 indoor courts!

•

10 outdoor courts and 6 indoor courts.

•

Beginners to Advanced

•

Day and Overnight Camps

•

Half Day 8 and under Camps

•

Spots are limited. REGISTER TODAY! The camp is open to any and all entrants up to age18.

For more information go to

www.y yellowjackettenniscamp.com

NIKE PICKLEBALL CAMPS 2022 ADULT

Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. It’s great fun, easy to learn, and extremely social. Whether it’s your first time, a seasoned veteran, or somewhere in between, grab your paddle and join our camp this summer! HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • Top Instruction from nationally renowned coaches • Program options for all ability levels • Adult programming offered at 20+ locations nationwide

NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL 2022

www.USSportsCamps.com

THE ALTA GUIDE T SUMME CAMP

tennis camp in Atlanta, organizers encourage and teach campers to truly understand stroke fundamentals and match play strategies. With instruction from Emory University’s Head Men’s Tennis Coach, John Browning, these summer tennis camps in Atlanta deliver new tennis skills and the inspiration and self-confidence to continue improving after camp. • Age levels: Boys and Girls of all skill levels, Ages 5-17 • Dates: June 27-July 1, July 5-9, July 11-15, July 18-22 • Pricing info: Half-Day (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) $395, FullDay (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) $525 • Health & Safety protocols: Camps will follow COVID-19 social distancing and safety guidelines as set by the CDC, state, local, and facility authorities. For more information, please visit ussportscamps.com/ covid-safety. • Contact info: US Sports Camps | Nike Tennis Camps, 800.645.3226, tennis@ussportscamps. com. • ussportscamps.com/ tennis/nike/emoryuniversity-nike-tenniscamp

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50 YEARS OF MAKING IT POSSIBLE For more than 50 years, both Ameris Bank and ALTA have been fiercely committed to strengthening our communities. We share a common goal of providing opportunities that create a lasting positive impact for generations to come. As the largest community bank headquartered in Atlanta, Ameris Bank is proud to support ALTA. We’re here to make things possible, together.

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