ALTA Net News magazine September/October 2020 by New South Publishing

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

ALTA, WHERE ATLANTA COMES TO PLAY

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

GOING THE

DISTANCE The race for ALTAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fall season plate

Photo Contest Final Reminder! p. 26 ALTA Scholarship Winners p. 28 League News p. 44

.COM/EXTREME

HEAD PRO PLAYERS MAY PLAY WITH DIFFERENT RACQUETS FROM THE MODEL SHOWN.

SPINWAY THE GAME YOUR WAY SPIN THE GAME YOUR

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 VOLUME 30 NUMBER 5

36 FEATURES

44 LEAGUE NEWS

ALTA Scholarship Winners

Junior Challenge Ladder

Mihnea Nastase, The Art of

Mixed Doubles

the Deal

46 Juniors

Sports Medicine Special

Run ’N Roll

Section

EXTRAS 26

2020 Photo Contest

Trivia Contest Winner

Meet Debbie Scobey, the winner of last issue’s trivia contest.

42 Net News Trivia Contest

Enter our trivia contest for a chance to win a pair of Mizuno shoes.

IMPROVING YOUR GAME

60 COURT CUISINE 60

Pasta Salads

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

President’s Letter

ALTA Calendars

Heard Around Atlanta

Jensen Zone

Tennis Headlines

Solve the Problem

Good Question

The Volley

63 Classifieds

HEALTH & FITNESS

About ALTA

56 Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment for Common Injuries

NUTRITION 58

COVID-19 Tennis Sport Nutrition and Match Food Update

ON THE COVER Best of luck this fall in the race for the plates! Fall league play begins the second week in September.

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 2020. 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 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Photo by Laura Barnard

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

What a Summer ALTA Season it has Been!

020 has been an unprecedented year for everyone

I think about what I have personally learned from this

and everything, including tennis and ALTA. I would

summer season, such as the importance of tennis, and

first like to thank all the summer season ALTA

the social, physical, and emotional support given to me.

captains for their extra work and understanding,

The enjoyment of each match played, the camaraderie,

as we all worked through the oddities and issues that arose

the niceties as we clicked racquets, all while following the

throughout the season. Thank you captains for your patience

six-foot social distancing requirements, made for a great

and the positive attitudes displayed. ALTA appreciates your

tennis experience. I enjoyed hearing how glad so many

acceptance and compliance with the temporary COVID-19

ALTA members were that ALTA had allowed the season to

guidelines implemented. We received numerous thank you

happen, many stating the “mental relief” that tennis provided

messages for allowing the summer season to happen, even

them. Many players loved the mandatory third set 10-point

though it was not a “normal ALTA season.” I know for many,

tiebreaker implemented to lessen the off-court waiting time,

including myself, a scheduled ALTA match day gave us a

especially in this summer heat! Players even voiced the

break from the monotony as we all traverse through this

“relief” of not providing a full food spread at matches (even

COVID-19 experience! Thank you to all of our captains and

though never having been a match requirement); however,

members for your support and positive thoughts!

many teams did furnish pre-packaged individual snacks and

None of this could happen without our ALTA coordinators,

beverages.

overalls, and league vice presidents, so I want to say thank

Heading into the fall 2020 ALTA season with all the same

them for their additional time, thought processes, positive

COVID-19 guidelines in place, I wish all our members, team

support, input, and involvement needed to work through

captains, ALTA volunteers, and our wonderful ALTA office

all the unique and unexpected issues and situations that

staff another amazing season of ALTA tennis. Let our passion

evolved daily throughout the 2020 summer ALTA season.

for the game of tennis, our positive thoughts and support,

Our ALTA office staff has been golden with their knowledge

our friendships, and our empathy for what we are ALL going

and ability to be flexible, as we worked through unusual,

through currently, guide us into making sportsmanlike

“un-programmed” oddities. Thank you to all of the ALTA

decisions and solutions for any unique and strange situations

volunteers, office staff, and our members for enabling our

that may arise at a match during the fall season. We’re all in

2020 summer City Finals to be held at 53 separate facility

this together.

home courts throughout the Atlanta ALTA area. Due to the delay of the ALTA summer season, be sure to look for the

Sandy Depa, 2020 ALTA President

2020 summer City Finals results and any pictures submitted

For the latest news, information and events.

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

Photo by LaRuche Creative

in our November/December edition of the Net News.

1-866-513-7748 SEAISLAND.COM

2020 ALTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076 Phone: 770.399.5788 Website: altatennis.org President Sandy Depa

First Vice President Debbie Gaster Secretary Camille Puckett

Treasurer John Lowell

VP Men’s League Lamar Scott

VP Thursday Keri Beck Women’s League

VP Sunday Chequetta Allen Women’s League

VP Senior Day Leagues Kim Dlugolenski

VP Senior Leagues Roger Dennington

VP Mixed Cameron Turner Doubles League

VP Junior Leagues Rita Maloof VP Junior Brenda Maddaleni Challenge Ladder VP Special Programs Bob Kohmescher VP Media Michelle Ruiz Appointed Member Barbara Ingram 2019 President Bill Price 2018 President Joyce Vance ALTA Foundation Rep Candace Cole

2020 ALTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Bob Fitzgerald

2018 ALTA President Joyce Vance

2019 ALTA President Bill Price

2020 ALTA President Sandy Depa

The ALTA Foundation Diana Burger President

2018 Elected Member Didi Chapdelaine

2019 Elected Member Larry Waters

Treasurer John Lowell Secretary/ Debbie Gaster

First Vice President

2019 THE ALTA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Diana Burger Treasurer John Lowell Secretary Candace Cole

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

Account Executives Jennifer Gonzalez Sherry Gasaway Ginger Roberts

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™.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

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2020 ALTA CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2020

October 13 16 20 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 31 31

Run N’ Roll – fall play ends All winter leagues – roster registration ends Run N’ Roll – City Finals (rain date October 27) Senior Day Women – fall play ends Senior Day Men – fall play ends Thursday Women – fall play ends Fall mixer (senior mixed doubles) registration ends Men – fall play ends Junior leagues – fall play ends Sunday Women – fall play ends Senior Day Women – fall playoffs (rain date October 28) Thursday Women – fall playoffs (rain date October 29) Senior Day Men – fall playoffs (rain date October 30) Thursday Women – fall playoffs (rain date November 3) Sunday Women – fall playoffs (rain date November 1) Junior Leagues – fall playoffs (rain date November 3) Men – fall playoffs (rain date November 1)

November September

7 Office closed – Labor Day 8 Run N’ Roll – fall play begins 8 Senior Day Women – fall play begins 9 Senior Day Men – fall play begins 9 Fall mixer (senior mixed doubles) registration opens 10 Thursday Women – fall play begins 12 Men – fall play begins 12 Junior leagues – fall play begins 13 Sunday Women – fall play begins 21 All winter leagues – roster registration begins 25 Junior Challenge Ladder – tournament assistance application deadline- 2020 ladder participants

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

1 1 2 3 4 5 7 7 7 7 8

Men – fall playoffs (rain date November 7) Sunday Women – fall playoffs (rain date November 7) Senior Day Women – fall playoffs (rain date November 4) Thursday Women – fall playoffs (rain date November 5) Senior Day Men – fall playoffs (rain date November 6) Thursday Women – City Finals for all levels (rain date November 12) Men – fall playoffs (rain date November 8) and City Finals for AA (rain date November 8) Junior Leagues – City Finals (rain date November 8) Junior Leagues – fall playoffs (rain date November 10) Sunday Women - City Finals for AA (rain date November 8) Fall mixer – senior mixed doubles

S M T W T F S 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 28 29 30

OCTOBER 2020 S M T W T F S 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 28 29 30 31

8 9 11 12 14 14 15 26 27

Sunday Women - fall playoffs (rain date November 10) Senior Day Women – City Finals (rain date November 16) Senior Day Men – City Finals (rain date November 18) ALTA Annual Meeting Men – City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date November 21) Junior Leagues – City Finals (rain date November 15) Sunday Women – City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date November 22) Office closed – Thanksgiving holiday Office closed – Thanksgiving holiday

December

1 Junior Challenge Ladder – ladder closes 8 Junior Challenge Ladder – Awards Banquet 10 All winter leagues – schedules posted online 24 Office closed – Christmas holiday 25 Office closed – Christmas holiday Dates are subject to change.

2020 ALTA CALENDAR BY LEAGUE MEN Sept. 12 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Nov. 7 Nov. 14

Fall play begins Fall play ends Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 1) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 7) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 8 and City Finals for AA (rain date Nov. 8) Fall City Finals for A, B, and C (rain date Nov. 22)

THURSDAY WOMEN Sept. 10 Oct. 22 Oct. 27 Oct. 29 Nov. 3 Nov. 5

Fall play begins Fall play ends Fall playoffs (rain date Oct. 29) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 3) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 5) Fall City Finals for all levels (rain date Nov. 12)

WHEELCHAIR/RUN ‘N ROLL Sept. 8 Oct. 13 Oct. 20

Run ‘N Roll fall play begins Run ‘N Roll fall play ends Run ‘N Roll City Finals (rain date Oct. 27)

MIXERS Sept. 9 Oct. 23

Fall Mixer (senior mixed doubles) registration begins Fall Mixer (senior mixed doubles) registration ends

SENIOR LEAGUES Sept. 21 Winter roster registration begins for Senior Mixed Oct. 16 Winter roster registration ends for Senior Mixed

MIXED DOUBLES Sept. 21 Winter roster registration begins Oct. 16 Winter roster registration ends

SUNDAY WOMEN Sept. 13 Oct. 25 Oct. 31 Nov. 1 Nov. 7 Nov. 8 Nov. 15

Fall play begins Fall play ends Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 1) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 7) Fall City Finals for AA (rain date Nov. 8) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 10) Fall City Finals A, B, and C (rain date Nov. 22)

JUNIOR LEAGUES

SENIOR DAY

Sept. 12 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 7 Nov. 14

Sept. 8 Fall play begins for Senior Day Women Sept. 9 Fall play begins for Senior Day Men Oct. 20 Fall play ends for Senior Day Women Oct. 21 Fall play ends for Senior Day Men Oct. 26 Fall playoffs for Senior Day Women (rain date Oct. 28) Oct. 28 Fall playoffs for Senior Day Men (rain date Oct. 30) Nov. 2 Fall playoffs for Senior Day Women Nov. 4 Fall playoffs for Senior Day Men Nov. 9 Fall City Finals for Senior Day Women Nov. 11 Fall City Finals for Senior Day Men Dates are subject to change.

Fall play begins Fall play ends Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 3) Fall City Finals (ran date Nov. 8) Fall playoffs (rain date Nov. 10) Fall City Finals (rain date Nov. 15)

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER Sept. 25 Tournament assistance application deadline for 2019 ladder participants Dec. 1 Ladder closes

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

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

Learn & Earn We have all seen some extreme creativity during these crazy COVID-19 times, and that extends to AYTEF, which started an incredible program for kids in the community when the tennis facilities shut down. Executive Director Torrey Hawkins created the AYTEF (Atlanta Youth Tennis & Education Foundation) Learn & Earn Club. Hawkins shipped tennis equipment and education curriculum directly to families in the Washington Park area. The kids were able to track their learning progress with AYTEF to earn a series of summer boxes that support athletic and academic development. Kids wrote essays and after they were submitted, Hawkins delivered a box filled with cloth racquets, summer enrichment workbooks, markers, pencils, balls, arts and crafts, and more. The kids then sent in photos and videos of their progress to receive a second box, filled with pickleball racquets, more athletic equipment, reading books, and other school supplies. The third Learn & Earn box included a tennis racquet, more books, a book about Arthur Ashe, and a gift

AYTEF Golf Tournament Scheduled for October 26 card to get other school supplies to be prepared for the fall school year. Hawkins says they also included activities that emphasize gratitude and says the organization received overwhelmingly positive responses from the participating families. Great job AYTEF!

Concourse Athletic Club Tennis Revitalized As of Sept. 1, 2020 the Concourse Athletic Club in Sandy Springs has rebranded as CAC Tennis. Under its new direction, the tennis program has been fully revamped and energized with a new director and staff. Rob Wilkins has been named director of racquet sports, Corey Matney is now the head tennis professional, Mimi Mitchell is the new junior development coordinator, and Dominic Arbie and Elliot Clowdis are the new tennis professionals on staff. 12

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

All 7 clay courts at CAC Tennis have been under major renovation and are now manicured and ready for new junior tennis clinics, adult drills/clinics, adult team tennis leagues, tournament teams, weekly round robins, and cardio drills. The Junior Program begins September 14, a nd CAC Tennis w i l l host a Halloween Social on October 29. Learn more at wellbridge.com/concourseathletic-club/fitness/tennis.

Be sure to mark your calendar for October 26 for the AYTEF Golf Tournament at the Dunwoody Country Club. This is the second year of this event, which supports the Atlanta Youth Tennis & Education Foundation and is a program supported by the ALTA Foundation. AYTEF was established in 2003 to meet the needs of underserved children in metro Atlanta. Your support provides health, wellness, education, sportsmanship, and tennis programming to kids throughout Atlanta. The tournament opens at 9 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. The awards reception will follow at 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Pam Porter at 678.772.4230 or pam@magnoliagolfgroup.com. To sponsor or register, visit www. ay tef.o rg /g o l f o r tex t G O L F to 202.952.9883.

TELL US! Send your stories, compliments, complaints and questions to altaeditor@altatennis.org.

PGA TOUR Superstore Opens First Ohio Location Atlanta-based PGA TOUR Superstore has opened its first Ohio location in Columbus. Inside the 42,000-square-foot store, golf enthusiasts can work on their swing in seven, high-tech interactive simulators — two inside the Fitting Studio — and eight virtual practice bays. There’s also a 2,565-square-foot putting green. The experiential retailer offers the largest selection of clubs, accessories, footwear, and apparel for men, women and juniors, as well as in-house repair services, lessons, and clinics from certified teaching pros. The store also does free custom fittings. “Home to the Memorial, Muirfield Village, and the Golden Bear, Columbus is at the heart of Ohio’s golf scene,” said Dick Sullivan, president & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “What sets us apart from other Ohio golf retailers is that we offer our guests a fun, welcoming, and safe atmosphere inside our stores. Providing in-store experiences is at the core of what we do, and we are excited to give Ohio golfers of all levels the opportunity to swing into action.” PGA TOUR Superstore continues to grow in golf-centric markets and has opened three stores in 2020 thus far. The Columbus store marks the company’s 44th location in the United States.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA

TECH TALK When Does a Team Show in the Member Portal > My Active Teams? The ALTA website has been updated to show teams in My Active Teams as soon as they are submitted during roster entry. ALTA received a lot of feedback from teams wanting to set up their new season on the ALTA website, so we made this update.

Teams can start communicating about the new season in My Active Teams > Communicate.

Availability can be entered as well with only the dates of the upcoming matches showing until schedules go live.

Any roster corrections during the roster entry and corrections period can be taken care of with roster access in My Active Teams.

Teams stay in My Active Teams through a league’s City Finals. —Joan Appelbaum, ALTA IT Manager

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Inductees Announced for 2020 Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame The Georgia Tennis Foundation and USTA Georgia recently announced the 2020 class for the Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees consist of Brian Vahaly (player) and Craig Jones (coach). Additionally, University of Georgia Men’s Tennis Coach Manny Diaz was honored with the Dan Magill Impact Award. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the enshrinement ceremony has been planned for the 2021 Truist Atlanta Open. Vahaly made significant inroads at the highest level of the game, reaching a career high of #64 in the ATP world singles rankings in 2003. That same year, he reached the quarterfinals of the Pacific Life Open (Indian Wells), defeating in order former top 10 players Fernando Gonzalez, Juan Carlos Ferraro, and Tommy Robredo. He also reached the semifinals of Memphis.

Vahaly is currently serving his third, non-consecutive term as a member of the USTA Board of Directors. He resides in Washington, D.C. Jones continues to make major impacts in the development of future generations of great players throughout Georgia. An inductee into the Rome & Macon Hall of Fames, he has been producing championship-quality players for approximately 37 years, having become a tennis director at the young age of 23. He has produced more than 150 players who have received college scholarships and mentored more than 30 of his players as they became coaches and tennis directors themselves. A 10-time Georgia Davis Cup coach and 3-time Southern Intersectional coach, he has won the coveted USTA Georgia Professional of the Year three times. Since

2005, Jones has served as the director of tennis at Idle Hour Country Club in Macon. Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame member Diaz (Class of 2000) is the all-time leader among SEC tennis coaches with 709 wins (and counting). With an 80-percent winning percentage throughout his tenure at the University of Georgia, Diaz has won 28 SEC Championships, along with four NCAA team championships and seven NCAA team finals appearances. Georgia Tennis Foundation President Cannon Carr said: “Congratulations to our Georgia Tennis Hall of Fame Class of 2020. We look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the 2021 Truist Atlanta Open. A special thank you to Richard Howell and the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for their efforts.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA

Five UGA Women’s Players Named ITA Scholar-Athletes For the fourth straight season, the University of Georgia women’s tennis team was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Associate All-Academic Team, and five student athletes were named ITA Scholar-Athletes. Senior Elena Chrisofti, juniors Katarina Jokic and Morgan Coppoc, sophomore Meg Kowalski, and freshman Lea Ma were all named ITA Scholar-Athletes. This is the fourth-straight year Christofi has been named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, the second for Kowalski and first time for Jokic, Coppoc, and Ma. “It was another outstanding year for UGA women’s tennis academically,” Head Coach Jeff Wallace said. “Our student athletes continue to excel in the classroom as well as on the courts. We always appreciate the hard work they put into our program.” To be named an ITA Scholar-Athlete, one must meet the following requirement, having a grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year. To be named an ITA All-Academic Team, programs must meet the following requirements, have a team grade point average of 3.2 or above (on a 4.00 scale), and all varsity letter winners should be factored into the cumulative team GPA for the current academic year. Christofi, a finance major, was the Georgia female recipient of the Boyd McWhorter Post-Graduate Scholarship, as well as Marilyn Vincent Scholar-Athlete Award which is given to the

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NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

graduating female senior with the highest GPA. Christofi made the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletic Honor Roll eight times in her career, plus appeared on the Dean’s List multiples times as well. She served as the team’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Representative too. Jokic, an intended risk management and insurance major, has made the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll four times in her career, including the Dean’s List once. She is a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was an IUTA Scholar-Athlete in 2018. Coppoc, a risk management and insurance major, was named to the SEC Spring Honor Roll this past season, as well as being named to the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll Dean’s List this fall semester. Kowalski, an intended sports management major, is a three time member of the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll, a two time member of the SEC Academic Spring Honor Roll, and a two-time member of the SEC Community Service Team. Ma, an intended sports management major, was named to the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll for the first time in her career in the fall, and she has been named to the 2019-2020 First-Year Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

HEARD AROUND ATLA NTA

PPTR to be the Official Education and Certification Partner of the American Platform Tennis Association The Professional Platform Tennis Registry (PPTR), the newly formed subsidiary of Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), has entered a partnership with the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) to become the Official Education and Certification Partner of APTA. According to PPTR, the multi-year agreement will be a tremendous benefit to hundreds of racquets professionals who want to add or enhance their coaching skills and become certified in platform tennis. “PPTR is thrilled to be working with APTA. APTA is a dynamic organization with a forward-thinking board and a dedicated staff that is helping grow platform tennis,” said Dan Santorum, CEO of PTR, PPR, and PPTR. “It is a natural partnership, because many PTR and PPR members, mainly in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest, want to add PPTR to their credentials. As a professional membership organization, it’s important to provide PPTR members with the tools they need to do their jobs better, to serve their members/employers better, and to improve the overall health of both sports.” PPTR workshops will begin in September, which is the beginning of the inaugural PPTR membership year. As an added incentive, those who are members of PTR and/ or PPR will receive a deeply discounted price to join PPTR.

Seven UGA Men’s Tennis Players Earn ITA Scholar Honors A team-record seven University of Georgia men’s tennis players recently were named 2020 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athletes. The distinction requires that a player must be a varsity letter winner and have a grade point average of 3.50 or higher for the academic year. This year’s Georgia players include Robert Loeb, Sam Dromsky, Alex Phillips, Philip Henning, Blake Croyder, Tyler Zink, and Erik Grevelius. Loeb, Dromsky, and Phillips just completed their senior seasons. Phillips, who was named to the 2019 SEC Community Service Team, finished with a 3.77 GPA. This is the fourth-straight season All-American Loeb (3.97 GPA) and Dromsky (3.78 GPA), who was most recently named to the 2020 SEC Community Service Team, have earned the distinction. Dromsky will continue his education this

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

fall at the Dental College of Georgia in Augusta. Henning earned a 3.50 GPA in the 2019-20 academic year. The Bloemfontein, South Africa, native is entering his junior season with the Bulldogs. Henning and Grevelius tie for the most overall wins for the 2019-20 season. Also a rising junior, Croyder, a Marietta, Georgia native finished the academic year with a 3.60 GPA. He boasted a 9-0 dual record for the 2020 season, taking him into the 2020-21 season with nine-straight wins. Rising sophomores Tyler Zink (3.54 GPA), a native of Bradenton, Fla., and Erik Grevelius (3.50 GPA) of Stockholm, Sweden, round out the list for Georgia. Zink led the freshmen in dual wins for the 2020 season with five, while Grevelius led Georgia in overall wins with 19.

KSU Owls Collect ITA Academic Honors Members of the Kennesaw State men’s and women’s tennis teams secured Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic honors, the organization announced recently. In addition, the women earned their ninth consecutive team honor. Four members of the men’s squad were honored as ITA Scholar-Athletes with six ITA Scholar-Athletes coming from the women. The four men recognized for their achievements in the classroom were Mritunjay Badola, Jose Galvez, Seru Tezuka, and Harrison Wood. The women’s student-athletes were Elle Baker, Melody Cantrell, Juliana Castellanos, Paola Cortez, Aspen Jarrett, and Brenna Reilly. “I’m extremely proud of all of the men and women on this list,” Director of Tennis Matt Emery said. “These were certainly unprecedented obstacles that were thrown their way this past year, and they rose to the challenge resiliently.” The ITA All-Academic Team award is open to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20 or above (on a 4.00 scale). In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status, a player must meet the following criteria: have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year and been listed on the institutional eligibility form.

Babolat Introduces a New Pure Aero VS Racquet According to Babolat, its new Pure Aero VS combines the exceptional spin and feel of the Pure Aero with pinpoint precision. The new racquet is designed to offer more control than the top-selling Aero, which is engineered for a faster-paced player. The Aero VS features a thinner beam, 16x20 string pattern, a more flexible frame, a 98-square-inch head, and it weighs just 10.8 oz. On the power/control spectrum, the new racquet fits somewhere in between the Aero (for power) and Pure Strike (for control).

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

TENNIS HEADLINES

Prince Releases T22.5 Tennis Shoe With the updated T22.5, Prince introduces a new upper design that improves support with additional layers where players need it most. Prince says that where the shoe needs to flex, the T22.5 has a sleeker design to cut weight and improve both comfort and breathability. Careful attention was paid to keep the classic Prince fit, so fans of the T22 can slip right into the T22.5 without missing a beat, the company says. Once inside the shoe, players will find a lighter and faster feel to help with quicker changes of direction and improved sprints to net. Under your feet, the T22.5 offers the traditional plush cushioning found in the T22. The more you hit the courts the more you will enjoy the comfortable ride and how it blends with the better flexing uppers, Prince says. Plus, the shoe is backed by a six-month outsole durability guarantee. Introduced in white with blue in women’s sizing and the classic Prince colors of white, green, and black for the men’s version, the new T22.5 brings plenty of style to match its performance. An additional black and yellow men’s colorway is available for players looking to make a statement with their footwear.

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NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

USTA Selects New Surface for US Open The USTA announced earlier this year that it would install a new court surface system for the first time in 42 years. Laykold has been selected as the surface for the US Open and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The new Laykold courts will be manufactured by Advanced Polymer Technology (APT), a member of Sport Group, the world’s largest business dedicated to sports surfaces. According to the manufacturer, Laykold courts are the only courts with vapor barrier designed specifically for the court system, which also greatly increases consistency in both court performance and court speed. “At the conclusion of the complete transformation of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, we felt it was time to explore all new approaches and technologies to court surfacing,” said Danny Zausner, COO of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. “Laykold has been trusted in the tennis court industry for 75 years and to add the US Open to our roster of major events around the world is a landmark moment for us,” said Jim Sacco, COO of APT. At Net News, we hear that Serena Williams is putting a Laykold court in at her home.

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TENNIS HEADLINES

WTT2020 Championship On CBS Sets Viewership Record, Completes Most Successful Season in League History

WTT Championship featuring the New York Empire’s 21-20 win over the Chicago Smash, delivered 556,000 viewers on CBS, the most in WTT’s 45 years of airing World TeamTennis programming CBS Television Network’s live airing of the 2020 World TeamTennis Championship match on August 2, in which the New York Empire defeated the Chicago Smash on the last point of the “Supertiebreaker” 21-20, delivered 556,000 viewers, making it the most watched in the league’s 45-year history. The victory by the New York Empire — coached by French Open Champion and Net News columnist Luke Jensen — earned them the King Trophy and $500,000 in prize money and marked the first time that the WTT’s Finals have aired live on network television. During the event’s Supertiebreaker, viewership peaked at 1.128 million viewers. The previous viewership record for WTT was 484,000, also on CBS Television Network, which occurred on July 19 of the 2020 WTT regular season. “By almost all metrics, this has been the most successful season in World TeamTennis history,” said WTT CEO Carlos Silva. “I can’t thank our partners, sponsors, WTT staff, and the players and coaches enough for helping us responsibly bring tennis back in front of fans during these challenging times. Without this team effort, with safety our number-one priority, we would not have been able to complete this season and crown a champion.” 22

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

The league completed 822 COVID-19 tests of all players, coaches, trainers, WTT staff, and media covering the three-anda-half week season at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, all returning negative results for those participating in the event. In all, three COVID-19 tests were given to each person: pre-arrival, arrival, and midseason. The season was unlike any other in the league’s history, with all nine participating teams staying in one location versus playing matches across the country in their home venues. Additionally, the league permitted up to 500 fans to attend its matches held at Center Court at Creekside, Greenbrier’s 2,500-seat outdoor venue. The season featured more television and online exposure than ever before for WTT. The playoffs aired exclusively on CBS Sports with the WTT Championship on CBS Television Network and both Semifinals airing exclusively on CBS Sports Network, which also aired 13 WTT regular-season matches. The WTT 63-match regular season included first-time broadcast/digital partnerships as well with 15 matches on ESPN2, 19 on Tennis Channel, and five matches that streamed exclusively on the CBS Sports app and Facebook Watch. The WTT’s nine franchises include the expansion Chicago Smash, New York Empire, Orange County Breakers, Orlando Storm, Philadelphia Freedoms, San Diego Aviators, Springfield Lasers, Vegas Rollers, and Washington Kastles.

Slinger Bag Celebrates Strong U.S. Launch Slinger Bag announced in August that the company reached an aggregate of $1 million in orders taken during the first 90 days of its inaugural brand campaign. The bag enables tennis players to practice their game at any time whether that be at their local club, local park, on their driveways, or in any other open space. Slinger is wheeled like carry-on luggage and easily transported in the trunk of a car. Players can start launching balls within minutes, controlling the launch speed and frequency of the balls using two customizable dials. Slinger Bag is lightweight at 33 lbs. and multifunctional, holding racquets and other gear, 72 tennis balls, and it has pockets for storing wallets, keys, towel and a water bottle. “We are delighted that Slinger is resonating with U.S. tennis consumers, especially during these incredibly unusual times,” says CEO Mike Ballardie. “The overwhelming positive reaction we consistently see and hear from Slinger users means we have succeeded in our objective to bring to market the most versatile, transportable, and affordable ball launcher.”

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

TENNIS HEADLINES

TRUIST ATLANTA OPEN 2021: THANK YOU AND LOOKING AHEAD Let me again wish you continued good health and great tennis as fall ALTA gets under way and we start planning for your 2021 Truist Atlanta Open! The team at GF Sports and the Truist Atlanta Open are working hard with the ATP Tour and local authorities to stay on top of everything relating to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Even though the 2020 edition of the Truist Atlanta Open was not played as scheduled, we have dates for 2021, which are July 24 - August 1, once again at beautiful Atlantic Station. Stay tuned for a nn o unc e m e nts rega rding o ur m o re fan-friendly venue design and on-site amenities. Like ALTA and its members, we have a passion for tennis and we hopefully quenched your thirst over the Fourth of July weekend with the DraftKings All-American Team Cup, the first US tennis event, post COVID-19, with fans in attendance! This first-time event came together in less than 30 days, due in large part to our five-time singles champion, John Isner, and other ATP Tour American players trusting our team to create a safe and successful event. Special thanks to DraftKings, Life Time, city of Peachtree Corners, ALTA and our other partners for a great weekend of tennis. After three days of

extraordinary tennis, Team Stars prevailed over Team Stripes in a sudden death tie break! Additionally, we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say enough about our two local medical professionals, Dr. Neeru Jayanthi and Dr. Anthony Ferrara, for assisting in creating our event protocol to ensure a safe, healthy and socially distant event, which was first US tennis event, post COVID-19, with fans in attendance! Again, our dates are set for 2021: J u l y 2 4 - A u g u s t 1! S e e m o r e a t www.atlantaopentennis.com and as the 2021 event approaches, you will be able to get your ALTA discounts for members. Lastly, special thanks as always to OrthoAtlanta for being a great medical partner. They are always ready and willing to help both our ATP Tour players and local Atlanta tennis fans stay and get healthy. If you or any of your ALTA teammates have a health issue or question, please contact OrthoAtlanta and get back on the court as good as new! Stay safe and see you at the courts! â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Eddie Gonzalez TRUIST Atlanta Open Tournament Director egonzalez@gfsportsholdings.com

JULY 24-AUGUST 1, 2021 24

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

The 17th Annual Net News

Photo Contest

All Entries Due Sept. 16th! Get ready, grab your camera or even your smartphone, and go! This is your chance to show the world and your fellow netters how talented you are with a camera (or how lucky you were to be there when the unexpected happened). The 17th Annual Net News Photo Contest will showcase the best “frames” of ALTA players in the November/December 2020 issue. We’re looking for photos of solid play, unusual play or court scenes, and any notable photo relating to the game of tennis. The contest, sponsored by Head Penn Racquet Sports, will award one Best Overall Winner, plus winners in each of the categories. Category and overall winners will receive a variety of outstanding prizes from Head Penn’s collection of quality tennis gear. So, get out your cameras and start taking pictures or pick out your favorite from that stack of stills sitting in your desk drawer. You just might have a winner! Jean Christian

ALL PHOTOS MUST RELATE TO TENNIS.

Photography Contest Rules and Regulations

1. You must be a member of ALTA. 2. Photos must relate to tennis and/or tennis play. 3. All contest submissions must be postmarked by Sept. 16, 2020. 4. Decisions of the judges are final. 5. Limit three entries per ALTA member. 6. Each photo entry must include a completed entry form (see below). Photocopied forms are accepted. 7. Judges reserve the right to title photos if no title is provided and to change the category into which a photo has been entered. 8. 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. 9. Judges reserve the right to disqualify any entry that does not meet the above rules and regulations.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Submission Guidelines

1. Mail all entries to: Net News Photo Contest, 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. 2. Both digital and printed images will be considered. See specifications. 3. You may not want to submit irreplaceable or precious images. Contest organizers and sponsors WILL NOT be responsible for lost or damaged photos. (See waiver of responsibility on entry form.) 4. If you want your picture returned, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your entry. Pictures will not be returned if they are not accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. 5. All winning photos will be featured in the annual November/December edition of Net News. 6. Questions may be addressed to production@ knowatlanta.com or 770.650.1102, ext. 126.

Digital Photography Specifications

We advise that you take and submit the photos in as large a file size as possible, preferably no smaller than 2,400 pixels tall or wide, because small images may not be reproducible in the magazine (familiarize yourself with the settings on your camera before taking photos). Nonreproducible images will not be considered for the photo contest. Upload original digital photos through the Net News website at netnewsmag.com/photo_contest.

Vintage Photography Specifications

We advise you to have the image printed at 8x10 in. Please tape one entry form to the back of each photo. If submitting an original, please keep in mind contest organizers and sponsors will not be responsible for lost or damaged photos.

3Still Life — Winner, 2017 Rainbow Tennis, Claudine Lefrancois

5 Pets — Winner, 2018 Best Use of the BIG Plate, Natalie Lomas

5 Children — Winner, 2019

Prizes courtesy of

Life Is Good, Karen White

NET NEWS PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY FORM Name______________________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________State________________ ZIP____________________

Please check the category this picture is being entered in: ■ Action ■ Children ■ Courtside ■ Humor/Novelty

■ Pets ■ Still Life ■ Vintage

Email______________________________________________________________________________________

Title of photo:_________________________________

Phone (H)_______________________________________Phone (W)__________________________________

Description of picture (where the picture was taken, who is in the picture, what is in the picture, etc.):

Waiver of Responsibility: I hereby remise, release and forever discharge the Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association, Net News magazine, New South Publishing, Inc., and any Net News Photo Contest sponsor from any action, suits or claims arising as a result of the loss or damage of any photograph(s) I submit to this contest. Further, I hereby grant my permission for the reproduction and printing of my photograph in Net News magazine.

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

Signature________________________________________________________________Date____________________ Submit photos by Sept. 16, 2020, to Net News Photo Contest, 9040 Roswell Road, Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30350. This form may be photocopied or downloaded at netnewsmag.com.

______________________________________________ ______________________________________________

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

MEET THE

2020

ALTA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS 28

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

“I am so thankful for the years I played in the ALTA Junior League. It gave me a solid base to excel once in high school."

BY DIANA BURGER, ALTA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT It is with much pride and gratitude that the ALTA Foundation is able to present our eight wonderful 2020 L. Keith Wood Memorial College Scholarship winners; pride because of all of the impressive scholarship applications we had to choose from and gratitude to a former ALTA president and board chairman, L. Keith Wood (and his family), who so graciously funded this $20,000 annual memorial scholarship. Reading through nearly 80 scholarship applications was not an easy task, especially when so many applicants shared wonderful ALTA Junior League and ALTA Challenge Ladder experiences. Their impressive extracurricular activities and stellar grades made it clear why these eight seniors are the cream

Photos by Laura Barnard

of the crop. We think you’ll agree that they are an impressive bunch of matriculating college freshmen! We want to wish each winner, along with every applicant, a happy, healthy, and exciting freshman year.

BENJAMIN BARRÉ “Tennis was never intended to be my ‘sport.’ I loved football,” Barré wrote in one of his essays. He was a multi-sport kid, but his parents played ALTA, so it made sense when they wanted him to give it a try. That was the start of his nine seasons playing in the ALTA Junior Leagues over five years. When high school started, Barré joined the junior varsity football team, but was surprised he didn’t love it as much as tennis. So, he worked more on his tennis game and ultimately played high school varsity tennis for three years. “I am so thankful for the years I played in the ALTA Junior League,” he added. “It gave me a solid base to excel once in high school, and how much happier I was challenging myself to pivot to try new things.” When not playing tennis, Barré, a nationally recognized AP Scholar, spent time as a leader in various school clubs, as a four-year lead on the varsity robotics team, and as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. In the summer, Barré worked as a camp counselor, lifeguard, and lessons instructor; plus, he is the swim team coach for his neighborhood’s 150+ kids swim team. And as if that wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he runs a boys’ summer camp in his community every year. Since 2013, he has managed the camp, its staff, and 30 boys, ages 7-11. His campers enjoy a variety of activities, including tennis. “Playing ‘Jail’ [on the tennis courts] is a drill that I cherish from my ALTA junior days,” Barré commented. “Now, every year, I play that drill with my campers as one of our activities. They love the excitement and challenge of it, and I enjoy sharing that childhood memory with them.” Barré will be attending Georgia Tech this fall, majoring in aerospace engineering. He hasn’t decided if college club tennis is in his future, but he says he has aged into ALTA adult league tennis and has played mixed doubles with his mother. When asked about his tennis over football decision, he said, “I would never have been able to play football after high school, but tennis will be a life-long passion of mine.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

2020

ALTA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

SPENCER BROWN

“Being able to cheer for my younger brother as one of my teammates at City Finals was something I never could have done in high school, because our ages are too far apart,” Spencer told us in his essay about a memorable ALTA tennis experience. “I’ll never forget it. I gave my brother a few tips as I headed out to the court for my last 18-under ALTA Junior City Finals win.” Brown’s match went quickly, but the rest were absolute nail biters. “Not since my freshman year at state championships had I experienced such nervousness,” he continued. “We won! And I was ecstatic! I am very thankful that ALTA gave me, us, the opportunity. Sharing this experience with my brother will always stay with me.” In addition to playing in the ALTA Junior League for nearly nine years (18 seasons), and on his high school’s varsity tennis team, Brown has volunteered for three years as a Special Pops tennis unified partner, which is an able bodied tennis player who participates as a match doubles partner of a Special Pops tennis athlete. When not excelling at school, fulfilling his varsity team captain duties, or playing tennis, this AP Scholar and National Merit Commended Scholar was working on his Boy Scout’s Eagle Scout rank. As his final eagle project, he constructed a horse hay feeder for Bearfoot Ranch, a nonprofit equestrian farm that serves as a Special Olympics training barn, provides therapy for special needs children/ adults, and veterans. He also has served as a Boy Scouts patrol leader and a den chief. This fall, Brown will be attending the University of Georgia, where he plans to major in biology. 30

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

KAITLYN CHALKER Chalker’s first experience with ALTA junior tennis was at the age of 10. “I was a complete beginner,” she commented in her scholarship essay, “but I had already caught the tennis bug, and was determined to improve.” And improve she did! After six seasons in the ALTA Junior Leagues program, two seasons on the ALTA Challenge Ladder, and numerous national tournaments, Chalker will turn her attention to the fall where she will play tennis on her college team at Washington and Lee University in Virginia. “Since the first time I played tennis, I’ve wanted to be on the court as much as possible,” Chalker said. She did this primarily for her love of the sport, but also because she felt she needed to practice more to reach the level of other kids her age. Eventually she chose to give up the traditional school experiences and put more time and effort into her game. “I’ve always believed if I am going to do something, I should do it to the best of my ability,” she added, “and as a result, I’ve learned the value of hard work and dedication.” Outside of tennis, Chalker has spent time volunteering with the Marietta Tennis Association and at a local nursing home. She also served four years as a student ambassador of her school, started her school’s Spanish Club, and worked at the Laurel Park Tennis Center. “I started volunteering at the tennis center in ninth grade. but soon became an employee assisting with tournaments and camps,” she explained. Through this experience, she learned how to lead kids toward a fun tennis involvement and how to manage people when things went a little haywire at some of the tournaments she worked. “One particular event got incredibly stressful when six players were no-shows,” she explained. “I had to find the missing players while keeping the opposing players’ parents calm. It wasn’t easy, but it taught me how to communicate effectively and become a successful leader.” When asked about any standout memories she’s experienced through tennis, Chalker is quick to talk about the friendships she gained from ALTA tennis. “I knew ALTA was the perfect way to improve my tennis game, but what I didn’t realize was ALTA would also be a great way to meet new friends,” she said. Chalker went on to explain that on her first ALTA junior team she met two sisters who became her very best friends. “We bonded over improving, playing doubles together, and learning how to compete as a team,” she added. “Eight years later, we are all still best friends, love tennis, and I’m even playing on an ALTA women’s team with one of them.”

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2020

ALTA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

“Tennis taught me how to keep myself levelheaded and to stay focused if I made an unforced error or had a bad court experience. Tennis also taught me how to work with a team, both on and off the court, which translated into my academic and social life too.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

DARA GROCER For Dara Grocer, ALTA tennis is all about family. Like so many kids in Atlanta, she grew up watching her parents play their ALTA Mixed Doubles matches in every type of weather for many, many years. So, when Grocer finally played in her first ALTA Junior League match, her father said, “Winter 2020 will be the season you get to play with me on my ALTA Mixed team.” She doesn’t remember exactly how she responded, Grocer explained, but she bets she thought that it was a lifetime away. Over the next 10 years, she watched her parents play, always with the reminder that every year was one year closer to playing with her father. Fast forward to Jan. 5, 2020. “That is a day that will forever live in my heart,” Grocer said with a smile. “It was a memory that not only my dad had been looking forward to since the first day I picked up a racquet, but a memory that signified a huge milestone in my early adulthood, and it was all because of ALTA tennis.” Grocer credits her years playing Junior ALTA for helping her learn grit and resilience. “Before playing tennis, little things would ruin my whole day,” she explained, “but tennis taught me how to keep myself level-headed and to stay focused if I made an unforced error or had a bad court experience. Tennis also taught me how to work with a team, both on and off the court, which translated into my academic and social life too.” She added, “Without tennis, I’m not sure I would have evolved into the confident person I am today.” That confidence has served Grocer well, as she excelled through high school and in her volunteer activities. In addition to playing on her school’s varsity tennis team, she won several awards for her journalist activities and spent two years as the Executive Producer of WHIS, her school news station. She was a board member and social media coordinator of the BBYO, a Jewish youth organization, where she also served as a tennis representative and as a tournament manager of the Maccabi International Games in Atlanta. Grocer also has spent many years as a volunteer for the Sandy Springs Tennis Association, teaching tennis skills, healthy eating, and character developing life skills at underserved schools in the Sandy Springs area. Next up for Grocer is college at Elon University in North Carolina, where she will be studying in its Communications Fellow program, a special program for a select group of 30 students who have extra access to communications courses and greater study abroad opportunities.

WILL HAWKINS “My dad always says to turn a failure or a loss into a positive by le a r n i ng s ome t h i ng from it,” Hawkins said as he began to explain the great lesson he learned from a very disappointing tennis loss. During his junior year of high school, his varsity tennis team was on the verge of making it into the state semifinals, but they would have to first beat their archrivals. “Several teammates and I felt fortunate to be playing on an ALTA Junior League A-1 team that spring,” he explained, “because it helped us to develop the skills and confidence needed to play in the state competition.” On match day, the games were close, eventually resting the team’s fate on Hawkins’ match. “We lost the first set, won the second, then started strong in the third, but our opponents regained momentum, and our confidence began to wane,” he continued. They lost the match, but when the opponent’s team stormed his home courts in a fit of horrible sportsmanship, the loss felt even worse. “After the match, our coach addressed the whole team,” Will continued. “To my surprise, he was not mad, but rather disappointed in our opponents’ lack of respect and their arrogance. It was more important to him that we showed great character and carried ourselves with dignity. This taught me that winning and trophies are never as important as who you are and how you treat others, and nothing is more important than having dignity and integrity.” Another skill Hawkins says he learned from his many years of tennis and his nine years in Junior ALTA is leadership, including how to adapt his approach to the needs of those he is leading. “I started as a volunteer coach at my school’s summer tennis camp, and I was thrilled to be invited back as a paid instructor for the next two years,” Hawkins explained. “Through my experience as a tennis instructor, I learned to see each kid as an individual and to adapt my style of coaching to help each child have a positive tennis experience.” Beyond playing and teaching tennis, Hawkins volunteered his time to a few homeless missions and to a mission in Costa Rica. He is a member of the National Spanish Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and the Math Honor Society. Hawkins plans to study risk management at the University of Georgia this fall and is considering joining a club tennis team.

CAROLINE LOWENSTEIN

Valedictorian of her high school class. President of National Art Honor Society. BETA Club officer. Presidential Service Award. Varsity tennis captain. These are just some of the awards and leadership roles Lowenstein has achieved in her high school years at Greater Atlanta Christian School. Additionally, she has donated her time to several causes and helped create a charity that raised $30,000 for underprivileged kids. But above all these accolades and high achievements, it’s her warm, welcoming smile, and friendly demeanor that let you know she’ll welcome you in and be a person you want to know. We asked Lowenstein if she thought tennis has had an effect on her leadership skills, to which she replied, “Tennis has taught me that leaders are first and foremost incredible team players.” Listening to her teammates, participating in clinics (even when not feeling up to it), and cheering on her team in matches, are just a few examples of how she tries to be a team player and lead from within the group. She says this helps build respect. “And with respect, I am one step closer to leadership.” From about the age of nine, straight through her senior year of high school, Lowenstein played an impressive 18 seasons of ALTA Junior League tennis, and she credits her junior tennis experiences with helping to grow her moral character and integrity. “In the ALTA Junior League, there are no referees, and parents can’t interfere in our games,” she explained. “My integrity is demonstrated with every line call I make, my court behavior, and my attitude after both winning and losing matches. During matches, I know that my actions demonstrate more loudly than words … who I am.” So, when opponents see her in the lineup, she wants them to think she is fair, composed, and gracious in every situation. In the summer, Lowenstein worked as a tennis coach at the Greater Atlanta Christian School’s Tennis Academy, where she helped bring the love of tennis to the next generation. This fall, she will be joining her older sister at the University of Virginia, where she hopes to earn her business degree. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

2020

ALTA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

JAXON ROBERT “Tennis has provided me the opportunity to set goals and work towards them,” Robert stated when asked if tennis has had an impact on his life. “I’ve learned honesty, determination, leadership, teamwork, and the value of hard work; that there is so much more than winning or losing, and that self-growth comes from the lessons along the way.” He played in the ALTA Junior Leagues for 11 seasons, but stopped after 2017 to dedicate his Saturday’s to volunteering with Special Pops tennis (Special Populations Tennis Program). “As I became more involved with Special Pops, I had to make a hard choice,” he said. Ultimately his love of sharing tennis with others won out. “This fantastic sport has molded my life and taught me who I am.” “Of all my tennis experience, I have found the most fulfillment in my volunteer work with Special Pops,” Robert told us in his scholarship essay. “In Special Pops, we teach tennis to intellectually disabled students ranging in ages from seven to 60-yrs-old.” Robert says he began volunteering to help others, but he found they have taught him so much more. “Seeing their pure glee when they see their hard-earned results help put life into perspective. They have taught me patience and value of service to others, and I hope to continue this work when I go off to college, even if I have to start a new branch of the organization.” In addition to his volunteer work, Robert played on the varsity tennis team, was an officer in the Technology Student Association (TSA), and co-founded the Lambert Cornhole Club. He has received honors as a Special Pops Person of Importance, the Engineering Student of the Year, and as a Triple Crown Recipient (achieving a high school letter in sports, 4.0+academics, and club for Lambert’s TSA top 10 finishes in three State competitions). He also has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and has worked as a tennis instructor. In the fall, Jaxon will attend Virginia Tech where he plans to study biomedical engineering. 34

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

ANSLEY WUNDERLICH Serial volunteer and enthusiastic thespian were two descriptions that leaped from the page of Wunderlich’s high school résumé. In four years of high school, Wunderlich managed to volunteer 465 hours of her time at various Roswell/Alpharetta charities as a member and leader in the National Charity League, receiving several awards for her multitude of service hours. Plus, she participated in seven high school musical productions, about 16 choral events, four years in Improve Club, and served as the Theater President her senior year. She accomplished all of this while managing to graduate in the top 5 percent of her class, which earned her a Georgia Certificate of Merit. And what does Wunderlich attribute to helping her become such an accomplished young woman? Her 14 seasons of playing in the ALTA Junior League, of course. “Tennis has had an impact on the development of my leadership skills,” Wunderlich explained in her essay. “Tennis was my first experience in a team environment, and it taught me being a leader not only means leading a team to victory, but also supporting my teammates every step of the way and treating each loss as an opportunity to learn and improve.” Through tennis, she says she learned the importance of teamwork, partner communication, and building trust and chemistry by working together. “I have applied all of these skills to my roles as president of my high school’s Thespian Society and the National Charity League. In addition to leadership, Wunderlich explained how tennis also helped her develop mental toughness. “Tennis has taught me many life skills, but the one I use the most is the game isn’t over ‘till it’s over,” she stated. A willingness to evolve is what allowed her to have the most success, which further reinforced her determination. “I work to apply this same mentality to my everyday life because taking it day by day and leaving the past behind is what ensures I am always moving forward,” she concluded. Ansley participated in the Biology DNA Research club and has received several other academic awards. This fall she is headed to the University of Michigan where she will be majoring in biology.

TENNIS IS ON THE RETURN. Here’s $50 Off To Celebrate. As you slowly take to the courts again, we wanted to make your return a little sweeter. Right now, take $50 off a new Blade, Clash, or Ultra when you trade in your old performance racket. Trade-ins will be donated to the USTA Foundation to help grow the sport we’ve been missing. Visit wilson.com for offer details. *Offer valid 8/31 to 9/27 *Only (1) $50 credit per new racket transaction

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

Foreign Affair International warehouse space.

Dumitru Ghiata, Still Life Paul Daxhelet, Les Martigues

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Emmanuele Orazi, Paris

The Art of the Deal BY EMMY POWELL, NET NEWS EDITOR

e has travelled the globe, having played on the professional tennis tour over 30 years ago and became an extremely accomplished doubles player. His tennis career includes winning the boys’ doubles event at the 1984 US Open, the second time he was in a Grand Slam final, having finished as the runner up in the 1983 Wimbledon Championships. His name is one you’ll easily recognize. Meet Mihnea Nastase. Yes, he is the nephew of two-time grand slam winner and one of the original “bad boys” of tennis, Ilie Nastase. Like his father, Constantin Nastase, and uncle, he was a member of the Romanian Davis Cup team. One of his best performances came in 1990 when he and his doubles partner, Goran Prpic won the Sanremo Open in Italy. Mihnea was born in Bucharest, grew up in Italy, and moved to Florida when he was 18. He went on to play tennis at Mississippi State University in the late 1980’s and played on the ATP tour for just over 10 years. He decided to settle in Atlanta in 1997 and even played in some ALTA matches out of Terrell Mill, Sandy Springs, and Roswell Park, among others. While tennis is in his blood, he has managed to develop a different passion for art and has truly turned it into a successful investment business. But make no mistake. Mihnea isn’t some run-of-the-mill art collector. He has a very different approach to how he runs his business, Foreign Affair International. Mihnea had several stores in Atlanta over the years, including one in Buckhead, but now he runs a warehouse in Roswell. The key to what the business offers lies in the development of a fine art investment portfolio, just as you might envision your own 401K portfolio. “What we do in Atlanta is rare. We are very hands on,” says Mihnea. Working with clients to understand how much they want to spend, what risks they are willing to take, and what their long-term goals are for the art is their specialty. “We find art that meets those needs. This is our special offering,” Mihnea says. He added that every item is authentic. The company does not sell reproductions of old paintings, prints, etchings, or engravings. By traveling across the world, Mihnea has enjoyed fine art in museums and galleries, as well as private homes, and he has developed a keen awareness of what it takes to help those who want to invest in art for financial gain. He invested his time in tennis, and now his investment in the art world is proving to be rewarding in more ways than one.

While tennis is in his blood, he has managed to develop a different passion for art and has truly turned it into a successful investment business.

Mihnea Nastase

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

PRP injections These injections start with drawing blood from a patient, and then spinning the blood in a centrifuge device to separate platelets from the other blood cells. This process creates a solution of concentrated platelets and growth factors that can then be injected into an area of injury to promote healing and tissue repair, spurring the body on to begin regenerating the deteriorated tissues.

S P O R T S

M E D I C I N E

Regenerative Injections: A Patient’s Guide BY SHANE MANGRUM, MD, BOARD-CERTIFIED PHYSIATRIST AT POLARIS SPINE & NEUROSURGERY CENTER

hese days, it seems like “regenerative technologies” are everywhere, but where did this science spring from? What is it, and can it help you? In the 1920s, research on the adrenal cortex at the Mayo Clinic led to the discovery a substance known as “Compound E,” which eventually came to be called cortisone. In 1950, Dr. Phillip S. Hench won a Nobel Prize in Medicine for the application of cortisone to the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, and the work he did changed the face of medicine. Cortisone-type injections have been used extensively in the treatment of musculoskeletal injury in the years since Dr. Hench won his Nobel Prize. While helpful in many ways, these injections still employ a 1920s technology. Experts have suggested that “regenerative medicine will play an increasingly important role in the delivery of clinical care. …This is one of the biggest evolutions in medical history [emphasis added]. …There is only so much you can do to treat injuries and diseases. As we learn how to regenerate cells and strengthen the body’s repair processes, we can make tremendous advances in improving clinical care and maintaining long-term good health.”* Today, professional athletes have used regenerative-type injections to actually “kickstart” tissue repair. These technologies are now becoming available to the masses with the application of platelet rich plasma and stem cell procedures to conditions like tendon injury, arthritis, and back and joint pain. These treatments can help repair injured tissues to provide lasting pain relief and to accelerate recovery times after an injury. They may also be used to treat back pain and spine pain, more generally, as well as pain caused by other musculoskeletal degenerative conditions. Even so, there has been a lot of misinformation spread about these therapies. If your doctor has recommended a form of regenerative injection therapy for treatment, we’ve created this guide to help you decide if it’s right for you. Currently, regenerative injection therapy falls into two categories: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy. Let’s discuss both in more detail.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Stem cell therapies Instead of blood cells, these injections use cells from fat or bone marrow to promote the reparative response of diseased, dysfunctional, or injured tissue. Research has shown the potential for stem cell therapy to improve conditions such as heart failure, for example, by promoting cardiomyocyte regeneration and neovascularization, and recruiting resident stem cells.** Both of these techniques involve very little patient discomfort and are performed as outpatient procedures in our surgery center. Regenerative therapies can be highly effective, but they aren’t a “miracle cure,” and they don’t work the same way for everyone. Many people report some minor pain and swelling for the first few days after regenerative injection therapy, but this usually subsides quickly, after which the patient generally starts to see improvements. Talk to your doctor about how to care for your injury during the healing process and when you can return to sports after the treatment. Choosing the right doctor W h i l e r e g e n e r a t i v e i nj e c t i o n therapies are safe, they should also only be administered by an experienced professional. Finding the right provider should involve doing some research, looking at reviews, and asking about prior experience. You also want to consider a physician who offers a diversity of treatment options besides regenerative therapies. That way, you’ll have confidence that if the treatment isn’t right for you, you’ll have other choices. *Pascal J. Goldschmidt, M.D., Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs, Dean of the Miller School of Medicine and CEO of UHealth **Sci. Rep. 6, 28250; doi: 10.1038/srep28250 (2016). Editor’s note: Read more about PRP on page 56.

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S P O R T S

M E D I C I N E

The Kinetic Chain: Keeping You Moving On The Court In All Directions BY DR. STEPHANIE HSU

ennis requires strength, speed, flexibility, balance, and coordination to create efficient, powerful strokes and to provide the agility to move quickly across the court. However, the repetitive motions put a significant amount of load on our muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints, putting us at higher risk of injury. To help prevent injury, it’s important to take the extra time off the court to do conditioning and training work. This is where the concept of the kinetic chain makes a significant difference for all players. The kinetic chain links coordinated movements through the different parts of our body to produce power, accuracy, and efficiency starting

from the ground up through our racquet. Energy is created and stored through our movement patterns and muscles as we push off the ground. For example, to create power and spin on a serve, we start with the loading phase. Here, the lower body pushes off the ground and our trunk starts to rotate in order to begin storing this elastic type of energy, almost like stretching a rubber band. Next is the cocking phase, when the trunk begins to extend and rotate with our upper body and serving arm coming into play as it sets back. This helps create even more power and energy to funnel into our serving arm and through our racquets on contact. Third is the acceleration phase,

where our lower body, trunk, and arm start to unwind and swing to transfer saved energy to move our racquet. Upon contact, the follow-through phase engages numerous muscles to slow down our arm and reset our legs and trunk to be ready for the next movement. This is the kinetic chain at work to create strokes. The more mobility, stability, and strength we have, the more efficient and coordinated we can make our kinetic chain, and therefore, improve play and decrease injury. It takes quite a bit of coordination for our bodies to make tennis work. Thinking about how to take care of ourselves, link by link, allows us to stay on the court and enjoy the game.

Your kinetic chain links The following tips will improve mobility, increase stability and strength, and maximize agility and power, while minimizing injuries on the court. LOWER BODY Feet/ankles • Protects against: calf strains, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis • Mobility move: heel cord/calf stretches • Stability/Strength exercise: one leg stability balances Knees • Protects against: patellar and quadriceps tendinitis, meniscus tears • Mobility move: hamstring and quadriceps stretches • Stability/Strength exercise: step ups Hips • Protects against: glute strains, stiff hips and stiff on-court movement, low back pain • Mobility move: hip flexor and iliotibial band stretches, piriformis (glute) stretches • Stability/Strength exercise: lateral monster squat walks, hip bridges TRUNK Low back • Protects against: low and upper back pain • Mobility move: cobras • Stability/Strength exercise: bird dogs, supermans

* One of the highest areas of injuries from juniors to the pros. Taking extra care of this area can help keep you much happier and comfortable on and off the court. Trunk/core • Protects against: abdominal tears, shoulder and upper arm injuries • Mobility move: laying down crossover leg rotations • Stability/Strength exercise: regular and side planks, resisted trunk rotations UPPER BODY Shoulder blades (scapula) • Protects against: the constellation of shoulder and elbow injuries • Mobility move: scapular reach forward and up • Stability/Strength exercise: shoulder blade postural squeezes, I/Y/T shoulder extensions * The shoulder blades are the base, stability, and most important protector of your posture, shoulder and upper arm. Shoulder • Protects against: rotator cuff strains and tears, labral tears, shoulder impingement • Mobility move: cross body shoulder stretch, pectoralis (chest) snow angels

• Stability/Strength exercise: rotator cuff bands, dynamic resisted serve takeback Elbow/Forearm • Protects against: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow • Mobility move: forearm flexor and extensor stretches • Stability/Strength exercise: eccentric extensor/flexor muscle and rotation resistance Wrist/Hand • Protects against: tendonitis, TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) injuries • Mobility move: prayer and inside-out prayer stretches • Stability/Strength exercise: gyroscope stability, grip strengthening PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER • Dynamic warm up before and static cool down stretches after play • Mobility moves, stabilization and strength exercises following play or on tennis off days • Start hydrating before and keep hydrating during your match • Have fun!

Dr. Stephanie Hsu is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon with expertise in complex shoulder care and treatment for elbow and knee injuries in athletes. She has a special interest in tennis and has served as a match day doctor for local ALTA tournaments. For more information visit sportsmedicine.northside.com. 40

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

*See website for Terms & Conditions

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

Last Issue’s Trivia Contest Winner Is … Congratulations! We drew our winner from a pool of readers who submitted correct answers, and Debbie Scobey, Nesbit Lakes Mixed Doubles C3, won a new racquet from Wilson. Try your own 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 correct answers: 1. Who is the new Executive Director of the Atlanta Youth Tennis and Education Foundation (AYTEF)? Torrey Hawkins 2. What is the term used when you over-hydrate and put yourself at risk for diluting your body’s sodium levels which can lead to dizziness, fatigue, lightheadedness, and possible seizure? hyponatremia 3. How many student athletes received the ALTA Foundation Scholarship from the late L. Keith Wood in 2020, and what amount did each receive? 8 students and $2,500.00

November/December Trivia Contest Enter for your chance to win a pair of Wave Exceed Tour 4 shoes from Mizuno! 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, October 5.

1. What is the name of the former ATP player who

Please submit a favorite courtside recipe along with

currently runs an art investment business in Atlanta,

this entry to be eligible.

and what is the name of the business?_______________

Name______________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________ 2. AYTEF launched a summer program to help keeps kids learning and engaged in fun activities for the summer. What’s the name of this program? ________________________________________________________ 3. In this issue, we launched the GPTA spotlight series. Who are the local tennis pros who were featured?______________________________________________

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Address____________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State________ ZIP______________ Email_______________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________________________________ League_____________________________________________________________ Team___________________________________________________Level________

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

LEAGUE NEWS

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER Ladder Closes Dec. 1

Saluting our JCL Seniors BY BRENDA MADDALENI, JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER VICE PRESIDENT

JUNIOR CHALLENGE LADDER

ust as COVID-19 shut down activities throughout the Atlanta area, it also meant that many seniors missed out on some milestones such as graduation ceremonies, relatives’ weddings, and other summer events. This includes the Truist Atlanta Open, which is always enjoyed by ALTA members, both young and old. Players on the Junior Challenge Ladder (JCL) usually enjoy a full day at the tournament, but that didn’t happen this year. Many seniors are trying to take that in stride, as they look to better days in their future. Meet these JCL seniors who reflect on their accomplishments and their ALTA experiences.

Solomon Crouch Crouch began playing tennis as a “kid” and then began tournament play in ninth grade. He attended William and Reed Academy in Johns Creek where his team won the AAA State Championships three years in a row. He trains at Nspire tennis with Na’im Azhar, a former ATP player from Colombia. Crouch played Junior ALTA for six seasons at Glen Abbey, Lifetime Tennis, and Fox Creek and also played in the JCL for five years. He is passing the JCL torch to his younger sister, Cali, who will be playing in the ladder for her first season in 2020. When asked what advice he would give a younger player, Crouch said, “Listen to your coach, and be 15 minutes early for practice.” He added, “Tennis has taught me discipline and allowed me to meet so many different people.” Crouch credits his father for all of the help and support on and off the court. “He is always there when I need him, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support,” said Crouch, who is committed to play for Coach John Hirte at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. When asked about his favorite memory of being in the JCL, he said, “It isn’t flashy, but I still remember one random night in November 2018. The ladies who run the ladder put together a small event, and we had a ton of fun playing doubles and just hanging out.” Juliana Mascagni Mascagni played four consecutive

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years in the ALTA Junior Challenge Ladder. She started playing tennis at an early age with her brother, being introduced to the sport by their father. For the past six years, she has trained with former WTA professional Edina Gallovits-Hall of Romania. When asked about the JCL, Mascagni says the ladder was a great way for her to get high-level match play in a fun environment and to meet new players. “Participation in tennis ‘takes a village’ as my mom would say.” On advice to younger players, she says, “Just have fun and enjoy the ride. Tennis, in a way, is a metaphor for life; you will have both highs and lows, just do not give up.” Mascagni gives credit to tennis as a way to teach her about hard work, patience, self-control, and commitment. She is planning to attend Berry College in the fall and play collegiate tennis. She says, “I am grateful to all the individuals behind the scenes who make the JCL such a fun and successful program.” Kaitlyn Chalker Chalker started playing tennis at age 10, and her first Alta teams were based out of Laurel Park Tennis Center. She played for two years on the ALTA JCL, and now she qualifies to play as an adult and currently plays on a women’s team and a Mixed Doubles team at Marietta Country Club. She trains at ACE Tennis Academy in Peachtree Corners. Chalker says that her parents have been her biggest influences on and off the court. “They instilled in me from a young age that if I’m going to do anything, I need to do it to the best of my ability, which has greatly helped me in tennis and in life in general,” she said. For younger players, she would tell them to always keep it fun. “It doesn’t matter how good you get if you’re not having fun while playing,” says Chalker. She believes tennis taught her valuable life lessons, such as how to be a leader and how to hold herself accountable. “It has also given me a community,” she said. Chalker will attend Washington and Lee University to play tennis. She also aspires to go to law school. She says, “My best memories of the JCL were the round robins. It was always so much fun to get to spend time with the girls and play doubles with them.”

MIXED DOUBLES

MIXED DOUBLES 1:00 p.m. Sundays Winter Registration runs Sept. 21-Oct. 16

Playing Tennis in the Time of COVID-19 BY CAMERON TURNER, MIXED DOUBLES VICE PRESIDENT

Photos by Laura Barnard

his year, there has been significant loss and hardships for so many, but I have been encouraged and inspired by our community during this time and how we have come together to support our neighbors in need. As the summer season approached, we all were looking forward to getting back on the courts, but we wanted to make sure that it was done in a safe manner. Following CDC guidelines, parks and open spaces could provide opportunities for physical activity while also offering an escape from sheltering in place. I am glad that so many were able to get out on the courts and enjoy some fresh air and socialization. While this past summer ALTA season saw its challenges, it also brought a respite for those who felt comfortable returning to the courts. Thank you to the more than 29,000 people who registered for the summer season. More importantly, thank you for being a community that helped the season to go smoothly. Your

willingness to be flexible, give grace, and exhibit patience not only was appreciated, but showed you care for your teammates and opponents. Please know that your feedback each week was extremely beneficial, and every email or voicemail helped create a safer tennis playing environment for all. This is an organization made up of and led by volunteers, so we could not have operated without you! Thank you to the captains and co-captains who give so much to organize teams, work through tough situations, and create a fun playing atmosphere for all. Thank you, too, if you are a volunteer coordinator. Your work to manage teams and levels keeps us running every week! As we look forward to the winter 2021 season, I hope you will join us again for fun, competitive play! If there is anything that we can do to support you or your team, please reach out; we are here to help. Thank you again for all you do to make ALTA an amazing organization. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

LEAGUE NEWS

ALTA Junior Leagues: Should 10U Become a Mixed Gender Age Group?

Should the 10U girls’ and boys’ leagues be combined to a league allowing girls and boys to play on the same team?

BY RITA MALOOF, JUNIOR LEAGUES VICE PRESIDENT

JUNIORS

uring the junior leagues roster registration period each season, I receive a couple of inquiries from tennis coaches or team managers working on putting a team together. Those inquiries usually go something like this: “Hi! I’m working on my roster, and I’m short a couple of players for my boys 10U team. I have two girls that practice with them. Can I add them to my boys 10U roster? You know these days, boys and girls play together on most sports teams. Has ALTA changed the policy about boys and girls playing together?” The challenge most frequently arises in reference to our 10U or entry-level age group. The introduction of the low compression “orange” and “green” balls in 2012 changed the way kids learned to play tennis. Youth tennis skills can improve faster, and the progression from orange ball play (10U) to green ball play (12U) can happen at earlier ages, shrinking the pool of traditional 10U players. No, ALTA has not changed its policy of having separate boys and girls leagues, but the repeated questions make one wonder, should we? So, we asked. In June, we sent a survey to team managers and tennis professionals who have fielded teams in our 10U/12U age groups the past several seasons. Participants from 41 facilities responded. In some instances, we received responses from multiple individuals who have multiple roles within a facility. The survey answers were then categorized by parents (45) and by tennis professionals (31). I think you’ll find the answers interesting. We did. Will the ALTA junior leagues change from a girls and boys league to a mixed gender league? Based on the results of this survey, the answer is still unclear. If you’d like addition details or a full copy of the 10U survey, please email juniorvp@altatennis.org.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Is it acceptable in a combined 10U league for teams composed of all boys, all girls, or a combination to play each other?

Should 10U continue the use of the small court, orange balls, and monitors when needed?

RUN ’N ROLL

RUN ’N ROLL 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays Fall season runs Sept. 8-Oct. 13

Learn to Run ‘N Roll BY BOB KOHMESHER, SPECIAL PROGRAMS VICE PRESIDENT

Photos by Laura Barnard

ou know the drill. You play tennis with your friends in your subdivision or closest park. You practice with your ALTA teammates. You compete in ALTA matches. Some of you play on senior teams. Some of you have fun matches with your children. Some of you even include coaching. Tennis is your life! You think you couldn’t have it any better. Well, there is another tennis challenge awaiting you — Run ‘n Roll tennis. ALTA sponsors wheelchair tennis leagues as well as Run ‘n Roll leagues. Run ‘n Roll is exactly like it sounds. A wheelchair player is paired with an “Up” or “Run” player. The only real difference is wheelchair players get something we’d all like to have — a double bounce. And they definitely use that to their advantage. You’d be amazed at how quickly the wheelchair players cover the court.

You may be thinking that you’re too old, too young, or not good enough to play this exciting style of tennis, but you’d be wrong on all counts. Age is not a factor, nor is ability. We match “run” players with an equally skilled wheelchair player, e.g., an A player with an A player, a C player with a C player. Not only is Run ‘n Roll tennis fun to play, it’s a great opportunity to expand your set of tennis friends. You’ll also increase the diversity of your play. We have two seasons of Run ‘n Roll tennis — summer and fall. The fall season starts on September 8 and ends on October 13. We play at Hudlow Tennis Center on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. If you’re interested in playing or learning more about Run ‘n Roll, contact the VP for Special Programs at specialprogramsvp@altatennis.org. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS 47

GOOD QUESTION

CALLING A FOOT FAULT In a recent match, an opponent obviously foot faulted on almost every serve. We first called this to his attention, then warned him that the next time it would be called a fault serve. When we called the foot fault, our opponents said that we cannot call a foot fault as it happened on their side of the court. They stated that we can only call things that happen on our side of the court. What is the rule for calling a foot fault? Lamar Scott, Men’s League Vice President Players should not foot fault because it violates the ITF Rules of Tennis. It is a foot fault when a foot just touches the line, even when the player does not follow the serve to the net. The rules are pretty clear with this. As stated in USTA’s “The Code” (Serving, #23, #24), “the receiver or the receiver’s partner may call foot faults only after all reasonable efforts, such as warning the server, have failed and the foot fault is so flagrant as to be clearly perceptible from the receiver’s side.”

RETIREMENT PLAN My players had to retire their match in the third set. What is the correct procedure for entering a retirement? Keri Beck, Thursday Women Vice President In the ALTA Adult General Rules, Retirement is defined in the Glossary of Terms as: “Any player who is unable to continue a match in progress because of a loss of natural condition, an accidental injury, or a personal emergency.” When a line cannot complete a match that has been started, the line is entered as a Retirement for the retiring team, and a Win for the opponent. The score is entered as it stood when play stopped. The system will automatically add enough games and sets to give the winning team the Win. The adjusted games/ sets will show in blue on the scorecard. At the top of the final approved scorecard, you can “View Original Scorecard” to see the actual game score as it was played. For example, if a team is up 7-5, 2-3 and retires the match, the scorecard will be entered, 7-5, 2-3. The system will adjust the scorecard and display the match score as 7-5, 2-6, 0-1. In this case, since the retiring players had won the first set, the system adjusts the second set, and gives the third set win to the opponent. If a full 48

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third set is played, the final set score in the example above would be 0-6. However, since we are requiring tie-breaks in lieu of 3rd sets for the fall season, the third set would be entered 0-1.

LEAGUE RATING I’m the captain of a Sunday Women’s League team and we have a person who would like to join our team, but I’m not sure if her level will impact us. Please let me know how I might determine if adding this player could potentially alter our level? Chequetta Allen, Sunday Women’s League Vice President You will need to use this person’s most recent Sunday Women’s League final level as one of the top 10 rating values used to calculate the average of your top 10 women. If this person does not have a Sunday Women’s League rating, then we will follow the

protocol below: Searches Sunday (two seasons), Thursday (two seasons), Mixed Doubles (two seasons) and Senior Women. Please go to page 3 of the Roster Registration Information Packet located in ALTA Documents, and you will see “League Information for Team Placement.” The chart on that page provides values for each level that should be used to calculate the average of your top 10 women and determine where your team might potentially level based on the most recent final levels of top 10 women on the team. Whatever number value you calculate as the average, then refer back to the chart and that number value should correlate with a level. That level will give you a good idea of where your team could potentially be placed. Since there are other factors that impact your team’s level placement, this calculation is not a guarantee of level placement. This calculation helps captains see the potential impact of adding higherlevel players.

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.

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JENSEN ZONE Luke Jensen

Tennis Is Back!

ennis rock stars: How was your summer? Can you believe the US Open already is upon us? The Open marks the “finish line” for the majors in the calendar for the pros. During my pro tour days, my siblings and I would play World Team Tennis and build confidence through the U.S. summer series of events, hoping to peak at the end of August just in time for the US Open. I always felt Wimbledon was the half-way point for the calendar year with the Open and a proving ground for my entire mental and physical talent. It was my last chance to add a major to my trophy case for that year while getting a great lift from the American fans. Fire up tennis maniacs! I hope you have had as great a summer as possible given the global situation that seems to change from day to day. As for me, my summer was as good any I’ve had in my life. The challenges we all face were there, but the opportunity I had to be part of the 45th season of World Team Tennis (WTT) was life-affirming. I am the coach of the WTT NY Empire, one of the nine franchises

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around the country. It is an honor to be coaching with and against the best players in the world — the NY Empire alone had Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters. Venus Williams and the Bryan Brothers also competed. The 2020 Aussie Open Champion, Sofia Kenin, participated as well. Normally, teams travel to the various WTT cities to compete — and that travel can be the toughest part. Competitors could play a match until 10:30 p.m. and then try to wind down by midnight before taking a 6 a.m. flight to the next city to play around 7 p.m. that night. Do that for three weeks straight and by the end — even if you win — you are one exhausted puppy dog. This year, the entire season with all nine teams was played at the Greenbrier Resort in the great state of West Virginia. Everyone in the WTT bubble was tested constantly. Just to get into the bubble, all players and coaches needed double-negative test results. Then, once in each week we were all tested to keep everyone safe. How long have I been writing the Jen-

sen Zone, and now I’m talking about double-negative tests? That is the new normal for now, and all the players were so grateful for the opportunity to compete and to have an opportunity to prepare for the US Open. One thing I have seen in recent weeks is an uptick in tennis. The natural social distancing has made our game more attractive to new players around the country. More players are jumping into leagues and even new teams are forming. It’s nice to see people jumping on a court and maybe just for a little while being able to think about something else, something fun. Even if you can’t take to the court, there are ways to improve through the millions of online tennis tips. Take practice swings and find a wall to hit on. Just keep finding ways to improve your game. This fall, make a commitment to your weakest shot and study ways to improve it. Please be safe and keep going for the lines! — LUKE JENSEN FRENCH OPEN DOUBLES CHAMPION

IMPROVING YOUR GA ME

Solve the Problem BY GEOFF BROWNE, DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S TENNIS AT DUNWOODY COUNTRY CLUB

s tennis players, we are all problem solvers. Every time we play a match we are trying to find a way to win against an opponent or opponents who have the same objective. How many times have you lost a match that you feel you (and your partner) should have won? Often, you will find yourself having a match going by so quickly, but not with the desired end result. All match wins and losses can be attributed to all or one of the following: tactic, technique, or mental. You have to be able to make changes when behind to be competitive consistently. Everyone has played the opponent who seems weak initially but always seems to find a way to win. There is a well-known saying by Albert Einstein: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Hoping to “start to play better” to pull out a match will seldom prove successful. In order to overcome an opponent, you have to be able to figure out what you can do differently. The easiest aspect of your game that you can change is your tactic. You have to ask yourself, “What can I do differently,” as well as “What does my opponent not like to see from me?” The answers can include: the type of serve you are hitting, where you hit your serve, where you return serve, lobbing, poaching, are your targets too small, et cetera. The more tools you have at your disposal, the more potential solutions you will have to solve the problem. If the only tool you have is a “hammer,” then every problem will look like a “nail.” Many players don’t like to change tactics, but if you are not winning the match, you have nothing to lose by trying something different. Putting in the practice before the match will develop your strokes to be dependable on game day. When you are having an off day, you have to be able to 52

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go to plan B or plan C. Look objectively at why you are missing your shots. Are you hitting balls long or in the net? Figure out what you can do to correct the issue. Top players will hit with more spin and net clearance to increase consistency. Consistency is your most effective weapon. Many issues can be resolved by insuring that your footwork and body are in the right place to execute your shots. When your balance is good, the shot becomes much easier. Some of the most common mistakes in tennis are caused by reaching for the ball and/or having your body too close to the ball at contact. Go back to basics with good preparation and you will see your shots become more steady and reliable. Everyone knows how the importance of the mental aspect of tennis. It’s easy to be positive when winning and negative when behind. Your mental state will affect your shot selection and execution. Encourage your partner and think positively in a match. Avoid the thoughts of “don’t,” “can’t,” and “sorry.” The great part of tennis is that you always have time to come back in a match. Success produces confidence. When you get more balls in play, you will continue to feel better about your game. Play the percentages and be patient for your opportunity. Most points are won from your opponent’s mistakes and not by an outright winner. When you are ready to do whatever it takes to come out ahead in your matches, your winning percentage will improve. Every time you hit a tennis ball you are making a decision. Being a good problem solver requires looking at the situation and deciding what is the necessary cause of action. The next time you are down in a match, look at what you can do differently — whether it be tactically, technically, or mentally — to reverse your fortunes and come out on the winning end!

USTA GEORGIA-GPTA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: GEOFF BROWNE

Hometown (City/State): Detroit, MI How did you get involved in teaching tennis? When playing for Hugh Thomson in college, I assisted him in clinics and was hooked! Diehard fan of what sports team? Anything Detroit Best part of your game? Backhand Dream doubles match would be me and… Roger Federer vs Pete Sampras and Vitas Gerulaitis When I’m not teaching tennis, I’m… Stringing racquets for Dave Dvorak (seriously, trying to spend time with my wife and daughters). My favorite tennis memory is: I have been very blessed to have many great memories in tennis. Most memorable include time that I have spent with legends of the sport — Harry Hopman, Tony Palafox, and Bill Tym who have made me the tennis professional that I am today. My favorite professional player is: Roger Federer, who else? #1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis: The joy that students have when they improve and are having fun. What important tennis message do you want to promote? Tennis is a sport that you can play, compete, and improve your entire life no matter your age and level.

IMPROVING YOUR GA ME

The Volley BY JIM CARELLA, GPTA, USPTA, PTR, PPR, TENNIS PROFESSIONAL SUGARLOAF COUNTRY CLUB

he volley is one of the easiest shots to execute but one of the most intimidating at the same time. From a stroke production standpoint, your tennis racket does very little in the way of movement; it stays near or at the contact point throughout the striking of the ball. So from a physical standpoint, compared to the serve or groundstrokes, it’s a relatively easy shot to hit. The first shot we teach beginning junior players as young as three years of age is the “High Five Volley.” What can make the volley intimidating or scary is your proximity to your opponent; you are now nearly half the distance from where the ball is being struck, thus providing you less time to react. Not only do you have less time to prepare because of your court positioning, but the ball is traveling at a great speed. When the ball meets the court surface, it loses much of its velocity, slowing down the ball speed and providing you more time to react. Certainly, each court is different; however, generally speaking, a clay court will provide the greatest friction and slow the ball down more than a hard court.

USTA GEORGIA-GPTA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT: JIM CARELLA Hometown (City/State): Tenafly, NJ How did you get involved in teaching tennis? Being a Physical Education major it was something that came natural to me.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Since the ball has more velocity and energy, you need to have a firmer wrist and grip upon contact, or the racket might twist on an off-center hit. Good grip strength is necessary at the net, but a light touch is needed as well. When you are trying to hit an angel, drop volley, or contacting the ball below the net and near your feet, a loose grip will help in all three situations. When you do hit a soft or finesse volley, it is very important to track the ball all the way to your racket, ensuring a sweet-spot contact point! One of the biggest challenges at the net is wanting to see where your “put away” or “winner” volley will land. Warning: Taking your eye off the volley, is the most common error tennis players make and often ends up costing them the point. When playing the net, you are in a position to help your team win the point, and typically all eyes are on you so stay focused on the ball! For more professional help with your volley, contact your local GPTA Certified Tennis Professional and good luck in your next match!

Diehard fan of what sports team? The Atlanta Braves

My favorite professional player is: Roger Federer

Best part of your game? My volley

#1 reason why I enjoy teaching & coaching tennis: Seeing the improvement in my students and helping people learn a lifetime sport!

Dream doubles match would be me and… Stan Smith vs Roger Federer & Geoff Brown When I’m not teaching tennis, I’m… Cooking in the kitchen My favorite tennis memory is: Doubles with Stan Smith vs Tom Gorman and Matt Grayson

What important tennis message do you want to promote? Tennis: Fitness-FunSport for a lifetime

contact: 404.488.5656 or nick@sustainablemedicalsolutions.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment for Common Injuries BY RICHARD LEHMAN, M.D., U.S. CENTER FOR SPORTS MEDICINE

latelet rich plasma, or PRP, has become standard treatment for many sports-related injuries, including tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis and hamstring strains. Platelet rich plasma is a concentrate of blood plasma derived from whole blood. In preparation for treatment, the athlete is seen by a physician, who draws blood (generally from the arm), places the blood in a centrifuge, and spins the blood to derive a small concentration of blood plasma that has several different growth factors that stimulate healing of soft tissue and joints. Essentially it is a hyper-concentration of the products in one’s blood that lead to healing. These growth factors are the components in the blood that cause bone, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissue to heal. When the growth factors are hyper-concentrated, they greatly increase the speed and ability for these ligaments to heal. A perfect example would be tennis elbow, which is a breakdown or loss of blood flow in the outside, or lateral aspect, of the elbow. One’s physician would inject the PRP into the area on the lateral part of the elbow where the breakdown occurs. In the past, cortisone was used, but we now know that cortisone creates a breakdown in the tendon as opposed to healing in the tissue and is no longer recommended. Once the PRP is injected, this increases the ability to heal, allows healing in a shorter time and results in more complete healing than just resting the tendon. 56

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

THE UNDERLYING PRINCIPLE IS TO CONCENTRATE TO FIVE TO SEVEN TIMES PHYSIOLOGICAL LEVELS OF PRP AND WHEN IT IS THEN INJECTED, THIS CONCENTRATE INCREASES THE HEALING OF THE TISSUE. Main indications in medicine are acute ligament strains (i.e., hamstring pulls, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis and patellar tendinitis). It is very beneficial in osteoarthritis of weight-bearing joints, specifically the knee and ankle. The underlying principle is to concen-

trate to five to seven times physiological levels of PRP and when it is then injected, this concentrate increases the healing of the tissue. Following the injection, the joint or tendinous area should be rested approximately 10 days. Physical therapy commences at a week and return to sports normally occurs in four to six weeks. Platelet rich plasma has the ability to actually heal the underlying damage, as opposed to masking it, and is using the athlete’s own growth factors to heal the problem. This makes it completely safe. If you have any further questions about PRP injections, please contact us at the U.S. Center for Sports Medicine via uscenterforsportsmedicine.com. *Reprinted from the May-June 2018 issue of Net News.

WHERE ATLANTA COMES TO

PLAY

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NETNEWS MARCH/APRIL2020 2020NETNEWS

57 47

NUTRITION

COVID-19 Tennis Sport Nutrition and Match Food Update BY PAGE LOVE, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, USPTA

f you caught our last issue, I shared some beginning nutrition tips to combat COVID virus infection. As we learn more, we thought it would be important to update you on some food-related recommendations as you are returning to play. As many of you know, the regular host team food hors d‘oeuvre table is not recommended, but the following CDC guidelines may be helpful for you, read more at cdc.gov, and at the American College of Cardiology’s site, acc.org. Below is a summary of key health expert recommendations from above sources related to eating at tennis matches: wipes with you, or if you are a team captain, you may want to bring these for the team table. • Use disposable food service items, including plastic utensils and dishes.

• There is no evidence that COVID-19 is spread by food. However, players sharing utensils and congregating around food and beverage areas can pose a risk.

• Avoid offering any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, salad bars, and drink stations. Consider having prepackaged boxes or bags for each player.

• If you plan to have any food available, consider having single serve grab-and-go options. • Always wash your hands before eating, especially if eating finger foods. Carry hand sanitizer or antimicrobial hand 58

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

• Bring your own towels and water bottles, as well as sport beverages for your matches. • Do not share food, beverages or towels. • Avoid communal faucets, water fountains, coolers and serving yourself ice from a group cooler.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as team tables. • Provide physical guides, such as tape on floors or sidewalks and signs on walls, to ensure that individuals remain at least 6 feet apart when waiting in line to order or pick up.

• Wash hands before taking food from a general serving area, as well as before you eat.

• Avoid areas with high traffic or exposure to sweat.

• Discourage people from sharing items that are difficult to clean, sanitize, or disinfect, such as a serving spoons. • Limit any sharing of food; it is no longer recommended to bring large sharing dishes such as dips, fruit salad, casseroles, and chili.

• Frequently clean your counters and surfaces with commercial cleaning products. You can also make your own disinfecting solution by combining 5 Tbsp. of bleach or 1/3 cup liquid bleach with 1 gallon of water. After applying, let cleaning agents sit for 1 minute before wiping off. Make sure to rinse surfaces with water before putting food products on that. Team captains could wipe off surfaces such as picnic tables and court benches.

Additional considerations: Many clubs and facilities have stopped serving food and beverage as well. Teams may need to bring their own individual waters, snacks, and sport foods. Team captains should encourage their individual team members to bring prepackaged snacks. Healthier options include pretzels, jerky, humus, and low-calorie crackers. Other on-court nutrition options could include bagels, rice cakes, or energy bars (for carbs), yogurt, string cheese or hard-boiled eggs (for protein), and water, sports drinks or tomato juice (for hydration). A few more reminders for general sport nutrition to keep your immune system strong as we move into the colder time of year and flu season:

Continue to hydrate well, you lose more water in cold weather sweating and need more water when you have a fever.

Consume more colorful raw vegetables, especially deep green,

Water is mandatory for proper metabolism and deliverance of nutrients to cells. Also, extra sweating makes adequate hydration even more important, as it can prevent cramps, dizziness, and general fatigue.

red, orange-colored fall vegetables like spinach, squash, carrots, and pumpkin and wash your vegetables with water not sanitizing agents! Overcooking vegetables can decrease their vitamin and mineral contents. Try dipping raw vegetables in light ranch or dipping in peanut butter, or just enjoy the vegetable as is. These are also a great pre-tennis snack!

Increase Vitamin D3 New research shows to reduce the risk of infection, it is recommended that people at risk of influenza and/or COVID-19 consider taking higher levels of vitamin D3 for a few weeks to rapidly raise 25(OH)D concentrations, followed by higher maintenance doses such as 5000 IU. The goal should be to raise 25(OH)D blood concentrations above 40â&#x20AC;&#x201C;60 ng/mL (100â&#x20AC;&#x201C;150 nmol/L). For treatment of people who become infected with COVID-19, higher vitamin D3 doses might be useful. (Nutrients 2020, 12, 988; doi:10.3390/nu12040988)

Page Love, MS, RDN, CSSD, USPTA is on the USTA Sport Science Committee and is a nutrition consultant to both the ATP and WTA professional tennis tours. She runs a private practice in Sandy Springs and Buckhead, and can be reached at nutrfitga.com. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

COURT CUISINE

Pasta Salad In any athletic pursuit, your body needs energy in order to perform its best. And the best way to give yourself the energy you need is by eating carbohydrates — the sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, grains, vegetables, and milk products. One of the healthiest (and tastiest) ways to store up the energy you’re going to need to win your matches is pasta salad. This ALTA season, try the recipes below and see if you have more energy on the court.

Tiny Pasta, Big Flavor

Salad Trifecta!

Classic For A Reason

Orzo Salad with Chickpeas Gail Bell, Bisty Grant, Thursday Women, B5 1 cup orzo pasta 1 ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced ½ cup reduced fat crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped 1 15 oz. can reduced sodium chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 ½ Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 Tbsp. cold water ½ tsp. coarse salt ½ tsp. garlic, minced

Pasta Salad with Pine Nuts and Cranberries Angela Johnson, Three Chimneys Farm, Thursday Women, B7 1 pkg of shaped pasta (rotini or spiral) Parro cheese, cut into small cubes Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes 1 cup dried cranberries to ½ cup basil, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tsp. red chili flakes cup olive oil

Creamy Mediterranean-Style Pasta Salad Winnie van den Heever, Vickery, Thursday Women, AA2

Cook pasta according to directions on box; drain and rinse in cold water. In large bowl, combine cooked pasta, green onions, feta cheese, dill, and chickpeas; tossing gently to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and garlic. Drizzle over pasta; toss to coat.

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Cook pasta al dente. Toast pine nuts in shallow baking pan until golden brown. Once pasta and the pine nuts are cooled, toss all of the ingredients together with olive oil then salt and pepper to taste. Let sit for a while and serve with basil.

1 1 ¼ 2 2 2 1 1 1

12 oz. pkg penne pasta 15 oz. jar Classico light creamy Alfredo sauce cup Heinz gourmet salad vinegar tsp. dried Italian-style seasoning blend cups baby spinach, trimmed cups grape tomatoes, halved medium yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch strips cup black olives, sliced 16 oz. container crumbled feta cheese

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse with cold water and drain. In a large bowl, whisk together pasta sauce, vinegar, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked pasta, spinach, tomatoes and yellow peppers and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, or until ready to serve. Spoon feta cheese on top and serve chilled or at room temperature.

The Champagne Of Salads Fusilli Pasta Salad Sandy Pincus, East Cobb S&T, Mixed Doubles, A6

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

The Green Choice Spinach Fettuccini Salad Submitted by Deborah Howard, WCT, 1994 8 oz. spinach fettuccini 1 ½ cups ham (cut in strips) 1 ½ cups salami (cut in strips) 4 oz. sliced or diced provolone cheese ½ red bell pepper (cut in strips) ½ yellow bell pepper (cut in strips) 3 oz. ripe olives 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese Cook fettuccini as directed: drain and rinse with cold water. In large bowl, combine all ingredients except for 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing (see dressing recipe below) over salad, mixing gently. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving; remove, sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Dressing 1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. chopped marjoram 1-2 Tbsp. milk In a small bowl, combine all of the above ingredients; stir well, and pour over Spinach Fettuccini Salad.

8 ½ ¼ ¼ 10 4 ¼ ¾ ½

oz. fusilli pasta, cooked al dente cup yellow onion, finely diced cup green bell pepper, finely diced cup red bell pepper, finely diced leaves fresh basil, chiffonade oz. crumbled feta cheese cup Champagne vinegar cup Creole mustard tsp. sugar cup vegetable oil Kosher salt Freshly ground pepper White pepper

Make Champagne vinaigrette: In the bowl of a food processor, combine vinegar, mustard, and sugar until combined. With the machine still running, slowly drizzle the oil into the mixture until all the oil is incorporated and the mixture is emulsified. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. In large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, onions, bell peppers, basil, and feta cheese; toss gently. Pour 1/2 cup of the Champagne vinaigrette over the salad and toss again. If it seems dry, add more vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

You’ll Luv It! Best Tennis Pasta Salad Stephanie Brown, Brookfield CC, Thursday Women, A3 1 1½ 2 12 oz. 1 oz. 1

lb pasta (rotini is best) lb cherry tomatoes, cut in half cucumbers, quartered & sliced pkg feta cheese chopped basil bottle Italian dressing

Cook pasta al dente. Combine ingredients and serve cold.

Hail Caesar!! Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad Manci Manning, South Fulton TC, Thursday Women, AA3 2 1 1 2 2 4-6

bunches green leaf lettuce, chopped bag Marie Callender’s fat-free croutons bag Almond Accents/Roasted Garlic Caesar chicken breasts, boiled with an onion and salt and pepper cups bowtie pasta, cooked oz. shredded Parmesan cheese Brianna’s Asiago Caesar dressing

Toss all ingredients together and serve. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

CLASSIFIEDS Employment

Tennis taught me to take chances, to take life as it comes. To hit every ball that comes to me no matter how hard it looks, to give it my best shot. -Thisuri Wanniarachchi

COURT CUISINE

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.

Your Serve Tennis – We are looking for new members of the YST team. YST provides a relaxed, fun work environment where our focus is the game we all love — TENNIS! Flexible hours available and weekend availability is required. We have positions available at all of our locations (Buckhead, East Cobb, Johns Creek, Milton, Sandy Springs, Suwanee and West Cobb), ranging from part-time stringers to store managers. We are also hiring for office and shipping/receiving positions out of our Roswell Home Office. For more information visit yourserve.com/jobs or submit your resume/application to jobs@yourserve.com. PGA TOUR Superstore is looking for fun, energetic tennis enthusiasts to join our team. We are seeking part-time and seasonal sales associates and experienced racquet stringers for our Duluth, Roswell, and Kennesaw locations. For more information, please inquire in person to one of our stores.

Services

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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

Visit netnewsmag.com for our published Court Cuisine recipes.

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TO ADVERTISE: Call John Hanna at 770.650.1102, ext. 125

DEADLINE: November/December 2020 issue: Friday, September 25, 2020 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 NETNEWS

ABOUT ALTA Contact Us at 770.399.5788

Questions?

ll ALTA vice presidents (below) have phone extensions at the ALTA office, but do A not work in the office on a regular basis. Voice messages are checked frequently and answered in a timely manner. n The phone number of your league coordinator is in your captains’ packet. n To contact a member of the Executive Committee, call the ALTA office at 770.399.5788 and dial the extension listed next to the officer’s name.

ALTA office personnel cannot answer your league-related questions. Team members should first contact their captain. If unable to answer, the captain should contact a league official. n Questions about rules must be directed to league officials, which include coordinators, overall coordinators and league vice presidents. n Concerns about team placement and levels should be directed to league officials. n Credit card questions? Call ext. 107. n Want information about new facility requests? Contact Diane O’Brien at ext. 105. n IT issues? Contact Joan Appelbaum at ext. 103.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

EXT

President – Sandy Depa

ALTAPresident@altatennis.org

113

First Vice President – Debbie Gaster

FirstVP@altatennis.org

114

VP Men’s League – Lamar Scott

MensVP@altatennis.org

116

VP Thursday Women’s League – Keri Beck

ThursdayVP@altatennis.org

118

VP Sunday Women’s League – Chequetta Allen SundayVP@altatennis.org

117

VP Senior Day Leagues – Kim Dlugolenski

SeniorDayVP@altatennis.org

120

VP Senior Leagues – Roger Dennington

SeniorVP@altatennis.org

121

VP Mixed Doubles League – Cameron Turner

MixedVP@altatennis.org

122

VP Junior Leagues – Rita Maloof

JuniorVP@altatennis.org

119

VP Junior Challenge Ladder – Brenda Maddaleni JrChallengeVP@altatennis.org

123

VP Special Programs – Bob Kohmescher

SpecialProgramsVP@altatennis.org 124

VP Media – Michelle Ruiz

MediaVP@altatennis.org

125

Directions & General Information The ALTA office is located at 300 Colonial Center Parkway, Suite 140, Roswell, GA 30076. From GA 400 North, take exit 8 (Mansell Road) to Colonial Center Parkway (1.3 miles west). ALTA office: 770.399.5788 ALTA office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, except for major holidays. n Membership dues: Adults – $30, Juniors (18 and under) – $15. Dues are for the calendar year and expire at the end of the fall league season. n ALTA website: altatennis.org n ALTA’s calendar of important dates can be found on the website and in each issue of Net News. n Your membership number is printed on the Net News mailing label and is also available on the ALTA website. n To update your mailing address, log in to your account on the ALTA website and go to My Profile. n n

NETNEWS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

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ALTA Net News magazine September/October 2020

Articles inside

Classifieds

COVID-19 Tennis Sport Nutrition and Match Food Update

The Volley

Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment for Common Injuries

Solve the Problem

Jensen Zone

Good Question

Run ’N Roll

Juniors

Tennis Headlines

Mixed Doubles

Sports Medicine Special Section

ALTA Scholarship Winners

Junior Challenge Ladder

President’s Letter

Heard Around Atlanta

ALTA Calendars