FROM AROUND THE STATE Regional Directors

Julian Curatella

We are happy to report that Central Texas facilities are as active as ever!

Our USPTA Junior Grand Prix circuit is under way. We added an extra tournament for 2023 and look to build on the momentum of last year. We took 3rd at the state championships last season, and we are looking to surpass that achievement. China Spring, Ridgewood Country Club and Midway HS had record participation!

We wrapped up our Junior Team tennis spring season on Sunday, March 26th with a pizza party and prizes.! We want to recognize Claire McFerran who continues to lead this amazing program and all the volunteers who are vital to the program’s success.

USTA adult league play has also begun! We have seen an increase in numbers for all levels! We attribute this to good marketing, promotion, and leadership from our directors of facilities in the area! We have seen fierce competition in the early going. We look forward to building mixed doubles teams as we head into the Texas summer heat.

Waco Tennis Association updates: Started off the Spring Tennis season sponsoring 6 NJTL players into our Level 6 tournament followed by a Kids Day at Ridgewood Country Club with 50 kids. That kicked off 6 weeks of Sunday Team Challenges and Team Tournaments with approximately 50 kids participating. Ended the season with Pizza Prizes Day! Our Littles play for 45 minutes before each Baylor Women’s Tennis home match. Our area high school senior tennis players are getting in their applications for the Waco Tennis Association college scholarship program. We are awarding $12,000 in 2023.

Our January Frostbite Open hosted 176 players. That is 90 more players than we have ever had and fortunately there was no rain, sleet or snow. Adult leagues are growing! Four sites are hosting match play with 18 teams participating in 18 & Over divisions.

All Central Texas facilities are gearing up for their respective summer camp. Facilities are offering a wide range of first-class programs, academies style training, tennis and sport camps for June, July and August!