17-Aug-2010
With Flourish, Levine Strikes Gold In Little Rock
After competing mostly in the 14s, Robert Levine wanted to test his
skills against his peers one last time. At the Clay Courts last month,
he won doubles gold and lost by a hair in the semis in singles. Last
week, he added a singles gold ball, overcoming Clay Courts runner up
and fourth seed Nathan Ponwith 6-3, 6-2.
27-Jul-2010
Tarheel Hero Kodali Takes 12s Clays
Down a set and 5-3, Anudeep Kodali was unflustered. He pumped himself
up, moved his feet and used his ever-reliable forehand to put away the
few short balls that came his way. In a 200-minute match with many
momentum swings, the North Carolina native emerged victorious. He won
his first USTA gold ball at the Boys 12s Claycourts National
Championships 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(6).
21-Jul-2010
Nicholas Baez: Bienvenidos a Barcelona
Nicholas Baez could not have imagined that a leisurely European
vacation would drastically change the course of his young life. In
July 2010, Baez and his mother will move to Spain so he can train
full-time at the Academia Sanchez-Casal in Barcelona. Ali Jones talked
with the Baez family about this significant move.
5-Jul-2010
Tucker Tennis Sends off Eight Seniors to Division I
Trent Tucker wants to regain Tulsa's old glory. Tulsa was once known
as the "Oil Capital of the World" with numerous gushers spitting oil.
But Tucker is not digging for black gold. Instead, he's planting
seeds of tennis. His 2010 harvest has been bountiful: eight of his
students have signed on to play Division I tennis - to Cornell, Duke,
Florida, Iowa, Marquette, Oklahoma, OSU and UMKC.
23-Apr-2010
Kyle McPhillips, Gordon Watson have Golden Easter Bowl
Kyle McPhillips and Gordon Watson each have a collection of gold balls
at home from winning national titles. This past weekend, they both
added to their collections - capturing titles in the 16s division
of the Easter Bowl Championships in Rancho Mirage, Calif.
21-Apr-2010
Gabrielle Andrews and Jordan Belga take gold in 14s Easter Bowl
Blue Chip athletes Gabrielle Andrews and Jordan Belga both laid claim
to Easter Bowl Championships this past weekend in California in the
14s division. Their marquee matchups against Kimberly Yee and Stefan
Kozlov, respectively, had plenty of drama - with both matches going to
three sets.
15-Apr-2010
Spring Signing Week '10: Aaron Pfister to Michigan State
To tennis aficionados around Flint, Michigan, Aaron Pfister is a
familiar name. His two consecutive state singles championships
resulted in him being named "Mr. Tennis" by the Michigan High School
Tennis Coaches Association - and Player of the Year by The Flint
Journal for the second straight year. Next year, Pfister will be
in Green and White as a Michigan State Spartan.
15-Apr-2010
Spring Signing Week '10: Courter an OSU Cowgirl
From the rich vein running through Georgia's tennis landscape that
produces top-quality gems, another sparkler from Lawrenceville has
been unearthed. Five-star Julia Courter is off to Stillwater,
Oklahoma, for further polishing.
13-Apr-2010
Spring Signing Week '10: Joey Fritz to Amherst
Joey Fritz is a modern-day Renaissance man. An excellent student,
pianist, and tennis player, the five-star recruit makes sure his life
is in balance and has his priorities set: school always comes first.
When it came time to pick colleges, he gravitated toward smaller
schools with strong academic traditions. Fritz selected Amherst as
his college destination.
22-Mar-2010
Countdown: Mamalat a Marquette Golden Eagle
When 5-Star senior Daniil Mamalat finished up his junior year, he
started to look around at colleges - including Indiana, Penn State,
and Marquette. The more he learned about Marquette, the better he
liked it. Finally, he signed on.
19-Feb-2010
American Andrews brings home European trophies
Blue chip Gabrielle Andrews barely had time to return to her
California home to rest on her 2009 Winter Nationals laurels. Almost
immediately, the 13-year-old champion was on the road again,
representing the United States in two of the most prestigious European
junior tournaments: Aegon Teen Tennis and Les Petit As. That trip
was a very successful one.
29-Jan-2010
Conversation with Oklahoma Coach David Mullins
Sooners Women's Head Coach David Mullins recently signed the top two
players in Oklahoma: Whitney Ritchie and Mia Lancaster. Both women are
five-star recruits with impressive singles resumes. Even more stellar
are their doubles credentials. They attend the same high school and as
a pair share five national doubles titles and a state title.
11-Jan-2010
Copper Bowl Wrapup - 12s and 14s
On the first week of 2010 new arrivals and competitors from the
previous week's Winter Nationals converged at the Hilton El
Conquistador in Oro Valley for the annual Copper Bowl. In the younger
divisions, Girls 14s top seed Dasha Ivanova upheld her ranking and
lost only one game in the finals. Two seed Parris Todd and five seed
Liam Caruana upset the top seeds in their 12s division; and Boys 14s
third seed Augustus Ge prevailed over the two-seed.
4-Jan-2010
Winter Nationals Part I - 12s and 14s
The first day of 2010 was picture perfect for tennis in Tucson. The
top-seeded players for all four divisions came through all the way in
straight-sets victories in the finals. By noon on New Year's Day,
Alexandra Letzt, Gabrielle Andrews, Spencer Furman and Gage Brymer
each was crowned singles champion.
1-Jan-2010
Fall Signing Week '09: Redhawk Raymond
Two years ago, having won the high school state singles title as a
freshman the previous year, Christiana Raymond thought she would never
play competitive tennis again. Two stress fractures on her lower back
caused agonizing aches - and that was while sitting in class. Her
cheery outlook and the support of family and friends helped get her
through those dark days, and now she has regained the top spot in her
state - and has earned a spot on the Redhawks team of Miami University.
21-Dec-2009
Top Two Oklahomans Sooners To Be
Sooners Coach David Mullins didn't need to look far from Norman for
his 2010 recruits: he recently signed the top two women in
Oklahoma - Mia Lancaster and Whitney Ritchie.
7-Dec-2009
Q&A with Carlos Brandon Florez
For freshman Carlos Brandon Florez, opportunity came knocking almost
as soon as he donned the Saluki maroon and white in fall 2009. The
number one player of the team graduated and the next in line was out
with an injury. Ali Jones caught up with Florez during the holiday
break to talk tennis, school, and his new life away from his family.
13-Nov-2009
Fall Signing Week '09: Katz Chooses the Quakers
Five-star recruit Zachary Katz has made the decision to head East to
play college tennis for the Pennsylvania Quakers. His coach, the
legendary Rick Macci, thinks it is a great fit. Zach is very bright
and will get a super education," Macci said. "He can be a top Ivy
League singles and doubles player right away."
11-Nov-2009
Fall Signing Week '09: Kosakowski Decides
The pull of a close-knit family and a university's athletic and
academic tradition made Daniel Kosakowski's college choice easy. The
native Californian with strong Polish roots will stay in Los Angeles
and don the blue and gold of the UCLA Bruins.
10-Nov-2009
Fall Signing Week '09: Mira to the Commodores
Maria Mira, with her grit, determination, and serve-and-volley game is
heading to Tennessee next fall to wear the black and gold of the
Vanderbilt Commodores. "I chose Vanderbilt based on the following
factors: the small student population, its academic excellence and
topnotch tennis program with a great coaching staff and its beautiful
campus in the heart of Nashville."
9-Nov-2009
Fall Signing Week '09: Hold That Hilsman
Five-star recruit Cal Hilsman will officially don the orange-and-white
jersey at Clemson this coming January, and he can't wait for the day
to come. "It was a no-brainer," he said about his decision to go to
Clemson, less than two hours from his home in Spartanburg, S.C. "It
just felt right. I really think that this is the best environment for
me to grow not only as a tennis player but as a person. It is close
to home and close to heart."
6-Nov-2009
Countdown: Smyth to the 'Cats
Blue Chip Lacey Smyth had numerous suitors vying for her commitment:
Colorado, Pepperdine, San Diego and Washington. Ultimately, her heart
went to Arizona. "I chose Arizona [because of its] supportive
coaching staff, the cohesiveness of the team, and the career
opportunities available at the University," said the #3-ranked
Californian.
14-Oct-2009
Countdown: Hanna Mar Remains a Devil
Hanna Mar's college mascot will be no different from her high
school's, except for its color: she's trading her Hinsdale Central Red
Devils for Duke University's Blue Devils. "I visited a number of
schools and there was just a feeling I had at Duke," said Mar.
21-Aug-2009
Lauren Davis defends 16s crown, extends win streak to 39
Lauren Davis has a shelf-load of trophies at home, including the
fourth USTA gold ball that she earned at the 2009 Girls 16s National
Hardcourt Championships this week. But trophies are not what drive
Lauren to play tennis. She loves to compete more than anything else.
This year, the Ohio native returned to San Diego to defend her title
and earn another shot at the U.S. Open wild card that goes to the
winner.
18-Aug-2009
Wiersholm Prevails in All-Washington Marathon Finals
A mere 20 days after Henrik Wiersholm flew home with the doubles gold
ball from the 2009 National Claycourt Championships, he added another
two: both singles and doubles gold from the Boys 12s National
Hardcourt Championships in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Blue-chip
recruit and third-seed Henrik defeated fellow Washington state native
and sixth-seed Spencer Furman 7-5, 5-7, 7-6, in a match that lasted
almost four hours.
26-Jun-2009
Charlotte Calhoun to SMU
Rising senior Charlotte Calhoun has made an early verbal commitment
to Southern Methodist University, a private liberal arts college
located in a quiet, tree-lined suburb hemmed in by the sprawling city
of Dallas - and a stone's throw from Calhoun's childhood home. Ali Jones
talks with Calhoun about her decision.
1-May-2009
Jarmere Jenkins Chooses Virginia
The Jenkins family is all about tennis - particularly of the college
variety. The oldest Jenkins child, Jackie Jr., played for
Northwestern. Jarmaine played for Clemson. Terrance and Richard are in
college in Atlanta and play the local circuit. Deangelo is on his high
school tennis team. Now the family is preparing for another fall
sendoff - Jarmere has signed a National Letter of Intent with the
Virginia Cavaliers and has the hallowed Grounds of Charlottesville all
abuzz.
8-Apr-2009
Spring Signing Week '09: Bernstein Rides the Green Wave
In 2005 the world looked on in horror as the floodwaters and winds of
Hurricane Katrina swept through the historic city of New Orleans. The
devastation is still evident four years later, but so is a renewed
spirit of resurrection. Adam Bernstein, Florida five-star standout,
wants to be part of that rebuilding in his own way. He signed a
National Letter of Intent to play for Tulane University.
8-Apr-2009
Spring Signing Week '09: Bartnik In Like a Lion
Like many highly-ranked tennis players, Nicole Bartnik has traveled
extensively throughout the world. The people she's met, the countries
she's visited and the memories she holds dear have helped shape her
college choice. Bartnik has chosen to get a bite out of the Big
Apple, the city that never sleeps - she recently committed to
Columbia University.
7-Apr-2009
Spring Signing Week '09: Welnetz a Nittany Lion
Bryan Welnetz has become somewhat of a legend in South Texas' tennis
landscape. As a junior in high school in 2008, he won the 5A state
singles championships. A 5-Star recruit who is ranked #2 in the Texas
18s, Welnetz signed a National Letter of Intent last fall to wear the
Nittany Lions' blue and white in 2009-10.
6-Apr-2009
Spring Signing Week '09: Doerfler Knight
Five-star recruit Jenna Doerfler is methodical, orderly and organized.
When it came to the college recruiting process, she kept a list of
questions for college coaches. After each session, she would write
down their answers and her thoughts. She learned a lot about herself
in the process - including that there is no place like home: Jenna
will stay in-state and, wear the black and gold of Central Florida
like her parents.
31-Mar-2009
Countdown: Irving Bears Down at Arizona
Before Kelly Irving can answer her phone, "Bear Down Arizona" beckons
the caller to leave a message. Bear Down, of course, is the fight song
for the University of Arizona in Tucson. The Knoxville product chose
the Wildcats over Auburn and William & Mary
23-Mar-2009
Countdown: Lampa in the Eye of the Red Storm
Five-star recruit Michael Lampa (Ocean, N.J.) has grit, determination,
and an endless quest for excellence. Those attributes have swept him
up in the eye of the Storm - the Red Storm, that is, of St. John's
University.
9-Jan-2009
Blue Chip Burdette Decides
In 2008, Blue Chip athlete Mallory Burdette racked up thousands in
frequent-flier miles playing her ITF schedule. Enjoying travel,
competition and camaraderie among the players, Mallory seriously
thought about going on the professional circuit. Despite the her
success and the lure of the pro circuit, she finally decided that
college was the best way to go.
12-Nov-2008
Fall Signing Week '08: Cyclone Jenna
After considering Missouri, Wyoming and Gonzaga, Jenna Langhorst has
committed to Iowa State for one reason: Coach Armando Espinosa. "He
has already impacted the tennis program a lot," says the 4-Star senior.
Ali Jones talked with Langhorst about her decision process.
11-Nov-2008
Fall Signing Week '08: Wilson Geauxs to LSU
Ebie Wilson will take heat, humidity and hurricanes any day. After
all, she has lived all her life on Alabama's Gulf Coast. In looking
for colleges, she narrowed down her choices to Alabama and LSU, which
are both within easy driving distance from her home in Mobile. Her
sister is a sophomore at Alabama and while that would have been
convenient for the family for Ebie to join her, Ebie chose LSU
instead.
10-Nov-2008
Fall Signing Week '08: Dunkle to Samford
Coach Kemper Baker and the Samford Bulldogs kicked off their
recruiting season by crossing state lines into Georgia for 4-Star
recruit Zachary Dunkle of Atlanta. Dunkle will join a Samford squad
that won a conference title in its final year in the Ohio Valley
Conference - and one now hoping to make noise in the Southern
Conference.
3-Nov-2008
Countdown: Sam Wells to Vanderbilt
Sam Wells couldn't help but notice the man in the Vanderbilt shirt who
was watching his match against Charlie Jones at the 2008 National Clay
Court Championships. It was Vanderbilt Coach Ian Duvenhage who was
actually watching Sam's opponent, a new Vanderbilt recruit. A few
months later, Coach Duvenhage offered Sam a spot on the Vanderbilt
team.
31-Oct-2008
Countdown: Chris Cha to Michigan
Chris Cha has always enjoyed the big stage in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
After his junior year, he received offers from Stanford, Notre Dame,
Ohio State and Princeton. In the end, the 5-Star senior chose to
go to Ann Arbor, not too far from where his favorite Kalamazoo
takes place.
15-Oct-2008
Countdown: Kline Chooses the Paladins
Lauren Kline grew up on the tennis court - literally. For as long as
she can remember, Lauren has been hitting tennis balls and toddling
on-court. That's because her parents are both accomplished tennis
players as well as teaching professionals. Needless to say, tennis is
the family business and Lauren is a major investor and stockholder who
is expanding the franchise from Louisville to Greenville, where she
will soon join the Paladins of Furman University.
11-Apr-2008
Spring Signing Week '08: Demos Heading to Drake
Four-star recruit Gabriela Demos is the top-ranked player in
Missouri and 134 in her TennisRecruiting class. Her champion's heart
and athletic skills got Demos on TennisRecruting's Hot 100 list in
2006. Back then, she made it her goal to attend a university and
represent it on the tennis court. That goal has been achieved: Demos
has committed to Drake University.
7-Apr-2008
Spring Signing Week '08: Kargl Chooses the Tribe
For five-star recruit Katie Kargl, team spirit and school size
mattered most. When she visited The College of William and Mary,
however, she found a group of women in a small school setting who
played topnotch tennis, who hit the books just as hard, and who
enjoyed each other as friends off court, very much like Kargl herself.
1-Apr-2008
Countdown: Herzberg Heads for the Bears
Five-star recruit Cassandra Herzberg is a young woman who is not
afraid to leave her comfort zones. Herzberg, a sun-spoiled Florida
native, is going to Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island,
where temperatures hover in the 40s on a nice winter day.
26-Mar-2008
Countdown: Clausen Stays In-State
Neil Clausen plays the piano and loves chess. He's a voracious reader
and an outstanding student. And, he also happens to be a five-star
tennis recruit. Rollins College may have struck gold with this
multi-talented teen-ager.
21-Mar-2008
Shankle Takes Maureen Connolly Brinker Championship
On the eve of St. Patrick's Day, Blue Chip Blair Shankle (Comfort,
Texas) held off a fierce opponent in Ellie Yates (Ridgeland,
Mississippi) 7-6, 6-0 to win the Maureen Connolly Brinker Girl's 14s National
Championships in Dallas.
