Happy New Year to all Southern California tennis Players!
For those of you who have made a new year’s resolution to play tennis in a USTA league, welcome! To those returning players, we welcome you back and hope to see you often on the courts.
2017 is a very exciting year for us as we are introducing a new playoff structure for local league winners that leads to a new elite Sectional Championship. 
Starting with the 2017 Mixed Doubles all local league winners will compete in either a North or South division playoff tournament. The top two teams from the North and South at each rating level (6.0, 7.0. etc.) will move on to the Sectional Championship.
National Championships in 2017 will be held in Mobile, AL; Surprise, AZ; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and at the new USTA National Campus in Orlando, FL. Check out the website to see where you may be going if your team wins a Southern California Sectional Championship. (https://www.usta.com/AdultTennis/USTALeague/NationalChampionships/2017_usta_league_national_championships_schedule/)
Upcoming Leagues
With the Mixed Doubles League about halfway through the local league season, it’s never too soon to be thinking about spring and the Adult 18 and Over league. This league is offered in all areas beginning in April (excluding Coachella Valley) and offers singles players a chance to shine. Not keen on playing singles? Each team also fields 3 lines of doubles per match.
Other leagues may be offered in your particular area. If you aren’t sure what else is offered in your area this spring, contact your local league coordinator. For a list of Coordinators and their contact information, click on http://socaladulttennis.com/adult-senior-tennis-in-socal/usta-league-tennis-area-coordinators/.
Interested in transitioning from player to Captain? Your Area League Coordinator can provide information about what it takes and the advantages of being a captain.
VOLUNTEER Possibilities…Is Volunteering for You?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to organize and run an event? The answer is lots of time, coordination, attention to detail and people.
While most players strive to reach the Playoff round and Sectional Championship that goal can be allusive. If you have participated at one of these events you have benefitted from your hard work as a player.
The SCTA is looking for players who would like to participate at a different level. We are looking for individuals who can assist the staff in running a championship. Volunteers are needed to assist at the tournament desk, monitor courts to keep matches moving and on schedule and various other miscellaneous jobs. You can be a valuable asset and make a difference.
Playoffs and Sectionals will be held at various locations throughout Southern California. If you live in the area (or close by) and have a few hours to spare, we’d love to know. Out first Sectional this year is actually the SCTA Doubles Sectional being held in San Diego form March 3-5. Anyone interested in volunteering should email Linda Milan at lmilan@scta.usta.com. Please indicate any relevant experience that you have.