National Campus Visit and Youth Progression Launch Keep Youngsters Busy
The first cross-sectional camp on the sparkling new USTA National Campus in Orlando certainly changed the life of our young juniors as we traveled to Florida for a weekend camp with Texas, Southern, and Florida Sections.
The experience included presentations by the National Player Development Staff and great competition and drilling throughout the weekend. The launch of Youth Progression in March has continued to give the kids a clear path towards junior competition in our section, and will connect the dots for those ages 7-11 as they develop their skills with proper balls and equipment.
The 2nd Annual ITF Newport Beach Bowl gave juniors in our section a chance to play a tournament on the ITF pathway. This event led to the International Spring Championships, the Easter Bowl, and the Harper Ink all throughout March. The players were also able to play USTA Pro Circuit events in San Diego, Bakersfield and Calabasas, not to mention an opportunity to qualify for the Indian Wells Masters event in the desert.
After a busy March, the month of April kicked off with the Maze Cup at the Stockdale Country Club, with a talented junior squad comprised of Ryan Seggerman, Timothy Sah, Henry Lovett, Stefan Dostanic, Siem Woldeab, Eryn Cayetano, Hannah Zhao, Rena Lin, Anessa Lee, and Britt Purcell. The National Player Development Team was in Carson on April 1 for a Sectional Player Camp, leading to the Level 3 competition at Anaheim Tennis Center. Along with EDC Camps, Spring JTT and the CTC Matches, there is plenty of inspiration heading to The 117th Ojai Tournament later in April. Then, in June, see the talents of our Net Generation at the Junior Sectional Championships, Summer National Championships, Intersectional, and Zonal Championships.
Trevor Kronemann
Director of Youth & Junior Tennis