Congratulations to our USTA/Midwest Section teams for capturing three of the four team competitions. Each year the USTA holds four National Junior Team Championships where high performance players from each of the 17 Sections compete as teams. The teams selected to represent USTA/Midwest currently receive financial support from the USTA/Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation.
Following are the 2016 results and list of players who represented USTA/Midwest. Each of our coaches also provided comments about our teams and their experience coaching our players.
USTA Intersectionals Boys’ and Girls’ 16 - July 9-13 in Shreveport, La. Results: Our Midwest squad won this year's team event. Coach: Mark Faber Players: Luke Greif, Bill Duo, Robert Cash, Steven Forman, Anika Yarlagadda, Alyvia Jones, Kolie Allen and Briana Crowley.
Coach Mark Faber's comments: "This year's team was comprised of both outstanding players and individuals. The team entered the event as the fifth seed, and not only surpassed this seed, but shocked the event and won the championship. As the week went on it was great to see them not only grow as individuals, on and off of the court, but grow and strengthen as a team. The bond that was created by this team not only allowed them to achieve the goal of getting better each day, but ultimately bringing the championship back home to the Midwest. It was a true honor and privileged to spend the week with these amazing young athletes."
USTA Intersectionals Boys’ and Girls’ 14 - July 9-13 in Auburn, Ala. Results: Our Midwest squad finished fifth in this year's team event. Coach: Ernie Katko Players: Daniel Sharygin, Saiprakash Goli, Muhammad Dossani, Eli Gordan, Emma Jackson, Sydni Ratliff, Eleana Yu and Ellie Coleman.
Coach Ernie Katko's comments: "Our team that represented Midwest was a talented group of players. The players demonstrated excellent character and great teamwork on and off the court. The level of competition and team spirit make this a tremendous team event for these players.”
USTA National Team Championships Boys’ 18 – July 30-August 2 in Champaign, Ill. Results: Our Midwest squad won this year's team event. Coach: Paul MacDonald Players: Steve Forman, Bill Duo, Joe Thomas, David Horneffer, Johnathan Small, Robert Krill and Connor Johnston.
Coach Paul MacDonald's comments: "Our Midwest team was unseeded this year, and this was the fourth championship for the team in the last eight years. Every player contributed during every match both on and off the court which resulted in three straight come from behind wins. Our singles matches were this team’s strength with a total of 18-6 singles record. The team came back the last three matches after losing the doubles point. Joseph led the team with the most match wins. Joseph Connor and Steven were all undefeated in singles matches."
USTA National Team Championships Girls’ 18 – July 31-August 3 in Claremont, Calif. Results: Our Midwest squad won this year's team event. Coach: Lynn McNally Players: Caty McNally, Alyvia Jones, Dalayna Hewitt, Kolie Allen, Sara Daavettila, Briana Crowley and Lexi Keberle.
Coach Lynn McNally's comments, "The girls did an amazing job these past four days culminating in a win. They performed well on the court as well as represented the Midwest in an exemplary way. It was my honor to coach these young ladies, and watch them grow as a team. These events will bring lifelong friendships and memories. Midwest proud!"