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Day 2 - Saturday Evening Poolside Dinner Party
Players, coaches and supporters gathered tonight for a poolside dinner and dance party. The evening began with a large buffet dinner (just about everything you could imaging), followed by a dessert sunday bar then a dance party by the pool.
Day 2 - Saturday
October 13Day 2 of the 2007 Jr. Team Tennis National Championships 14 and Under is coming to a close. Be sure to check scores to see which teams have captured their flight and earned a spot in tomorrows championship round!
Northern - Play'in for Mary
This year's 14 and under intermediate team hails from Virginia, Minnesota. Calling themselves the Virginia Blue Devils, they are returning to the National Championships for the second consecutive year with 3 team members from last years squad. One of their core team members, Amanda Arbogast, is not able to participate in this year's event. She chose to stay home with her mother Mary who is battling through cancer. Coach Jeff Mauston stated, "as a team we are dedicating this tournament performance to Mary and Amanda for their support and speedy recovery. Our hearts go out to Mary as she continues to fight her battles. We are confident she will be just fine and want to hold her in our prayers."
Download Video Message From Team to Mary
Haley Seidenberg - Diabetes Hasn't Kept Her Down
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| Haley hits a volley. Shown in pop-up is Haley's insulin pump. |
Haley Seidenberg, member of the USTA Mid Atlantic Intermediate team, took her first insulin shot in the 3rd grade. It was a day she will never forget, the beginning of her bout with juvenile diabetes. Juvenile Diabetes affects one in every 400-600 children in the U.S. In most cases, the condition can be controlled through proper diet, a constant monitoring of blood glucose levels, injection of insulin and regular exercise.
Haylee hasn't let her condition limit her life in any way. In addition to swimming and running, Haylee is an avid tennis player. When we spoke to Haylee, she was fresh off of a dramatic doubles match which she and her partner won in a 3rd set tie-breaker. "Tennis is
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| Haley with Father and Coach Mark Seidenberg |
great exercise. As a diabetic, I must exercise at least one hour per day," stated Haley. About 3 years ago, Haylee started wearing a permanent insulin pump. The pump helps monitor and control her blood sugar levels through the day. "The pump helps me keep my blood sugar levels balanced," stated Haylee. She went on to say, "Most people think i am just wearing an ipod. It doesn't bother me at all."
Haylee's team is 2-1 so far this weekend.
Florida Shore Shots - Climb'in The Ladder Quick
This year marks the 2nd year in a row that the Florida Space Coast Shore Shots have made it all the way to the National Championships. Last year, they competed in the intermediate division placing 6th overall. Due to a rule, the Shore Shots were required to move up to the advanced division to continue playing together. With three team members from last year's team, they new team committed to intensified training over the summer. Their hard work and perseverance paid off big when they claimed the Florida Sectional Championship for the 14 and under advanced division! Coach Gary Lane stated, "it has been a year of long hard work and planning. We have great parents, a cohesive chemistry...things are really flowing! This is a wonderful experience for us all."
6' 3" and Still Growing
Blake Piedrahita, team member of the Southern 14 Intermediate team from Alpharetta, Georgia is quite noticable as the tallest participant here this weekend. At the young age of 14, Blake is already 6' 3". He has been playing tennis since the age of 7. In addition to tennis, Blake is an avid....you guessed it, basketball player. When asked what he likes about tennis, Blake stated, "I like traveling around the country meeting other people from other areas....and hanging out with my friends." Blake also mentioned that he is the 2nd tallest person in his class.
Team Hawaii gives it the "shaka", a term which means "to have fun and have a good time". They sure are!