Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic Shines at the First Week of USTA League Nationals

October 07, 2021


It was a successful and memorable weekend, full of Mid-Atlantic pride. 

 

USTA Mid-Atlantic sent six teams to represent the Section at week one of the USTA League National Championship on October 1-3, and two teams came home with the National Championship titles. 

 

The men’s tennis team from Richmond, Va., and the women’s tennis team from Washington D.C. were crowned USTA League Adult 18 & Over 5.0 national champions at the Phoenix Tennis Center in Phoenix, Az. Each team has been practicing and preparing throughout the Mid-Atlantic league season in hopes for this moment; for the honor to come home with a championship title. And this moment is one they will remember forever. 

 

“Winning the 5.0 Men’s National Championship was a surreal feeling for all of us,” said Captain Logan Gruhl of the Mid-Atlantic men’s 5.0 team. “The support we got from everyone back home still gives me chills. As a captain, I couldn’t be more proud of these guys for going about things the right way, win or lose.”

 

“But winning a National Championship is something myself and the rest of the team will remember for the rest of our lives,” said Gruhl. The match that secured this team the title was the 2-1 win against the USTA Norcal team from Berkeley, Ca. 

 

Gruhl’s team trains out of the Salisbury Country Club in Midlothian, Va. and features: Dillon Sykes, Brian Rowe, Scott Steinour, Kelly Hunter, David Reed, Seth Feibelman, Cameron Fite, Chris Wallace, Kyle Parker, Brett Moorhead, Eric Shulman, Tate Steinour, and Juan Gamboa. 

 

Mid-Atlantic tennis creates community, and this team had the support of their community from the very beginning. 

 

The women’s tennis team from Washington D.C., captained by Laura Honig, celebrated their National title after defeating the USTA Texas team from San Antonio, Tx. 3-0 in the Championship match. 

 

“We all work so hard to train and get ready for this competition,” said Honig. “I am so proud and ecstatic for each of these women who have dedicated so much time and passion towards this sport. It is very well deserved for all of them.”

 

Along with Captain Laura Honig, the team consists of: Lauren Smyczek, Gabriella Hesse, Shelagh Meehan, Cecile Hult, Jessica Livesay, Heather Walsh, Dava Baumann, Ava Todd, Ruya Kor, Elizabeth McCann, Andrea Rice, Francine McLeod, Betsy Purpura, Chandra Soucek, and Kristyna Nepivodova. 

 

Alongside these two National Championship title teams, one additional USTA Mid-Atlantic team played its way to the final four. The Men’s 18 & Over 3.5 team out of NOVA, captained by Kevin Mckeel placed fourth in Surprise, Az. 

 

Congratulations to all Mid-Atlantic teams at USTA League Nationals, and great job on an incredible season. USTA Nationals continues on October 8-10 as Mid-Atlantic will send Adult 18 & Over 2.5, Adult 18 & Over 4.5, and Adult 40 & Over 4.0 teams to represent the Section. 

 

To follow Mid-Atlantic’s journey at Nationals make sure to visit our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for updates. Also, if you’re feeling inspired by these victories and want to get out on the tennis court, you can find a USTA League near you by viewing the local league calendar or by contacting us and we will help you find a team. Plus, Fall Leagues are still registering to play and it is not too late to join in on the FUN!

 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

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