National Championship Secured

Mid-Atlantic pride was on full display at USTA League Nationals. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic sent six teams to represent the Section at week two of the USTA League National Championship on October 7-9, and one team came home with the National Championship title.

The 4-Hands, BATKINS & vol-Lee’s women’s tennis team from Howard-Columbia, Md., secured the Adult 18 & Over 4.5 National Championship title in Surprise, Arizona. This team dreamt about this moment as they practiced and prepared throughout the league season. The honor and glory to bring home the championship title, is the moment this team will remember forever.  

“We knew the first day at Nationals was a big one with Florida and Southern California,” said captain Angel Batkins. “The high of beating Florida was quickly deflated with a loss against Southern California, but on Saturday these ladies did it again. They swept Middle States 5-0 and beat Missouri Valley 3-2. Then we had to wait for the other matches to play out and learn our fate.”

And fate was on their side. 

“We are truly grateful for the whole experience. While we needed a little bit of luck, it took a whole team of: DETERMINATION, DEDICATION, and TOUGH DECISIONS to win! Winning Nationals is a dream come true for every one of these ladies. When I look at that National Championship banner and they look at those Championship plates, we will remember each and every detail of this past weekend.”

Alongside captain Angel Batkins and co-captain Jessica Lee, the team included: Inese Williamson, Christen Harsha, Kaitlyn Heo, Erika Trost, Alison Bailey, Ellen Berlinghof, Michele Brammer, Margie Davis, Dao Phan-Vissering, Jennifer Pfister, Marketa Chromkova, Debbie Boger, Nita Elie, Malika Rasheed, Wendy Carey, and Lindsey Keeler.

One additional USTA Mid-Atlantic team played its way to the final four. The Men’s 18 & Over 4.5 team out of Montgomery County, Md., captained by Sam Lieber placed third 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 14-16 as Mid-Atlantic will send Adult 18 & Over 3.0, Adult 18 & Over 4.0, Adult 40 & Over 4.5, and Adult 55 & Over 7.0 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 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.