The Mid-Atlantic’s 10 and Under Elite Team was crowned the champion of the 2019 Northeast Capital Clash. Coach Niza Simunyola led the Mid-Atlantic team to victory against USTA Eastern, USTA Middle States, and USTA New England Sections.   

 

The Capital Clash is a Green L1 team tournament that began 10 years ago. Since then, USTA Sections from the northeast send a team of eight top players age 10 and under for a weekend of round-robin singles, doubles, and mixed doubles team play. Players are selected based on their individual results, UTR and sportsmanship. The 2019 tournament took place at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) on September 21-22 in College Park, Md. 

 

This year’s Capital Clash saw exciting matches over the course of two days and very evenly matched opponents across the Sections. ADVERTISEMENT With the competition so close, it all came down to the very last mixed doubles match to determine the overall team champions and crown the Capital Clash title. 

 

With a three-game lead over New England, 193-190, it was the Mid-Atlantic Section in first place and champions of the Capital Clash. USTA Eastern finished in third with 181 games and USTA Middle States’ 138 games secured fourth. 

 

“The players and families involved consistently say the Capital Clash is a highlight of their 10u career,” says Rob Issem, the tournament director and manager of 10u competition and player development for USTA Mid-Atlantic. “Our hope is that the kids involved are even more in love with tennis than when they arrived.”

 

The Capital Clash is an opportunity for young players to learn sportsmanship and gain valuable tournament play experience as part of their tennis progression and development in the sport. It gives kids who normally play matches as individuals the chance to play as a team. 

 

“Sportsmanship is the character trait emphasized at every Capital Clash,” Issem added. “Teamwork, camaraderie, and smiles are everywhere you look - often times kids that didn’t know one another prior to the event become each other's biggest supporter.”

 

Another important factor of the event is coaching is allowed during match play. The Capital Clash is a learning experience for all; during changeovers and in between points coaches are allowed to give real-time feedback so their players learn how to adjust and problem solve.  

 

The USTA Mid-Atlantic 10u Elite team had great success at the 2019 Capital Clash and the players, coaches, and families are looking forward to next year's event. We congratulate the players that represented USTA Mid-Atlantic on the team: Nicolas P., George P., Caleb V., Charles P., Isha J., Gabrielle B., Lauran F., and Victoria T.S. 

 

If your child is interested in participating in the next 10u Green L1 event, sign up for the Mid-Atlantic Blast Finals which take place on November 9-10 in Williamsburg, Va. 

 

To stay up to date on all 10u tennis news and updates in the Mid-Atlantic Section make sure to check out our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and our blog. Looking for more information on youth tennis in the Mid-Atlantic? Make sure to check out our resources for juniors.