Making Their Own History

A group of women at a historic central Pennsylvania tennis club is making its own history on the courts. 

The USTA League team, Manheim-Battista, won its local league earlier this year and advanced to USTA Middle States Section Championships. The 3.0-rated 40 and Over women’s team — captained by Rene Battista and Nancy Hanula — is the first women’s USTA League team to ever compete for Manheim Tennis Club.

“This club has been around for 120 years, but we never had enough women interested in playing on a league team,” said team member Erika Bodell. “This year, more and more people started showing interest and we all came together. It’s been so much fun.”

One of the team players referred to them as “the little team that could.” By advancing to Section Championships, the group certainly proved it. 

As captains, Battista and Hanula worked together to make the season a memorable one. Battista recruited 17 players to join the team, and after being sidelined by injury, Hanula took the reins, leading the team through local and district play, eventually advancing to the Section Championship tournament.

And what do the club members think of all of this?

They couldn't have been more proud and supportive, according to Hanula. Many even came out to watch and cheer on the newly formed team, even going as far as cooking them (and their opponents) dinner after matches. 

“It really was a good season,” Hanula said. “I think from the beginning, everybody was eager to come together. It’s been so nice seeing how everybody really improved their tennis skills, gained confidence throughout the summer and have just been such good sports on and off the court.”