The Pittsburgh Aces
The Pittsburgh Aces are the sixth 14U Junior Team Tennis (JTT) team from Allegheny Mountain District (AMD) to represent USTA Middle States at the National Junior Team Tennis Championships.
Pretty good, right?
What sets this team apart, however, is that they are the first ever 14U Intermediate team to compete in the JTT National Championships. The previous five teams were 14U Advanced.
In an effort to just ‘get a team together’ to qualify for the Sectional Tournament in Philadelphia in late June, the Aces were quickly created in May. During this short time, The Pittsburgh Aces won the AMD Qualifier event held on June 11 at Bethel Park High School, solidifying their place at the Sectional Tournament.
Led by coach Samantha Hundley, this history-making team competed hard. The Aces did not drop a match in the sectional tournament, finishing in first place with 91 points (second place had 72 points).
In preparation for the national tournament, the Aces get together once a week to train. This team of eight looks forward to competing in October.
“They are all willing to work very hard and are the top juniors in the area,” Hundley said. “They have a great competitive spirit and all get along.”
Hundley expects the team’s determination, work ethic and competitiveness to serve them well as they compete against other accomplished 14U Intermediate teams at the USTA National Campus.
Middle States’ Junior Competition Manager, Laurie Schwepfinger, was impressed with the team this year.
"The Aces are such a hardworking team and it's fantastic that they can continue to compete this year at the National JTT Championships in Orlando,” she said. “We are so excited and proud that they are representing Middle States."
For those interested in playing for AMD Junior Team Tennis, leagues are offered in the Fall (Sept./Oct.) and Spring (April/May). Matches are scheduled on Sunday afternoons at Bethel Park High School outdoor tennis courts. Registration for Fall League will open September 1.
Pittsburgh Aces Team Roster:
Samantha Hundley, Coach / Captain
Will Bojalad
Capri Butera
Mateen Hasan
Haley Hundley
Meriwether McCargo
Ryan Moore
Caroline Prisk
Advaita Sircar
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