USTA Heart of America League Teams Take on Nationals

USTA Heart of America league teams enjoyed strong showings at both District and Section League Championships this year, with many punching their tickets to their respective League Nationals events, taking place all across the country this fall (and some even into the New Year). Please join us in congratulating the following teams that represented USTA Heart of America, as well as USTA Missouri Valley, so well this season:

65 & Over:

Team Bennett, a 7.0 Women’s team (will play in January 2023)

Team Jackson, a 9.0 Men’s team (will play in February 2023)

55 & Over:

Team Jacelone, an 8.0 Women’s team (results)

Team Karnowski, a 9.0 Women’s team (results)

Team Stanziola, an 8.0 Mixed team (will play in April 2023)

Team Hill, a 9.0 Mixed team (will play in April 2023)

18 & Over:

Team Norman, a 4.0 Women’s team (results)

Team Chiao, a 5.0 Women’s team (results)

Team Fox, a Men’s Open team (results)

Team Norman, a Tri-Level Women's team (will play in March 2023)

Team Cusick, a Tri-Level Men's team (will play in March 2023)

40 & Over:

Team Vitha, a 3.5 Women’s team (results)

Team Valdez, a 4.0 Women’s team (results)

Team Allen, a 4.5 Men’s team (results)

David Fox, captain of Team Fox, which played in an 18 & Over Men’s Open League National Invitational in Las Vegas, had a great time with his team, and even reconnected with his former college teammates while there. 

“[It was great] exploring the streets of Vegas and enjoying team dinners spent discussing our shared passion for tennis and the tennis community in Kansas City,” Fox said. “In fact, we came across old friends from college tennis and past events that we are now reconnected with!” 

Fox also experienced top-notch sportsmanship from one of his opponents at Nationals. “My opponent offered me his spare shoes during the match as my pair had worn through.”

USTA Missouri Valley Section League Coordinator Alyssa Stelmach stated about Team Bennett:  "My 65+ team will be heading to Surprise, Arizona, in January and they couldn’t be any more excited. If you could see how long the threads are regarding what they will be wearing, you would understand what I am talking about! They are also drilling with a pro to make sure that they are ready for all of the competition that they will be facing. I can guarantee that my 10 players will be giving their all and then some. We won Sectionals way back in July and these 10 ladies have grown more excited and determined with each passing day."

We hope all players experienced (or will experience at their upcoming events) the same level of fun, connection, and sportsmanship at their League Nationals events that Fox experienced.

USTA Heart of America is so proud of these amazing teams for an incredible season. We wish you the best of luck as we head into 2023!