Several USTA Missouri adults compete at NTRP National Championships

USTA Missouri had strong representation at the 2024 NTRP National Championships, which took place throughout the U.S. during the month of April. A total of nine USTA Missouri adult competitors participated in NTRP nationals, underscoring the district’s continued growth and desire to compete on a national scale.

Debbie Pell—captain/player and the 2022 USTA Missouri Player of the Year—said she was “extremely excited to represent Missouri at NTRP nationals.”

Pell competed in NTRP 4.0 Women’s 18 & Over doubles alongside Leslie Echols, USTA Missouri executive director, on April 19-21 in San Diego. While also battling in doubles, Echols ended 2023 as the No. 1-ranked player in the country in NTRP 3.5 Women’s 18 & Over singles.

“It was about a year ago when I asked Leslie Echols if she would want to plan some tournaments so we could earn enough points to be invited to go to nationals,” Pell said. “The journey getting there was really fun. If you enjoy the competition, I would recommend you go to different areas and play some tournaments. You get to meet new people and play different teams. And, of course, we had a lot of fun traveling together.

“We are embracing the weekend at NTRP nationals as a celebration for what we accomplished through the year. I’m also so proud of my fellow teammates who will also get to compete at NTRP nationals. I love our tennis community and all the hard work everyone puts in to be able to compete at the next level. Go Missouri!”

The following USTA Missouri adults represented the district and the USTA Missouri Valley at the 2024 NTRP National Championships:

• Dennis Mailes / Joplin / NTRP 4.0 Men’s 55 & Over Singles / Orlando

• Leslie Echols / Springfield / NTRP 4.0 Women’s 18 & Over Singles / San Diego

• Leslie Echols (Springfield) & Debbie Pell (Springfield) / NTRP 4.0 Women’s 18 & Over Doubles / San Diego
  

• Carol Mailes (Joplin) & Julie Skinner (Springfield) / NTRP 4.0 Women’s 55 & Over Doubles / Columbus, Ga.
  

• Tami Murphy (Springfield) & Josh Bartram (Kirbyville) / NTRP 3.5 Mixed 18 & Over Doubles / Surprise, Ariz.
  

• Hee-Sun Kim (Ozark) & Steve Seo (Springfield) / NTRP 4.0 Mixed 18 & Over Doubles / Surprise, Ariz.
  

• Dennis Mailes (Joplin) & Carol Mailes (Joplin) / NTRP 4.0 Mixed 18 & Over Doubles / Surprise, Ariz.
  

Dennis Mailes had a particularly strong showing at nationals. In NTRP 4.0 Men’s 55+ singles action, Mailes won all three of his pool-play matches before falling in the quarterfinals in a three-set battle.

Mailes also paired with his wife, Carol, to go 1-2 in pool play in the NTRP 4.0 Mixed 18 & Over doubles division. The duo proceeded to win their next two matches in Playoff 2 action for a 3-2 overall record in Surprise, Ariz.

To learn more about the 2024 NTRP National Championships, click here.