New Indoor Combo Flex League Seeking Captains, Players
An all-new adult league offering is arriving in USTA Missouri this winter. At the request of players, USTA Missouri is forming an indoor combo flex league that will run Sunday evenings at Springfield’s Cooper Tennis Complex. The league kicks off January 14 and wraps up February 18.
“Last year and the year before that we did a winter mixed tri-level flex league,” said Leslie Echols, USTA Missouri executive director. “After talking to players throughout the district and getting their feedback, I asked what kind of flex league would be the most beneficial to get everyone ready for the 2024 season. This is what we came up with.”
Echols said players expressed interest in getting to compete at a higher level, and the indoor combo league will provide that opportunity. A 6.5-level men’s doubles league and a 6.5 women’s doubles league will occur Sunday nights from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. A 7.5 men’s doubles league and a 7.5 women’s doubles league will follow that from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Each of the four leagues will play on three courts apiece at Cooper.
“I’m excited to see half of Cooper filled up on those Sundays,” Echols said.
Players at the NTRP 3.0 level will have a chance to partner with players at the 3.5 level for the 6.5 leagues. And 3.5 players can team with 4.0 players for the 7.5 offerings.
“It’s not as much of a leap as being a 3.0 player with a 3.0 partner and playing against two 3.5 players,” Echols said. “That is actually kind of a big leap. This way it is a half-point jump. We’re hoping it will be great practice for the 2024 league season, which will start soon after this flex league ends. It will be good for player development.”
The indoor combo flex league will be run similar to USTA Missouri’s advancing leagues. Captains will put together teams with player sign-ups being coordinated through them. Echols said individuals interested in captaining a squad should contact Amy Mathew, USTA Missouri District league coordinator. Mathew can be reached at 630-272-8022. Players interested in joining an indoor combo team can also reach out to Mathew.
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