National Women’s Tennis Organization collaborates with USTA to offer age-level tournaments

Thu echoed the health perks of participating in tennis as well as the community building that occurs at team tournaments. She said teams frequently attend the intersectional decked out in gear repping their section. In addition to section pride, inter-generational pride is also on display.

“You play on the 35s team for Texas, and you’re watching your 75s team compete and root for them,” Thu said. “There is a big banquet where all the players are there. You get to know people across generations, which provides value.”

Thu said participants enjoy the opportunity to battle against opponents ranked the same as them and in a similar stage of life. As is the case with USTA Leagues, players have a blast competing alongside teammates in a sport often viewed as more individualistic.

“It’s fun to be on a team, to participate on a team,” Thu said. “But then you add the element of representing Missouri Valley, and it makes it even more exciting when everyone is playing on behalf of their section. Also, not everyone gets a chance to play League Nationals. It’s kind of similar. You’re playing on behalf of Missouri Valley, but you’re playing in your age group against people your own age.”

The Intersectional Team Championships are a great draw for older competitors, with Thu calling it “impressive” and “inspiring to watch them compete.” Thu said a few years ago, she entered the NWTO’s national tournament in Houston. A crew of 11 women in the 90 & Over division traveled in from around the U.S. to play.

“It was so beautiful to watch,” Thu said. “There are very few things in your 90s that you can go and play against other ladies your age. As we age, we never lose the joy of competition. We like to celebrate that and create as many opportunities for ladies to enjoy that as possible.”

While the L2 USTA National Women’s Intersectional Team Championships is the largest event the NWTO organizes, the nonprofit promotes national age-level tournaments throughout the year via an online calendar and list.

Thu recommended individuals apply for membership to stay up-to-date on coming play opportunities, while monthly newsletters provide timely information. The NWTO is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, as the organization formed during the Title IX era and has advocated for opportunities for women ever since.  

“As people age, the opportunities for them to have a venue to compete diminishes,” Thu said. “A lot of these ladies who started our organization back in the ‘70s are now in their 80s and 85s. They’ve kind of been the pioneers. It’s really important to fight and keep these opportunities going for them and the next generation that is going to age up.”