Looking back at the best stories of 2023

UNO Ball Kids: If you’ve been to a University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks tennis match lately, you may have noticed something different: ball kids on the court. The Maverick Ballers was set up for kids to get exposure to tennis at an early age, and get an upfront glimpse of Division I tennis. 21 kids are taking part in the program this year, up from 14 last year.  

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/nebraska/uno-mavericks-tennis-teams-incorporate-ball-kids-during-matches.html#tab=tournaments

Creighton tennis teams make history: It was a record-setting year for the Creighton Bluejay tennis teams. The women’s team made it all the way to the finals of the Big East tournament, the men’s team had its first-ever national ranking and to top it all off, coach Tom LIlly was named Big East Coach of the Year.

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/nebraska/creighton-bluejays-make-historic-run-on-the-courts.html#tab=tournaments

Waggoner inducted into Special Olympics Hall of Fame: Haley Waggoner of Lincoln was inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Hall of Fame for her work as an athlete and leader in the organization. Waggoner won a gold medal in the 2018 Special Olympic Games, and silver medals in 2022. She participates in USTA 3.0 and Mixed 6.0 leagues and played in numerous USTA tournaments over the years. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/nebraska/waggoner-inducted-into-the-special-olympics-nebraska-hall-of-fam.html#tab=tournaments

Nebraska native works at U.S. Open: As one of the top high school tennis players in Nebraska, Samantha Mannix never dropped a match during her four years at Elkhorn South High School. She then accepted a full ride to the University of Iowa, where she just wrapped up her collegiate career after playing five years for the Hawkeyes. She spent part of the summer working at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows. Find out what she’s doing next. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/nebraska-native--hawkeye-player--working-at-the-u-s--open.html#tab=tournaments

Lexington tennis sees a growth spurt: With a surge in popularity during the pandemic, the Lexington Racquet Complex broke ground in late spring of 2023 and is expected to be completed as early as spring of 2024. This happened with a mixture of community grants and private donations. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/missourivalley/nebraska/tennis-in-lexington-sees-a-comeback.html#tab=tournaments

USTA Nebraska Awards: See who won awards during the past year for outstanding adult and junior players as well as facility of the year and more. 

https://www.usta.com/en/home/about-usta/usta-awards/missourivalley/nebraska/nebraska-awards.html&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1702331189720350&usg=AOvVaw1d_V1nHiMcqyfvOccH5RcK