‘Set, Mix and Chill’ League Swells in Popularity

The 2023 season of Set, Mix and Chill began May 26 and wrapped up August 11. The group played outdoors on Friday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00/9:30 on six reserved courts at Shaw Park in Clayton. After tennis concluded players were invited to hang out at a bar afterward, typically Felix’s Pizza Pub. Breer said participation in the social component likewise increased this year.

Each Friday night usually kicked off with doubles play before progressing to games, matches, singles or whatever else participants wanted to try. Players were divvied up among four large teams based on skill level to ensure even matchups and aid with league structure. Breer said with the attendance jump, she relied on her co-captains to help with court assignments and ensure proceedings ran smoothly.

“I’ve been really encouraged by the participation on that level — people just stepping up and helping to get those matches organized,” Breer said. “Everyone — especially those who participated in years past and know how setup works — has been helpful in explaining that to people. And being welcoming and making sure everyone has a good time.”

Cost to participate was a one-time, all-inclusive fee of $65, which covered 10 weeks of play. An active USTA membership wasn’t required to join, though registration did require a USTA number. The league’s low cost — paired with the come-when-you-can flex format — makes it an attractive option for busy young people, college players or adults newer to tennis or finding their path back to the sport.

“The affordability component of it is really important,” Breer said. “That’s personally why I’m passionate about the league. It’s important for people to have easy, approachable, low-stakes ways to get involved in tennis, USTA and St. Louis. This is a good way for people to be able to do that. It’s the way I got involved in USTA in St. Louis when I first was new to the city.”

Breer is from Effingham in south central Illinois and came to St. Louis after finishing college. She grew up participating in USTA junior league and played competitively in high school. After taking a break from tennis in college, Breer wanted to pick up the sport again and meet some people when she arrived in St. Louis.

Upon scanning the USTA website, Breer stumbled upon the 18-40 social league, dug up her old USTA number and registered. The league ran at Shaw Park that year with participants congregating at C.J. Mugg’s afterward. The following year in 2020, O’Neill stepped up to navigate the league through the Covid-19 pandemic indoors at Woodsmill Tennis Club.

Set, Mix and Chill transitioned to The Highlands Golf and Tennis Center last year before returning to Shaw Park this summer. With O’Neill aging out of eligibility for the league, Breer took on full league coordinator responsibilities this year. She said she’d like to extend the league into the fall, but the cooler weather and finding indoor court availability make that move challenging.

Breer instead encourages her members to join one of the many USTA St. Louis adult league offerings. Breer hopped on a USTA Sunday women’s team that competes in the fall. Her squad frequently hangs out together after matches in the same manner as the 18-40 social league, a component she loves.

“I hope people find our league, get more involved in tennis and reconnect with tennis,” Breer said. “I know a lot of people who join the social league are getting back into tennis after years away or have friends who play. Or they don’t think they’re a serious enough player or don’t have confidence in their skills. We do also have people who play all the time. It’s just a good way to get more court time and get more involved in tennis.”

Individuals wanting to learn more about the USTA St. Louis 18-40 social league for next summer can email Breer at under40@ustastl.com.