USTA TEXAS WINS 2017 BORDER BATTLE

The 2017 Border Battle, the sixth annual competition between USTA Texas and USTA Southwest, took place November 17-19.  Hosted by USTA Texas at Lifetime Tennis in Plano, this competitive event brings together the top twelve (six boys and six girls) 10 and Under Green Ball players from the two Sections for three days of intense training, competition, camaraderie and fun!

Friday’s portion of the event featured on-court training with the top coaches from both Sections and wrapped up with an energizing, fun game with all players.  Friday evening’s offsite group activity provided players the opportunity to engage with new friends in a fun, social environment.  

On-court training continued Saturday morning and the afternoon featured practice matches followed by another action-packed, energetic large group game.   

Saturday evening included a USTA Texas and USTA Southwest team dinner at a nearby restaurant to help prepare for Sunday and the start of the official Border Battle competition.

Match introductions took place in a college-style format with the two teams lined up across from each other.  Singles matches were announced and players shook hands, exchanged personal “Section themed” gifts and then high-fived their entire team.  The match began with doubles followed by singles. 

Both teams showed great spirit and support for their teammates, while demonstrating exemplary sportsmanship and character.

In the end, USTA Texas proved to be too powerful for USTA Southwest and was able to retain the title.

New in 2017, the six coaches chose two players to receive awards based on effort, engagement, compete level, and attitude throughout the weekend.  Rayna Li and Daniel Nasser each received a new tennis racquet, courtesy of Head/Penn.       

The coaches also chose four players (two from USTA Southwest and two from USTA Texas) to receive Sportsmanship Awards.  Karina Zaharieva and Juno Pethe received the awards for USTA Texas.

Representing USTA Texas were Kate Craver, Maya Diyasheva, Kenna Erickson, Kori Montoya, Addison Rosser, Karina Zaharieva, Griffin Heintz, Daniel Nasser, Juno Pethe, Sklar Phillips, Lachlan Prouatt, and Luke Scott.  USTA Texas also had three members participate on the USTA Southwest team (Rayna Li, Ava Vermie, and Shreyan Dey).     

USTA Texas was coached by Michelle Cornish, Doug Kruger, and Amanda Shaw.