Years of dedication lift Team Zrubek to USTA League National Championships
The USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship season kicked off in June with the 65 & Over Section Invitational before the 55 & Over Section Championships took place July 17-19 in St. Louis. Team Zrubek — an 8.0 women’s team out of Wichita — won this event to earn a spot at the USTA League National Championships taking place later this year.
The team, captained by Debbie Zrubek, gave it their all, coming out on top in a very competitive draw. Zrubek was incredibly proud of the players on her team, and the players were equally as proud. They’ve put in a lot of hard work over the years and that all paid off for this tight-knit group.
“(I) couldn’t have asked for a better, hardworking, supportive team to reach such a milestone goal,” said Linda Johnson.
Teammate Kim Dinkel echoed Johnson’s excitement: “An accomplishment like this truly is something that comes from years of hard work and dedication. I couldn’t ask for a greater group of ladies to enjoy it with.”
Shirlene Shepard added: “Going to nationals is a dream come true. I am so proud to be part of a team of wonderful ladies. It was so exciting to watch everyone play so hard to earn this trip to nationals.”
The team’s synergy was also lauded by several members of the squad.
“The whole team is excited about going to nationals,” Peg Powell said. “For several of us, it will be a major achievement we never thought we would obtain. I think our chemistry is achieved because we all support each other, and we are flexible. I’m not sure what to expect, but I feel privileged to have the opportunity to compete.”
Janice Price agreed: “Very rewarding and an honor to represent (USTA Missouri Valley) at nationals. We have teamwork and a great captain to organize us all. All of us get along well, are positive on the court and flexible with partners. We enjoy good competition and fellowship.”
Speaking of that captain, all of Zrubek’s teammates sang her praises as a smart, thoughtful and organized captain who doesn’t shy away from taking risks — many of which pay off.
Debbie Zrubek's 55 & Over 8.0 women's team is headed to the USTA League National Championships in November in Alabama.
“Making it to nationals is a big deal and is so hard to do, so winning our sectionals is such an incredible feeling,” Diane Ball said. “I’m so looking forward to nationals and focusing on tennis all weekend. No matter how we do, it has been a great experience being on this team. Our team has so much positivity and good energy and the best-organized, strategic, thoughtful captain.”
Added Gail Jackson: “Not only do we support and encourage each other, but we have a captain that is organized and makes well-thought-through team decisions.”
For Wendy Carter, going to nationals is “an accomplishment that felt so far away,” sharing that it’s a feeling she’s never felt before playing tennis. She recognized the collective effort of a team that supports one another and never gives up.
“Behind the scenes, our captain put in the work to analyze our next opponents and made decisions on where to play us that could have gone either way,” Carter said. “But we trusted her decisions and just got out there and put in the work for the benefit of our whole team.
“Our team just played our hearts out. We took it one match at a time, put in the work to get that one win and then regrouped to focus on the next match. Every match we left it on the court as if it was the last match we might play.”
With the USTA Missouri Valley League Section Championship in the rearview, Team Zrubek is focused on a strong showing at nationals. That event is slated for Nov. 6-8 in Mobile, Ala.
“To have the support and cheering from those watching at various times was incredible,” Carter said. “It elevated our spirits when we were all getting more tired as the weekend went on; we played more matches and even longer matches. Our biggest success this season was not only winning sectionals but staying focused on playing great tennis during the season to secure our wins.
“I am excited to go to nationals to compete amongst other teams that work hard, too, and meet tennis players from other states that we wouldn’t otherwise probably ever play.”
Check out the full list of teams that have punched their ticket to nationals by clicking here.
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