By Malcolm Butler
Ruston residents Katie Hall and Nicole West will be a part of a team of 10 competitors traveling this week to compete in the United States Tennis Association (UTSA) 4.0 League National Championships Oct. 14-16 in Surprise, Arizona.
The team is from the Monroe UTSA 4.0 18 and over Adult League and includes Abi Antis (captain), Catherine Hardy, Rebekah Anzalone, Madison Guerriero, Hannah Altick, Victoria Fisher, Ree McCain and Isabelle Rocher.
Hall and West were both collegiate basketball players for the Lady Techster program during their time in college, but have been competing on the local tennis circuit during their adult life.
“I feel in love with tennis eight years ago when my mom and I entered the peach festival tennis tournament on Techs campus,” said Hall. “It took one match to get my competitive juices flowing, which was something that I had missed and craved since playing collegiate basketball.
“I have gone to three sectional championships, but this is the first time that I have advanced to the national level. I know this might be a once in a life time opportunity and I am so excited to represent our state and southern section. I love our team of 10 players, and I love our chances of advancing in the tournament.”
“I’m incredibly excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity to play for a tennis national championship,” said West. “The fact that I get to do it with my forever teammate and dearest friends makes it even more special. It is an honor and privilege to play for this Monroe team and represent USTA Southern at nationals.”
The team won their local league championships back in the spring and then captured the state league title in June in an event played in Shreveport. In July they advanced to the Southern Sectional Tournament in Rome, Georgia.
The group won the Southern Sectionals defeating teams from Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee and South Carolina.
Each USTA league season culminates with the annual USTA League National Championships, where representatives from all 17 sections compete in 16 League national championship events.
The events range from 2.5 to 5.0 on the NTRP scale and feature play in the 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over and Mixed Divisions.
Hall said although most of the team is comprised of residents of the Monroe area, she is excited about the growth of the sport in Ruston.
“Tennis is such a great lifetime sport that anyone can start playing at any age,” said Hall. “Ruston tennis has grown so much over the past several years and now with the new tennis courts at the Ruston Sports Complex, I hope that it continues to grow. Ruston has its own USTA tennis league and just recently formed it’s first CTA (community tennis association) to help promote the sport in Ruston.”
Hall said that the Ruston Community Tennis Association recently held their second annual CTA tennis fundraiser tournament and both local and out-of-town competitors travel to participate in it.
For more information on the UTSA National Championship event, click here.
