Gainesville, Indian Harbour Beach, Jacksonville, Melbourne, Teams Advance to 2012 Jr. Team Tennis Nationals
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Teams from Gainesville, Indian Harbour Beach, Jacksonville, and Melbourne will represent the USTA Florida Section at Jr. Team Tennis Nationals after claiming the Florida state championships in the 14-under and 18-under divisions at the 2012 USTA Florida Jr. Team Tennis Summer Championships, held July 27-29 at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach.
“I am so proud of all the teams that participated in the championships this year,” said USTA Florida Team Tennis Coordinator Michelle Brown. “There were a lot of new teams joining teams that have been coming for years. We saw a great display of sportsmanship, competitive matches, and teams having fun. It was great to see so many teams out of Brevard this year. They have been growing their program over the last couple of years and am so proud of their success. Teams are already looking forward to the Florida Winter Championship in January 2013 in South Florida.”
The 2012 USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships will be held in Cayce, S.C., on Oct. 18-21, 2012, for the 14-under Intermediate and Advanced divisions, and on Oct. 25-28 for the 18-under Intermediate and Advanced divisions.
USTA Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) brings kids together in teams to play singles, doubles and mixed doubles against other teams. It promotes social skills and important values by fostering cooperation and unity, as well as individual self-growth. It is designed for kids ages 5-18, and matches can be held anywhere from a local park or school to a commercial or private club. JTT teams are co-ed and divided by the play levels Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and the age groups 18-under, 14-under, 12-under, and utilizing the 10 and Under Tennis format for the 10-under and 8-under leagues.
In the 14-Intermediate final the Westside Wailers captured the title, finishing ahead of their opponents from Miami.
The Westside Wailers play out of Westside Park in Gainesville, and in the final in Daytona Beach defeated the Miami Contenders 148-118 in total games. They are captained by Jennine Brandt, with the team roster comprised of Benjamin Nagoshi, Madison Sagas, Darby Arden Townsend, Sophia Katharine Papa, Zachary Brandt, and Benjamin Brandt.
