by Alan Williams, USTA Florida local league coordinator

Longwood, Local Teams Advance to USTA Florida 18 & Over League Sectionals

Congratulations to all teams participating in the USTA Florida 18 & Over League Sectionals in August.

Captain Alan Almero of Longwood had the best results as his men’s 4.5 team advanced to the semifinals, coming up a little short with a 3-2 loss to Duval County. Two lines went to three sets, but the wrong way.

Also competing from Region 5 were the women’s 3.5 from Lakewood Ranch (captain: Cheryl Johnson), the women’s 4.0 team out of Bath & Racquet (Cindy Wilson), the men’s 4.0 team out of Bath & Racquet (Marc Pelletz), and the women’s 4.5 team from Longwood (Janet Kempton).

Great playing by all!

2018 Manatee, Sarasota Counties USTA Leagues Signing Up Now

2018 will bring in another great year of USTA League tennis for Region 5 Manatee/Sarasota counties.

USTA Leagues offer local league competition for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Players can now search for leagues locally on the USTA Florida Leagues webpage.

USTA Leagues is the largest recreational tennis league in the world, with most leagues offering advancement to sectional (state) and national championships. Meet people at your own skill level and enjoy getting active, socializing with friends, and improving your game.

Established in 1980, USTA League has grown from 13,000 participants in a few parts of the country in its first year to more than 904,000 players across the nation today, making it the world’s largest recreational tennis league. The league groups players by using six National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) levels, ranging from 2.5 (entry) to 5.0 (advanced). USTA League is open to any USTA member 18 years of age or older.

To view 2018 leagues available in the Manatee/Sarasota areas go to www.ustaflorida.com/contacts/alan-williams/.