Southern players and organizations are constantly making their mark in the world of tennis. Here's a list of recent awards, achievements and news in July 2016.
Sandgren captures two Futures crowns
Tennys Sandgren won two USTA Pro Circuit events, reigning at the Lewis and Clark Pro Tennis Clasic in Godfrey, Illinios, and then winning the Edwardsville Futures tournament in the same state.
The native of Gallatin, Tennessee defeated No. 2 Facundo Mena 6-0, 6-4 at the Andy Simpson Tennis Complex in Godfrey. Sandgren was the top seed.
Australian Marc Polman was Sangren's victim in the Edwardsville final by a score of 7-6, 1-6, 6-2.
As and Aces receives grant, to hosts event
July 11, 2016 – USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), today announced that for the third consecutive year it has partnered with longtime US Open sponsor Chase to award 10 National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters with a $10,000 grant each.
A's and Aces, of New Orleans, was a recipient.
This donated money will go toward year-round tennis and education programming that engages kids in the A.C.E. curriculum (Academic Creative Engagement).
On July 15, Chase will also help each NJTL grant recipient host a #ReturnTheServe Fun Day to celebrate each chapter’s programming and its impact on youth.
Each event will include a variety of tennis-related activities for the youth participants of the NJTL programs, along with their families. In addition, the events will include a check presentation to the NJTL chapter leaders by a local Chase representative.
“The USTA Foundation is proud to once again partner with Chase to award 10 of our very-deserving NJTL chapters with these generous grants,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation. “We commend Chase for giving back to thousands of NJTL participants through the #ReturnTheServe Fun Day that will surely bring a lasting impact to the lives of many.”
"Access to physical activity and education can have a critical impact on the health and overall wellbeing of children, particularly those in underserved communities,” said Barbara Paddock, Managing Director for Sports and Entertainment at JPMorgan Chase. “As a sponsor of the US Open for 35 years, we're proud of the USTA Foundation’s work to strengthen communities, and we’re proud to help build on the impact the NJTL programs have on the hundreds or thousands of youth involved across the country"
Southern's 14s Intersectional team finishes fourth
Southern's 14s Intersectional team lost to USTA Northern California and ended the tournament in fourth place. The matches were played at the University of Auburn Yarbrough Tennis Center in mid-July.