By Noreen Javadi, special to USTA.com
LA QUINTA, CALIF. – The Hawaii Section women’s team from Kailua Kona, on the big island of Hawaii, made its presence known at the USTA League Adult 40 & Over 4.0 National Championships, sharing their island culture by passing out leis and spreading the aloha spirit to tournament staff and fellow competitors.
In addition to passing out leis, the traditional Hawaiian symbol of celebration, love, respect and greeting, the Hawaiian team will perform E Huli Makou, a hula, during Saturday evening’s player party at the La Quinta Resort & Club.
Prior to coming to Southern California to play in USTA Nationals, team members enlisted the help of Hula Master Teresa Hermosa Paulson to teach them the modern Hawaiian hula.
“The team was inspired by the Hawaii team that performed a hula last year at the National Championships in Surprise, Ariz.,” said Paulson, a 56-year old retired property manager who resides in Waikoloa.
“The ladies have been excited to learn and have been practicing the hula as much as tennis, perhaps even more!” said Hawaii team captain Toni White, a 57-year old retired flight attendant.
“We’re going to have fun, represent our state and do our best,” added White, who also opened her home in Kona to team members so they could practice the hula.