By Noreen Javadi, special to USTA.com
RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF. – Paul Williams of the Intermountain Section men’s team at the USTA League Adult 40 & Over 3.5 National Championships is hoping the third time is the charm.
After six years of playing USTA League tennis, Williams, a pharmaceutical manager from Kaysville, Utah, is playing in his third USTA National League Championships. He played in his first Nationals event last year in Indian Wells, Calif., and his team finished in third place two weeks ago at the USTA League Adult 18 and Over 3.5 National Championships in Mobile, Ala.
The 42-year-old Williams had never played tennis until six years ago, when his wife Meagan encouraged him to take up the sport. He joined a local USTA League and has been a staple player ever since. His current team is based in Orem, Utah, and represents VASA Fitness.
“It’s so much fun playing with these guys. We’re just having a blast. I love the competition,” said Williams after one his matches at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort. “We feel very fortunate to be playing here. It’s pretty much the same core group of guys on this team that played on the team (two weeks ago).”
For Williams, playing USTA League tennis is special for many reasons.
“It’s the associations. Playing with the people you play with and doing something that you’re passionate about,” he said. “It’s great doing something that keeps you in shape physically and gives you a competitive edge.”