The team from Columbia captured the title at the 2007 USTA Jr. Team Tennis 18 and under Intermediate National Championships, held at the El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort in Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 26-28.The 2007 USTA Jr. Team Tennis 18 & Under National Championships brought together the top 32 recreational teams at the 18 & Under Intermediate and Advanced levels from throughout the country, and representing all 17 USTA Sections.
The Columbia, S.C., team defeated a team from Milwaukee, Wis., (USTA Midwest Section) in the Championships, by a score of 47-31.
The Columbia team is coached by Gary Kocher and roster includes: Victoria August, Evan Black, David Collins, Kristofer Hartvigsen, Chris Harvey, Karson Kocher, Madison Kocher, and David Ouellet.
USTA Jr. Team Tennis is a recreational tennis league for ages 8 – 18. It was established in 1991 to provide youth with all of the health and social benefits of tennis in a co-ed, fun and competitive team environment. USTA Jr. Team Tennis allows for participants to compete with and against individuals of similar skill and age levels. Players participate in a league format administered and run by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and its 17 Sections.
USTA Jr. Team Tennis had over 76,000 participants taking part across the United States, in all 17 USTA Sections in 2006. The program is broken down into three age divisions: 10 and under; 14 and under; 18 and under. For the 14 and 18 year-old divisions, players are broken down into two skill categories using the USTA’s National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP). Players with an NTRP of 3.0 and below compete in the Intermediate division. Players with an NTRP of 3.5 and above compete in the Advanced division.
To find out more about USTA Jr. Team Tennis or the USTA, visit www.usta.com.