LCCTA Presents Junior Tennis Event
Rookie Roundup Gives Juniors USTA-sactioned Tournament Experience
Jan 23, 2008
Playing against a player of far superior skill development can be demoralizing and a turn-off for a young player. This is the primary reason the Lee County Community Tennis Association (LCCTA) is hosting the “Rookie Roundup” on Saturday and Sunday, February 16 and 17 at Rutenberg Park in Fort Myers. According to Tournament Director, Lyn Bruner, who also directs the National Level Bush Florida Junior Open, “Competition can be a scary thing for even the most experienced tournament player. The USTA and LCCTA want the novice or Junior Team Tennis player to have a positive first experience with tournament play so they'll look forward to trying it again.”
Entry-Level Junior Tennis Tournament
As indicated above, the tournament is an entry-level event for novice and intermediate junior tennis players, ages 10-and-under through 16, who are Florida residents. It is an alternative to other USTA-sanctioned events that include nonresidents, experienced, and ranked junior players. Given the success of the LCCTA’s junior programs, such an opportunity for young players is a welcome addition to the LCCTA's competitive tennis offerings.
Evenly-matched Junior Tennis Competition
Area Tennis Director, Andrea Nelson, acknowledged the need for an event like the Rookie Roundup in Lee County. “We have a number of players who have played USTA Junior Team Tennis and participated in other junior tennis programs who want to compete, but not get destroyed by players who are tournament veterans and may be highly ranked in the State or nationally,” she stated. Being limited to "rookie" tounament players, competitive levels at the Rookie Roundup ought to be comparable, enhancing the chances of good competition, without demoralizing defeats, for participants.
Rookie Roundup Newest of LCCTA Program Offerings
The Rookie Roundup is the most recent addition to the LCCTA's wide array of learning and playing experiences for youths, adults, and seniors in Lee County. LCCTA President, Harriet Bohannon notes, "The Rookie Roundup is the next step in the development of a full spectrum of youth tennis programs. We have so many talented junior players in Lee County that want to get their feet wet in competitive play. The Rookie Roundup Gives them an additional opportuninty to compete in a sanctioned event locally."
Juniors Anticipate Rookie Roundup
Hannah Henry, a 10-year-old who has participated in LCCTA programs for years, acknowledged that she was looking forward to playing in the Rookie Roundup, her first USTA-sanctioned tournament. She said she thought she would do well, and when asked, “Why?” Hannah responded, “Following through and keeping my eye on the ball.” Hannah may not yet be ready for prime time, but she’s ready to put her lessons learned into practice.
How To Enter Rookie Roundup
Players can enter the event until February 13 at 11:59 p.m. and the preferred method for event entry is to use TennisLink online registration. Mail and phone entries will be accepted up to the entry deadline. Call (239) 489-2378 with a valid credit card number or mail check or money order for $27 to
Lee County Community Tennis Association
c/o Tournament Director
4491 Windjammer Ln 2A
Ft. Myers, FL 33919
More Information
For more information about the Rookie Round-up and how to enter, please visit the LCCTA website at www.leecountytennis.usta.com or contact the Tournament Director at (239) 489-2378
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