The USTA Girls 16s/Girls 18s National Championships will be held at The Barnes Tennis Center July 31-August 1, (Qualifying Tournament) and August 2-9, (Main Draw). I’m writing to tell you a little about the tournament and to urge you to make the trip to The Barnes Center and see the finest junior girls in the country compete. Admission and parking are free.
As the most prestigious junior girls tournament in the country, it awards the winner of the 18s singles a wild card into the US Open Women’s Main Draw. The 16s champion earns a wild card into the US Open Juniors. Players will be coming from all the 17 US Sections and almost every state in the union, many from Southern California and San Diego. More than 75 college coaches attended last year’s event as a prime recruiting opportunity.
Past champions of the event include Chris Evert, Lindsay Davenport, Tracy Austin, and Zina Garrison. More recently, such rising American stars as Sloane Stephens, Madison Keys, and Lauren Davis have played in the tournament.
On Saturday, August 2, the tournament will hold its Opening Ceremony and dinner, with music by the Navy Band South West, a welcome from USTA President, David Haggerty, and remarks by Patrick McEnroe, USTA Director of Player Development. The public is invited.
As with any major sporting event, volunteer and sponsor commitments are always welcome. If you are interested in volunteering or donating to help the tournament, please contact Tournament Director, Liz Blum.
650-868-1178 or [email protected] More information can be found at the tournament website: ustagirlsnationals.com
Source: Jennie Portelli, Coronado Tennis
