48 tennis enthusiasts participated in the 2nd Annual All Star Tennis Tournament to benefit the Coronado Tennis Association (CTA). The CTA is a non-profit organization run by volunteers with a mission to promote tennis in Coronado, assist in the development of junior players and support the maintenance of City owned facilities. Sheryl Munning serves at VP for the CTA and she shared, “The CTA provides a wealth of competitive and social events, leagues, ladders, mixers, adult and junior tournaments, team tennis, round robins, junior clinics and more. Additionally we support the Coronado High School tennis teams with financial support for coaching positions not funded by the school as well as scholarship awards for players.”
For this event, community tennis players participated in mens/womens doubles and mixed doubles “world team tennis tourney” in order to have fun, raise money for CTA and enjoy the beautiful tennis courts of Coronado. Money was raised from entry fees, a silent auction and a raffle full of many prizes.
Professional tennis companies were on hand to encourage attendees to try out the latest rackets on “demo courts” and view some of their latest merchandise. Companies included Babolat, Head, Wilson and Yonex. The San Diego Aviators were also there to give away “tennis treats” and sharing information about their 2018 season.
Duane Weekly is a member of the CTA board and also served as the MC for the event. He was one of the key people to help create and organize this event. When asked about how it came to fruition, he explained, “The below bullet points were a vision I had and what I approached the CTA board with 2 ½ years ago:
- To recognize and honor our community of players, pros, youth, and volunteers and the CTA.
- To connect/synergize the players, parents, seniors, military and youth for the advancement of tennis, especially in Coronado.
- To create a bond between youth and adult players for advancement and fun.
- To raise money for a worthy cause- Youth or scholarship.
- To see the best play against the best, and coached by the best.
- Create a fun and competitive yearly event for all who attend.
San Diego was about to host the 87th edition of the Major League Baseball All-Star Games. A very exciting time for San Diego, with Randy Jones to throw out the first pitch. As a kid (and even now) I was captivated by seeing all my favorite baseball players in one game, facing each other. I thought, why not create our own tennis All Star Games right here in Coronado? Why not bring the community of payers, pros, youth, the CTA and volunteers together once a year to honor our own community of All-Stars? Well, thanks to the then president, Jennie Portelli and the whole CTA board, with some hard work, we got it done. This year was our second, and so far the best, All Star Event.
It’s a lot of hard work and insane scheduling challenges to put it all together, but in the end it’s all worth it many time over. I’m gratefully indebted to all those who participated, volunteered, donated, cheered and supported the event. It’s worth every bit of energy to me when I look out across the courts and I see big smiles, people cheering on their teammates and enjoying the perfect weather we had that day.”
Video: Participants kick off the event by singing of the Star Spangled Banner:
CHS Varsity Boy’s Coach, David Brummitt, shared, “As the CHS Boy’s Tennis Coach, I loved supporting the CTA All Stars Tennis Tournament because it underlines a shared vision for Coronado Tennis. Not only was it fun meeting new people through the tennis matches, it was an opportunity to share how well the boys tennis team performed last year. My biggest praise for the CTA is that they fund the JV Boy’s Tennis Coaching position. I loved this event and being a part of Coronado tennis!”
CHS Varsity Girl’s Coach, Rob Moore, concluded: “I had a terrific time at the ‘All Star Event’ meeting some tennis players for the first time and renewing court acquaintances. I think this was a fantastic event to not only have a concurrent fun competition, but also having an opportunity to test hit the new racquet models and ask questions about the Aviators. That’s one thing I want to do with my CHS girls tennis team and go see an Aviator match this summer. I appreciated the opportunity to say a few things about my tremendous student-athletes and to thank CTA for the exceptional support our program has had for decades. Our program only receives enough funding for tennis balls for the season and every time we’ve had a need, whether it be a new net, a ball machine, racquet bags or helping to subsidize an assistant coach, CTA has always come through and it’s very much appreciated by our Islander girls. And, I can’t forget to mention the CTA generously donates $1000 for a senior sportsmanship scholarship at the end of each academic year. My fellow coaches from “the mainland” are always amazed at how much support we receive from our local tennis association. I think that’s something that makes Coronado tennis so unique. Finally, I hope our tennis supporters can find time to come to watch one of our home matches; I guarantee they will be amazed at the talent and competitiveness of my players…last year we finished #6 out of over 80 San Diego County high school tennis teams. My team and I are already looking forward to the next ‘All Star’ event. Thanks for including us!”
To wrap up his comments, Duane Weekly exclaimed, “I would like to give a personal THANK YOU to the following people, merchants and businesses who donated to the All Star benefit:
- The City of Coronado
- Westwood Sports
- The San Diego Aviators
- SEAL Family Foundation
- Yonex Racquets
- Babolat Racquets & Tennis Attire
- Head Racquets & Tennis Attire
- Wilson Racquets
- PRP Wine
- Austin’s Gallery
- Coronado Mobile Detail
- Phil Swartz
- Krowntown Design & Apparel
- High Tide Pizza
- Orange Ave Beauty (Rosie)
- Sushi On A Roll
- Juice Crafters
- Wine A Bit
- Panera Bread
- Mike Kenny of Kenny’s custom Floors
- Don Ryan
- Don Riley
- Julie Moss
- The CTA board officers
- Susy Weekly -Donations & Captain
- Phil Hopkins (pro)
- Dave Brummett (pro & Captain)
- Christopher Penn (Captain)”
There are three ways to join the CTA. The cost is only $40 per calendar year. The membership application can be found on our website at coronadotennis.org which can be mailed to Coronado Tennis Association, PO Box 180115. Coronado, CA 92178. You can also join at Westwood Sports at the Coronado Tennis Center located at 1501 Glorietta Blvd (and get a 10% discount while you shop).
