An Amazing Week for the Parks Sisters

 Seeing players from the pro tennis tour is really nothing new for Alycia and Mikayla Parks. Since leaving the Atlanta area 4 years ago to train and expand their game in Florida, crossing paths with some of the world's top players has become quite frequent. Their home is not far from Delray Beach, which annually hosts an ATP tour event. This year John Isner, Mardy Fish and James Blake played in the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, but what happened last week was even more amazing.

 Their father, Michael Parks says , " Just when it seems like we have seen all the best something even better happens." Parks was talking about Federation Cup week at Delray Beach. The United States faced Sweden at the Delray Beach Tennis Club and some of the superstars on the pro women's tour were on the American squad. Alycia and Mikayla have seen rising American sensation Sloane Stephens training at the USTA facility in nearby Boca Raton and were happy to see her again. Clearly the big treat for the Parks sisters and all of the fans was the chance to see Venus and Serena Williams playing together for team USA. It gave the Parks sisters a chance to watch their heroes play in person when the competition got started on the weekend.
 
  Little did they know that the excitement for them would start a bit sooner. USTA officials and Federation Cup captain Mary Jo Fernandez cleared the way for Alycia and Mikayla to come watch the team workout and talk with some of the players. Venus Williams has met the Park sisters before and took the time in between her workouts to walk over and say hello. Sloane Stephens presented them with official United States Fed Cup team shirts,while Alycia and Mikalya were the subject of pictures taken with future American Fed Cup players Madison Keys and Taylor Townsend.

   It had to be an inspirational expierence for Mikayla who is now 13, an Alycia who is 12 as they continue to develop their games with an eye making their mark on the professional tennis tour one day. Speaking of development, while the stars of today were shining at Delray Beach, last weekend at Boca Raton Alycia Parks was one of only 11 girls in her age group to take part in the USTA's National Player Development Training Camp. Alycia's performance at USTA was consistant with her play throughout this spring which includes winning two tournaments for 16 year olds.

 Yet another proud moment took place on day two of Federation Cup, when the Parks family got to meet Venus and Serena's father, Richard Williams. Williams, who was familiar with Aliycia and Mikayla reached for his trusty camera. "I want to take a picture of you for Venus,"said Williams who also posed for a picture with the Parks sisters.

It was the perfect ending  to an unforgettable week for the Parks family.

  
 

Jarmere Jenkins Refects And Looks Ahead to 2013

     University of Virginia Senior Jarmere Jenkins has enjoyed a tremendous 2012. The All-American from College Park, Ga is the ACC Player Of The Year  and recently won the ITA Indoor Championship.

    Jarmere was gracious enough to accept some questions from me. He reflected on his past and looked ahead to the future.

· You are one of 8 siblings. What was it like growing up at the Jenkins house ???

Growing up with the Jenkins clan was a chaotic experience at times, but I would not change it for the world. There are so many advantages that come with having a big family: your own sports team, the Jenkins tennis tournament, having an older brother to look up to while mentoring your younger brother, knowing if someone gives you trouble you have the protection of a football team (my favorite one), just so many things I could think of.

I can remember one of the most chaotic experiences was getting ready for school each morning. For some reason, my sister would always be the first one into the bathroom to get ready for school. She would take FOREVER, and I can remember all of my brothers screaming at her to hurry so we don’t miss our buss. Thinking back on it, I feel kind of bad for her. From a woman’s perspective, having people scream at you while you put your make-up on would not be ideal.

The best experience is having the family together during tennis events. I would always have the most confidence when they all came to watch me. Something about doing the thing you love with the people you love gives me good vibes.

· Your family was profiled in Sports Illustrated . What do people say when they realize that you are a member of that tennis family from College Park, Georgia??

Usually they ask my parents what’s the secret to raising that many kids on such a thin budget. I think back on it in awe and appreciation. I love my parents for their compassion that they have. I’ve learned a great deal and I soon will adopt one of my own some day.

· I must have spoken with a dozen people in Atlanta who say they were involved in your early development.For the record, where did you start playing, and who was your first real coach??

I learned a great deal on my own from a young age, traveling to tournaments with my older brothers and begging the top juniors at the time to play with me. I started playing in Atlanta with my dad at local parks recreationally, soon after he taught me until the age of 12 when the USTA picked me up and started to cover some of my expenses regarding flights, hotels, and coaching.

· The nickname" Hands" who gets credit for that ??

I’m pretty sure it was my aunt who named me this. As an infant I was able to grip a racket so I guess she figured the name hands was suitable to the size of my hands at that age.

· How old were you when you moved to Florida to train ?? Was it a tough transition? Did you get homesick?

I was 17 when I moved. The USTA thought it would be better if I had unlimited access to the best resources in the country to better equip me for professional tennis. Because I had always been on the road since the age of 12, the only time I got homesick is the plane ride over and the plane ride returning home.

· You enjoyed an outstanding Junior career, was there ever a thought of trying the tour instead of college??

Yes of course. I had always pictured myself going straight to the pros out of highschool. It was not until I became older and was more aware of the process that I decided that college would be the best route for me. Tennis is such a physically and mentally demanding sport, without the right guidance, mindset and maturity it can be a harsh road. By taking the college route, I assured myself that I would focus on weaknesses and become physically and mentally stronger while getting the best education in the country.

· Your college career has been a steady progression.. Earlier this year you topped off your junior year by earning ACC Player of the Year honors. What did that award mean to you??

Becoming the ACC player of the year meant a great deal to my development as a person and as a player. That semester I worked on becoming a better student, brother, friend, prayer, etc. It just so happened that by striving to be the best at everything I was faced with, I also became the best tennis player that I could be. With this reward, it solidified my path to success.

· You have managed to get a number of pro challenger tournaments on your schedule, advancing to the doubles final at the Charlottesville event..Congratulatuions on that.. What do you look for from your game when playing in professional tournaments???

Thank you. The good thing about the sport of tennis is you are your biggest enemy. The good thing about playing professional tennis is it lets you know what your weaknesses are quickly. Its up to you to challenge yourself to keep getting better and facing new adversities every time you step on the court. So when I play professional tournaments I just try and learn so much from them and apply it to my practices and make sure I’m better the next time I compete professionally.

· Congratulatuions on winning the ITA Indoor Singles Championship..What was that week like? What does this title mean for your college career??

· Thank you. This was probably one of my best weeks of tennis I have ever had. I challenged myself to be as mentally prepared as possible and to compete for every point. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a journey as much as this one. To be able to hold that trophy up at the end was truly pleasing. Again, it solidified my path to success. For my college career, this title puts me down on the list of greats that have competed before me. I am honored to have my name written down next to the Somdevs, Franks, and Domijans as I know they will all go on to do amazing things in tennis and in life.

· Winning the ITA Indoors will make you a marked man next Spring. There will be great expectations from others, but what do you expect from yourself???

I think with success brings unnecessary expectations usually. I never want to start learning or getting better. My only expectations for this season are to work extremely hard and compete with love, humility, and a good perspective. If I can accomplish this then I have won. No matter what the scoreboard says.

· As 2012 comes to an end, how would the ideal 2013 play out for you???

I am expecting to cross out a few things from my bucket list tomorrow. Graduating from college, winning the NCAAs as a team or individually, playing the US Open (preferably against someone inside the top 5 in the world), and just continuing to grow in all aspects of my life. Life is such a progressive journey and whatever 2013 brings for me I would be grateful for the opportunities that I have, the moments I will get to cherish with the game that I love and the people I love.

Townsend Inks Deal, Will Play Pro Tour

     Stockbridge, Georgia resident Taylor Townsend,who is considered to be a bright future star for American tennis,has decided that the future is now. The Sports Business Journal reports that Townsend has signed a deal with sports and entertainment agency Lagardere Unlimited and is expected to play professionally next year.
     
 The move ends months of speculation about weather the top ranked junior player in the world would make the move to the next level. It also comes on the heels of a well publicized clash with USTA Player Development after funding was withheld from Townsend before the US Open. USTA Player Development officials expressed concern over Townsend's fitness. Townsend payed her own way to New York,won the junior doubles title and scores of new fans.

 I recently spoke with Taylor's mother, Shelia, who informed me that the 16 year old would not be going back to Australian in Jaunary to defend her juniors title from 2012. Instead, Taylor will remain in the states and play professional tournaments at Innisbrook ,Florida and Port St. Lucie, Florida in January. In February ,Townsend plans to play the pro event at Midland, Michigan, and Memphis, Tennessee. In March, look for Taylor Townsend to play at Indian Wells, California and Key Biscayne, Florida . The Family Circle Cup at Charleston, South Carolina is on her schedule for April.

This week Taylor Townsend is the top seed at the Orange Bowl tournament in Florida.

Jenkins and Anderson Win National Indoors

FLUSHING, NY-- Virginia's Jarmere Jenkins and UCLA's Robin Anderson captured the ITA National Indoor Championships at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Jenkins, a senior from College Park, Ga., beat Pepperdine's Sabastian Faneslow in straight sets 6-2, 6-1 to win the Men's final.

              Anderson, a sophomore from Matawan, NJ,  beat Cal's Anett Schutting in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the Women's final.

CAU's Williams Receives USTA Multicultural Grant

Atlanta, GA--Clark Atlanta University head women's tennis coach, Autumn Williams, was among a selected group of NCAA Division I and Division II coaches who was named a recipient of the United States Tenniss Assocition (USTA) Multicultural Grant to attend the 2012 Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Coaches Convention being held December 15-18, at the Waldorf Astoria Naples in Naples, Florida.

"I am really honored and excited about the opportunity to attend the coaches convention through the USTA grant," said Williams.

The convention will include a Multicultural Symposium and ITA's business meetings, clinics and workshops where coaches will be able to provide input into the future of college tennis. It will also feature coaching education courses, tennis activites, networking opportunities and a mini tradeshow about products and services that can enhance the collegiate tennis experience.

HBCU National Tennis Championships

It's Classic Week in Atlanta,and for fans and supporters of HBCU sports that means parades, parties and football. Before you head to the Georgia Dome for FAMU vs Southern or the AU Center for Morehouse vs CAU, why not checkout some HBCU tennis. The 12 annual HBCU National Tennis Championships are set for the Clayton County Tennis Center in Jonesboro, September 27-29. Players from 15 HBCUs will be participating in the 3 day event.Therewill be an Old School Mixer and College Pro-Am on Friday. Saturday is Kids Day, with a Round Robin for Jrs. This Round Robin is a an opportunity for college exposure, as the coaches of the participating schools will be there. If you are the coach or parent of a high school age tennis player who wants to play college tennis it might be worth your while to go and connect with these coaches.

UGA's Pasha Wins Napa Valley

ST. HELENA, Calif.----University of Georgia sophomore Nathan Pasha won four matches on Sunday to claim the Audi Napa Valley Tennis Classic title.

Pasha first defeated Stanford’s No. 81-ranked Matt Kandath, 6-3, 6-2, to win Group 2 of pool play with a 3-0 record and advance to the shootout round. The field was divided into eight pools, with each winner advancing to the PlayBrave USTA Wild Card Shootout, a single-elimination, 10-point tiebreak tournament.

In his quarterfinal match Pasha downed Lloyd Glasspool of Texas, 10-8, then defeated his USTA junior opponent, 10-7, to reach the final. Pasha topped Texas’ Soren Hess-Olesen, 16-14, to win the title and earn a USTA-sponsored wild card into a pro circuit event to be determined.

Bulldog freshman Ben Wagland won Group 4 with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 win over Harvard’s Shaun Chaudhuri. He reached the semifinals of shootout competition with a 10-4 win over California’s Mads Engstedt, then was edged by Hess-Olesen in the semis, 10-8.

Pasha also won the tournament’s Minor Sportsmanship Award and was named the Most Outstanding Player.

Next up for the Bulldogs is the ITA All-American Championships Oct. 1-6 in Tulsa, Okla.

 

 

Courtesy: UGA