It may have been the nineteenth annual, but the 2004 USTA Eastern College Tennis Showcase was the first of its kind. A new format was introduced this year and thanks to the collaborative effort of myself, Dede Allen, Julie Bliss, Bill Mountford it was a huge success. The change was originally adopted to comply with NCAA regulations. It soon became apparent that it could work to produce the best college tennis forum for all involved.
Volunteers from the Eastern Section office helped check in 140 players to meet with over 100 coaches. Players were given packets of college information, the College Guide for High School Tennis Players on CD, a Monthly Guide To College Planning Workbook and a one-year membership to College Tennis Connect. In addition, players were treated to a day of extremely information seminars by Dede Allen, former Administrator of Junior Competition for the USTA, as well as the ACC Coach of the Year. (Dede is now helping students on their way to their college tennis careers through her own DDA Sports and through College Tennis Connect.)
In total, nearly 400 people gathered in the upstairs Players Lounge at Arthur Ashe Stadium for a full day of meeting with coaches, going over material for colleges, attending seminars and having refreshments in the same players dining room that Andy Roddick and Serena Williams eat in. It was a great day for all and talk has already begun to make next year's event even bigger and better.
by Marcia Frost |
