Week commencing 17th October our Ladies USTA 40+ Team “TSR Synergy” will be heading to California to play in the USTA National Tennis Championships. The playoffs will take place over the weekend of October 21-23, 2016 at Rancho Mirage.
In August TSR Synergy won the regionals for USTA Eastern Section 40+ 3.5 women’s. TSR Synergy played against the regional winners for Western (Rochester team), Northern (Albany team), New Jersey, Long Island and Metro (Manhattan). They won 4 out of the five matches and was the only team to sweep any match the whole weekend.
There are a few players of the TSR Synergy team on the cusp of moving up to level 4.0 in December. This is TSR Synergy’s team chance of a lifetime to make it to Nationals because of the number of strong players they currently have on the team.
Robin Davis is the captain, and Robin Lois is the co-captain and 11 other ladies round out the TSR Synergy team. The entire team is excited and honored to be competing in this high-level tournament win or loose. They are pleased to be representing Taconic Sport & Racquet and helping to grow the interest in tennis in Dutchess Country.
Everyone going to Nationals has a single focus on doing the very best they can and supporting their team member. The team has a fantastic comradely, dedication, and skill set which helped them to come through Regionals with gusto and will hold them in great stead for Nationals. The great thing about this team is no matter what they have a strong bond.
Outlined below are profiles of some of the team members.
[toggle title=”Robin Davis”]
Robin Davis started playing tennis because it looked like fun and good exercise. She plays or practices tennis 3-4 times a week. She said that taking lessons is an essential part of learning tennis. “It looks easy, but if you really want to get good, then lessons are important.”
In 2013 Robin created the team when the USTA created an additional age group category of 40+. Before then there were only 18+ and 50+ categories. Robin has captained the team since then, expect in 2015 when she temporarily moved up to the 4.0 level. She has been part of teams that have gone to Sectionals, but this is the first time she has gone to Nationals. The thing Robin is looking forward to most about participating in Nationals is the experience of being in a top level tournament.
Robin won’t be changing her or the team’s routine in preparations for nationals. ” We’ve been practicing all season, and we will continue to do so until Nationals.”
The thing Robin enjoys most about being part of the TSR Synergy is the ladies. “They are great, and we all work together to do what’s best for the team.”
When asked how has tennis and in particular USTA team tennis impacted her life Robin said, “Tennis has totally changed my life, I have met a great group of people, and we have a lot of fun together.”
Robin said that she would recommend tennis to other people as it’s a great sport and that she would recommend TSR as the owners have made many improvements to the club and it is a great group of people!
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[toggle title=”Lindsay Burns”]
Lindsay has been playing USTA tennis for six years, but only joined the TSR Synergy team when she turned 40, about a year ago. She started playing tennis one winter when friends from work invited her to play on a season court. From there she was recruited to a USTA team.
When asked if she would recommend tennis to other people, Lindsay said: “If you are looking for a social, competitive game, this is the sport for you!” When asked about TSR she said that “The club is evolving and there are a lot of opportunities to play and learn that are lacking in other clubs.”
The thing that Lindsay enjoys most about being part of the TSR Synergy team is that all their efforts are paying off. ” It is very satisfying that the effort we put into forming this team and all the stress of setting the right line-up has paid off. We all know how precious this experience will be and that it may never be repeated as players advance to higher levels. I certainly view going to Nationals as a bucket list item.”
Like Robin Davis, Lindsay has been to Sectionals several times with other teams, but winning Sectionals and advancing to Nationals is a tremendous achievement for her and the team.
In preparation for Nationals Lindsay will play on a contract/season court, as well as take lessons once a week. She also plays on two tri-level teams and two mixed doubles teams. For Lindsay, the Tennis never ends!
The thing that Lindsay is looking forward to the most about going to Nationals is the whole experience. “Traveling and celebrating as a team and enjoying the fruits of our labors.”
Lindsay said that through tennis she has made so many friends and she feels like she has discovered a new family that shares her passion for competition.
It took Lindsay several years to appreciate the nuances of the doubles game and to get to a point where she could get the most out of tennis instruction. “I feel like I know where my game is lacking, and I can ask for specific areas of concentration from my instructors.”[/toggle]
[toggle title=”Kris Richter”]
Kris plays tennis 3 -4 times a week. She became involved in tennis about 15 years ago when her kids were very young, and she wanted to get out and meet people. Kris said “I still love it! And would recommend tennis. It’s a sport that you can play forever.”
In 2008 Kris started playing USTA and has been playing 40+ USTA with Robin Davis since 2013. She enjoys being part of TSR Synergy because of the camaraderie. “Great bunch of ladies and tennis players. I’ve also met so many wonderful people through USTA and have made great friends.”
Kris has been to sectionals once and regionals three times, but this is the first time to Nationals. In preparations for Nationals, she will do a little extra practice. “What we’ve been doing so far has worked. Stay the course!”
Kris said that tennis instruction has definitely helped her with her doubles strategy. “TSR is a great place to learn tennis and meet great people. I can’t image playing tennis anywhere else.”
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[toggle title=”Nena Beram”]
Nena started playing tennis in High School but stopped soon after she got married. She returned to tennis in 2010 and has been playing ever since. Nena joined the TSR Synergy Team two years ago and enjoys the support they have for each other.
This is Nena’s first time heading to Nationals, and she will be making sure that she eats well, and focus on her strength and conditioning.
Nena said that tennis has been a stress reliever for her. “It provides me a natural way to release endorphins.”
When asked about the impact of tennis instruction on her game Nena said, “Well the lessons definitely makes me move my feet more and realize what I should do to improve.”
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[toggle title=”Yong Ciardi”]
Yong started playing tennis eight years ago as a way keep in shape and to socialize. She has plays/practices 4-5 times a week
Being on a USTA team keeps Yong in shape and allows her to have a fun social outlet. She has been playing with TSR Synergy for two years, and she enjoys the camaraderie with the teammates, the fun they fun they have and said they are all genuinely nice ladies.
The Nationals is the first time competing at this level for Yong, and she is looking forward to the trip with her team and the high standard of tennis competition.
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[toggle title=”Nancy Yi”]
Nancy has been playing tennis since 2010 and initially started as a form of exercise. She plays/practices 2-3 times a week. Nancy said that she would recommend tennis to other people not only for exercise but also because it’s a sport you can play for a long time. “The most important thing are the friendships you make with tennis. My husband and I started tennis together in 2010 and through tennis, we met a wonderful group of friends. We moved up to Dutchess County in 2005 and didn’t really know anyone in the area, as we both work in NYC and dealing with long commutes. Tennis gave us time to exercise and meet friends.”
Nancy has been with the TSR Synergy team for one year. She went to sectionals twice at her previous level 3.0. She is looking forward to Nationals and relishes the opportunity to play with other groups of ladies from different parts of the US, and getting to know the ladies on her team.
In the lead up to the Nationals Nancy will practice with the team, work on her own game, mental game and try to be in better shape/health to deal with hot sun in California.
Nancy is happy to recommend Taconic Sport and Racquet to other people and said: “TSR had made some great changes, offered great incentives and provides a friendly environment for new and current members.”
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[toggle title=”Mimi Wang”]
“We are together because of tennis. Our group mentality is we are bonded together, no matter win or lose. I love this team.
This is my first time go to Nationals; it is like a dream comes to be true. I also want to thank my captains hard working and smart tactics, my teammates, never give up positive spirit.
Tennis makes my life more colorful.”.
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[toggle title=”Aimee Heinly”]
Aimee’s start in tennis was when her husband got her tennis lessons as a gift when their oldest son was a baby, 15 years ago. She plays 2-3 times a week depending on the season.
What she enjoys most about being part of TSR Synergy is the company of her and knowing that they are all giving their best for a common goal. “Tennis has been a great way for me to stay active and reduce stress. It’s good for me to have something like this that I care about, and that I can do well in. It started as a way to get out of the house when my kids were young, but I really enjoy the competition and the camaraderie of USTA leagues.”
As is the case with all her teammates this is Aimee’s first time at the USTA Nationals, and in preparation she is going to try and stay healthy and continuing to play often as she can.
Aimee said that why she likes tennis is because it’s a sport anyone can play and it can be a great multi-generational family activity, and she wouldn’t play anywhere else except TSR.
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[toggle title=”Elizabeth McCollum”]
TSR: When and why did you get involved in tennis?
EM: I grew up playing sports, but only dabbled in tennis over the years. When I moved to the Hudson Valley from Seattle, I was fortunate enough to live close to TS&R. I love a sport where you can hit a ball, so tennis was perfect for staying active, losing weight, getting fit and relieving stress. Now it has become a major part of my life.
TSR: How long have you been playing with the team?
EM: This is my first year on team Synergy. I joined the team to be with my tennis buddies that take clinics with me, and to have the chance after many years to play with Robin Lois as a partner in doubles.
TSR: What do you enjoy the most about being part of TSR Synergy team?
EM: This team is like magic. When we are together, it is charged with energy and excitement. We love the thrill of competition, we strategize together, we support each other, and we celebrate together. It’s absolutely wonderful to be a part of such an amazing group of women!
TSR: What is the highest level of competition have you been to before?
EM: For overall sports, I played in my softball All-Stars in Texas, and played in the state amateur tournament for golf in Alaska. In tennis, the highest I’ve made it to is Sectionals, until now of course!
TSR: Is this the first time you’ve made it to Nationals?
EM: Yes, and what’s great is that we were aiming for it with confidence as a team from the beginning of the season. We swept all but one match during our season, and swept one round at Sectionals against the Long Island team, as well.
TSR: What will be your preparation routine for the Nationals?
EM: Along with a few teammates, I am playing in two clinics, practicing with my teammates in a weekly league, and we are having team practices on weekends. Additionally, I am working on conditioning, footwork, speed, leg and core strength.
TSR: What are you looking forward to the most about participating in Nationals?
EM: Experiencing the competition and high-level of play at the national level with my amazing teammates, and seeing our hard work pay off as we play and win games/matches. During Regionals and Sectionals, we had to get accustomed to the strict rules for warm-up and match play, being mindful of not making foot faults as the USTA officials monitoring play will call out “FOOT FAULT!”. It’s nerve racking, but we have worked hard at overcoming nerves and have proven we can play aggressive, controlled tennis throughout Regionals and Sectionals, and we will take that experience and put it to use at Nationals. We have grown closer over the season, so the trip to Nationals in California will be something we remember and talk about for the rest of our lives.
TSR: How has tennis and in particular USTA team tennis impacted/changed your life? EM: Tennis has positively impacted my health, and has become a wonderful social outlet. … Tennis is also a way for me to improve mental strength and is such a healthy outlet after a stressful day or week. Every time I step on the court, it is an escape and a mini-vacation. I leave the court happy, and with a renewed sense of energy. I wish I would have started when I was young, but I am blessed to have found it now for all its amazing benefits.
TSR: What role has tennis instruction had on your game?
EM: Tennis instruction has been the most important part of my game and responsible for my improvement and level of play today. Yes, I have a passion for tennis. Yes, I put in many hours of training and practicing. That said, those alone will not bring success in tennis, be it a friendly match or a USTA tournament. Tennis instruction and instructors are crucial to understanding and learning the fundamentals of the game, like how to hit a forehand cross-court or down the line, how to volley, how to serve with spin or power, how to set up your partner in doubles, or how to plan an aggressive game and set up points in a singles match. I credit the professionals at Taconic Sport & Racquet for how my game has progressed. Their teaching has helped us grow our games, and in part helped us make it to Nationals.
TSR: How often do you play/practice tennis? I play five to six times a week.
EM: I play in “Build Your Own” clinics with my teammates on Thursday morning and with three different teammates Thursday night. I play in leagues, hit with the ball machine, and put together fun matches. Our USTA season has been so busy I haven’t been able to make the T15 or cardio tennis, but after Nationals, I hope to play in some of the classes. I can’t get enough tennis, ever!
TSR: Would you recommend people get involved in tennis and why?
EM: Number one is, tennis is fun! Playing tennis is one of the most enjoyable sports I’ve played, and I’ve played many. You get to play a variety of opponents with unique styles, so the games are interesting, and the points are always different. Hearing the sound of solid contact of the ball on your racquet strings and seeing it land where you want it to is so rewarding! Number two is, tennis is a great way to relieve stress and helps you stay healthy and fit. I have played with a 75-year-old woman who could run me around the court, and she played most of her life. That is a testament to the enduring game tennis is, and the wonderful way it impacts your life. Number three is that it’s a great way to meet people and learn a sport at the same time. Over the 13 years, I’ve played at Taconic Sport & Racquet, I’ve met wonderful men and women, who play at all levels of the game. We recently had our 2nd Annual TSR Club Championships, and it was truly inspiring to see how many members participated, how their games have evolved, and to see so many members come out to watch and support.
TSR: Would you recommend TSR to people?
EM: Absolutely! TSR and its owners have put so much into making it a premier tennis facility in the Hudson Valley. I love the newly renovated outdoor courts, with the beauty of nature and the Hudson Valley surrounding them. The new energy efficient lights have improved play on the indoor courts so that you don’t have to strain your eyes to follow the ball. Not to mention the number of programs for kids and adults, and classes and clinics and options for getting any kind of tennis training/instruction you want. It has been, as I frequently say, my home away from home.
TSR: Any final comments?
EM: Joining TSR and playing USTA is one of the best decisions I’ve made, and this season of USTA has been one of the most exciting times in my life.
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