If you love playing tennis—you’re going to love it even more as part of a team. One of the great things about the international events of Davis Cup and Fed Cup play is that those events take the decidedly individual sport of tennis and turn it into a team event. There’s a special kind of energy and excitement that results from that transformation. Even at the pro level, players like Andy, James, the Williams sisters and the Bryan brothers get especially fired up when they’re part of a team effort.

You’ve seen it—everyone does their best to make their teammates that much better.  That’s what USTA Jr. Team Tennis is all about—building your game while building a team. It’s about showing your stuff—and sharing the fun.

Simply Able
“Tough times never last, but tough people do."

By Tori Townsend, USTA Florida Section

For 16-year-old Brittany Barrett of Brooksville, just north of Tampa, that single quote says it all. As a teenager, her life thus far has unfolded like an action packed, suspenseful big-screen drama — with the cliffhanger ending yet to
be revealed.

Unfortunately this isn’t the movies, it’s reality for the former track star and cheerleading captain who suddenly suffered a tragic paralysis in June of last year. Rather than dwelling on the unfairness of a young woman struck by a condition that doctors still can’t explain, Brittany has somehow found an incredible strength to follow her dreams while helping others accomplish their own in the process.

Brittany is a special young lady that made history August 1-3, becoming the first-ever junior wheelchair tennis player to compete with “able-bodied” players during any USTA Jr. Team Tennis tournament in the state of Florida.  She played on the Hernando Hurricanes 18 Novice team with 13-year-old sister, Chelsea.  Jr. Team Tennis has become a common bond for the family of four, as brothers Chase, 14, and Andrew, 11, also competed in the Jr. Team Tennis Summer Section Tournament in Lakeland.  It is a remarkable feat considering that just last year, Brittany thought her life was over.  Click here to read more.


Midwest Section Championships

Beginning on 8/8/08, not even the Olympic Opening Ceremonies could compete with the excitement surrounding the 2008 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Midwest Section Championships in Indianapolis, In.

With 750 junior players on 87 teams, competition was tough as participants from five states fought for the chance to advance to Nationals in Mobile, Ala Tournament Director and USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coordinator Chad Docktor said, "Every year we have a record number of teams. I like the team atmosphere, excitement and camaraderie." Click here to read more.

June 21-22 - Batman Steals Show

The 2008 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Texas Section Spring Championships were held June 21-22 at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas. Over 450 players battled each other and the 100 degree-plus heat for a chance to represent Texas at the National Championships later this fall in Mobile, Ala.

Despite the 100-degree heat, John Wheeler of Dallas decided to add a little fun to his final match. His team, Dallas-Royal Oaks, was playing the
fifth-place match in the 18-and-under Intermediate division. Batman was dressed in a full set of tights, belt, gloves, cape and mask. He had even painted his racquet black.  Click here to read more.