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SMYRNA, Del. —
One local senior tennis team’s love of the sport led them to the USTA National Championship in Indian Wells, Calif. Late last month.
“Tennipause” is a Senior Women’s 3.5 tennis team from Delaware that plays within the USTA Middle States region and consists of women from across the state from Wilmington to Clayton to Lewes.
Even though the team didn’t bring home the title, the members of “Tennipause” will forever remember the tournament with a feeling of joy.
“We all played our best tennis and our matches were so competitive. Many matches were decided by a difference of a few points,” said team captain Janice Cassedy, of Clayton.
In total, Cassedy said there were 17 teams that competed at the tournament out of 3,000 teams at the 3.5 level (Professional players are given a 7.0 designation). These teams were divided into four separate flights where each team played each other. “Tennipause” finished third in Flight 1 with a team record of 2-2.
Teammate Kim Consalvi, of Middletown, said she was full of nerves during the first day of play.
“I am so thrilled for the opportunity to have competed at the national level and to have played at such an awesome venue,” Consalvi said. “I think we were all a bundle of nerves our first day and we may not have played our best because of it but I am very happy with the outcome.”
Consalvi said “Tennipause” didn’t do that bad considering they only finished three games behind the second place team in their flight, with the top team in Flight 1 finishing second in the whole tournament.
“The competition in our flight was tough. Most sets and matches went to tie-breaks,” said Consalvi.
As for the trip itself Consalvi, whose comments were echoed by her teammates, felt it was a great opportunity to learn more about themselves and each other both on and off the court.
While the members of “Tennipause” are fierce competitors on the court, off the court they are all about being silly and having fun.
“The trip was awesome. We are a group of diverse ladies that love life. We are blessed to have formed lasting friendships and unforgettable memories,” Cassedy said.
Cassedy and Consalvi said that should the team qualify again, they may consider traveling earlier in order to get acclimated with their surroundings, the weather and the time zone.
Next year may be tougher for the team though, as they’ll have to compete at a higher-level tennis rating after their success this season. Regardless, Cassedy said they will try to be competitive while still remembering that tennis is fun. After all, as Consalvi pointed out, their team t-shirts say: “Play for fun. Winning happens.”
Either way, Consalvi said attending nationals is one of the best experiences of her life.
“Without a doubt, the sense of personal achievement, the friendships, and the awesome memories from this event makes it one of the top five best experiences of my life,” Consalvi said. “I am forever grateful to each of my teammates and to our awesome captain, Jan, for making this happen.”
Email Jennifer Dailey at jennifer.dailey@doverpost.com.
One local senior tennis team’s love of the sport led them to the USTA National Championship in Indian Wells, Calif. Late last month.
“Tennipause” is a Senior Women’s 3.5 tennis team from Delaware that plays within the USTA Middle States region and consists of women from across the state from Wilmington to Clayton to Lewes.
Even though the team didn’t bring home the title, the members of “Tennipause” will forever remember the tournament with a feeling of joy.
“We all played our best tennis and our matches were so competitive. Many matches were decided by a difference of a few points,” said team captain Janice Cassedy, of Clayton.
In total, Cassedy said there were 17 teams that competed at the tournament out of 3,000 teams at the 3.5 level (Professional players are given a 7.0 designation). These teams were divided into four separate flights where each team played each other. “Tennipause” finished third in Flight 1 with a team record of 2-2.
Teammate Kim Consalvi, of Middletown, said she was full of nerves during the first day of play.
“I am so thrilled for the opportunity to have competed at the national level and to have played at such an awesome venue,” Consalvi said. “I think we were all a bundle of nerves our first day and we may not have played our best because of it but I am very happy with the outcome.”
Consalvi said “Tennipause” didn’t do that bad considering they only finished three games behind the second place team in their flight, with the top team in Flight 1 finishing second in the whole tournament.
“The competition in our flight was tough. Most sets and matches went to tie-breaks,” said Consalvi.
As for the trip itself Consalvi, whose comments were echoed by her teammates, felt it was a great opportunity to learn more about themselves and each other both on and off the court.
While the members of “Tennipause” are fierce competitors on the court, off the court they are all about being silly and having fun.
“The trip was awesome. We are a group of diverse ladies that love life. We are blessed to have formed lasting friendships and unforgettable memories,” Cassedy said.
Cassedy and Consalvi said that should the team qualify again, they may consider traveling earlier in order to get acclimated with their surroundings, the weather and the time zone.
Next year may be tougher for the team though, as they’ll have to compete at a higher-level tennis rating after their success this season. Regardless, Cassedy said they will try to be competitive while still remembering that tennis is fun. After all, as Consalvi pointed out, their team t-shirts say: “Play for fun. Winning happens.”
Either way, Consalvi said attending nationals is one of the best experiences of her life.
“Without a doubt, the sense of personal achievement, the friendships, and the awesome memories from this event makes it one of the top five best experiences of my life,” Consalvi said. “I am forever grateful to each of my teammates and to our awesome captain, Jan, for making this happen.”
Email Jennifer Dailey at jennifer.dailey@doverpost.com.
