Palm Coast Tennis Center to receive a USTA Outstanding Facility Award...

The Palm Coast Tennis Center in Palm Coast has been selected to receive a national 2010 USTA Outstanding Facility Award. The award will be presented at the USTA Semi-Annual Meeting in New York on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010.

The USTA Outstanding Facility Award recognizes clubs and facilities in the U.S. that display high standards of construction and/or renovation, quality of court area and surface, enclosure and lighting, layout and adaptation, accessories and amenities, and evidence of good and “green” maintenance. Tennis programmatic recognitions include USTA programs, QuickStart Tennis programs, other tennis-related programs, and important contributions to the game of tennis.

“I am thrilled to be receiving this award,” said USTA High Performance Coach Ken Obermeier, tennis superintendent of the City of Palm Coast, also adding:

“ There are so many great tennis facilities out there, just to be nominated was a privilege. To win it, on the other hand, is an honor. We look forward to continuing to grow the game of tennis, and to helping everyone who participates achieve their personal best.”

In June of this year the Palm Coast Tennis Center received a $1,000 USTA Florida 'Share the Love' grant, celebrating with area children by hosting a free QuickStart Tennis Kick-Off event for 10-and-under players.

“Palm Coast Tennis Center has always been a strong supporter of USTA Adult Leagues,” said USTA Florida Tennis Program Coordinator for the region, Molly Zimmer. “They have further expanded their USTA programming by applying for and receive a ‘Share the Love’ grant for start-up expenses of QuickStart Tennis. The Palm Coast Tennis Center is now the host site for USTA Jr. Team Tennis and will be offering the QuickStart age division of play this fall.”

The Palm Coast Tennis Center joins the ranks of 2009 USTA Outstanding Facility Award winners Seaview Park Tennis Facility of Palm Beach, and The Tennis Gardens at Longboat Key Club and Resort in Longboat Key.

“Congratulations to Ken and the Palm Coast Tennis Center on being selected for this outstanding award,” said USTA Florida Executive Director Doug Booth. “I love travelling around Florida and seeing the plaques at the many great facilities in Florida.”

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Source: USTA Press Release, Aug 5, 2010

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12-year old Palm Coast Tennis Star selected for USTA Player Development

Palm Coast's young tennis star Reilly Opelka has been accepted to a full-time USTA Player Development program* in Boca Raton.  He is one of the 6 juniors in the state of Florida to be accepted to the USTA program.

Reilly Opelka, is the top-ranked player for "12-and-under" in Florida; and ranked 14th in the nation. 

Opelka is expected to train under the tutelage of Patrick McEnroe --a former pro, and currently the general manager of USTA Player Development.

Opelka will be joined by 19 other peers in this program (13 boys and 6 girls). The students will reside and train full-time at the facility, where they will receive coaching from the USTA National Coaching staff and will continue their academic education through course work provided by Kaplan Virtual Education.  

" I think we are bringing in a very dynamic group of kids of all age groups from across the country. These kids have demonstrated their commitment to improvement on and off the court and have consistently displayed a strong work ethic and desire.  Our hope is that they will continue to push each other to become the best players they can be.” ~ Patrick McEnroe, GM, USTA Player Development

Former players who have trained full-time with USTA Player Development at the Boca facility include 2009 USTA Boys’ 18s National Champion Chase Buchanan, 2009 USTA Girls’ 18s National Champion Christina McHale, 2008 USTA Boys’ 18s National Clay Court Champion Evan King and 2007 USTA Girls’ 18s National Champion Ashley Weinhold.

Best wishes and much success to Palm Coast's own Reilly Opelka!

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