As we head into Fall Programming at ETC, its time to look back and reflect on very memorable summer. Each summer, session, class, or tournament creates lasting memories for the players, coaches and parents. This past summer, like many before, gave us several to reflect on as we transition into the new school year.
ETC, since its opening in October 2012, has seen its players grow and mature as they navigated their way through high school. The kids spend several days a week with the staff and friends on court. And many of them have done this for several years creating an impactful relationship with their peers and coaches. It is always tough watching these players move on and graduate from the program, but at the same time we are excited and happy to see them move forward and succeed in the next chapter of their life.
We had several players finish their junior career this summer – the largest single class ETC has ever had graduate. While most of these players will be entering their freshman year of college a few players are currently competing in their final season of high school tennis. Watching each and everyone of them mature over the last several years has been very enjoyable and sometimes laughable. They have shown great leadership on and off the court, whether it be helping or encouraging younger players, providing rides to and from practice, helping with homework, or simply being respectful to others.
Current and former staff members have spent countless hours in the car and at tournaments with many of them. We have watched some grow from a shy insecure player who cannot remember where they left their water or bag to an social, organized, accountable, and responsible young adult. Traveling with our players is a perk of the job. Not only do we get to watch them compete, learn more about them, but we get to develop a long lasting relationship with them that will carry well beyond college life.
We would like to thank all of these players for their hard work, dedication, leadership, and attitudes. We wish you all the very best of luck in the years to come and encourage you to come back to visit.
Thank you: Lauren Marx, Lauryn Thompson, Brandon Wu, Nick Johnson, Michael Koch, Evan Bottorff, Evan Ferguson, James Vincent and Ross Effinger.
Thank you once again to all of the sponsors who allowed our Pro Circuit Event – The Women’s Hospital Classic to happen. Its because of our sponsors, volunteers and selfless Tournament Directors, Anna Hazlett and Kim Poynter we are able to host this event for 19 years. This year proved to be successful once again as fans were able to watch some of the youngest and brightest stars play. Ann Li captured her first pro title here in Evansville this year. The junior Wimbledon finalist, along with several other young Americans gave us a glimpse of what the future of American tennis holds.
Sponsors –
The Women’s Hospital (Deaconess)
Industrial Transport Services
Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream
Hollander Group
Schultheis Insurance
American Windows
MaddenCo Inc.
Jack Rogers Realtor
Anna Hazlett
Evansville Visitors & Convention Bureau
Kenny Kent Toyota
Evansville Surgical Associates
Michele Bennett Accounting
Gaslin Insurance
Award World Trophies
Evansville Living
Kempf’s Donut Bank
Howard Johnson
Body Works
Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream
Bob’s Gym
Starlight Printing
Gem Chemical
Working Distributors
Frontier Liquor
Mills Body Shop
AmeriLite
Advanced Disposal
Walmart
Sam’s Club