Top Academy Players Excel At SuperNationals

ATA’s top players traveled to Arizona to compete in the 2015 USTA Winter Nationals last week. The 12s and 14s took the court in Tuscon, while the 16s and 18s fought it out in Phoenix.

Eight players represented ATA in Tuscon.

“It was a great experience this week in Tuscon,” Coach Brian Notis said. “All of our players competed well and gained valuable experience.”

Jesse Wikso finished in the top 20 in singles and reached the Round of 16 in doubles.

“Jesse played with incredible professionalism,” Notis said. “Great use of mental tools. Lost a tough 3-setter in the round of 32. His aggressive groundstrokes and returns are huge weapons.”

Callie Creath earned four wins in singles and worked her way to the Round of 16 in doubles.

“Callie played several really close matches and played at a very high level,” Notis said. “She did a great job bouncing back from adversity all week and got better as the tournament progressed.”

Caroline Wernli finished the tournament as only one of two players from Texas to finish in the top 24 in singles, and she won a round in doubles.

“Nobody competes harder than Caroline Wernli,” Notis said. “She is always willing to go the distance. She won 2 matches that went over 3 hours. Watch out for Caroline in the next year as she develops more weapons and starts to believe she can compete with the very best 12’s in the country!”

Ela Raczka earned a 2-2 record in singles through the tournament.

“Ela lost second round to a very good opponent and played some of the best tennis I’ve ever seen her play in the second set,” Notis said. “Ela was hitting the ball huge but consistent. She was playing good defense. Her backhand has become quite solid. She followed that up with a good win where she worked into her game and got better throughout the match.”

Tyler Anson fought for two victories in singles.

“Breakthrough tournament for Tyler Anson,” Notis said. “After a nervous start to the tournament, Tyler got 2 quality wins including a top 75 national player and a top 10 TX player. He played with poise and confidence. He dictated play with his groundstrokes and put lots of pressure on his opponents moving forward. Tyler proved to himself what many of us already knew…that he can compete with the best players his age.”

Harrison Chiu earned valuable experience through three tough singles matches.

“Harrison ran into some strong players after advancing to the 2nd round by way of withdrawal,” Notis said. “Harrison’s serve is much improved. He does a good job staying in points and competing. He maintained a positive attitude throughout the event. As he develops more weapons he will be a very dangerous player in 14’s over the next year.”

Pearce Strickland earned one win through four matches in singles.

“Pearce competed hard throughout the tournament and discovered that when he is calm and patient, he can compete at the highest level,” Notis said. “He played a tough second set against the #3 seed and won a tight 3 setter in the cons. Pearce’s ball quality is excellent. He is not afraid to pull the trigger. He will be very successful in his transition to B14’s this year.”

Kyler Bender got into doubles as an on-site alternate.

“Kyler played a very good doubles match but lost,” Notis said. “He and his partner (also an alternate) showed they belonged out there with their confidence and quality play.”

In Phoenix, five players represented ATA in the 16s and 18s draws.

Abigail Chiu finished in the top 8 players in the 16s singles draw, logging a record of 7 wins and 2 losses.

“Abigail competed really well and got out of her comfort zone,” Notis said. “She was willing to dictate play from the baseline and come forward to finish at the net where she is extremely effective.”

Grayson Broadus finished in 4th place in the Boy’s 18s doubles draw, while winning three matches in singles.

“The event was a good start for Grayson,” Coach Jack Newman said. “This was his first SuperNational back after months of injury rehab, and he is highly motivated to work hard for Summer Nats.”

Payton Holden reached the quarterfinals of doubles in the Boy’s 16s, while going 5-2 in singles.

“Payton displayed excellent progress in his mental game in this event,” Newman said.

Alejandro Rodriguez worked his way to two victories in singles and one in doubles.
Alejandro played a great 1st 16s SuperNationals,” Newman said. “He was extremely competitive and energized. He will just keep getting better with his work ethic.”

Granville Kaynor got into the doubles draw as the 30th alternate.

“Granville proved once again that you can only get into a tournament that you sign up for,” Newman said. “He continues to will himself forward.”

All of the ATA players in Phoenix had multiple college coaches observing them, including Ivy League.

Congratulations to everyone who competed in these prestigious events!