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River Ridge junior playing for future

By NANCY MORGAN
Published July 14, 2006

When Kristin Greenup first played tennis at age 7, it was strictly for fun with her friends.

Since she entered River Ridge High two years ago, the New Port Richey teenager has dedicated herself to earning a college tennis scholarship.

Greenup's freshman performance at No. 5 received Times' all-county honorable mention. Last year in No. 1, Greenup was named to the Sunshine Athletic Conference first team.

"Our team was undefeated last year and went to regionals," said Greenup, 16. "My losses were to Yumi Hasegawa and Jeanette McDonald. They're good, so I wasn't too disappointed.

"I play from the baseline and try to play pretty aggressively. My groundstrokes are okay, I hit with topspin, some flat and am working on slice. I don't play much at the net, but I'm working on it."

To work on her game, Greenup is spending the week at Gator Camp in Gainesville.

"This is my first time to an overnight tennis camp, although I've been to other weeklong camps, like at Crescent Oaks," she said. "I like to get different tips from different coaching styles. Also, I want to work on my serve while I'm there."

For about a year, Greenup has trained with teaching professional Lou Giglio at Meadow Oaks in Hudson. She said improvement in her forehand has been her greatest achievement while working with Giglio.

Though Greenup has played tennis the past nine years, it's only been in the last couple of years that she's entered the competitive arena.

"Before, I only played for fun, but now I'm competing," she said. "It will take me a while to catch up. I just know that I want to get a college scholarship and it doesn't really matter where I go if I can get that."

LEAGUE NEWS: Nine teams leave for this weekend's USTA Florida Adult League Tennis region competition in Daytona Beach. Winners in the three-day round-robin competition qualify for the state tournament slated next month, with hopes of qualifying for national championships.

NET SHOTS: At last weekend's July Spectacular Super Series at the Seminole Lake Tennis Academy in Seminole, Housam El-Naamani teamed with Largo's Dan Stefan to win the boys 12-and-under doubles title.

Rohit Navelkar boys 14 singles and Michael Fears and Brendan East (12 doubles) were runnerups.

COMING UP: Hunter's Green Rookie 2 begins Saturday at the Hunter's Green Tennis Center. Call (813) 973-4220. ...The Second Annual Tennis Camp at Ridgewood High is July 27-28 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Directed by Ridgewood coach Mike Pua, the camp is open to all levels for second to ninth graders. Cost is $40. Call (727) 774-3900. ...Quail Ridge Country Club hosts its Impact Training Summer Camp for players of all ages and levels. Call Brent Wellman, (727) 919-2011.

News for this column may be faxed to Nancy Morgan, (727) 445-4119; e-mailed to namorgan@tampabay.rr.com or sent to 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. Please include phone number.

[Last modified July 13, 2006, 22:48:32]