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Letter to the editor

Area teen headed to national event

By NANCY MOARGAN, Times Sports Correspondent
Published January 30, 2008

Even though Julia Jones didn't realize she entered a Nike Junior Tour qualifying tournament when she entered this month's contest at the Bardmoor Golf and Tennis Club, the teenager was excited to learn her win advanced her to an NJT national event in California.

Top-seed Jones, 13, advanced through the girls 14-and-under singles draw without giving up a set and won the final 7-6, 6-4 over No. 2Courtney Colton of Davie. Jones then teamed with Lauren May of Niceville to collect the doubles title.

"I had no idea this tournament would advance the winner to a national, and I'm really excited to have won and can go on," Jones said. "I think I've improved a lot this past year in the mental side of my game. I used to get so nervous and tense, but I've learned more about relaxing and am doing better in my results."

Jones' on-court success has advanced her ranking to No. 2 in Florida and among the top 25 nationally.

The Nike Junior Tour was developed for boys and girls in the 14-and-under and 12 age divisions and includes a series of tournaments that progress to the international level. There are 22 countries participating.

In Florida, specific contests were designated as those that would qualify for the USA National Masters at Stanford University on Sept. 12-14. Nike provides transportation, food and lodging for the player and a coach.

National winner advance to the international tournament in October at a site to be announced.

"The Nike Junior Tour has been around for a while, and they've really been trying to build it up," said Andy Gladstone, USTA Florida director of competitive tennis. "... To reach the masters is quite a prestigious honor."

Jones and her family moved from Mississippi to Florida about five years ago, and at 9, Jones began taking lessons at Bardmoor with club tennis director Maria Cercone.

Jones describes her style as that of a baseliner who will approach the net given the chance. She has her eyes focused on this spring's Easter Bowl Junior Championships.

"In my first year in the 14 divsiion, I hope to win a gold ball for a national tournament win, maybe in both singles and doubles," Jones said. "I'll keep working on my footwork, serves and swinging volleys and see where my hard work takes me. Maybe it will be to college or to the pros. I don't have a specific plan, so I'll just see where it goes."

MORE NJT: Joining Jones in the final round of action were No. 6 Alexander Saltiel boys 12 at Seminole Lake Tennis Center and top-seed Adam Ambrozy (boys 10 at Royal Racquet Club). Saltiel won doubles with Samuel Lampman of Orlando.

TOURNEY OF CHAMPS: Mike Hooper teamed with Steve Baccich to capture the men's 4.5 title in this month's Tournament of Champions, sponsored by the Suncoast Tennis Foundation at Eastlake Woodlands.

ULTIMATE TENNIS: Today is the deadline to register for the Ultimate Tennis Spring League. The season begins Feb. 16. To register, go to www.ultimatetennis.com.

NET SHOTS: Top-seed Kristen Willis led a group of local players to singles titles in last weekend's Clearwater Adult NTRP Kickoff at the McMullen Tennis Complex. Willis claimed the women's 3.5 crown, as did Zana Lukosiuniene (3.0), Brian McGonagill (men's 4.0) and Juan Yannuzzi (men's 5.0).

COMING UP: Eastlake Woodlands hosts its Adult Winter NTRP on Friday through Sunday. Call 785-2212. ... The Mike Alstott Family Foundation Charity Tennis Tournament is Feb. 15-17 at the Treasure Island Tennis and Yacht Club, with men's, women's and mixed doubles in 4.5, 4.0, 3.5 and 3.0 playing levels. Call the club at 367-5479.

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

[Last modified January 29, 2008, 23:14:16]