Injured Team on Winning Streak

bad arm, ankle, back doesn't slow down alabama team

By Bekah Harris, USTA Southern

A fractured wrist, back injury, and a sprained ankle might hold back a tennis team from playing in the USTA Southern Jr. Team Tennis Section Championships, but that can’t be said for the Alabama 14 intermediate team from Birmingham.

J.K. Keasler, only a week prior to the tournament, fractured his wrist at a football practice. Although out of football for the rest of the year and his wrist in a cast, J.K. still decided to travel and compete. Only two days before the tournament Alex Dobson injured his back but wanted to participate in the Sectionals with his team. And finally, Jessica Marro came this weekend after spraining her ankle only a day before the tournament began!

Coach Terry Sherer said Marro is “still in pain but she wanted to come and play.”

The odds may be against them, but Alabama 14 intermediate is surprising themselves by winning their first round Friday afternoon against Mississippi – Brouckaert 34-16..

Sherer said that this was the first year they won their state JTT tournament. Coming to Mobile for the sectionals is a dream come true for this team and they all have a common thought, “Why not play?” Their passion for the sport and team unity has brought these kids to play through the pain, and perhaps win their first Southern Section championship.